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Socceroo stars revel in new status

Middlesbrough's Mark Schwarzer, third left, gives tips to children during a soccer clinic in Singapore yesterday. Schwarzer together with the Australian national team are in the city-state for a two-week training camp in preparation for next month's AFC Asian Cup Finals. PHOTO: AP

Australia have never been favorites to win a soccer tournament before and they are reveling in it, while being cautious about underestimating any team at the Asian Cup.

The Socceroos, minus Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell who arrive tomorrow, had their first taste of the hot and humid Asian conditions yesterday after landing in Singapore from Sydney and having a run-out with some local schoolchildren.

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said it was new sensation being considered favorites and it was driving the team to capitalize on their successful World Cup in Germany last year.

"It's new to us and a challenge we are all looking forward to," said the 34-year-old. "It's nice to go into a tournament having the respect already of your opponents, whereas previously people have seen us as a team that could be brushed aside quite easily."

"I think that the last World Cup proves that you can't underestimate us," he said.

"We are rightly one of the favorites but I think any one of a couple of teams can win the tournament. Iran, South Korea, Japan, they have been consistent at World Cups and are definitely a real threat," Schwarzer said.

The Socceroos made the last 16 at the World Cup in Germany before Italy sent them packing with a controversial last minute penalty.

It was the country's best-ever achievement in two World Cup campaigns, spanning 32 years, and announced their arrival as a force to be reckoned with.

Palermo star Mark Bresciano knows it is crucial to perform well at the Asian Cup, co-hosted next month by Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

"We now have good exposure around the world and I think people around the world respect us as a footballing nation," he said yesterday.

"It is very important to have a good Asian Cup to keep the momentum going, for us as players and for the sport in Australia. It won't be easy but we will give it a good go," he said.

Like Schwarzer, Bresciano, whose penetrating forward runs could prove vital for Australia at the Asian Cup, is relishing the favorites tag.

"It is very satisfying, it's something that Australia has been looking for for some time," he said. "Now that we have finally qualified for a World Cup and had a successful World Cup I think a lot of people are looking at Australian football differently."

Australia are grouped with Thailand, Oman and Iraq and while none of the teams should prove an obstacle, Everton attacking midfielder Tim Cahill is not getting carried away with the expectation that Australia should win the tournament.

"They're all technically gifted and we have a lot of respect for these nations," he said of their group opponents. "Our main aim is to get through the group stage and to try get through undefeated, but it will be hard."

"It is the first time we've gone into a competition being favorites and it's a massive compliment and we're happy with that," he said. "We have a lot of great players who are ready for this task, but we just need to concentrate on our first three games. We can't disrespect anyone."

Australia open their campaign against Oman in Bangkok on July 8. Prior to that they play a warm-up against Singapore next Saturday.
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