Socceroos midfielder James Holland is expecting some “dirty” play from world champions Spain and feels Australia should be prepared to fight fire with fire when they face them in Brazil.
The 25-year-old, who plays in the Austrian top flight with Austria Vienna, competed in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) this season.
He faced the likes of newly crowned Spanish champions and UCL finalists Atletico Madrid who boast several Spanish internationals including striker Diego Costa.
Holland says he’s bracing for a some possible underhanded tactics when Australia face Spain in their final World Cup group match on June 23 in Curitiba, particularly from Costa.
“He’s a fantastic player. Very dirty, but fantastic,” Holland said on Sunday.
“Yeah maybe (we will have to fight fire with fire). He takes it to a new level.”
Having only arrived on the NSW Central Coast from Austria on Saturday night, Holland was consigned to just light duties on Sunday while the other 15 Socceroos in camp had a full training session.
With 13 midfielders in the 30-man squad Holland is yet to be assured a spot in the final 23 and may feel some pressure from rising stars Adam Sarota and Oliver Bozanic.
But he’s hoping playing against some of the world’s best footballers in the prestigious UCL will give him an edge.
“I had a full season and I was able to experience some champions League games, it can only help me,” he said.
“For me it was good to test myself against those kind of players. That’s the level you’re expecting in the World Cup as well.
“So it does help.”
With 12 caps under his belt, Holland is one of the more experienced players in Ange Postecoglou’s preliminary 30-man squad.
But he knows that won’t count for much when the coach names his final 23.
“Ange is fair, I know if you do well on the training field you will get your chance,” he said.
“It’s up to us at the end of the day.
“He doesn’t necessarily look at experience, he looks at form and hopefully I can put my best foot forward.”
Margaret
Guest
Perhaps Mr. Holland has forgotten the last world cup final, when Spain had plenty of opportunities to play dirty and give tit for tat to the dutch team. Spain were gentlemen and did not respond with the same unsportsmanlike gestures. Please don't generalise, and above all don't make remarks which can later rain down on you! I for one will be looking forward to watching the match.
Bondy
Guest
Your going to write an article soon ?. Which alias are you going to use and will TC get a run.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
I am quite familiar with the Dutch team, and plan to write an article on them in the near future. I have the advantage of regularly reading the Dutch press, keeping up with Dutch language podcasts and having friends there with whom I'm able to keep up to date on all matters "voetbal". Now I can go on endlessly about how the Dutch squad is miles ahead of the Socceroos, in every respect, but I won't do that (at least not right now). Rather, I am going to mention something which you might find of interest. The Dutch back four is relatively inexperienced. Three of the likely four starters are youngish and ply their trade in the Eredivisie (but from each of the big three). Now obviously I know there is no comparison between the top clubs in the Eredivisie and the A-League, but nevertheless, there's something there for socceroo fans to think about. Having said all of that - the rest of the Dutch starting XI looks bloody good. And, as it happens, our back four is even more inexperienced, meaning the likely outcome remains the mother of all hidings.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Ben I think it's open to debate whether he should allow himself to get drawn into such discussions. It's true that the Spanish team won't know him from a bar of soap, and will care even less about what he has to say, but when you have the Socceroos' reputation, as it is, why even start saying things like "fight fire with fire"? I'm sure we'd all agree that the refs don't need an excuse to watch the socceroos with eagle eyes, just waiting for them to put a foot wrong (or raise a hand at the wrong moment). Going into the group against three heavy weights, we know on whose side the refs will start each and every game.
Bondy
Guest
Thats the way Fuss optimism, I cant see it being as bad as some or for the matter Mr F thinks.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Our Group B opponents The Netherlands drew 1-1 against Ecuador in Amsterdam yesterday morning. RVP scored for NED. Only a friendly & NED were missing a few (e.g. Robben). AUS last friendly was also against ECU & we put 3 past them in 45'. :-)
Beauty of a geek brains of a bimbo(atgm)
Guest
My prediction:Aus will beat spain 1-0 Hola¡Spainiards the crystal ball has spoken!
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Read the article, not just the headline. It is in relation to one player, Costa, not the entire Spanish squad.
langou
Roar Guru
Yeah, I imagine it would be us playing a little dirty.
magila cutty
Guest
Spain to play dirty? Australia shouldn't be casting the first stone here. After all we produced muscat and i well recall Ronaldo's leg at the hand of vince grella.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
He's talking about the player, Costa, who is a very physical player and who likes to operate on the edge of the rule-book. Just because he's Spanish and talented doesn't mean that he's some sort of technical footballing Saint. Costa will play unfairly and our players, if they respond in a huff, will get sent off. Holland knows what he is talking about here.
Bondy
Guest
Austrian Football is really not that different to to Australian the difference is minimal, I dont understand why some European Leagues are glorified or worshipped by the media here over our own . Also Spain are one of the most if the not most technically pure footballing nations on earth they dont need aggro or violence to win they're the reigning World Champs ,Holland's interview appears lost in translation somewhere.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Javi Martinez was brilliant on Sunday morning but also very physical. Nothing wrong with that at all, as long as he does his job.
viva le spana
Guest
Spain can play with their hands behind their backs and still beat the socceroos, they dont need to play dirty, whats this guy talking about
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Costa is currently injured so it will be interesting to see if he makes the trip to Brazil or not. Sanchez's goal though was amazing. It provides an insight as to what Chile has to offer.