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With the 2014 World Cup just 24 days away, I’ve been bombarded by negativity regarding Brazil’s preparedness and the Socceroos chances of putting in a decent showing.
While I understand such concerns, I’m simply happy that after four years another World Cup is just around the corner.
With both the EPL and A-League coming to an end, I would normally be preparing myself for a barren few months void of the greatest game in the world.
But this year I have the world’s foremost sporting event to look forward to, where all my scrutiny of every club and player’s form will come to nought.
The exclusion of Samir Nasri from France’s squad, along with the removal of Socceroos veteran Lucas Neil, highlighted the unpredictability of the world game when it steps up to the international level.
Such an unpredictability, rather than causing anxiety, has buoyed my hopes that the event will deliver its usual surprises. And why can’t the Socceroos be this year’s surprise packet?
We’ve got the perfect blend of youth, experience and determination, and although our group is fittingly labelled the ‘Group of Death’, I still maintain a persisting hope that we can shock a few teams.
The Netherlands have a poor track record against us, the Chilean team relies heavily on Barcelona star Alexis Sanchez and 2010 champions Spain may completely underestimate us and field a depleted line-up if they have already qualified for the finals.
I haven’t been impressed by the Socceroos of late, our qualification was infuriatingly nail-biting and our loss to Ecuador after leading 3-0 caused many a sleepless night.
But the World Cup is a completely different kettle of fish, and we are masters at playing the underdog. So let’s play, hope for the best and leave the criticism for later.
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