Harry Kewell has a message for those declaring the Socceroos are going to get belted at the World Cup: keep it up.
The recently retired great reckons the more Ange Postecoglou’s men are written off, the better they are likely to perform.
Australia kick off their campaign on Saturday morning (AEST) against Chile, the team Kewell rates as the dark horse of the tournament.
Postecoglou will field a youthful side short on World Cup experience, particularly in defence following the axing of 80-game veteran Luke Wilkshire.
Probably voicing the fears of many fans, ex-captain Paul Wade has warned the Socceroos will get “absolutely smashed” in Brazil, where they face powerhouses in Chile, the Netherlands and Spain.
Former No.1 goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has questioned Wilkshire’s omission and has stood by his claim that the Socceroos don’t have their best team in Brazil without the likes of stalwarts Brett Holman (retired) and Lucas Neill.
Kewell, who played in two World Cups for Australia, says such comments will only provide extra motivation for the national team.
“This might sound strange, but I kind of like it when detractors say the Socceroos will go poorly,” Kewell wrote in a blog post for a betting website on Wednesday.
“When people say they will struggle to even get a few shots on target, that is exactly the type of motivation that gets an Australian footballer’s adrenaline going and gives them the extra motivation to prove everyone wrong.
“If there is something Aussies are great at, it is being the underdog.
“That’s the best thing about this situation – there is nothing to lose.”
Whether Postecoglou’s revolution towards youth and preferred style works or not, Kewell believes the Socceroos are capable of proving to the world that they can play – win, lose or draw.
“As long as they are putting out performances of a World Cup standard, everyone should be proud,” he said.
Kewell will be in Brazil to watch the Socceroos take on Chile and the Netherlands, but admits “a big part” of him will be wishing he was walking onto the field in green and gold.
“It will be difficult,” he said.
“But that will pass and I will be there cheering and getting them pumped up for a result.”
Bondy
Guest
Mid I agree and would like to see more articles and hear more stories from the jewel .
Danno
Guest
Yeah! Footballers should just disappear after they retire.
mahonjt
Guest
For all of Harry's quirks, relative to those Socceroo's who have criticized the team he was overwhelmingly the greater footballer. Fair play to him for making those comments - whatever the context.
Midfielder
Guest
Harry K .... farking well said .... only Dukes and Ray Barzt come close to his ability ... Harry from the mid to late 90's until 2006 in the media .. in the dying days of the inept corrupt NSL & AS ... Harry and Dukes flew the flag ... I hope Harry stays involved in Football in Australia...
Johnno
Guest
Harry Who? Kewell trying to stay relevant lol. Irrelevant would be a better word to describe "arry lad", done nothing in ages. Old man retired now is arry Kewell.
Bondy
Guest
I presume Harry's just simply reading the same old stuff that's been trotted out at Australia's last two world cup campaigns , we as a Nation were given no hope of winning a match in either Germany or South Africa and now the same for Brazil , Go the boys ..
ciudadmarron
Guest
Yeah I was a little disappointed to see Schwarzer pop up in those ads as well. And cynic that I am I feel sure that the betting company are more than happy for Harry to talk up Australian chances and implicitly encourage more people to take up some unlikely odds. Not that I tend to pay much attention to what ex-players - even players themselves - say in the lead up to matches and tournaments but I'm not sure why I should believe he actually is confident about our chances when it's just effectively a marketing strategy. Nothing to lose.... except your hard-earned. Bet with me!
AZ_RBB
Guest
I would understand it if they didn't make enough money. But surely Kewell and schwarzer have made enough to feed several generations. But each to their own. Gambling is perfectly legal in this country.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Bravo, H! Beautifully said. As the great philosopher from the 1990s, Ms Elaine Benes once said: "Here's to those who wish us well. And, those who don't ... can go to hell!"
Midfield general
Guest
Well said Harry, a nice contrast from Wade, Kalac and Schwarzer. But a blog post for a betting company? am I the only one disturbed by current and ex players promoting online betting companies? It's a crazy when you see TV ads offering help for gambling addiction interspersed with ads for betting companies. Not to mention hearing Schwarzer talking about past Socceroos games possibly being fixed by bookmakers yet in the next minute doing ads for a betting company.
striker
Guest
Well done Harry a true a true champion.