Ticker will trump tactics in Australia’s crunch World Cup clash against Tunisia, defender Milos Degenek says.
Saturday’s clash at Al Janoub Stadium in Doha will shape the cup fortunes of both nations.
The Socceroos have no wriggle room: after losing 4-1 to France, another loss will send them packing after the group stage.
The Tunisians scraped a draw with fancied Denmark in their opening game, leaving them on a tightrope as well.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
“It’s one of the rare games in the world of football where it’s more about heart and fight than the technical ability to play football,” Degenek said.
“It’s more about the desire to win.
“I love those games. I’m not a technician, I’m not a guy that’s going to dribble 10 players, I don’t have that ability.
“But I have got that heart and desire that nobody else can match and I live for these games.”
Degenek expected the crowd to be 80-20 in favour of Tunisia, who enjoyed raucous support against the Danes in a performance that impressed the Australian.
“They (Tunisia) came with a lot of heart, with a lot of energy – and obviously they came with a lot of fans as well,” he said.
“So it’s going to be like a home game for them and it’s going to create a really good atmosphere for us.”
Degenek said the crowd support would bring out the best in the Tunisians.
“It gives you a lot more energy and desire and passion,” he said.
“You don’t feel pain, you don’t feel nothing.
“For a team that’s playing against that, it just creates a hostile atmosphere … but that’s the best part about football.
“You don’t play for the big bucks … but you play to make those people happy that come to watch you.
“And for me personally, to see the enjoyment in these people after a game, the fans, the emotions, that’s what I play for anyway.
“And that’s why I think that game will be quite special.”
© AAP
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
What if we celebrated all of the achievements big and small, and weeded out those hell-bent on bringing down a game that is doing a hell of a lot right?
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.
Nestory Irankunda has sensationally rejected the chance to play at the Paris Olympics this June after a late bid from the Olyroos to include…
Mathew Ryan's tenure at AZ Alkmaar appears to be over, as the Eredivisie side are seemingly moving on from the 93-time Socceroo. The decision…
One down 49 to go. Socceroos striker Kusini Yengi raised some eyebrows this week when he declared himself to be the talisman striker the…
