Socceroos can defy the odds at the World Cup, says Brazil legend Rivaldo
Brazil great Rivaldo says hard work and the right attitude will help the Socceroos perform beyond expectations at the World Cup.
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Brazil legend Rivaldo has urged the Socceroos to make the most of their “great mentality” and “great work ethic” in attempting to reach the knockout stages of this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
At Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on Monday for the Australian leg of the FIFA World Cup trophy tour, the 50-year-old former Barcelona star told Socceroos coach Graham Arnold that his team should embrace its underdog status in a 2022 World Cup group that includes reigning champions France, Denmark and Tunisia.
To progress to the round of 16, the Socceroos must finish in the top two of their group.
“He’s played for clubs and countries that expect to win, and they’re always looking at (clubs) and nations below and they’re not respecting them as much,” Arnold said of the 2002 World Cup winner.
“He said he’d been in that position before and they’d slipped up.
“He said that Australians have got great mentality and great work ethic, and (should) do what you can to achieve whatever you want.”
Arnold had a similarly positive outlook on the Socceroos performing beyond expectations at the November 20-December 18 World Cup.
“We’ve got this group which a lot of people are calling the ‘Group of Death’, but I call it the ‘Group of Dreams’ because it’s a great opportunity for the boys to test themselves against the best,” Arnold said.
“We’re going to go to Qatar, we’re going to give it our best shot, and we’re going to go out there, trying hard to win, not trying to lose, and going out there with a great mentality of showing (off) our nation and for our nation to be proud.
“Knowing that we’re one of only 32 nations that can challenge for that trophy, it’s really exciting.”
The Socceroos’ World Cup preparations step up a gear next month with a two-match series against New Zealand in Brisbane and Auckland.
Originally published as Socceroos can defy the odds at the World Cup, says Brazil legend Rivaldo
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