Socceroos star Tim Cahill expects Chile to play dirty in World Cup opener

THE mind games have begun. Socceroos star Tim Cahill says he expects Chile to come at him with underhanded tactics in their World Cup opener.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 20: Tim Cahill of the Socceroos poses during an Australian Socceroos portrait session at Crowne Plaza Terrigal on May 20, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

THE mind games have begun.

Socceroos star Tim Cahill is expecting the Chileans to try and put him off his game with underhanded tactics when they clash in their World Cup opener on Saturday morning (AEST).

With Cahill’s aerial strength, the veteran striker is readying himself for rough play from the Chileans in the box and said he was hopeful officials would crack down on it.

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“I know for a fact that they’ll have someone, or a few holding and shirt pulling and things like that to put me off my game,” Cahill said.

“It’s a competition where a little nudge can change the way you head a ball or the way you attack a ball or even defend a ball.

“Hopefully the referees clamp down on it this campaign.”

Adding to the psychological warfare, the Socceroos closed off their training session to the Chilean media as they fine-tuned their gameplan for their crucial first clash in Cuiaba, Brazil.

Tim Cahill and the Socceroos train behind closed doors.

All 23 squad members have all been declared fit and were all at training today, with veteran playmaker Mark Bresciano, who has been battling a back complaint, a likely starter.

“The way Mark Bresciano has been training, I feel that he looks confident,” Cahill said.

“There’s 23 players that are ready to go and I’m hoping that Bresc is one of those.”

Australia’s biggest threat up front, will start at the point of attack against Chile with Tommy Oar set to be on the left wing and Mathew Leckie on the right.

Chile star Arturo Vidal is expected to miss Saturday’s clash.

Chile’s key midfielder Arturo Vidal is set to miss the clash with inflammation on his knee after having surgery last month. The Juventus star was reported to have re-joined team training on Wednesday and appeared to be moving well.

Cahill said he wouldn’t be surprised if creating doubt about Vidal’s availability was just a tactical move from coach Jorge Sampaoli.

“It may be a tactical advantage for them, maybe he’ll show up on the day and play,” Cahill said.

“So for us we have to worry about ourselves. Vidal is a player that brings a lot to their team but at the same time, whoever steps in can do just as good a job as he can for Chile.”

- with AAP