Former Socceroos striker Archie Thompson has given fans reason to dream at this coming World Cup, expressing his confidence in the team’s chances to overcome the odds and progress beyond the group stage.
Austraia kick off their World Cup campaign against one of the tournament favourites France in Kazan on Saturday night, before meetings against Group C rivals Denmark and Peru, which will prove pivitol in our chances of progressing to the knockout stages.
When asked if he believes the side can advance to the Round of 16 on SEN Afternoons, Thompson was strong in his belief.
“Definitely. Why not?" He said.
“I must admit I was a sceptic before the selections.
“But to see the focus these boys have and the games that they’ve played in the friendlies – they’re up for it.
“Bert van Marwijk’s come in and said: ‘this is how we’re going to play’, and you can already see the improvement."
While the Aussies will be rank outsiders in their opening match against the French, who possess world class players in the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba, Thompson believes a "clash of egos" may be a potential downfall for Didier Deschamps' side.
“Sometimes you think of a world class team, but sometimes egos clash with each other," Thompson said.
“I think if you have got a really close knit group of guys, there’s no-one flashy, no-one’s a superstar, everyone works hard together, you’re going to beat some of these world class teams, sometimes their egos take over.
“I’m hoping that will be the case with our boys coming through these World Cup group stage games, and we can progress to the next phase of this World Cup, because I believe we can.”
Listen to Archie Thompson's chat on the Socceroos' World Cup chances on SEN Afternoons with Andy Maher in the player below.