What’s the secret to beating Brazil? The Socceroos’ class of 2001 and the Young Socceroos of 2003 can speak with some authority on the subject.
What-s the secret to beating Brazil? The Socceroos- class of 2001 and the Young Socceroos of 2003 can speak with some authority on the subject.
Socceroo veterans Mark Bresciano and Mark Schwarzer were on the pitch for Australia-s famous 1-0 triumph over the Seleçao at the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup in Korea/Japan.
The occasion was the third place playoff of FIFA-s quadrennial World Cup pre-cursor and Australia-s win in Ulsan was the perfect sign off to what was a memorable tournament for the Socceroos.
“I remember it being, the tournament itself, being a fantastic tournament,” said Schwarzer.
“We beat France in the group stage, we got to the semi finals and unfortunately lost to Japan and then left with playing the third and fourth playoff against another formidable Brazil side.
“If anything they probably underestimated us on that particular day and we dug in, we fought very well, scored a good goal and we held on and won the game.
“I think, from memory, we weren-t too much under the pump, we contained them pretty well.”
At youth level, Australia has also tasted success against Brazil.
In fact, Brazil was on the receiving end of the Young Socceroos- last win at a FIFA U-20 World Cup.
At the 2003 edition in the United Arab Emirates, Australia faced a Brazil side featuring current star Dani Alves in their final group match in Dubai, where they triumphed 3-2.
Matt McKay was one of Australia-s starters that day, current squad member Mile Jedinak was an unused substitute.
“We went up 3-0 and then we held on desperately and won 3-2,” said McKay.
“It was a big achievement for us, but I know that this is going to be an even bigger test come Saturday night.
“At senior level it-s a big challenge, it-s great preparation for us.
“It-s a test that we can tick off, we-ve been to Brazil and we-ve experienced a year before the actual real thing.
“It-s a good challenge and everyone knows the test that we-re going to get and we-re up for it.”