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Whatever it takes, says Australia's Lazaridis [Thu Sep 1st, 2005]
Seasoned Australian international Stan Lazaridis says fans can expect to see a different style of play from the team under new coach Guus Hiddink.
England-based Lazaridis, a veteran of three World Cup campaigns, said with Hiddink at the helm, Australia stood a strong chance of making the World Cup.
"(Hiddink) is very organised, very disciplined, we're working really hard and I feel that with Guus in charge we've got a real chance," said the Birmingham City left back.
"All the lads have taken to him and things around the camp now are really quiet but in a determined sort of way."
"We've worked really hard organisation-wise to get things right, so I think you're going to see a different sort of performance."
Dutchman Hiddink took over as coach from Frank Farina in July, and hopes to lead Australia to their first World Cup finals in 32 years.
At a public appearance in Sydney ahead of the Oceania World Cup qualifiers against the Solomon Islands, Lazaridis said the team were feeling confident and determined about their World Cup campaign.
"As a team we've all got to believe we can make it," he said. "You've got to have that determination inside of you and think, whatever it takes we're going to have to do.
"The FFA, to be fair, have been excellent, they've laid on everything for us, given us every possible opportunity, so there's no excuses."
Lazaridis, who missed Australia's Confederations Cup campaign through injury, said for him personally it was make or break time.
"This is my fourth campaign, so obviously I've just got to give it everything I've got, but be smart about it as well," he said. "Basically it's sort of like a dream that you want to come true."
Meanwhile, Lazaridis and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer have denied suggestions some players will get a leave pass from the second leg of the Oceania World Cup qualifiers if they whip the Solomon Islands as expected in the series opener.
It has been rumoured Hiddink could release some overseas-based players after the opening match.
"As far as I'm concerned, I'm here for the two games and I think everyone else is of the same opinion," Schwarzer said. "We know the most important thing is to get through the qualifiers."
"Whatever the manager decides to do with regards to who plays in either of the games - as long as we get through that's all that matters. I've got the mindset that I'm here for both games."
The Australians are expected to make a hit-and-run raid on hot and steamy Honiara, flying in the day before the game and out straight afterwards.
It is believed they may not even hold a training session in the Solomons, prior to a match scheduled for searing 30-degree plus temperatures on Tuesday afternoon.
"I think whatever happens the whole team will stay, but whether they play in the second game or not is another thing," Lazaridis said.
"But at the same time, he may experiment as well because if we have injuries in the future, players have got to come in and know what they've got to do."
"Everyone knows each other, so they don't feel left out when they have to play."
AAP
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