Former Socceroo and Blayney product Nathan Burns believes Australia has landed the hardest first round assignment of any nation at the 2018 World Cup in Russia after drawing France in Saturday’s tournament opener.
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Burns, who has made 24 appearances in the green and gold, has tipped the Les Bleus to snap a 20-year World Cup drought with victory in Russia, making the Socceroos assignment in pool C all the more difficult.
If Burns’ prediction is right and the French are a lock to progress out of pool stage, then Australia will have to battle with Peru and Denmark for the other spot in the group’s top two to win progression through to the knock-out stage of the World Cup.
But, the current Wellington Phoenix star says Australia isn’t without hope – far from it.
“I believe it’s a hard group, but (the Socceroos) have nothing to lose,” he said.
“The team has been together for about four years now so we know what we are up against.
“Like most tournaments your first game is very important so if we can have a good result in the first game then we can get out of the group.”
No stranger to finding the back of the net, Burns says an early goal from the Australians will help settle some World Cup nerves ahead of Saturday’s first game, which kicks off at 8pm eastern time.
“It’s important Australia can settle into the game because there is going to be a lot of pressure on France as one of the favourites for the tournament … an early goal would be nice,” Burns said.
Burns played the majority of the qualifying games with Australia and says, despite missing the squad for Russia, he still feels “very connected” to this team.
The 30-year-old striker dropped names like Aaron Moy and Matt Ryan as key figures in the Socceroos bid for progression, with a big tournament from the former potentially landing the gun midfielder a gig at an English Premier League giant.
But, like the rest of the country, Burns is keen to see one player perform.
“Daniel Azanni is one player who all of Australia is excited about … we are hoping he will be the spark off the bench,” he said.
“And Matty Ryan in goals will be busy, so at times we will need him to save us and keep us in the game for as long as possible.
“After being part of 70 per cent of the qualifying games I feel … more excited for the boys to do well because most of them a close mates.
“I would love for them to play well get out of the group and possibly get big moves to top flight clubs in Europe because that will help Australian football long term.”
HERE’S YOUR PREVIEW TO GROUP C...
FIXTURES:
Saturday 16 June: France v Australia @ 8pm
Sunday 17 June: Peru v Denmark @ 2am
Thursday 21 June: Denmark v Australia @10pm
Friday 22 June: France v Peru @ 2am
Wednesday 27 June: Australia v Peru @ 12am, France v Demark @ 12am