Parking Ange’s Socceroo bus? No way says Emmo

Brett Emerton says Socceroos fans should expect to see plenty of goals, entertainment and spirit from Ange Postecoglou's new-look side at next month's World Cup.

The Socceroos are faced with a huge obstacle in Brazil with football heavies Spain, Netherlands and Chile in an incredibly difficult group.
 
Postecoglou will name his preliminary 30-man squad for the tournament on Wednesday, with a host of new names and fresh faces expected to feature in what will be a largely inexperienced side.
 
While most experts have already written off the Socceroos chances, Emerton believes they won't just head to Brazil to limit the damage and 'park the bus'.
 
"I know Ange [Postecoglou] and I know the way he operates and we're not going to go there and defend," Emerton told www.footballaustralia.com.au.
 
"We're going to go there and hopefully put on a show and score a few goals. We might cop a few as well but I'm sure we'll play entertaining football and that should satisfy the Australian public.
 
"We'll give 100 percent as all Aussies do and have a go. We'll attack it 100 percent so it should be entertaining.
 
"It's going to be a very difficult task, especially with the group we've drawn. But hopefully we go over there and achieve some respectable results and the younger players can learn from the experience."
 
Emerton enjoyed a glittering career in the Green and Gold, making 95 international appearances between 1998 and 2012.
 
He spent the majority of that time marauding down the right flank as a winger, so is well credentialed to offer his thoughts on who should fill that role in Brazil.
 
The 35-year-old admits Robbie's Kruse's knee injury is a blow and has blown that position wide open.
 
FSV Frankfurt's Matthew Leckie, Fortuna Düsseldorf flyer Ben Halloran and even Dario Vidosic at FC Sion are all contenders for the spot.
 
"It's a tough one because Robbie [Kruse] was really starting to stamp his authority on that position and it's a shame he won't be there for us," Emerton conceded.
 
"I think once he's back from injury he'll be there more often than not in the next 10 years or so which is good.
 
"I'm not sure who's going to take his place. That's an interesting one and one I'm interested in after playing there for most of my career.
 
"I haven't seen a lot of Ben [Halloran] play since he's moved to Europe but from what I've seen of him in the A-League about 12 months ago I was impressed.
 
"He does have potential so let's hope he fulfills that."
 
Emerton also challenged the team's young defenders to step-up and become the 'next Lucas Neill' after the veteran skipper was told he wouldn't be realising his Samba dream.
 
The former Feyernoord and Blackburn star paid tribute to Neill's contribution to the national team and his unwavering determination to make the World Cup, despite ultimately falling short.
 
And Emerton said he would support his good mate all the way if he decided he wanted to fight on and return to the Socceroos outfit for next year's Asian Cup in Australia.
 
"If that's his ambition to try and play in the Asian Cup then who are we to tell him that he shouldn't at least have a shot," Emerton said of Neill.
 
"We should admire his desire to wear the Green and Gold. It obviously means so much to him that he doesn't want to give it up.
 
"That type of attitude should be admired rather than frowned upon."
 
The final chance to see the Socceroos on home soil before they head to Brazil 2014 will be when they take on South Africa in a farewell game on May 26 in Sydney. Tickets for the match, presented by NAB, are on sale now. Click here to secure yours today.