Aussies not worried about penalty shootout

The dreaded penalty shootout has been known to make and break players, just ask Mark Schwarzer and John Aloisi, who will forever be remembered for their part in the shootout that got Australia through to the 2006 World Cup™ finals at the expense of Uruguay.

The dreaded penalty shootout has been known to make and break players, just ask Mark Schwarzer and John Aloisi, who will forever be remembered for their part in the shootout that got Australia through to the 2006 World Cup™ finals at the expense of Uruguay.

And now it could be a case of penalties, now that Australia is past the group stage and into the knockout phase of the biggest sporting tournament in the world.

Penalties will no doubt play a part over the next two weeks and while some countries are taking the penalty shootout situation seriously, others are a bit more laid back. England for example have been practicing penalties quite regularly, given their abysmal record in major championships, but so far there hasn-t been too much practicing on display by Australia.

Are they worried? Well given their response when asked, you would hardly think so.

"We have a lot of confident players in the team, who I know can step up and hopefully do the job," said two-goal hero Tim Cahill.

Asked if he would put his hand up to take a penalty if the need arose, Cahill said he would have no hesitation in outing his hand up.

"Most definitely," he said. "It-s one of them things that depends on the day really, whoever can take the penalty, just as long as you don-t put any pressure on yourself."

"I have probably taken about 3 or 4. I have not really been in that situation, especially on an international level bar the Uruguay game."

Lucas Neill is another who would have no hesitation in stepping up to the plate.

"Of course, I wanted it last night, but Craig (Moore) pulled rank on me," Neill said. "I-m delighted for him, but if it got to that situation I would happy, because I know I have a good chance."

"But with the players we have got and the spirit we have mentally I think we will have plenty of boys putting their hand up for penalties and be the so called heroes of the evening."

Asked how it was worked out who would take the penalties, Cahill doesn-t think they will do it until the day, because all the best laid plans can come undone.

"It-s worked out on the day, because someone could have an injury or something and it also about confidence on the day."