Cahill confident Caltex Socceroos on right track for World Cup

Tim Cahill has no doubt the Caltex Socceroos are transitioning well under new boss Bert van Marwijk and is confident they will quickly develop an understanding of his tactics ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

After van Marwijk’s first game in charge ended in a 4-1 loss to Norway on Saturday (AEDT), the Caltex Socceroos face another stern test on Wednesday morning against South American powerhouse Colombia.

Preview: Colombia v Caltex Socceroos

Cahill didn’t feature in the clash in Norway but is likely to see some game time against La Tricolor at Craven Cottage.

And his experience could prove vital against the likes of James Rodriguez, Radamel Falcao and co.

The 38-year-old played down any concerns of Australia’s display on Oslo, admitting it was always going to take time to get in tune with the new coach’s style and tactics.

“Everything is fine. When you transition into new management and you only have a short space of time, the reality is more about getting to know each other, understanding new tactics and new styles,” Cahill said at the official pre-match press conference on Tuesday (AEDT).

“Also for us as individuals understanding we’ve been part of a set group for three-and-a-half years plus, of a journey, of one mindset and now to get freedom and to understand that structure, it’s exciting for the boys.

“It’s exciting for us as a group and the portfolio of the boss and the support staff; it excites the players because we know what comes with it.

“The big expectation of doing some big things even [against Colombia] and leading into the road to Russia.”

Following the match with Colombia, the Caltex Socceroos squad will assemble again in mid-May to begin an almost month-long training camp in preparation for their opening game in Russia against France.

They’ll also play warm-up matches against the Czech Republic and Hungary in early June.

For Cahill, who is hoping to play at his fourth FIFA World Cup, he is confident the Caltex Socceroos will be in a strong place when the World Cup gets underway.

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“I just feel we are set. We’ve got the management in place, we’ve got a squad of 30-plus players and it’s no different to the last three times I’ve been to a World Cup,” the Millwall star said.

“Now is too short to put any parameters on it. The main focus is going to be the next training camp for us to implement everything into that and train as much as we can to make sure we’re as competitive as possible.

“The boys are very excited. They are happy and we’re looking forward to the [Colombia game] and what’s coming.”

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