Jurman relishing chance to face his football idols

They are some of his footballing idols and Caltex Socceroos defender Matt Jurman says he’d love the chance to try and stop France’s superstars at next year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Australia will open their Group C campaign against a star-studded French outfit, currently ranked the ninth-best nation in world football.

“It’s exciting to play against these guys [like Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann],” Jurman told www.socceroos.com.au.

“I’m a big fan of watching the Premier League and it would be unbelievable to play against these guys.

“You have to try and do the best job that you can to stop these guys.

“It’s going to be a big test, but we just have to make the most of it to make our country, our families and our fans all proud.”

The Caltex Socceroos take on France in their opening match in Group C.
The Caltex Socceroos take on France in their opening match in Group C.

Jurman, 27, has become a key member of the Caltex Socceroos defence over the last couple of months after making his debut in the AFC play-off against Syria in October.

His focus is maintaining his form with Korean club Suwon Bluewings will be his focus over the next six months as he aims to reach the “pinnacle of his career” and make the squad for Russia.

With Australia to also face Peru (ranked 11th) and Denmark (12th), Jurman admits it will be a challenge for the Caltex Socceroos to make to knockout stage.

But it’s something that should be embraced and not feared, the former Sydney FC star says.

“I think they’ve  [Denmark and Peru] got some good quality and we can’t take them lightly at all. I think they’re going to be great games and for us to go there and try and get as many wins as possible to get out of the group,” Jurman said.

“I think you’ve got to be positive. We are there for a reason and I think people won’t expect us to do much, which could be a good thing for us.

“We can be confident going to our games and try to play to the best of our ability. We can prove a lot of people wrong, hopefully.”