Caltex Socceroos talisman Tim Cahill has urged his side to believe they can achieve something special at the Confederations Cup.
And on the eve of their first match against Germany in Sochi, Cahill has declared there is just as much pressure on the world champions as there is on Australia.
Preview: Caltex Socceroos v Germany
Who'll start for the Caltex Socceroos against Germany?
NOTHING TO FEAR HERE
“I've spent the last few nights looking at the [German] players individually, and between them [they have] very [few] caps,” Cahill told FFA TV.
“Some players are making their debuts and there are eight top quality players missing.
“These guys are under a lot of pressure where they've got to impress for a World Cup next year so they can leave something with their coach and hopefully get picked next year.
“In defence I feel there's a lot of mistakes there that can be exploited and we'll be able to hit them on the counter hard.
“I'm confident - we're in a good space, we play some great football and we had that little dress rehearsal against Brazil where in patches we played really well.
“Against Germany there's nothing to fear.”
TIMMY: ‘WE’RE READY’
As the lowest ranked team in their pool, the Caltex Socceroos aren't favoured to advance to the semi-final stages.
But Cahill has faith in both his team's preparation and ability.
“We just have to believe now - that's the biggest key,” he said.
“It's putting everything into these games and putting our heart and soul into this camp.
“Everything we've done up to this day has been a process [so] when we go out and play, we know what we need to do.
“We know nothing is going to surprise us apart from us making mistakes that will help other teams.
“Our training, professionalism and discipline have been first-class.
“We know the implementation of the style we play and it's something we're very confident in.
“Now we have to translate that into a competition format, playing against the best, getting the results and scoring goals.”
HIT THE GROUND RUNNING
Cahill could bring up a century of caps for Australia if he plays a part in all three pool games in Russia.
And the veteran of three World Cup campaigns knows how important a good start is for his side.
“It's going to be very important to get a result,” Cahill said.
“It's the way that we start; high tempo, discipline, and don't take a step backwards against these guys because a lot of them are kids as well.
“I just want our players to believe and go out there with no fear.
“We want to do well for our country and I know we will,” he added.