The Socceroos’ clash with Spain is far from a dead rubber with the players focussed on finishing off the campaign finishing higher than the Spanish, says winger Ben Halloran.
The Socceroos had their final training session at their Vitoria base on Saturday morning before flying to Curitiba for the game with Spain on Monday (Tues 2am AEST).
Halloran, 22, says there’s been no lack of desire within the group despite Australia being out of contention to progress from Group B.
“From a team perspective that we’re happy with the performances but not the results," he said on Saturday.
“These are the kinds of games you want to make a statement.
"And from a team perspective we feel our performances don’t warrant three losses."
And the Fortuna Dusseldorf striker rejected the notion that the clash at the Arena da Baixada, Curitiba, was a dead rubber, given both nations already out of contention to progress from Group B.
“If anything, it’s given us greater focus to finish this campaign on a high.
"It’s a World Cup match against the former champions. So if anyone’s taking it lightly, they should take a good look at themselves.”
After two appearances from the bench against Chile and Holland at this World Cup, Halloran says he’s starting to feel part of the ‘Roos set up.
And with Tim Cahill suspended, Mark Bresciano and Mark Milligan under injury clouds, the Cairns product is hopeful of more than just a sub’s role against the Spanish.
“I definitely feel excited. It was pretty surreal at first but then when you get into camp and realise you can match it with them it gives you a bit more confidence.
“But yeah, definitely I feel a part of this group,” the former Brisbane Roar player added.
However there has been no indication about the starting XI for the Spanish clash by coach Ange Postecoglou.
“Honestly I’ve no idea,” Halloran said when asked if he was starting.
“But if I can be a part of the game, then I’ll be very happy.”
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