We have nothing to fear from Croatia - Aloisi

Striker John Aloisi believes the Socceroos have nothing to fear from Croatia, after turning in a good, but ultimately unsuccessful performance reigning world champions Brazil.

Striker John Aloisi believes the Socceroos have nothing to fear from Croatia, after turning in a good, but ultimately unsuccessful performance reigning world champions Brazil.

Aloisi, who again came on late in the game to good effect, is also hopeful that Guus will start him in the crunch game against Croatia, with so much on the line.

“We don-t fear anyone,” when asked if the Socceroos have anything to fear from Croatia. “We respect everyone but don-t fear anyone.

“We know it-s up to us now and we-ll do our best.”

Despite the loss, confidence and morale remains high among the players and Aloisi believes the players do their utmost to get Australia through the second phase of the competition.

“Everyone-s a little upset that we lost the game because we thought we deserved a bit more out the game, but it wasn-t to be. Now we-ve got a final in four days and we have to prepare for that now.

“It just goes to show how much we-ve progressed that we are upset that we lost to the world champions. We-re confident that we can do well against Croatia and its in our hands and we-ll try and do our best to get through.”

Aloisi-s introduction 20 minutes from the end, saw Australia again go with three strikers and the CD Alaves target man, was again strong and complimented captain Mark Viduka well and even set him up with a chance that might have drawn Australia level.

“I would like to start of course, but it what Guus wants that matters in the end,” said a hopeful Aloisi.

“I try and do my best when I come on and Dukes had a good chance from a flick on header from me and it was a bit unlucky it (Viduka-s lob) didn-t go in, because it would have drawn; it would have been 1-1.

“We do alright together and I hope we can play more often together.”