Ghana coach admits Australia toughness

Published on: 18 April 2010

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac admits Australia will stretch his team to the limit at the World Cup finals in South Africa in their Group D encounter. The Serb disclosed this and more in an interview with the FourFourTwo-Australia.

Q: Miki, what is your take on Ghana's group with Australia, Serbia and Germany? A: On paper, the Germans are favourites but this is a group where anyone can beat anyone. Maybe on paper Ghana and Australia are outsiders but it's an open group.

Q: Any thoughts on Australia? A: Australia would've learnt a lot from playing at the World Cup in 2006. They are strong but Australia is still far away from Europe and most people don't know too much about them.

Q: What do you know about Australia? A: It's still early. I still don't know much about Australia but there is time to get to know them more in detail by the time we play them in the second game. But from what I already know, they are very good runners, physically strong and tactically smart. For sure, though, by the time we play them we will know everything about them but in this particular moment I don't know them as well as I will.

Q: How does Ghana compare to Australia? A: Ghana isn't stronger than Australia at the moment. We have some problems with injuries particularly with those players who played in the last World Cup. There is a change of generations with my side. The hope is that our younger players coming through who have had success at youth world championships and at the African Cup of Nations will stand up during this World Cup.

Q: Which Australian players have caught your eye? A: I think they are a strong team unit. I wouldn't make a distinction between this or that player. I'm very impressed with the mentality, running and discipline they exhibit. Australia is compact and disciplined. I won't single out a player to you... it's because I respect them a unit.

Q: You'd be aware that Australia is without Mark Viduka. How much of a loss will that be and what do you know about tall striker Josh Kennedy? A: Viduka was a main player for Australia but they will have to make up for him with other players. He was the main force for them but it doesn't mean he can't be replaced. We've had similar problems - we lost Michael Essien and I've lost at times up to nine key players to injury in recent times.

Q: You play Serbia, then Australia and finish with Germany. Would you have preferred a different order? A: It doesn't matter, all games are important regardless. In the third game, you can easily be chasing a result. We hope we're not chasing a result against Germany. Every game is important and that second game with Australia is equally important.

Q: Dragan "Pixi" Stojkovic is doing well in the J-League and Australia have some Serbian coaches in their system. What is the attraction of managers from your part of the world? A: I think maybe they bring a special, different flavour. This can help lift the football in Australia and Asia. I hear former Red Star players Milan Jankovic and Misha Radovic are doing well over in Australia. Milan played for Real Madrid and they both played in the biggest Yugoslav team [Red Star Belgrade]. I hope they help, but my focus is Ghana.

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