Chilean hopes have been boosted ahead of the World Cup, as Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal returned to training yesterday [Wednesday]. The 28 year old has had ongoing knee problems since it was operated on last month.
Meanwhile, Australian captain Mile Jedinak has played down Vidal's importance to the Chilean squad: “You go through their [Chile] squad and it's only one player,” said the Crystal Palace midfielder, “He's an important player but they have many players who are playing at a good level”.
Jedinak also dismissed claims of Australia being the whipping boys in Group B, which also contains 2010 finalists Spain and The Netherlands, believing that his compatriots could cause a few upsets in Brazil.
“We're going into these games as the underdogs and that's fine by us. Within the camp and the group there's still a lot of belief that we could go out there and surprise people.”
“It's a young team and there's no fear amongst us. I'm confident we can go out there and surprise them.”
Jedinak's fellow Socceroo Matt McKay expressed a similar sentiment by saying: “We've got nothing to lose”.
“We've got to be brave, we've got to fight, and that's what Australians do” said the former Rangers man.
Chilean winger Alexis Sanchez has spoken of his optimism ahead of the tournament, as his country have been hotly tipped to progress deep into the competition: “If I didn't believe that [Chile can win the World Cup] I would be sitting at home in front of the television”.
With or without Vidal, La Roja should be too hot to handle for the Australians on Friday evening, as they are the lowest ranked team in the tournament. However the Socceroos may very well have a shock or two up their sleeves this summer.
