Socceroos gear up for World Cup opener
(L-R) Australian Socceroos Fanatics supporters Peter Theodosi, Brad Dwyer and Scott Barlow watch the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Australia's Mile Jedinak, Mark Milligan, Milos Degenek and Tom Rogic warm up with their team mates during a training session at their training base
Australian Socceroos supporters Karly Nguyen (left) and Huy Vo watch the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Australia's Tom Rogic during a training session at their training base, Stadium Trudovye Rezervy.
A football fan wears a sign asking for match tickets to the Australia v France match as she watches the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia at a Fan Fest site.
Australia's Andrew Nabbout during a training session at their training base, Stadium Trudovye Rezervy.
Australian Socceroos supporters Jake Sugarevski (left) and his father Sash watch the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Australia's Aaron Mooy during a training session at their training base, Stadium Trudovye Rezervy.
Australian Socceroos supporter Fulvo Parainito of Perth watches the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Australia's Mile Jedinak (right) during a training session at their training base, Stadium Trudovye Rezervy.
Australian Socceroos supporters Matthew Jamieson, Corey Smith, Marcus Lynch, Julia McGrath and Josh Antonelli, wearing Russian Football team supporters merchandise at a fan site.
An Australian Socceroos supporter watches the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia at a FIFA Fan Fest site.
Australia's Tim Cahill (centre right) and Jamie Maclaren (centre) arrive with their team mates for a training session at their training base.
Australia's Daniel Arzani during a training session at their training base, Stadium Trudovye Rezervy.
Australia's Tim Cahill arrives for a media a press conference at their training base, Stadium Trudovye Rezervy
FOUR years’ waiting is almost at end for Australia’s football fraternity.
After the Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk knows it's easier said than done.
"You have to have the guts to play and be yourself," he said.
So van Marwijk has implored his Australian underdogs to snap at fancied France in Saturday's World Cup Group C opener in Russia.
"When suddenly (Paul) Pogba is standing in front of you or (Antoine) Griezmann and (Kylian) Mbappe ... you must not be impressed," van Marwijk said.
"You can have respect. But you must not be impressed. You must be yourself."
Van Marwijk was adamant the Socceroos had improved under his watch - he was appointed coach in January, two months after the resignation of Ange Postecoglou. By how much? Read more
Tim Cahill.
Retirement not on Socceroo Cahill's mind
Socceroos legend Tim Cahill says he's spent a year thinking and preparing for three matches: the Socceroos' group games in Russia.
What's beyond that, he's yet to contemplate as he prepares to run out for Australia at a fourth World Cup.
Cahill's extraordinary longevity has led to him to become the record scorer for the national team. Read more
Australian head coach Bert van Marwijk (centre) speaks with his players during a training session at the Socceroos training base, Stadium Trudovye Rezervy.
How Bert won over the Socceroos
The Socceroos gathered together in freezing Oslo in March, shivering and nervous about what the future might hold.
They were heading to a World Cup in just a few months but the coach that steered them to Russia had gone.
Out went Ange Postecoglou, and in his place came Bert van Marwijk - a third Dutchman to oversee Australia's World Cup campaign in four tournaments.
It wasn't that the Socceroos were wedded to Postecoglou. Read more