The intimidation that greeted Australia on its last visit to Montevideo will spur the side onto greater things against Uruguay this time, according to Socceroo Brett Emerton.

The Blackburn midfielder and other Australian players are gradually assembling in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, to prepare for Saturday night's World Cup qualifier first-leg.

The preparation across the River Plate came after the squad was subject to spitting, jostling and abuse at Montevideo airport in the corresponding match four years ago.

"There were hundreds of their fans waiting for us at the airport last time and it all got a little bit intimidating and unpleasant," Emerton said.

"In Uruguay, football is life. It means everything to them. We came from Australia where it's not thought of the same way, so it was a bit of an eye-opener for us.

"They were spitting and things. There just wasn't enough security.

"It will only make us more determined this time around.

"We will be better prepared this time."

Emerton is a likely starter on the right side of midfield and feels the team stands a better chance of qualification this time than it did in 2001.

"The Australian team has definitely strengthened since four years ago and I think we have a great chance of going through," Emerton said.

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