Let Germany throw stones, says Cahill
Socceroos midfielder Tim Cahill is unfazed by Germany's backhanded compliments and threats to tear Australia apart down the wings in their World Cup opener in Durban.
"Let them throw all the stones, and we'll take it on the chin," Cahill said, after Germany revealed they would attempt to target the Socceroos' flanks and also tagged them a "defence-minded" team.
"We're very good in conducting ourselves in the right manner and being respectful of our opponents.
"For us we need to focus on our strengths, and the main thing we can do is be very respectful of them and make sure we prepare ourselves as best as possible."
As Cahill played diplomat, Germany landed a few subtle digs at the Socceroos on Thursday - with wide attacker Marko Marin suggesting using the wings to fire in quality ball was the best way to unhinge Australia.
And striker Lukas Podolski said: "We know that Australia will be defence-minded and we will just have to try and find the gaps.
"We will just have to use our strikers and find a way through."
But the Socceroos will at least have Cahill - who says he's overcome a neck injury and will be fully fit for the Germany match.
Cahill said he trained fully with the Socceroos on Wednesday and was expected to do so against on Thursday night at another closed session.
"I don't want to focus on injuries, and if the game was on tomorrow, I'd be there," said Cahill, who injured his neck in the 3-1 defeat by the United States last Saturday.
Midfielder Brett Emerton, who had been battling a calf injury, has also declared himself fit.
It means coach Pim Verbeek should have just one major selection call to make for the match - either starting with Josh Kennedy or risking Harry Kewell as the lone striker.
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