Serbia upbeat ahead of Socceroos clash
Serbia coach Radomir Antic is banking on team spirit over ability to take his team into the next round of the World Cup after its shock 1-0 win over Germany.
Serbia is at its first World Cup as an independent nation and shares second place in Group D with Germany ahead of Wednesday's game against Australia.
Antic said Sunday that the fact that Serbia's squad has avoided the internal strife that has derailed France's campaign is an invaluable asset.
"We've read about the disciplinary issues surrounding (Nicolas) Anelka and (Wayne) Rooney in the French and English teams," Antic said.
"The atmosphere in our team is what gives us hope to go through."
Morale is high in Antic's squad after the team rallied from a 1-0 opening loss to Ghana.
"The victory meant much more that the three points," Antic said. "We had not beaten Germany in seven years so it was a victory that had a lot of history and a lot of pride."
The 61-year-old former Atletico Madrid coach credited team work for the Serbs' resurgence.
"My philosophy is not based on individual play," Antic said.
"In order to succeed you need teamwork. Every individual brings something to the table which helps to mold us as a unity.
"When we came here we wanted to give all players an opportunity to play. We will try to accomplish that on Wednesday. Everyone is rearing to go."
Antic isn't taking anything for granted against Australia, even though the Socceroos are bottom of the standings and have just one point from two matches.
"They are fast and they have a lot of energy," Antic said.
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