Brazil v Australia - Preview

Aussies brace for Brazil backlash

Champions Brazil expect to be more on their game and wild cards Australia fear a Samba backlash in their pivotal Group F World Cup match in Munich on Sunday.

Both disparate rivals had contrasting opening round victories: Brazil struggled to overcome tenacious Croatia 1-0, while the Australians thrilled with their three goals in the final eight minutes to sink Japan 3-1.

It was the five-time champions' record eighth successive World Cup finals match win, but the reaction was mixed as Croatia disrupted their trademark playing rhythm.

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, who is bidding to become only the second coach to win the World Cup after his 1994 triumph, warns his team of all-stars will be better and that spells trouble for Guus Hiddink's Australians.

"It is important to start by winning. It means we will be more relaxed and the performance will be as well (against Australia) and technically we will be better," Parreira said Thursday.

"Favourites or not favourites, the great virtue of Brazilian football is to grow in adversity."

"Australia are a redoubtable side," he said. "They knocked out Uruguay in the play-offs, drew with Holland in their friendlies and won well against Japan.

"They are physically strong and have three or four players who have superb technique. When I spoke to the squad, I told them that Australia could be the wild card team here."

Parreira said that there was no question of star striker Ronaldo not playing despite a below-par performance against Croatia, in which he was substituted, and a visit to hospital after he complained of dizzy spells.

Hiddink, rated by Parreira as one of the best coaches in the world, has a dilemma on what lineup to face Brazil with four players on yellow cards from the win over Japan.

The Dutchman, who has taken Holland and South Korea to the semi-finals of the last two World Cups, is considering resting defender Craig Moore, defensive midfielder Vince Grella, attacking midfielder Tim Cahill and striker John Aloisi to save his ammunition for Australia's looming 'Cup final' with Croatia next Thursday to reach the knockout round.

"I have my concern with the yellow cards, it's a big concern for the next game because two tough games, two world-class teams, not just Brazil, but Croatia, so it makes a huge problem for me," Hiddink said after Thursday training here.

Dutch-based midfielder Jason Culina added: "We've always got something to prove. We're not going to be happy with one good result.

"We've got two more games to go in the group stage and we want to get to the second round and we want to prove to all the doubters how good we really are."

Teams

Australia

Mark Schwarzer, Lucas Neill, Craig Moore, Tony Popovic, Scott Chipperfield, Vince Grella, Jason Culina, Brett Emerton, Tim Cahill, Mark Viduka (capt), Mile Sterjovski. Coach: Guus Hiddink

Brazil

Dida, Cafu (capt), Lucio, Roberto Carlos, Juan, Emerson, Ze Roberto, Kaka, Adriano, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo. Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira

Referee

Markus Merk (GER)