Caltex Socceroos legend Tim Cahill has emphasised the importance of attitude over formation ahead of Tuesday night’s crunch FIFA World Cup qualifier against the UAE.
The veteran forward has starred for six clubs across four nations and knows the non-negotiables remain the same regardless of team structure.
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“I’ve always enjoyed playing for my country and there is no difference in the way you fight for a ball in a 4-4-2 or a 3-5-2 or whatever,” Cahill told reporters on Sunday.
“I don’t really put too much emphasis on [the formation]. A lot of us have played it before in our clubs, I play it at Melbourne City.
“I’ve played at some big clubs, under some big managers and a lot just comes down to adapting.
“People will say there is not much time but football is a game that, once you cross the white line as players, responsibility is really important.”
DOMINANT RECORD
Much has been made of Australia’s recent road draws with Thailand and Iraq but Cahill believes the UAE will find it just as difficult at a white-hot Allianz Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Caltex Socceroos boast a formidable record on Australian soil having not a lost a home World Cup qualifier since 2008.
“It’s a very intimidating place for them to come,” the Melbourne City man said.
“I don’t think you can understand the difficulties in flying here, same way it was for us flying to Iran.
“If we choose to stay with the same formation it will be an attacking game but also one where we’re really going to put them under a lot of pressure.”
The Caltex Socceroos tackle UAE in a crucial World Cup Qualifier in Sydney on March 28. Click here for tickets