DOHA: Milos Degenek had urged his teammates to find the “lion mentality” earlier in the week – and it’s fair to say they found it.
The Socceroos were fierce as they trounced Tunisia 1-0 on Saturday night to keep their hopes of making it past the World Cup group stage alive.
“The boys showed that – well not just the boys but everyone, from (coach Graham Arnold), and the fans behind the bench showed that precisely and accurately and that speaks volumes for us and how we are as a group,” Degenek said after the win.
“We saw that little celebration in (Melbourne’s) Federation Square – that’s what we want the people to feel and that’s what we’d like to see more often.”
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He relished the opportunity to play in what was essentially an away game, as Tunisian fans made up the vast majority of those inside the Al-Janoub stadium.
“That’s what football’s about – I wish every game could be like this, and it’s just a joy to play in,” he said.
“These games are the real football games. An atmosphere where it’s hostile and there’s a bit of booing and a bit of jeering and all that. That’s football, a football atmosphere isn’t one where you sit down and clap like you’re in a theatre.”
The Serbian-born defender was clearly emotional after the full-time whistle, and then took to social media to pay tribute to his adopted homeland after an incredible World Cup win.
“From absolutely nothing to winning a World Cup game,” he wrote.
“Never stop believing in yourself.”
The Socceroos next play against Denmark at 2am Thursday (AEDT).
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