The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Socceroos' guts and glory

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 30, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Socceroos' guts and glory

S. Dinakar

Dennis Lillee on the soccer World Cup team Cricket legend appreciates the Aussies' rugged tactics, but relishes the free flowing style of the South Americans

Dennis Lillee — File photo

CHENNAI: A football revolution is sweeping through Australia.

Australia's stunning displays in the World Cup, despite an agonising last-gasp defeat at the hands of Italy in its last 16 clash, have once again highlighted the famous fighting qualities of a country passionate about sports. You never ever count the Aussies out.

Dennis Lillee smiled as he trained his attention on the performance of the Socceroos in Germany. Australia in its crucial last league match against Croatia rallied twice in a bruising encounter to achieve a draw. Significantly, Australia, in only its second World Cup appearance, had progressed to the second round.

Lillee was the fast bowler with the classical action, whose accuracy and movement took him to the acme. India's cricket coach Greg Chappell, Lillee's former mate, calls him a `perfectionist.'

The West Australian scalphunter, who sent back 355 batsmen in 70 Tests, is in the city for a 11-day camp of the MRF Pace Foundation. Even as his prying eyes spotted chinks in the trainees, Lillee spoke to The Hindu about Australia, and for a change, football.

"That never-say-die attitude. That's what sets us apart. The pride in winning for Australia, for us it was the baggy green, and the good comradeship between team mates," said the 56-year-old Lillee. "The Australian team is physically and mentally tough. Since a lot of our players play in the major leagues abroad now, their skill levels have improved."

Celebrations erupted in Australia after the final whistle in the game against Croatia.

"There were people out on the streets. The excitement of those who stayed up till the early hours of the morning, and then partied on was extraordinary."

The legendary paceman explained why the Australians were such a tough lot. "We are only a young country. This was a country settled by the English years ago. They sent all these people out into harsh conditions. They just dumped them there and said `you now make a living for yourself.' The people worked hard for what they wanted. I think this must have been grounded in the psyche of the next generation."

Could football, given its spread and influence, threaten the traditional games in Australia? Responded Lillee, "That can happen in the long run. It doesn't directly affect cricket at the moment, since football is played at a different time of the year."

Much as he appreciated the Aussies' rugged tactics, Lillee relished the free flowing style of the South Americans. "Ronaldinho is so exciting."

Turning his attention to cricket, he is pleased with the strides made by young pacemen Munaf Patel and S. Sreesanth in Test cricket.

"Both have adapted well to the demands. That's what we are here for. There is a lot of satisfaction for me and the MRF to see them take the next step."

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