Jedinak urges Socceroos to believe

The Socceroos' World Cup fate is out of their hands but captain Mile Jedinak has urged his teammates to maintain belief that they can reach the last 16.

For the second time in as many matches the Socceroos departed a World Cup arena believing they deserved more than they got.

In Samara on Thursday, Australia were held to a 1-1 draw despite finishing all over Denmark; a result that leaves their World Cup hopes in the balance.

Coming after a tight 2-1 loss to France, the Socceroos have every right to be frustrated.

Captain Mile Jedinak urged his Australia teammates to shake off their entitlement if they're to continue on in Russia.

"It is frustrating but you've got to put those frustrations to bed," he said.

"You don't put two performances in like that if you're frustrated.

"We've got to just believe and that's what we do.

"We have belief in what we're doing. We believe in the structure, how we've been training, how we've been preparing and we'll continue to do that.

"Hopefully that will get us what we need."

The Socceroos were gallant against Denmark, recovering the match after conceding an early goal to Christian Eriksen.

Just as he did against France, Jedinak drew the equaliser from the spot after an opposition handball.

Australia pushed on but couldn't find a knockout blow

They out-possessed the world No.12 ranked Danes and had 14 shots to 10 at goal, with a suite of half-chances falling the Socceroos' way in the second half.

After the battling draw, Jedinak gathered his side into a circle and repeated that message of belief to his teammates.

"We're still in with a sniff," he said.

"I don't think anyone needs to boost the players.

"Everyone in that change room knows we've got a chance still.

"The motivation will be there I'm sure

"We wanted all three points and maybe deserved that but we'll take the point and look forward to the next game."

Just two of the Socceroos' travelling contingent know what its like to reach the group stage.

Mark Milligan and Tim Cahill were members of the 2006 party in Germany, with Jedinak the only other player to have attended in 2010 and 2014.

On both occasions he experienced the pain of exiting at the group stage.

The 33-year-old said it "would mean an awful lot" to reach the last 16 in what's almost certain to be his last World Cup.

"That's why we play this game," he said.

"We'll need a little luck.

"We're not there yet and we're going to have to put in an almighty effort to get there."


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Source: AAP


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