Harry Cool, spitting image of a smiling assassin

Date: 24/11/2001

By Michael Cockerill Montevideo

Frank Farina, proving himself master psychologist as well as master coach, is turning the spitting and punching attack on the Socceroos to their advantage.

The reception the team received at Montevideo airport has become a catalyst for unity.

Farina has steeled the players to stay calm in the face of expected harassment, intimidation and provocation when they face, on Monday morning, Sydney time, a 70,000-plus crowd and the collective passion of 3.3 million Uruguayans in the crucial play-off for a spot in next year's World Cup finals.

Farina made it clear yesterday that he wanted to look ahead from the jostling and spitting. "It's behind us now and we just move on," he said.

Kevin Muscat, tough guy and Melbourne Cricket Ground hero, added: "Obviously it's going to be hostile, and we've got our backs against the wall in that respect. The boys will work together and be as resilient as we can."

The local media reported with embarrassment, in most cases, on the angry mob that confronted the Socceroos.

"A thousand apologies Australia: these hooligans do not represent the noble citizens of Uruguay," pleaded La Republica newspaper.

Having been embarrassed by the airport debacle, the Uruguayan football federation and local police have bent over backwards to make amends. Eight hundred police will provide security at the match.

The Socceroos were given a police escort rivalling a head of state for the trip to their training venue yesterday, and the ground was ringed by police, including a complement wearing full riot gear.

Security at the team hotel has also been beefed up, with police outside the entrance, in the lobby and on the two floors occupied by the Socceroos.

The team was even contemplating flying its own chef into Montevideo to prevent the players getting food poisoning, with celebrity chef Neil Perry volunteering for the job.

The team manager, Greg Woods, intends to maintain the pressure right up until the Australian team is due to fly out of Uruguay immediately after the game.

Despite all the drama, the Socceroos remain fresh in comparison with the Uruguayans, who have crossed the Pacific twice in the past 10 days.

The mood in the Socceroos' camp is one of quiet optimism. "It's going to be a piece of individual brilliance which will win the game," said Farina.

Harry Kewell, take your cue.