Socceroos pledge to be ruthless against Uzbekistan – with top spot in group up for grabs after laboured start to Asian Cup in Qatar

Towering defender Cameron Burgess has promised the Socceroos will once again ‘find a way’ to win against Uzbekistan to ensure they gain momentum in the knockout stages of the Asian Cup.

Regardless of the result on Tuesday evening (AEDT) at Al-Janoub Stadium, the Socceroos have already secured a place in the round of 16.

Australia’s desire to win its group, set up a potentially easier Round of 16 battle and also maintain winning form heading into the business end of the tournament in Qatar, means the Socceroos are anything but complacent in the ahead of their match against the White Wolves.

“We are here to win every game,” said Burgess, who plays his club football with English champion heavyweights Ipswich Town.

“We are not here to take it easy in any match. Hopefully we can get the three points, top the group and take the confidence from that into the next few games.”

Coach Graham Arnold is said to have been unimpressed by the Socceroos’ stuttering attack against India and Syria

The Socceroos currently top Group B with six points from two games after 2-0 and 1-0 wins over India and Syria respectively.

Uzbekistan is two points behind the Australians, but will top the group with a win on Tuesday evening.

“We’ll look at them, see what their strengths are,” Burgess added.

‘Both teams are looking for first place, so it should be an exciting match.’

Burgess, who started at centre-back in Australia’s win over Syria, is part of a Socceroos defensive unit aiming for a seventh consecutive clean sheet.

“For the whole team it’s something we can be proud of,” he said.

“It’s something we’re proud of and something we focus on…something we really think is a great strength.”

While the Australians have been strong defensively, their attack remains a work in progress as they struggle to break down opponents who like to sit back and defend in numbers.

Burgess claims belief in the Socceroos camp is high and ‘sticking to the process’ is key

“You just have to find a way to win the game,” Burgess said.

“It won’t always be easy, especially when teams are set up like this.

‘It means that sometimes you can’t score four or five goals. You just have to stick with it, and I think we showed that as a team.

“So far in both games we have remained calm and made sure we stuck to the process.”

Burgess also said there was a good feeling in the Socceroos camp.

“I love being with these guys. “It’s a great group to be involved with,” he said.

“The boys are always up to something, there’s always stuff to do around the camp and it’s a good place to be.”