Carry-on baggage in hand, he and Mile Jedinak stopped briefly to say a few words to the media.

They then rejoined the rest of the staff and squad on a blue team bus emblazoned with the message, 'Be brave, be bold, socceroos in green and gold.'

Australia have set up base in Kazan for the duration of their campaign.

They will train at the Trudovye Rezervy Stadium and face France innate the Kazan Arena the city in their opening match in Group C on Saturday night.