Australia will face 1998 World Cup winners France in their first Group C game in Kazan on Saturday.

"We've worked for weeks now, very hard. You must believe in something. We also have to have a little bit of luck. But I think... that we must be very well-organised... 90 minutes plus extra time. You must be very fit, physically and also in your head," van Marwijk told journalists.

When asked if he was wary of a defeat like the one Saudi Arabia suffered at the hands of hosts Russia in the opening match, van Marwijk said that if they were afraid, they "would better not come" at all.

Hosts Russia routed Saudi Arabia 5-0 on Thursday.

"Normally, when we play ten games against France, maybe we'll lose eight our nine times - I've said that for a few months. And we have worked hard to get a situation that... we can win a few times and draw a few times... When... you have the guts to play and to be yourself - then we have a chance," the head coach added.

He also said that all his players were fit, and there were no injuries.

The FIFA World Cup will last till July 15. Australia and France will also face Denmark and Peru in Group C.