What are your main memories of the World Cup?
My last memory was a disappointing one as of course we were knocked out by Italy, but looking back I have a lot of pride in our performances. It was the first time any of us had been to the World Cup and we got to the knock-out stages from a difficult group. There was also a feeling of what might have been. You can’t help thinking, “What if.” We so nearly got through against Italy and I think we deserved to go on. If you look at how the draw opened up, we would have played Ukraine in the quarter-finals and they looked beatable. Win that and who knows what might have happened.

What were your favourite moments of the whole experience?
It has to be getting that draw with Croatia to qualify for the knock-out stages in Stuttgart. That was such a great night. We probably went overboard with our celebrations, going on a long lap of honour, but it was such a special moment, which might never happen again, so I’m glad we did it. After the game Archie [Thompson] grabbed a corner flag and sang in to it. Unfortunately I was back in the dressing room and missed it. He came back in buzzing about it and said, “I’m a rock star!” He didn’t play a minute at the World Cup, so that was his highlight.

How did you feel about your own performances at the World Cup? Did you do yourself justice?
Yes, I felt I did well out there. I was pleased with my performances in Germany, especially because I was moved around the pitch and had to play in several positions. I took a lot of confidence from the tournament. I reckon I am shown more respect back at PSV because of the World Cup. Every Australian player is respected more because we showed what we could do. Before we were seen as a rugby nation, but now we proved we are a football nation as well.

Was it difficult watching Italy going all the way knowing how close you came to beating them?
When we got knocked out I didn’t watch another game, not even the final. It was too painful. I went away on holiday and forgot about the World Cup. I didn’t hold any grudges towards Italy, not at all, in fact at least we could say we lost to the eventual winners.

How pleased are you with Mark Viduka’s decision not to retire from international football?
It is great for us young guys that Mark Viduka, Mark Schwarzer and Craig Moore have all decided to stay on because there was talk that they might retire from international football. It is an honour to play with them because they are guys I have always looked up to.

What are your expectations with PSV Eindhoven this season?
I’m feeling really good about it. We’ve brought in some new players and I reckon we can do well in both the Dutch league and the Champions League. Obviously Guus Hiddink has left for Russia, so we’ve got a new manager in Ronald Koeman. I played under him at Ajax, but I don’t get much of a run out then, but I’ve since matured and I am now getting a fair go. This should be a good season for all of us.