“It’s an exciting time to be part of this team because we have the momentum, great belief and confidence. I think after beating Japan and being considered favourites for the Asian Cup we’ve got to qualify… and then go over there and deliver. It’s a massive tournament. To pick up silverware in a tournament like that would be absolutely phenomenal. The standard will be really high and there’ll be more at stake.

“There’ll be a general improvement in the team because you’ll have to be the best every time you play. That’s the best though, because it’s the way you want to play competitive tournaments. As a nation [because of the Asian Cup], we’ll just become stronger and stronger. It’s the first of many, let’s hope. But for now it’s important to be business as usual and getting the qualification down.”

Lucas, in true ambitious fashion, has set the team’s chances to actually win the Asian Cup high. He believes the World Cup, and the confidence-boosting victory over Japan holds the team in good stead for 2007. He also believes that Australia’s standing means that it should no longer fear any other national side, but continue to approach all opponents seriously, like they did against Brazil.

“More often than not you’ll only worry about a team in the lead-up to the game. Even then, it’s not a case of getting too carried away with the opposition… it’s more a matter of educating yourself to know their strengths and weaknesses and to be aware of certain situations. You’ve got to be sure that your strengths are put to use in the game and find the best way to exploit your opponents. We did it with the biggest teams and we’re not going to change it.”

Another positive thing to emerge from Germany is the team spirit that many Socceroos spoke of. The high morale and happy culture can indeed be credited to the team’s strong showing. Considering our come-from-behind performances against Japan, Croatia and Holland (in the pre-World Cup friendly) the team worked hard together, as well as developing their own strong bonds.

Lucas reckons that the Socceroo spirit is unlike any other he has experienced in a team environment. “Our team was awesome. We all had the same goal in mind which was to do our best for our country so no one was playing for himself. No one cared who got the glory, we were all in it together. No one was bigger than anyone else and as a result it created a family atmosphere. It was very unique.”