SOCCEROOS midfielder Mark Bresciano says he doesn't fear any potential opponent ahead of Friday's draw for the next round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers.
Bresciano, who is currently in Melbourne to promote the Nike+ Human Race along with Richmond's Matthew Richardson, Boomer Andrew Bogut and marathon runner Steve Moneghetti, said he wasn't fussed about whoever the Australians had to take on in the next phase of competition.
"I don't think it'll matter too much, I mean passing this group stage you know all the teams have got their own qualities and are going to be very competitive, so we've just got to wait until this Friday to see who we're going to be coming up against," Bresciano said.
Having topped Group One in the preliminary round, the Socceroos go into the second group stage as number one seeds, the only benefit though is that they won't have to face second seed South Korea.
But Bresciano warned the Socceroos would not fall into the trap of disrespecting their opponents, knowing the tag as number one seed will see the Australians become the side to beat.
"We respect every team we come up against, I mean I think that's the best way to approach any game because if you don't respect your opposition obviously your not going to prepare the best way you can," he said.
"I think it's harder for us going into the Asian group stages because they're all going to be out there to beat us so we've just got to be careful and be switched on every game."
Bresciano believes the Socceroos hectic schedule in June - where they played four qualifiers in the space of 20 days against Iraq in Sydney and Doha, Qatar in Dubai and China in Sydney - will prepare the Australians well, rather than hinder their chances in the next phase.
"I think in the long run it's more beneficial for us, playing more games together, playing more quality teams, it just gives us a good chance to be together more as a team, the only downfall is the flying, and most of the boys play in Europe so it's a long way," Bresciano said.
The Palermo midfielder remained non-committal on his future at club level, but said he would still relish the opportunity to play in the English Premier League after the disappointment of his failed transfer to Manchester City in January.
"I'd like to give it a go, I think it's come to the stage where I would like to try it out, you know try something different, try a different league," he said.
"We've got until the end of July that's when the market closes so anything could happen between then."
Bresciano also threw his hat into the ring to play for the Olyroos at the Beijing games.
"Oh I'd love to be part of it and play another Olympics, but I think its all just going to come down to what's going to be happening at club level, whether I'm going to be moving and the commitments there at the club (Palermo)," Bresciano said.
"I don't think it'll matter too much, I mean passing this group stage you know all the teams have got their own qualities and are going to be very competitive, so we've just got to wait until this Friday to see who we're going to be coming up against," Bresciano said.
Having topped Group One in the preliminary round, the Socceroos go into the second group stage as number one seeds, the only benefit though is that they won't have to face second seed South Korea.
But Bresciano warned the Socceroos would not fall into the trap of disrespecting their opponents, knowing the tag as number one seed will see the Australians become the side to beat.
"We respect every team we come up against, I mean I think that's the best way to approach any game because if you don't respect your opposition obviously your not going to prepare the best way you can," he said.
"I think it's harder for us going into the Asian group stages because they're all going to be out there to beat us so we've just got to be careful and be switched on every game."
Bresciano believes the Socceroos hectic schedule in June - where they played four qualifiers in the space of 20 days against Iraq in Sydney and Doha, Qatar in Dubai and China in Sydney - will prepare the Australians well, rather than hinder their chances in the next phase.
"I think in the long run it's more beneficial for us, playing more games together, playing more quality teams, it just gives us a good chance to be together more as a team, the only downfall is the flying, and most of the boys play in Europe so it's a long way," Bresciano said.
The Palermo midfielder remained non-committal on his future at club level, but said he would still relish the opportunity to play in the English Premier League after the disappointment of his failed transfer to Manchester City in January.
"I'd like to give it a go, I think it's come to the stage where I would like to try it out, you know try something different, try a different league," he said.
"We've got until the end of July that's when the market closes so anything could happen between then."
Bresciano also threw his hat into the ring to play for the Olyroos at the Beijing games.
"Oh I'd love to be part of it and play another Olympics, but I think its all just going to come down to what's going to be happening at club level, whether I'm going to be moving and the commitments there at the club (Palermo)," Bresciano said.
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