‘Come on Australia’: Mourinho backs Socceroos to advance at World Cup
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It was hardly an ironclad prediction or a fearless forecast, but Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has tipped the Socceroos to progress from the group stage at the World Cup in Russia.
The Socceroos will meet France, Peru and Denmark in Group C at the World Cup starting next week, providing Bert van Marwijk's troops with a difficult assignment of progressing to the knock-out round of 16.
Mourinho, who has enjoyed a decorated career at club level in Europe, is confident France will top Group C to move through.
But as a "surprise", considering the strength of Peru and Denmark, the 'Special One' believes the Socceroos have what it takes to continue their campaign beyond the group matches.
"I think France, no problems, will finish first," Mourinho told Russia's RT Television Channel.
"Big fight to finish second. I'll go for a surprise. Come on Australia, let's finish second."
If the Socceroos are to qualify for the round of 16, Mourinho has forecast they will play two-time World Cup winners Argentina, the team he thinks will sit atop Group D.
Whether the Socceroos gain a boost in morale from Mourinho's prediction remains to be seen, but it is a vote of confidence not many observers share, in light of where Peru and Denmark sit on FIFA's world rankings.
Peru comes in at 11, one place above Denmark, with the Socceroos further down the list at 40.
The Socceroos did provide their supporters with some hope of a solid showing in Russia when they hammered Czech Republic 4-0 in St Polten, Austria last Friday.
But Peru, with captain Paolo Guerrero back on board following a doping ban, is preparing well for its World Cup assault.
Recent victories over Scotland (2-0) and Saudi Arabia (3-0) has stretched the South American nation's undefeated run to 14 internationals, a streak dating back to November, 2016.
Denmark is hardly a slouch either, with the Danes possessing a formidable line-up headlined by brilliant midfielder Christian Eriksen, who plays for Tottenham in the English Premier League.
The Socceroos will finalise their preparations with a friendly against Hungary in Budapest on Sunday morning (AEST), before they open their World Cup tilt against France in Kazan on June 16.
Denmark will be their next opponent in the group stage on June 21 in Samara, before they meet Peru in Sochi on June 27 (AEST).
If Mourinho's World Cup predictions come to fruition, England supporters can breathe a sigh of relief.
He says England will finish first in the competitive Group G, ahead of the highly fancied Belgium.
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