Family illness gives the Aussies extra incentive

Lucas Neill says the Australian side will draw play for Brad Jones and his son
10 April 2012

Lucas Neill believes Australia will draw inspiration from Brad Jones's son's battle with leukaemia when they take on Germany in their World Cup opener on Sunday.

Just hours before the Socceroos lost 3-1 to England's Group C rivals United States last Saturday, the team were rocked by news that back-up goalkeeper Jones would be forced to leave the squad and return home after his four-year-old son Luca was diagnosed with the illness the previous day.

But skipper Neill said the sad news would only give the Australians more incentive when they take on Germany on 13 June.

"That's actually galvanised the team again," said Neill as the squad arrived in Muldersdrift. "It gives us just that extra inspiration we needed."

But Neill is realistic enough to know Germany present a difficult tasks for the Socceroos.

"Germany are a superior team to us and clearly they're favourites," Neill said. "Their record in World Cups suggest they are the most consistent team in world football.

"If we can cause an upset by winning the game, then we'll have shocked the world."

Meanwhile, Germany defender Jerome Boateng, who recently signed for Manchester City, has backed England to do well in South Africa.

Boateng said: "England, Brazil and Spain are good teams but I hope we win the World Cup."

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