Hiddink avoids talk of hostility, concentrates on play-off

Australia coach Guus Hiddink has played down the hostility which has continued to fester between his team and Uruguay since their last meeting in a World Cup qualifier four years ago.

The two sides face each other in a two-leg play-off for a berth at next year's finals in Germany, with the first match in Montevideo on Saturday.

Australian directors have been keen to revive memories of their last visit to the Uruguayan capital in 2001 when they said they were insulted and spat at by an angry mob when the team arrived at the airport.

This time, Australia have chosen to stay across the River Plate in Buenos Aires. They will arrive in Montevideo on the eve of the match and leave immediately afterwards.

"There's always a lot of talk before the game but the federations of Australia and Uruguay have done a good job so far," Hiddink told reporters.

"It's normal for the environment to be hostile when the whole stadium is against you but if it's within the rules and regulations of the sport, there's no problem," the Dutchman added.

"Uruguay have good players, with a lot of experience at the top level in Europe."

Australia were beaten 3-0 in Montevideo last time, losing 3-1 on aggregate as they added to an unhappy record of falling at the final hurdle in World Cup qualifiers.

They also lost to Scotland in a play-off for the 1986 World Cup, Argentina (1994) and Iran (1998).

This time, however, Australia's players believe they are better prepared than before. They also play the second leg at home in Sydney next Wednesday.

"It's not going to be easy, but playing at this level is not easy. So the players are used to it, and we've just got to stick together," midfielder Vince Grella told reporters.

"I think that's an important thing, of us sticking together and being a strong unit. And we should be okay."

Fellow midfielder Marco Bresciano said: "As soon as we landed the first time in Uruguay, it was probably threatening as well. I mean we had all the supporters there, always, not leaving us at peace. Even at the hotel, making noise, making it difficult for us."