Socceroos pledge to be ruthless against Uzbekistan - with top spot in group up for grabs after laboured start to Asian Cup in Qatar
- Socceroos are keen to top their group at the Asian Cup
- Been unconvincing in their early wins over India and Syria
- Defender Cameron Burgess adamant belief is growing
Towering defender Cameron Burgess has promised the Socceroos will again 'find a way' to win against Uzbekistan to ensure they carry momentum into the Asian Cup knockout stages.
Regardless of the result on Tuesday night (AEDT) at Al-Janoub Stadium, the Socceroos have already secured a berth in the round-of-16.
However, Australia's desire to win its group, set up a potentially easier round-of-16 battle and also maintain winning form heading into the business end of the tournament in Qatar has the Socceroos anything but complacent ahead of their clash with the White Wolves.
'We are here to win every game,' Burgess, who plays his club football with English Championship heavyweights Ipswich Town, said.
'We are not here to take it easy in any games....hopefully we can go and get the three points, top the group and take the confidence from that into the next few games.'
![Cameron Burgess started at centre back against Syria and looked composed in the 1-0 win](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/20/05/80249299-12985893-Syria_v_Australia_Group_B_AFC_Asian_Cup-a-97_1705727989502.jpg)
Cameron Burgess started at centre back against Syria and looked composed in the 1-0 win
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/20/05/80249623-12985893-image-m-119_1705729577718.jpg)
Coach Graham Arnold wouldn't have been impressed at the Socceroos' stuttering attack against India and Syria
The Socceroos currently top Group B with six points from two matches after 2-0 and 1-0 wins over India and Syria respectively.
Uzbekistan are two points adrift of the Australians - but will top the group with a win on Tuesday night.
'We'll have a look at them, see what their strengths are,' added Burgess.
'Both teams are looking to get top spot, so it should be an exciting game.'
Burgess, who started at centre back in Australia's win over Syria, is part of a Socceroos' defensive unit aiming for a seventh successive clean sheet.
'For the whole team it is something we can be proud of,' he said.
'It's something that we take pride in and something that we focus on...something we really think is a big strength.'
However, while the Australians have been strong defensively, their attack remains a work in progress as they struggle to break down opponents who are happy to sit back and defend in numbers.
![Burgess maintains belief is high in the Socceroos camp, and 'sticking to the process' is vital](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/20/05/80249619-12985893-image-a-120_1705729604068.jpg)
Burgess maintains belief is high in the Socceroos camp, and 'sticking to the process' is vital
'You've just got to find a way to win the game,' Burgess said.
'It's not always going to be easy, especially when team's are set up like that.
'It means sometimes you can't score four and five goals....you have to just stick with it, and I think we've shown that as a team.
'In both games so far, we have stayed calm and made sure we are sticking to the process.'
Burgess also said there was a good feeling in the Socceroos camp.
'I love being around these boys. It's a great group to be involved in,' he said.
'The boys are always up to something, there's always stuff going on around camp and it's a good place to be.'