Colombia wary of Australia, says defender Arias

London March 26 (IANS) Full-back Santiago Arias urged his Colombia teammates not to get carried away with Friday s surprise victory over France as they prepare for their next match against Australia.

Jose Pekerman s team recovered from a two-goal deficit to beat Les Bleus 3-2 at the Stade de France reports Xinhua news agency.

At London s Craven Cottage on Tuesday they will face an Australia side which lost 4-1 to Norway in Oslo also on Friday.

"More than anything we have to keep our feet on the ground " Arias told reporters.

"It (the victory over France) was only a friendly. It s good to win because it gives us confidence but the match is already in the past and now we have to think about what s coming next.

"Australia have a strong team with good players but we are focused on what we have to do to keep growing and improving " he added.

Arias who plays his club football for PSV Eindhoven said the motivation of earning a place in coach Jose Pekerman s World Cup squad would ensure the Cafeteros do not take the Socceroos lightly.

"Every single game is important " the 26-year-old said.

"Players never know if they are going to be in the squad or not. That s why everyone has to give 100 percent."

The World Cup will be played in 11 Russian cities from June 14 to July 15.

Australia have been drawn in Group C alongside Denmark France and Peru while Colombia are in Group H with Japan Poland and Senegal.

--IANS
ajb/bg