DOHA, Oct 6: Newly-installed Qatar coach Bruno Metsu has assured his Gulf underdogs they can shock mighty Australia in their World Cup showdown in Brisbane as long as they stay cool.

Qatar are the surprise leaders of Group ‘A’ in the final round of Asian qualifying for the 2010 World Cup after collecting four points from a 3-0 win over Uzbekistan and a 1-1 draw with Bahrain.

Australia have three points after their victory against Uzbekistan while Japan and Bahrain, who make up the group, both have a point each.

But Qatar lost 3-0 and 3-1 when they faced the Socceroos in the previous round and Metsu, who replaced Jorge Fossati as coach after the Uruguayan left because of illness, knows that they face another tough assignment on Oct 15.

“Obviously, Australia have got so much talent and start as favourites,” Metsu said. “And with Ramazan just over it’s going to be difficult for our players.”—AFP