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