Daniel Garb is a soccer commentator for SEN 1116 and NInemsn.

Do you remember your first date with a girl you really liked? Keen to impress on all fronts, sure to eradicate any mistakes, desperate to make every post a winner. Most men have been through it, it's not exactly fun but it is necessary.

That was the Socceroos circa 2006. Our first world cup in 32 years and having been out of the football spotlight for so long we wanted to ensure the impression we made early was a positive one.

Every friendly was crucial in the lead-up to that first game as we went about showing the world we belonged.

Four years on and our place in the footballing landscape is assured. We've won them over on the first date and we're now comfortable with our partner.

And that, like a reasonably secure relationship, means we can afford the odd slip up during the small moments - as long as we're solid during the important ones.

That's the vibe I'm getting from the Socceroos here in South Africa.

Almost a quiet aura of confidence, in total contrast to the obvious exuberance that surrounded the squad four years ago.

The friendlies against New Zealand, Denmark and the USA weren't pretty and far from ideal performances to warm up for a clash with Germany.

But the experience that exists within this group gives you the feeling that they believe they can produce what's required when it really counts.

Whether they do or not is a different matter altogether. But mentally they can adjust.

Germany's near arrogant attitude has also helped the Australian mindset.

So wary of having lost the novelty factor from four years ago, our first up opponents decision to disregard Australia as a realistic threat has allowed them to play on the underdogs tag they thrive on.

To quote Lucas Neill: "We will go into that much as underdogs, the pressure is on them to win and nobody in the world except for this team expects us to beat them."

And Tim Cahill shortly after declaring himself fit, fired his own shot at the German's following comments from youngster Marko Marin that they plan to 'tear Australia apart down the wings.'

"Let them throw stones," he said.

"We'll just take it on the chin. We're very good at conducting ourselves in the right manner and respecting our opponents."

"When you do throw stones you need to make them hit, or else it could hurt them in the end."

The siege mentality of the Aussies is well and truly in operation and when this team fights it can take a lot to knock them over.

That doesn't mean the task at hand has become any easier - it'll be a big ask to get out of this group - but don't let the lacklustre early impression fool you either.

This team will be ready for what's required, it just needs to execute it.