Only fittest will survive quarter-final, say Socceroos

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Hanoi, July 20: Australia have warned Japan they risk playing into their hands by trying to outrun them in tomorrow's Asian Cup quarter-final.

The Socceroos struggled to cope with the heat and humidity in their early group games in Bangkok but insist they have finally acclimatised to the conditions.

''Maybe the first two games against Oman and Iraq shocked everyone, including the players, about how difficult the tournament is,'' Australia coach Graham Arnold told a news conference today.

''But we've been here a few weeks now and the players are used to it.

''They have trained enormously well, they are in an extremely good mood. They are fit and raring to go.'' Arnold instructed his players to curb their natural instincts during their group games to conserve energy but has given them a licence to attack Japan in their sudden-death clash at My Dinh National Stadium.

TEST OF SURVIVAL

The Australians came from behind to beat a tiring Japan 3-1 at the World Cup last year and Arnold has challenged the Asian champions to engage them in another physical test of survival.

''In Japan's three previous games, they've played a very slow patient game,'' Arnold said.

''But a fast game would suit us. We've got players who thrive on fast football and love playing fast, attacking football.'' Socceroos captain Mark Viduka is also brimming with confidence after scoring twice in Australia's 4-0 win over Thailand that sealed their place in the quarter-finals.

The Newcastle striker said Japan were entitled to start the game as favourites on current form but the Australians were only just starting to build momentum.

''We started off on the wrong foot in those first two games and we deserved to be criticised for the way we played,'' Viduka said.

''But I think the criticism brought us all together and gave us that extra motivation to do well.

''Obviously the Japanese are confident within themselves. They're the current holders of the trophy so of course they're the favourites but we're quietly confident too.''

Reuters






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