Australia coach Graham Arnold called for a performance befitting a legitimate contender in the Asian Cup when Australia open their tournament campaign against minnows India on Saturday evening.
But there has been no confirmation on whether captain and goalkeeper Matt Ryan, who continues to wear a mask during training to protect the cheekbone he injured last month, will start despite training fully in the lead-up to the match.
While Arnold described his side's 2-0 friendly win last weekend over Bahrain as “perfect” preparation for the Asian Cup, he wants more of the grit, class and energy shown by the Socceroos in their opening Group B match at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium in Qatar.
“I want to see more quality one-on-one situations,” Arnold said.
“These can change the rules of the game, and I think we have players here… who have great one-on-one skills, who have individual quality, and I want to see that.”
Arnold mentioned the likes of attacking weapons Martin Boyle, Sammy Silveira, Marco Tilio and Craig Goodwin, midfielder Riley McGree and left-back Jordan Boss as potential match-breakers for the Aussies.
“Yes, the tactical aspect is very important and we will get it right, but it is also up to the individual to be mentally prepared to go out there and perform his best, and that is what I expect,” Arnold said.
The national coach was listening in particular to Middlesbrough star McGree, who returned to international duty on the bench against Bahrain after being absent for several weeks due to a foot injury he suffered early last October.
“The thing I push Riley and talk to him about is taking positions in the box to score because I think he has that quality to score goals,” Arnold said.
“Once he gets that into his game, you'll see him move up to a high level in club football as well.
“Riley is fit, he's ready to go. If anything, it's a positive, that injury he had that gave him some rest, he's back up and looking great.
It is uncertain whether McGarry did enough to start against India, as the Socceroos have plenty of depth in midfield.
Arnold will not commit to Ryan taking his place in goal despite making a full recovery from a broken cheekbone, and is unwilling to reveal his starting lineup.
“Matty is back in full training. He is training very well. All the boys are fit, well and ready,” he said.
“I can't give you the starting lineup right now.”
Arnold said that the Australian team will once again strive to be lethal from set-pieces, especially through Goodwin's execution of free kicks and corner kicks for the giant centre-backs, Harry Souttar and Cameron Burgess.
“It is very important… that we execute free kicks correctly, because free kicks can also change the game,” he said.
“We work on all those patterns and we work on finishing, getting players in those positions to put the ball in the net.
“It's important that we be patient and stick to what we do best, which is keeping the ball and moving it quickly
“We're here to win seven games, and obviously our expectations are high.”
Australia vs India
Saturday 10.30 pm (Cairo time)
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
Broadcasting: Network 10
Possible starting lineup for the Australian national team: Matt Ryan / Joe Josey, Lewis Miller, Harry Soutar, Cameron Burgess, Aziz Bahish, Jackson Irvine, Keanu Bacchus, Connor Metcalfe, Martin Boyle, Mitch Duke, Craig Goodwin.
Global rankings: Australia 25, India 102
face to face: Game 9 – Australia 5 wins, 1 draw, 3 losses.
Last meeting: January 2011, Australia 4-0 (AFC Asian Cup group stage)
History of football in the Asian Cup
2007: Quarter-finals
2011: Finalists
2015: Champions
2019: Quarter-finals
