Australia’s meticulous preparations have given them the best chance of breezing through their 2018 FIFA World Cup/2019 AFC Asian Cup joint-qualifying section, according to boss Ange Postecoglou.
The Socceroos have been handed several lengthy trips during the second round of the Asian Football Confederation process, their latest taking them to Tajikistan’s Republican Central Stadium tonight.
They have already come through the opening away fixture at Kyrgyzstan with a 2-1 win and Postecoglou expected the same in Dushanbe from his Group B leaders.
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“We work very hard to make sure that our preparations are absolut-ely spot on,” the 50-year-old told the-afc.com.
“It is tough on those players playing in Europe to travel back anyway, but of course there are some [logistical] challenges with playing in places like Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and even Bangladesh later in the year.
“We are prepared and know some of the challenges we have to face are not footballing challenges.”
Meanwhile, Group A whipping boys Malaysia will start a new chapter after last week’s 10-0 humilation at the hands of the UAE saw coach Dollah Salleh resign.
But the task does not get any easier for interim replacement Ong Kim Swee, Middle East giants Saudi Arabia providing the opposition at Shah Alam Stadium.
“I believe that with a positive mindset, we can make amends,” he told The Star. “The players must put the debacle in Abu Dhabi behind them, although it won’t be easy.
“I know it’ll be tough to change the team overnight. But they’ve got to be strong mentally.”
Japan star Keisuke Honda has warned his side have even more to give despite Thursday’s comfortable 3-0 win over Cambodia.
The Samurai Blue endured a poor start to Group E with June’s goalless draw with Singapore and will hope to be back to their best for
today’s trip to Afghanistan.
“We’re still not there yet, and we need to play better,” the AC Milan midfielder explained. “It’s important that we stay in good condition and give ourselves the best chance to play well.”
