Oar: Australia are pumped up for testing UAE clash

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Gearing up for Asian Cup: Winger Tommy Oar has been capped 20 times for Australia.

    Australia will be “taking no steps backwards” in Friday’s friendly against the UAE as they continue to build momentum for the impend­ing Asian Cup, according to winger Tommy Oar.

    The Socceroos have arrived in Abu Dhabi for a Middle Eastern double-header that includes a trip to face Qatar next week.

    The nation impressed during a tough group at the 2014 World Cup and are cur­rently in the final stages gearing up to host Asia’s premier international tournament in January.

    Ange Postecoglou’s side have been drawn against Oman and Kuwait in Group A. Utrecht flyer Oar, who has earned 20 caps and was selected for Brazil, believes a solid performance at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium will provide the squad with valuable experience of opposition from the region.

    He said: “We know the UAE will be very good technically, and have good individual players.

    “We have a lot of confidence in ourselves. With that in mind, we will be taking no steps backwards.

    “We’ve been involved in the Asian Football Confederation for several years now, getting more exposed to the opposition. These types of games show you what you can expect.”

    It is three months until the Asian Cup begins with the Socceroos’ clash with Kuwait in Melbourne. Aside from their imminent com­mitments, the 2011 runners-up only have a November re-run of the final against Japan before the big kick off.

    “We are taking Friday’s game very seriously and will do our best to get the most out of it,” Oar said.

    “It should be a really good hit out.

    “We know it will be really hot, and we are doing our best to try and get accustomed to the heat.

    “It will be a fantastic game and we know we will have to be at our best to get a good result.

    “This is an important game in our preparation for the Asian Cup. Eve­ry chance to play is very important.

    “There are a lot of new faces in this squad. It is putting more pres­sure on everyone to perform and fight for their spots – it is a healthy environment.

    “People think the Asian Cup is a long way away but it isn’t at all. We only have a few games left to work on.”

    One of the “new faces” is 22-year-old Sydney FC loanee Bernie Ibini, who is the only uncapped player selected. The tall forward is classed as one of the emerging talents in Australia. He is joined in the selec­tion by the likes of Nikolai Topor- Stanley, Adam Federici and Aziz Behich, all of whom have been brought in from the wilderness.

    Ibini said: “It was definitely something you dream of to be called up. I want to take this game as it is, and get on the field for a cap.

    “To play a big tournament in your own country is not something you get to do every day. It is my first time in, I will be trying to play my best on Friday then see what hap­pens moving on from there.” 

    Recommended