Player confidence remains high going into Indonesia match says Vidmar
Following the Subway Olyroos 0-0 draw with Jordan in their opening match at the U23 Asian Cup, Tony Vidmar has said the players were frustrated.
“They were a little bit disappointed but after the match I spoke to them and I think then they realised that it's the first game of the tournament,” he said.
“I think they had that intention that they wanted to win the game and that's how they approached it, they want to win every game.”
He added that the squad were straight back into training and the mood has picked back up again heading into the Indonesia match.
“So, they were a little bit down on that, but we spoke to them and then the next day in training the guys who played did their recovery session and the other players trained and they were excellent, and the mood has been really good.”
Vidmar discussed the positives that the team will take from the draw and how it may influence the plan for Indonesia.
“As I said, we defended really well, we didn't concede, we created chances, not as many as we would have wanted and had a few of those opportunities which we didn’t take, on other days they go in,” he said.
“Overall, it was a pleasing start and a platform for us to build on.”
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Looking to the match against Indonesia match, the Olyroos are preparing for another well-drilled opponent.
“There's no easy games, we have to be really well organised again, we expect Indonesia to really press us high and we are aware of the quality that they have going forward,” he said.
“It's another game that we'll go with what we think is the best team for this opposition and give it our all.”
Indonesia U23 team is coached by Shin Tae-Young, the same man who led the nation’s first team to the Asian Cup Round of 16, where the Socceroos knocked them out of the tournament in January.
As well as that, the squad features several senior internationals from that Asian Cup squad.
Vidmar said this poses a great challenge, but also allows for the Olyroos to be more prepared for what may await them in the game.
“We've looked at many of their games, both with their 23s and their seniors, so it gives us an idea of what to expect,” he said.
“There's a good chance that they will stick to a similar formation and a style of playing, I don't see that changing.
“We've got to be prepared for it and really ready to come out and work and fight.”
The short time between matches at this competition means squad rotation is key as Vidmar explained.
“It's a quick turnaround, not all players are able to back up, so we will look at what we think is the best way to start the game,” he said.
“That's the importance of having your 23 players.”
In terms of squad fitness, Vidmar confirmed that everyone is fit and ready for selection for the Indonesia game.
“Everyone is available,” he said. “Jacob Italiano arrived on Sunday evening from Germany, and he trained yesterday, pulled up well from his game on the weekend and he's available. So, everyone's available for selection.”
AFC U-23 ASIAN CUP QATAR 2024™ FINALS – GROUP A
Australia 0
Jordan 0
Monday, 15 April 2024
Kick-off: 4pm (local) / 11pm AEST
Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha
Indonesia v Australia
Thursday, 18 April 2024
Kick-off: 4pm (local) / 11pm AEST
Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha
Qatar v Australia
Sunday, 21 April 2024
Kick-off: 6:30pm (local) / 1:30am AEST (Monday, 22 April)
Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha