Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold explained the vast contrast in preparation between Thursday’s win over Vietnam and Tuesday’s upcoming match against Oman.
Although the Socceroos produced a dominant 4-0 performance, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Arnold in the build-up to the match.
Following a positive COVID-19 test, Arnold was forced to self-isolate which somewhat limited his control over the squad.
Although unable to attend training sessions or the match itself, Arnold praised the application of his players and staff throughout the week.
“They dealt with the challenge very well, all the zoom meetings, the presentation of the game plan and the way they followed René’s instructions in training was superb,” Arnold said post-match.
“It was a different challenge, something completely new and one that I won’t forget.”
While Arnold was pleased with the Socceroos performance, he knows they need to be better for crucial upcoming matches.
“It was a good performance although the second half was sloppy and with better opposition coming up, we need to get rid of that.”
With seven games played, the Socceroos have three massive battles left as they attempt to secure automatic qualification for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
And with Arnold now COVID-19 negative and his men flying straight to Muscat after the Vietnam match, it provides ideal preparation for Tuesday’s match against Oman.
“Timewise, this will be the longest amount of preparation I’ve had for a World Cup Qualifying match with the group since I’ve been in the job,” Arnold said.
"It hasn’t quite been the same preparation for these two matches but we’ll be ready come Tuesday night”.
It all begins on February 1 when the Socceroos play Oman, before hosting Japan on March 24 and finishing against Saudi Arabia a few days later on March 29.
To qualify directly, Australia must finish either first or second in Group B while a third-place finish would send the Socceroos to a play-off against the third-place team from Group A, followed by an intercontinental play-off.