Ange: Socceroos can cope with extra-time in Brisbane

Despite oppressive heat in Brisbane, Socceroo coach Ange Postecoglou has no concerns about Thursday night’s Asian Cup quarter-final against China potentially going to extra time.

Speaking at the official pre-match press conference in front of an estimated 60 media from Asia and Australia, the Socceroo coach says the Aussies are in the best shape to handle a potential extra-time scenario of knockout football in the humidity of the Queensland capital.

Though he'd prefer to win the game in 90 + minutes.

“All the indicators I’ve got from people [fitness staff] who are a lot smarter than me say the boys are in great condition.

“You watch the games and we’ve finished pretty strongly.

"From my perspective, more than confident that if it goes to extra-time that we’ll have fuel in the tank to do that.

“Obviously it’s not ideal given it takes more out of the players for games moving forward but at the end of the day, they’ll be ready to do what’s required tomorrow from a physical perspective.

“Whatever’s thrown at the them they’ll be ready for," he said.

Postecoglou is set to reinstate skipper Mile Jedinak for Thursday night’s Asian Cup quarter-final at Brisbane Stadium.

The Australia coach said if his skipper got through today’s (Wednesday) session he was all but certain to start.

Jedinak was pushed in Tuesday’s session at QSAC, training on his own with a trainer for part of the time, going through some punishing sprint work.

“It’ll be great to have him [Jedinak] back out on the park,” said Postecoglou.

“He’s our most influential player when he’s out there and I’m sure he’ll give all the other players a lift. He’s ready and available to play.”

“Obviously if selected I’ll be ready,” added Jedinak, who conceded he probably wouldn’t have been fit for the Korea Republic game if it was a knockout match.

“I’ve had a good couple of days getting over things and getting up to speed again, which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed.

"But we all know tomorrow will be a huge test.”

The Socceroos will face China PR in the Quarter-Finals of the AFC Asian Cup at Brisbane Stadium on Thursday 22 January (8.30pm local kick off). Click here to purchase tickets.

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