FFA U-16/U-17 technical director Peter de Roo has told to Joeys to keep growing their momentum with every passing game.
de Roo said the Australians needed to focus on improving their own game ahead of their do-or-die clash with Argentina in their final FIFA U-17 World Cup group stage game.
The Joeys opened their campaign with a 4-1 loss at the hands of Germany, before earning a respectable 0-0 draw with Mexico in their second group stage game.
de Roo told the Joeys they can’t rest on their laurels so far, and warned that Argentina will be up for the game.
“There is no complacency in this team or staff; we know that we have to continually improve and learn from the previous result to get a result,” de Roo said.
“The Argentinians are going to be motivated for this match, despite their 4-0 and 2-0 losses so far.
“They know that if they get a win tomorrow, they’ve still got a good chance of getting through to the next round.
“They are like a wounded lion; don’t underestimate them because they can still be dangerous.
The only result that will guarantee the Joeys passage into the Round of 16 - at this stage - is a win by two goals, and without receiving more than five FIFA Fair Play Points [a negative number calculated by amassed yellow and red cards].
However, any win will see the Joeys finish Group C in at least third spot on four points, but qualifying for the Round of 16 will depend on results in other matches, goal differences, and FIFA Fair Play Points.
de Roo said the Joeys needed to be prepared for a different kind of challenge.
“It’s going to be totally different from the other two games we have played,” de Roo said.
“They’re a little bit less organised, but they’re very physical.
“It’s going to be a very tough game for us because they’re going to be very direct.”
Along with being prepared in defence, de Roo said the Joeys also needed to be more potent going forward.
“There is definitely room to improve from our last two games, particularly in the final third,” de Roo said.
“There is opportunity there, but we need to be making more positive runs to penetrate the Argentinian defence.”
The Joeys take on Argentina at 9.00am on Sunday morning [AEDT]. Coverage starts at 8.45am, live and exclusive on SBS ONE.