Goals, pace and quality: Arnold tips front line to fire against Korea Republic

Graham Arnold says Australia can expect to be thrilled by a blend of pace and individual quality in the final third when the Caltex Socceroos host Korea Republic tomorrow evening.

Australia play their first match on home soil in over a year when they host Paulo Bento’s side at Suncorp Stadium, the team they defeated to win the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.

And the 55-year-old is relishing another chance to monitor the attack-minded system he has cultivated since taking the reins in action against the Asian powerhouse.

“You will see tomorrow night [that] it’s a free-flowing game, a lot of energy, a lot of movement off the ball [and] a lot of movement with the ball,” he said.

“Our strength is our commitment, our discipline and also our pace and individual quality.

“When you look at our front line, they score goals every week where ever they are.

“It’s exciting because we have got so many players in the front half of the pitch that have got individual qualities in a one v one action.

“You can give them the ball and let them express themselves and I’m extremely excited to sit back and enjoy watching this great team.”

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Having kicked off his tenure with a 4-0 win over Kuwait last month, Arnold said he was encouraged by how quickly the Caltex Socceroos have taken his principles on board.

But with the AFC Asian Cup 2019 commencing in January, the boss is under no illusions of how important a step tomorrow night’s encounter with Korea Republic is in both continuing the team’s evolution and defending their title.

“The mentality and attitude of this group is special,” he continued.

“I’m the third coach they’ve had in 12 months and they adapt so well, they take information in so well so it’s all about improvement on what we’re doing.

“We know the Asian Cup is just around the corner, in my view there are no friendly games.

“It’s all about winning, it’s all about building that belief and confidence in everything that we’re practicing.”

The Caltex Socceroos’ match against Korea Republic is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland in partnership with Brisbane City Council through Brisbane Marketing.

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