Kuwait coach Jorvan Vieira says he will draw on the experience of Iraq's heroics in 2007 to help his side cause a huge upset against the Socceroos.
Kuwait coach Jorvan Vieira says he will draw on the experience of Iraq's heroics in 2007 to help his side cause a huge upset against the Socceroos at next year's AFC Asian Cup.
Vieira, who guided the Iraqi's to a stunning Asian Cup triumph seven years ago, will need to produce similar magic to get out of a group that includes Australia, Korea Republic and Oman.
But a bullish Vieira declared his young side would fear no one and he will use similar tactics with Kuwait that proved so successful with Iraq, who beat Australia on the way to the '07 triumph.
"I don't know why everyone says this is the strongest group. All the groups they are strong. In football we decide inside the field, not by words," Vieira said.
"This team is a different style (to Iraq) and plays different football but in 2007 we won the Asian Cup because of fitness and that's what we have to do now.
"Fitness is the base and I will make sure we are very fit. I'm a bad loser so I'm always confident we will win."
Vieira said he can see similarities between his side and the regeneration that is happening with the Socceroos under Ange Postecoglou.
The veteran coach said he will keep a close eye on how both Australia and Korea perform at the upcoming World Cup and planning for his nation's assault to get out of the group will start immediately.
"I have to keep a close eye on all my next three opponents, this is my way to work and I will follow them all from now on," Vieira said.
"What they are going to do, what time they are going to sleep, this is the way it has to be if you want to be a winner.
"(Australia) are renewing their team and we are doing the same in Kuwait to try and bring the new generation of players.”
Vieira also claimed that top nations such as Uruguay and Cameroon will meet Kuwait in friendlies later this year, saying the team-s preparation will be first class.
“Even if they smash us I don-t care. I-m preparing for Asia Cup,” he admitted.
"I will try to give an opportunity but young players need experience and experience we can get only when we play. We need to expose the players and to do that you need time.
"And we have 289 days and 45 minutes (before the Asian Cup) to expose them.”
Vieira hinted he may even play A-League teams as preparation for the Cup next January when the team arrive downunder.
And he showed he-s already picked up some of the local lingo.
“I-m always confident. We are in Australia right? No worries!”