No complacency from Australian players

Key midfielder Jason Culina has again reiterated that the Australian players will not go into the match against Qatar on Wednesday night with any complacency.

Key midfielder Jason Culina has again reiterated that the Australian players will not go into the match against Qatar on Wednesday night with any complacency.

After winning their two previous qualifying games 3-0 (Melbourne) and 3-1 (Doha) respectively in the past 9 months, Culina knows that it would be dangerous for the squad to take treat them lightly at Brisbane Stadium.

“No, we-ve been working hard and we know it would be very dangerous to underestimate them,” Culina said after a light session in the afternoon.

“The last two games we-ve won quite convincingly, but this time around they-ve got a new coach (Bruno Metsu) that they-re looking to impress. So we-ll have to go out there and work hard and fight to get a good result.”

Culina, who missed the last match against Uzbekistan after picking up a severe stomach bug in Tashkent, is expecting a tough game from the Qataris who improved greatly in the second game in Doha from when they last played in Australia in February.

“We are probably expecting them to be more like they were in the second game (in Doha). They were much more organised outfit; they moved the ball a lot quicker and they had a few individuals who didn-t play in the first game.”

With Vince Grella (injured) and Carl Valeri (suspended) missing as the anchor in front of defence, Culina is expected to play in that role, although whether he will be only one or one of two, he is still unsure about.

It-s a role he has played many times including at the 2006 World Cup and while he acknowledges the absence of several first team regulars is a blow, he has no doubts the stocks in the middle of the park are strong and there is quality back-ups.

“I enjoy that role (anchor role) and I don-t mind the extra responsibility. It will probably be very similar to what it was last time we played Qatar.

“We-re not exactly sure how we are going to play; we-ve practiced a few things. We could play with one in front of the defence; two maybe or two up front; we-ve still got that to practice tomorrow (Tuesday), so we-ll just wait and see.”

“We are going to miss those players, but we-ve got a number of players that can play in midfield; we are not short of midfielders.”

Bit while Culina couldn-t give too many clues away in terms of the formation for Wednesday night, he did give an indication as to one of the main approaches that Australia will take into the match.

Qatar-s defenders can expect to get a lot of heading practice, with Australia-s tall timber expected to get a lot of service from the wide areas.

“I think that will be our strength. You-ve got Josh Kennedy playing up there; you-ve got Tim Cahill, so we-ve got two great headers of the ball up there (in the penalty box).

“It would be foolish not to play that way,” he added.