ARNOLD’S PALESTINE MISSION
GRAHAM Arnold is demanding a reaction from the Socceroos, challenging his underperforming Asian Cup team to match Palestine’s desire.
And the coach will have Tom Rogic in his arsenal despite a broken hand that will at some point require surgery, though Andrew Nabbout will almost certainly join Josh Risdon on the sidelines.
Arnold was upbeat on the eve of tonight’s second group game in Dubai, one that will have big consequences for Australia’s chances of progressing to the knockout stages following the 1-0 capitulation to Jordan.
The chance for redemption comes in the form of another minnow but one set to be just as difficult to break down, based on last Sunday’s 10-man resistance of Syria.
“I expect a reaction,” Arnold said. “There were a lot of good things in the Jordan game. Obviously they parked the bus and made it hard for us but there was a lot of good stuff that we showed the boys. It’s all about the positive side of things. I expect a great reaction on Friday night.
“This next game we’ve got to come out and fight. The first part of it in a football match is the football quality, where we’ve got the edge, but it’s about the fight as well.
“We’ve got to show the same desire (as Palestine). Match that fight and then we’ll win the football game.”
Arnold was reluctant to use the word “complacency” as a measure of the Socceroos’
THIS NEXT GAME WE’VE GOT TO COME OUT AND FIGHT
GRAHAM ARNOLD
opening performance, putting it down to sloppy passing and slow ball movement.
Nevertheless, changes to his starting XI are certain, albeit some forced.
“Risdon out, Nabbout is probably out, Rogic in,” Arnold said. “He’s got a broken hand, you know that. But we expect him to play. He’s got two great legs.”
Risdon’s groin injury is set to keep him sidelined for the remaining two group matches, while it’s understood Rogic was told by a specialist he will need surgery to mend the broken bone in his hand.
But he’s been cleared to play wearing a splint and the ailment does not appear to hinder the Celtic playmaker, who was in good spirits at training on Wednesday.
Nabbout participated more actively in training with the main group, though the passing patterns he completed required “no real intensity”.
Other alterations are possible, with Chris Ikonomidis and Jackson Irvine pushing for a starting spot and Apo Giannou and Alex Gersbach even shaping as potential substitutes upfront, should Jamie Maclaren start again.
“I’ve got one more training session to think about it … I wanted everyone to understand exactly what we’re doing because I’ve got some selection dilemmas to make,” Arnold said.