‘Plan C’ proves a winner for Socceroos
FRESH from his first competitive international goal, Apostolos Giannou has challenged anyone claiming he doesn’t fit the Socceroos’ new attacking mould.
Giannou warranted his 11th-hour Asian Cup call-up after eight minutes on the pitch on Friday, coming off the bench to ice Australia’s 3-0 win over Palestine.
It was his second goal in seven caps, having scored his first in October’s friendly against Kuwait.
Summoned at late notice to replace injured winger Martin Boyle, the Cyprus-based striker was labelled by Graham Arnold as “Plan C”.
While praised for his pressing ability, Giannou is viewed by many as a big target man best suited to sitting at the focal point of attack.
But the 28-year-old said he was wellversed on Arnold’s quick, fluid frontthree system.
“I don’t really fit like the No.9 that sits in there, I like to move as well,” Giannou said.
“I know about the system because I was in the last camp in Dubai and Ku- wait so I knew all the things, it’s not something new for me.
“I’ll keep working on that in training but it feels natural.
“I think it makes it difficult for the other team when everyone’s moving around. They don’t know where you’re going to go. Being unpredictable is the main thing.”
Following a fatigued first few days in camp after his airport taxi took him on a four-hour round trip to the wrong city, Giannou is feeling fresh and ready to play whatever role is required in an injury-depleted attack.