Milicic taking nothing for granted despite big win
NEWCASTLE: Australia head coach Ante Milicic is eager for his side to deliver another professional performance in the second leg of their Olympic qualifying play-off against Vietnam, after they stormed to a 5-0 win in the opening match on Friday.
A Matildas return to the Olympic stage now appears a mere formality after a Sam Kerr brace and goals from Chloe Logarzo, Emily van Egmond and Clare Polkinghorne took the seventh-ranked Australians to a one-sided victory at Mcdonald Jones Stadium.
But while a Vietnamese recovery appears distinctly unlikely, Milicic – who has years of experience in Asian football, and whose men’s U-23 national team was defeated by Vietnam in 2018 – is aware that away trips on the continent are not always as straightforward as they seem, and urged his side to remain focused.
“In Asia, when you’re trying to qualify for a tournament you’re never (safe),” said Milicic, who will return to the men’s game with A-league newcomers Macarthur FC at the end of Australia’s Olympic campaign.
“When you go to Asia in these return legs, they’re very difficult. I’ve been around the national teams for many years of all age groups, particularly with the men’s team and you understand the different conditions, fields, referees, the travel – it’s never easy.”
“It was difficult to get the rhythm (tonight). It’s easy in these games to get frustrated and maybe not stick to the game plan, but in the end I’m delighted with the result, delighted with the amount of clear cut chances we created.
“To also keep a clean sheet puts us in a good position to get to Vietnam and, again, look to attack, look to score first and make it difficult for our opponent.”
Makinglifedifficultforthematildaswasvietnam’s objective in the first leg, as Mai Duc Chung’s side looked to deprive Australia’s star-studded frontline space in the final third.
The Southeast Asians defended deep and in numbers, but with five goals on the board – and several other close calls – Milicic was satisfied with his side’s ability to play through the Vietnamese defence.