Australia coach Graham Arnold has labelled defending champions Japan as the favorites before the two giants' highly-anticipated quarter-final clash on Saturday.
The Socceroos laboured out a spot in the knockout stage after three shabby matches, they were overshadowed with regards to the way they played even in their 4-0 victory over Thailand. While Japan eased through by some comfortable games to top Group B. Arnold has realized their rivals' great form.
"I think Japan deserve to be favorites. If you look at the group games they have been in better form than us," said Arnold at a press conference on Friday.
"Their local players in the J. League are in the middle of their season so at this stage they deserve to be favorites, but saying that, Australians love to be underdogs. We had our first final against Thailand, we came through that, and this is our second one."
Arnold will be without Luke Wikshire, who got his second yellow card during the win over Thailand, but the good news is Lucas Neill could come back after a one-match ban.
"Japan have played a slow, patient style up to now in Hanoi but a fast pace would suit us because we have got players who thrive on fast football and love playing fast attacking football."
"Japan are a very, very good side and we are going to have to perform at our best to be successful. We have trained very well over the last few days since we have been here in Vietnam, the group is very happy. The 4-0 victory over Thailand gave us a lot of confidence and we are looking forward to it."
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article