Tougher tests for Australia, says coach

Australia coach Holger Osieck was thrilled with the Socceroos’ 4-0 win over India, but predicted tougher tests to come in the Asian Cup.

Australia took a commanding 3-0 lead on first-half strikes to Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell and Brett Holman, and Cahill sealed the win with a second goal shortly after the break.

There were some worrying signs for the Socceroos as they struggled through a sluggish second half and nearly conceded a goal to Indian striker Sunil Chhetri in the dying stages.

But Osieck preferred to look at the positives following Australia’s maiden Group C victory, and said the performance was at the level he had hoped to see in their opening hit-out.

“I think in the first half in particular we played very well,” Osieck told Fox Sports.

“It’s always very difficult to start a tournament when your opponent, no matter who they are, is fresh and ambitious.”

“First of all you have to break them down and that is what happened. Tactically we played a very disciplined, attacking style of football and we scored three.”

“It probably could have been a bit more. But I am still pleased with the performance overall, and you don’t want to ask for too much.”

“It’s important to start well in the tournament and, considering the short period of our preparation, it was very important to have a game like this to work on tactical stuff in game conditions and from here we can build on for the next games we have to play.”

Next up is a crunch match on Friday against South Korea, who are well-placed to go far in the Asian Cup under captain and Manchester United star Park Ji-Sung.

Osieck is aware of the threat posed by South Korea, but believes Monday’s win over India will hold the Socceroos in good stead.

“It’s definitely going to be a tougher test, but I think a game like today and a victory like today will build up some confidence,” Osieck said.

“I hope we’re going to have the right mindset to get into the game and be successful as well.”

Mon 10 January, 2011