Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Coach Holger Osieck admits he is faced with a number of “positive headaches” ahead of Australia’s must-win meeting with Oman in Tuesday’s final round 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Stadium Australia.
Osieck (pictured) will be without suspended captain Lucas Neill for the Group B encounter as Australia seek just a second win of the final round campaign having lost 2-1 to Jordan in September before registering a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Iraq in October.
But with Australia currently in second place in Group B with a game in hand, Osieck is unconcerned by any changes he will choose or be forced to make to his squad following a highly successful week-long training camp in Sydney.
“I really will have some headaches, but positive headaches. There is a great deal of players on offer with decent quality. There are players who have made tremendous progress over the last few months and they are not knocking at the door, they have already gone through it,” said Osieck.
“There are a lot of boys who have put their hand up in order to be in the starting line-up and that is a very promising aspect for me.
“It is a crucial game and we want to win it, there are no ifs and buts and further discussion, that is what we are here for and that is what we will do.”
Following the visit of Oman on Tuesday, Australia wrap up the final round qualifying campaign with three games in 15 days at the start of June with a visit to Japan followed by home games against Jordan and Iraq.
“It’s a crucial game for us in our qualifying campaign as we are starting the second part of our international commitment. The first four games have been played and now we head into the second half of our campaign,” added Osieck, who opted against playing a friendly fixture in the build-up to the game.
“We start with an opening game against Oman at home which I hope will be a very successful start. It’s a game that we have to win and we go into that game in order to win and so far I am quite pleased with our preparation.”
With Japan within touching distance of claiming one of the two automatic qualification berths available for Brazil ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Jordan after establishing an eight point lead at the top of the table, Oman are currently level on points with Australia and Iraq in Group B.
Oman held Australia to a goalless draw in Muscat in June at the start of the final round, but after claiming their only win of the final round against Jordan in October, Paul Le Guen’s side lost 2-1 at home to Japan in November.
And Le Guen will be without the services of Fawzi Bashir on Tuesday after the midfielder made himself unavailable for selection.
“He was a massive player for the national team, he was the captain, he was an excellent player but it was his decision and I have to respect it,” said Le Guen.
But with Oman having two games remaining in June, Le Guen is remaining positive despite losing 3-0 to Australia in Sydney during the third round of qualifiers.
“Playing away is a bit different and once again we will be the outsiders,” said the Frenchman. “We are more experienced now since our last game and we want to create a surprise.”
Photo: AFP