Australia NewsArnie Unfazed By Double Defeats |
GRAHAM Arnold isn't worried by the Olyroos' two defeats in a row in the run-up to the Olympics and ahead of tomorrow's final warm-up.
The Australians have been beaten by Japan 2-1 and China 1-0 heading into the hitout against the dangerous South Koreans in Seoul.But Arnold is untroubled by the Olyroos' two losses on the trot and is pinning his hopes on an acclimatised Australian team causing a shock in the group stage at Beijing 2008.
"We were flat with the travel and acclimatising," he insisted. "It's all about preparing physically and tactically ahead of the first game."
Arnold will hand Sheffield United's David Carney a left wing role in a 4-3-3 formation against South Korea.
"He's looking good and we'll play him in that role in a 4-3-3 that will change into a 4-5-1 when we don't have the ball," Arnold said today.
After Thursday, the Olyroos will begin tapering their preparations ahead of the start of the Games next week.
The Australian coach admitted he was happy that superstar Lionel Messi was having issues with his release between the Argentine FA and Barcelona.
"But I'm just focussed on what we do and what we can control," he said.
Australia has Serbia, Argentina and Ivory Coast in its group, with the Serbians first up on August 7.
Arnold also predicted that an Asian team would win a medal at the Games.
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