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Emerging Socceroos star Robbie Kruse says Australia’s unconvincing 2-1 win over Thailand has given the side the “kick up the backside” needed ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia in Dammam (3am AEST).
Lowly Thailand led Australia 1-0 in Brisbane after 58 minutes before Josh Kennedy’s equaliser and Alex Brosque’s 86th-minute winner saved the Socceroos’ blushes.
Kruse, who earned his 10th international cap against Thailand, said the Socceroos were well aware a vastly-improved performance was needed if they were to get the three points against a more battle-hardened Saudi Arabia.
“Obviously the team knows it wasn’t the best performance against Thailand and we know we have to improve to get something out of the Saudi game,” Kruse said.
“But a positive is we got the three points and started the campaign with a win, because it would have been pretty disastrous if we didn’t.
“We can’t dwell on what happened in the last game.
“We got the kick up the backside we probably needed and, hopefully, it can make us really come together and put in a good performance against the Saudis and, hopefully, we can get the win.
“Then hopefully, the first one will be forgotten.
“In the end, the most important thing is to qualify for the World Cup. If we can keep winning games, that’s the main thing.”
With the mercury regularly topping 40C in Saudi Arabia, Kruse said the players were slowly adjusting to the stifling conditions.
“The conditions are pretty tough. I think it was 42 degrees (on Sunday),” Kruse said.
“We had a training session on Sunday night, just a light one at seven o’clock, and it was still about 35 or 37 degrees. It’s very humid as well.
“Obviously, it’s going to be tough to adjust to it but I’m sure we have the ability to cope with it and stick to a good game plan and come away with the three points.
“We have to be smart during the game as well. Stick to the game plan and not get too carried away and overdo anything.”
Despite the humid conditions, Kruse said the Socceroos had their eyes firmly fixed on coming away with the three points.
“We’ve come here to get the win,” Kruse said.
“But obviously, there’s going to be factors that come into the situation. It really depends on the night. It depends on how the game’s going. We’ll see what happens.
“It’s one of the trickier places to come to in our group, so we have to be smart.”
Saudi Arabia, coached by former Netherlands and Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard, drew 0-0 with Oman in their opening qualifier.
Australia’s defence will have to be on guard against diminutive striker Mohammed Al Shalhoub, but the home side could be without influential playmaker Abdullaziz Al Dosari, who picked up a minor injury against Oman.
Kruse said Socceroos coach Holger Osieck was yet to decide on his starting XI.
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