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Socceroos want redemption against Thailand

Roar Guru
14th November, 2011
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Disappointment has turned to determination as the Socceroos look to get their 2014 World Cup qualification campaign back on track against Thailand on Tuesday night (AEDT).

The sides meet at Bangkok’s Supachalasai Stadium with Australia looking to secure the single point needed to ensure progression to the final stage of Asian qualification starting in June next year.

Holger Osieck’s side failed to get that point in a shock loss to Oman in Muscat on Friday and the German coach has demanded a return to the form which saw Australia open their 2014 campaign with three straight wins.

But Neill and Co are not underestimating the challenge before them in flood-ravaged Bangkok, after Australia had to come from behind to beat the Thais 2-1 in Brisbane in September.

“(The feeling) was hurt after the (Oman) game and disappointment but now it’s definitely more about a determination and a wanting to give a positive reaction,” Neill said on Monday.

“We’ve addressed a number things since the game against Oman and now it’s about putting the talking into action.

“We also have to put in a good performance because of the way we played against Thailand the last time, so we have no excuses, no surprises on how they are going to play.”

While a point would be enough to assure Australia progression to the next phase, Neill said the Socceroos were aiming for nothing less than three points.

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“We must win the game to get the job done,” Neill said.

“… If you go into a game trying to draw then you are going in for the wrong reasons.”

Australia sit atop the Group D with nine points, with Saudi Arabia on five and Thailand and Oman another point back.

While the Socceroos are expected to finish the job in Bangkok, they head into the match knowing another loss could blow the group wide open heading into their final group match against Saudi Arabia in February.

While Osieck has tinkered slightly with his team in recent matches, a familiar-looking side will take the park on Tuesday.

Osieck has been forced into at least two changes, with Harry Kewell returning home to Australia with a hamstring complaint and Rhys Williams succumbing to a knee injury.

It means Michael Zullo is likely to come in at left back, with Luke Wilkshire dropping to right back and Matt McKay and Brett Emerton to operate on the left and right flanks respectively.

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“It’s not a situation to go for any experiments,” Osieck said on Sunday, emphasising the need for an improved performance.

“I said it right after the (Oman) game and after the video analysis it was reinforced and we’re going to play differently on Tuesday, that’s for sure.”

The match was moved from Bangkok’s National Stadium due to the recent floods which have left more than 560 people dead and damaged millions of homes.

Neill described the Supachalasai Stadium pitch as a little bumpy but was in no mood to complain given the circumstances.

“We’re not going to blame humidity or a pitch considering everything that’s happened in Thailand in the last couple of weeks,” Neill said.

“I think the facilities have been excellent as has the hospitality and the mood of the people.”

Possible Socceroos line-up: Mark Schwarzer (gk), Luke Wilkshire, Lucas Neill (capt), Sasa Ognenovski, Michael Zullo, Mile Jedinak, Carl Valeri, Matt McKay, Brett Emerton, Brett Holman, Josh Kennedy.

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