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China have surprised many with their unbeaten Asian Cup – but not Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou.
And he’s adamant he won’t be surprised by anything China dish up in Thursday’s Asian Cup quarter-final in Brisbane.
“We will be well prepared,” Postecoglou told reporters on Wednesday.
“I don’t think there will be surprises for us out there. We know what to expect.
“They’re a very good side and have shown that through the group stages, they have obviously won all three games and are feeling confident.
“They’re very disciplined, well organised, and as always can be a threat going forward.”
Postecoglou has spent the last year testing Australia’s depth pool of players.
And now, he has the problem of who to bring in, rather than who should be left out.
“We will put out a team, like I have for every game, that we think can win us the game tomorrow night, nothing changes from that,” he said.
“From a coaching perspective, the pleasing thing for me is that they’re all ready to go and putting their hand up and wanting to be a part of it, which is great.”
Postecoglou could make as many as five changes from his starting line-up for the loss against South Korea.
Defender Alex Wilkinson will replace suspended Matthew Spiranovic, and captain Mile Jedinak will return from a two-match injury absence.
Attackers Tim Cahill, Robbie Kruse and Mathew Leckie are also tipped to start after coming from the bench against the Koreans.
And Postecoglou wants Suncorp Stadium to be sold out to further inspire his charges.
“It does make a difference, particularly the way we play,” he said of home town support.
“We want to be a fairly aggressive team, the way we play our football, and if the crowd gets into it, it gives the players extra energy.
“It would be great if we get another full house tomorrow night and obviously there will be some Chinese support too which will make a great atmosphere.”
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