The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Arnold orders Socceroos to be "ruthless" against Nepal

Autoplay in... 6 (Cancel)
Up Next No more videos! Playlist is empty -
Replay
Cancel
Next
9th October, 2019
0

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has demanded a ruthless performance in their World Cup qualifier against Group B minnows Nepal in Canberra.

Australia are heavy favourites to thrash Nepal, who are ranked No.166 in the world, but where the goals will come from remains a mystery.

The Socceroos have struggled to find the back of the net in the first year of Arnold’s reign and have only scored in one of their past four games.

Arnold wouldn’t reveal his starting striker against the Group B minnows, with Jamie Maclaren, Adam Taggart and Apostolos Giannou vying for the spot.

“The three of them give completely different ways we can play, Jamie with his little runs in behind and the way he can read the game, Taggart with his combination and Giannou is more of a target man and strong in the air,” Arnold said.

“I’m very excited about having those players in camp, those players have all different strengths and give us a different way of playing.

“The last 12 months have been a bit of a transitional period but at the same time we’ve worked extremely hard.”

Australia beat Kuwait 3-0 in their World Cup qualifying opener in September, an ominous sign for the visitors given Kuwait has thrashed Nepal 7-0.

Advertisement

Arnold said he wanted his side to show no mercy.

“I want us to be ruthless. I want us to play to our expectations and our quality,” Arnold said.

“The boys are believing in what we’re doing and for me it’s not about the team in the opposition dressing room, it’s about the team in my dressing room and making sure the attitude is right.

“Everyone would agree, technically, tactically and physically we are probably stronger. But the mental side of it is about attitude and these type of games are all about attitude.

“I expect a great performance and great result.”

Nepal coach Johan Kalin said they are preparing for the biggest game in their history and that “you never know in football” in regards to causing a boil over.

Advertisement

“I don’t think we’ve ever played a team this qualified before. It’s opposition that’s stronger than what we’re used to but we’re going to try (to cause the upset),” Kalin said.

“You always have to believe in yourself going into the game. You can’t go in thinking you don’t have a chance because then there is no use playing.

“Of course we’re massive underdogs. It’s no secret to anyone, but we’ll do our thing and who knows.”

© AAP

close