Graham Arnold explains the two key differences between the way his Socceroos and football’s biggest teams are approaching the World Cup – and why they could help Australia shock their critics in Qatar
Socceroos boss Graham Arnold is convinced his team can shock the world in Qatar – and has pinpointed two advantages he thinks the national side hold over some of the biggest teams in football.
Happily adopting the underdog tag, Arnold pointed out that the Middle East is a ‘second home’ for many Australian players based on a number of World Cup qualifying matches in Doha in recent years.
He believes the more fancied nations – especially from Europe – may wilt in the intense heat.
Stars with heavy legs after playing up to three games a week from August onwards could also prove crucial for the likes of France, England and Portugal.
Many will also train in Europe before flying to Qatar just days before their opening games, while the Socceroos will start arriving on Sunday.
‘Some of the bigger nations….their players have been getting pounded,’ Arnold told Fox Sports.
Socceroos boss Graham Arnold is convinced his team can shock the world in Qatar come November 23
Australia are rank outsiders, but know the local conditions well after a number of games in Qatar in previous years
‘They’re playing on the weekends with their clubs – but (also) Champions League matches and plenty of midweek games.
‘(In comparison) a lot of our boys are playing one a game a week in the A-League.’
Arnold then went a step further, boldly declaring Asian nations such as Saudi Arabia are primed to stun their more fancied opposition.
Air-conditioned stadiums and training in intense heat is likely to be off-putting for many European nations, who are used to colder conditions in November and December.
Meanwhile, the Socceroos will base themselves at the Aspire Academy in Doha – which is also being utilised by the host nation.
With a full-sized indoor pitch, seven outdoor pitches, swimming pool and a outdoor gym, the players can train and prepare a short stay from their hotel rooms.
The crafty coach plans to keep the playing group together at all times, with coffee ‘dates’ while watching other matches on the cards.
Arnold named his 26-man squad on Tuesday and is ‘looking forward to doing Australia proud on the world stage.’
‘It’s been a unique and difficult qualification campaign and we now arrive in Qatar with an exciting squad,’ he said.
‘Over the past four years, 32 players have made their debut for the national team. I want to thank every player who has helped the team over this journey.
‘We have called upon 68 players during the qualifying campaign and every one of them has played a part in getting us here.
‘Our boys come from all over the world, they all have different journeys, but we are united by one jersey.’
Australia’s first World Cup game is on November 23, when they face heavyweights France.
Tunisia follow three days later, before Australia’s final Group D clash versus Denmark on December 1.