In the opening match of this year's World Qualifier 12, Australia, as China's first opponent, is plagued by a domestic epidemic and the road to preparation is full of thorns. However, the team manager Arnold in an interview, still firmly said to lead the team to strive for the first win, and full of confidence looking forward to the first two rounds of matches after the six points.
Arnold headed straight to Dubai, UAE after leading the team to the Tokyo Olympics. However, the Australian team's first home game could not be scheduled on home soil due to the Australian government's requirement that all incoming personnel be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days, causing a number of problems for the team's preparations.
The Australian team is also facing an unprecedented challenge in terms of player recruitment. But Arnold is undaunted by this, revealing, "We will be extending invitations to about 65 clubs and players to ensure that they are available for the 12-team tournament starting in September. The cycle of international match days as stipulated by FIFA will not be altered due to the outbreak. We expect all the players called up to be available, but there may be various scenarios for the players to be available due to the outbreak of the epidemic and the policies of the countries or regions on epidemic prevention and quarantine.
Arnold said the team had about 30 good players overseas and those overseas players would be able to participate wherever the tournament was held. He said, "They want to come back to Australia and want to compete in their home country, but if we have to rely on home-based players and all home-based players are used, they may not compete because they will have to be quarantined when they return."
Arnold revealed that the team is well prepared. There were five to six days of intensive training before the match to get all the players ready. He has done two main things during his stay in Dubai: firstly, studying the Chinese team and analyzing its strengths and weaknesses; secondly, paying attention to the performance of overseas players. He praised: "Overseas players have done well recently, like Tommy Rogic who reappeared and scored for Celtic. Mabiel has also started scoring against Celtic in the Champions League; Martin Boyle has rediscovered his scoring touch with Herbots. There's a lot of good news on that front. So we have a lot of very good players and I'm very optimistic about the future prospects."
Arnold also said that Australia's playing style will be further enriched with Hrstic's outstanding performance in the Top 40, and the midfield personnel options will be more diverse. In addition, Tommy Rogic and Mooy will return to the team during the Top 12 tournament. We have good midfielders like Mooi, Rogic, Hrstic and others," he said. Tommy (Rogic) plays the No. 8 position under Postecoglou, but I can play Rogic as a false No. 9, and then we also have players like Jackson Irving so that we have enough depth in the midfield."
Arnold said, "I can't wait for Australia's training camp to start right away and hopefully see all of these players back in the squad. I'm not even worried at all about not being able to play at home."
Arnold is not worried about his side's match against China being moved to a third venue. He said, "We have played eight WC matches so far and we are one of only two teams in the entire 40-team tournament to have won all eight matches, seven of which have been away from home. That still gives me something to worry about. Right now, I'm positive and optimistic about the next two games. I expect to get six points in the first two rounds."
