If the atmosphere inside the Qantas Socceroos camp counts for anything, Australia will give a great account of themselves against Oman on Friday evening.
If the atmosphere inside the Qantas Socceroos camp counts for anything, Australia will give a great account of themselves against Oman on Friday evening.
According to striker Archie Thompson, the mood amongst those in green and gold in the Omani capital is very positive, which augurs well for the unity and discipline the Qantas Socceroos must show at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.
Thompson, who made his 34th Qantas Socceroo appearance in Copenhagen on Saturday, believes the collective strength and unity of his teammates will be fundamental to Australia-s chances at achieving a third-straight FIFA World Cup berth.
“I-ve been a part of a lot of Socceroo camps and we-ve always had fun being involved and being around the lads, it-s always a great feeling,” Thompson said.
“It doesn-t feel like a team it feels more like a family and, we always enjoy each others company when we-re in camp and you can tell on the pitch.
“It takes over onto the pitch because we-re all willing to work hard for each other and that-s what you do for families.”
The Melbourne Victory marksman may yet figure again in Oman, but isn-t looking too far ahead on the international horizon.
Having only been re-introduced to the national team set up earlier this year, Thompson is perhaps in the twilight of his Qantas Socceroos career, but determined to make the most of it.
“I-m just happy to get any little time that I get these days with the Socceroos,” said Thompson.
“I was rapt with my little bit of a cameo in Denmark and I-m hoping that I train well all week to be part of the team against Oman.”
As for coming away with a positive result on Friday, Thompson knows the enormity of the task that awaits he and his team-mates.
“To come to these type of countries and get any type of result, just the severity of the conditions, would be a huge bonus,” said Thompson.
“Especially you want to win your first game coming into the next phase of the World Cup.”
The Qantas Socceroos begin their final phase of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup with a clash against Oman in Muscat on Friday, 8 June.
Soon after, the Qantas Socceroos will host Japan in their first home fixture of the fourth stage of Asia-s FIFA World Cup qualification process on Tuesday, 12 June at Brisbane-s Suncorp Stadium. Kick off is at 8pm.