Result flattered Denmark, says Archie

The Qantas Socceroos are putting their loss behind them, and Archie Thompson doesn't believe the scoreline was a true reflection of the game.

The Qantas Socceroos have immediately put today-s 2-0 defeat to Denmark behind them as their focus shifts to the serious business of Friday-s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Oman.

Set pieces either side of the break made sure of the result, but the outlook was far from bleak in the aftermath of what was just the fourth Australian loss since Holger Osieck-s first match in charge of the Qantas Socceroos in November 2010.

“I think 2-0 was flattering for them,” said striker Archie Thompson post match.

“They played some great football, first half especially, but I think we came out and dominated the second half and probably should have put a few chances away"

“This is more a preparation for us for Oman, so we-ll take all the positives out of this, work on the negatives and see what happens.”

Thompson, who featured largely on the left side of midfield, was an energetic presence throughout his hour-long contribution alongside fellow attacker Alex Brosque, who had the better of Australia-s chances.

“I think at the end of the day, they-re chances at this level that you have to take and I guess the only thing I can take from it, is that I was getting in those positions and that it was just a friendly,” said Brosque.

“On another day it probably could have cost us a bit more.

“I-m happy that I felt OK out there and linking up with the boys was good and getting in those scoring opportunities.

“I think against Oman and Japan, if you don-t put those away then we could be in trouble."

The Qantas Socceroos arrive in Muscat tomorrow local time and will have the benefit of a full week-s training to prepare for their opening Group B encounter.

With four days to acclimatize, Osieck will ensure his charges are well prepared for the formidable challenge of Oman at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.

“We all got a little bit out of the game today,” said defender Jade North, who made his 35th appearance for his country against Denmark"

“Obviously we can take a lot of positives out of the game, it wasn-t the result that we wanted, we-ve got to move on now and focus on Oman.”

Oman begins their quest for a maiden FIFA World Cup appearance away to Japan tomorrow evening local time.

The last time Oman hosted Australia, Al-Ahmar emerged 1-0 victors.

Such history will ensure there-s no complacency from Australia-s side on this occasion, with weather conditions, combined with the quality of opponent, sure to test the mettle of the Qantas Socceroos.

“We know what to expect,” said midfielder Mile Jedinak.

“We know how they play at home, we-re going to be prepared I think, we know we-re going to have to deal with the conditions and we-ll prepare ourselves the best we can, I-m sure about that.

“Hopefully we can go out there and come home with three points and get off to the all important very good start.”

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.

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