The Qantas Socceroos need no reminding of the importance of Tuesday's FIFA World Cup qualifier, according to their match winner from last October.
The Qantas Socceroos need no reminding of the importance of Tuesday's FIFA World Cup qualifier, according to their match winner from last October.
It was Archie Thompson's late header in Doha that breathed life into Australia's ambitions for Brazil and the 34-year-old has tipped his team-mates to take another step towards FIFA World Cup qualification on Tuesday.
"We know they-re (Oman) probably going to have a defensive mindset and what we need to do is obviously score early," Thompson said.
"Also, if things don-t go to plan where we don-t score early, it-s just to be patient.
“There-ll be a lot of anxious people out there wanting us to score, we-ve just got to be listening to what we do and know that we-ve got players that are capable of scoring anytime.”
As it stands, Australia's FIFA World Cup fate is delicately poised.
With five points banked after four matches, the Qantas Socceroos occupy the second of two automatic qualification spots in Group B with four matches to play.
Tuesday's opponents, Oman, boast five points of their own and are one of three nations that maintain a realistic chance of surpassing the Qantas Socceroos.
To that end, the value of maximum points at Stadium Australia cannot be overstated, though Thompson and his teammates are well aware.
“Now that we-ve got the three games on the trot at home, it definitely helps us,” Thompson said.
“Also having that support from the public, from the Australian fans, does tend to help the home team.
“We-ve travelled away reasonably OK but results haven-t turned out to be successful, but we-re working hard this week and it-s great that we-ve managed to have a week with everyone in, everyone fit.
“This camp, a lot of the players are the most eager I-ve ever seen the team.”
Recalled defender Jade North, who is a chance to slot into central defence in the absence of regular captain Lucas Neill, also believes the Qantas Socceroos- week of preparation in Sydney has the team primed for success on Tuesday.
“It-s great to be back in the mix of things and playing well for Brisbane as well,” North said.
“I-m always confident when I come in (to Qantas Socceroos camp).
“It stops with the boss and what he sees fit, obviously I missed a few camps through injury.
“I-ve just got to hopefully get myself right to play on Tuesday.”
The Qantas Socceroos- road to Brazil recommences on Tuesday, 26 March at Sydney-s Stadium Australia with a crucial clash against Oman. Kick off is at 7.30pm AEDT.
Tickets for this match are available from www.footballaustralia.com.au/tickets.