- The squad need to push even further if it want to qualify for the World Cup: Arnold
- The coach expects more from the squad for the match against Peru.
- New Zealand to take on Costa Rica on June 14.
Australia coach Graham Arnold stressed that the squad must improve to overcome Peru and make it to a seventh consecutive World Cup after Ajdin Hrustic blasted a late winner in a nerve-wracking 2-1 play-off victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Doha.
The Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder’s deflected volley in the 84th minute settled the furious Asian playoff on Tuesday in the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium that will host seven games in the World Cup finals in November.
Read more: Page sees winnable games for Wales in World Cup bunch
Arnold stated that he expects more from his players in Australia’s must-win match against Peru on June 13 at the same venue. Australia’s qualification for the finals is at stake.
“We need to improve more. I expect another big improvement after this game,” he said.
“Obviously one game at a time and I thought the UAE put in a very good performance, a tight game, but we have had good preparation … there was more cohesion with our play and after that game, I expect we will be even better against Peru.
“My focus has been on our defense because we have been sloppy, conceding goals in the last couple of (FIFA) windows. We could have scored more, but at the same time there are things that we need to tidy up as well defensively to make it tougher.”
Read more: Australia defeated the United Arab Emirates to force a play-off with Peru
‘Low in stamina’
Harib Al-Maazmi, the 19-year-old attacker who scored the game-winning goal in UAE’s shocking 1-0 victory against South Korea that advanced them to the playoffs, was a persistent irritant in the first half.
UAE were attempting to qualify for their second World Cup since their debut in 1990. According to their Argentine coach, Rodolfo Arruabarrena, the UAE players “lacked stamina in the final 15 minutes.”
On June 14 in Doha, New Zealand will face Costa Rica to determine the final qualifier for the tournament that begins on November 21.
