Graham Arnold challenges Socceroos to match Palestine’s desire

Faced with another Asian Cup banana skin following their 1-0 capitulation to Jordan, Graham Arnold has demanded a reaction from his Socceroos against another minnow in Palestine.

Graham Arnold has demanded a reaction from his underperforming side. Picture: Getty

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Graham Arnold is demanding a reaction from the Socceroos, challenging his underperforming Asian Cup team to match Palestine’s desire.

And the coach will have Tom Rogic in his arsenal despite a broken hand that will at some point require surgery, though Andrew Nabbout will almost certainly join Josh Risdon on the sidelines.

Arnold was upbeat on the eve of Friday night’s (10PM ADT) second group game in Dubai, one that will have big consequences for Australia’s chances of progressing to the knockout stages following the 1-0 capitulation to Jordan.

Graham Arnold has demanded a reaction from his underperforming side. Picture: Getty

The chance for redemption comes in the form of another minnow, but one set to be just as difficult to break down based on last Sunday’s 10-man resistance of Syria.

“I expect a reaction,” Arnold said.

“There were a lot of good things in the Jordan game. Obviously they parked the bus and made it hard for us but there was a lot of good stuff that we showed the boys. It’s all about the positive side of things. I expect a great reaction on Friday night.

“This next game we’ve got to come out and fight. The first part of it in a football match is the football quality, where we’ve got the edge, but it’s about the fight as well.

“We’ve got to show the same desire (as Palestine). Match that fight and then we’ll win the football game.”

Arnold was reluctant to use the word “complacency” as a measure of the Socceroos’ opening performance, putting it down to sloppy passing and slow ball movement.

Nevertheless, changes to his starting XI are certain, albeit some forced.

“Risdon out, Nabbout is probably out, Rogic in,” Arnold said.

“He’s got a broken hand, you know that. But we expect him to play. He’s got two great legs.”

Risdon’s groin injury is set to keep him sidelined for the remaining two group matches, while it’s understood Rogic was told by a specialist he will need surgery to mend the broken bone in his hand.

Graham Arnold wants his players to match Palestine’s desire. Picture: AP

But he’s been cleared to play wearing a splint and the ailment does not appear to hinder the Celtic playmaker, who was in good spirits at training on Wednesday.

Nabbout participated more actively in training with the main group, though the passing patterns he completed required “no real intensity”.

Other alterations are also possible, with Chris Ikonomidis and Jackson Irvine in particular pushing for a starting spot and Apo Giannou and Alex Gersbach even shaping as potential substitutes up front, should Jamie Maclaren start again.

Tom Rogic is a certain starter despite nursing a broken hand. Picture: Getty

“I’ve got one more training session to think about it … I wanted everyone to understand exactly what we’re doing because I’ve got some selection dilemmas to make,” Arnold said.

“I’ve seen the hurt after the game and I’ve seen the motivation.

“They’re on the edge, they’re ready to go. It’s all about a reaction. If something doesn’t go to plan, I’ve always been someone that’s been very positive, I don’t reflect too much or have a look at the performance but it’s my job to pick them up straight away and I’ve done that.”

PALESTINE

World ranking: 99

Coach: Noureddine Ould Ali

Previous appearances: One

Best finish: Group stage - 2015

Last appearance: Group stage – 2015

AUSTRALIA

World ranking: 41

Coach: Graham Arnold

Previous appearances: Three

Best finish: Winners - 2015

Last appearance: Winners – 2015

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jonathan Cantillana: One of a few Chileans with Palestinian roots, Cantillana is a reliable scorer, as proven via his equaliser against Iran in a friendly last month. The 26-year-old played for Santiago club Palestino and has been playing for the country of his heritage since 2015.

Mahmoud Wadi: An exciting young attacking talent who should cause headaches. The Gaza-born 24-year-old started his career with West Bank Premier League side Ahli Al-Khaleel and last season scored 10 goals in 17 games for Jordanian side Al-Ahli. Known as ‘The Tower’, Wadi now plays for Egyptian outfit Al-Masry.

Tom Rogic: How will the Celtic star hold up with his broken hand in a splint? Will he lift his performance after an erratic display against Jordan? All key questions given Rogic again shapes as the Socceroos’ key playmaker in a match they must win.

Chris Ikonomidis: The on-fire Perth Glory forward couldn't has made an irresistible case to start. That’s no guarantee, but he could well be Australia’s best bet at unpicking a stacked Palestine defence. And, if his A-League form is anything to go on, maybe an injury-time goal.

Originally published as Graham Arnold challenges Socceroos to match Palestine’s desire