Vladimir Petrovic, head coach of the Chinese national soccer team, said in Kunming, Southwest China on Tuesday that his footballers had prepared enough for the clash against Australia and were not scared by the opponent's lightning attack.
"It's not strange that Australian team could trounce Qatar nearly in the first half as they enjoyed the home advantage," said the 53-year-old Serb at the press conference ahead of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier.
"Though they have many talented overseas players, we are not afraid of them as our national squad have been training for 25 days at the altiplano. I believe my boys can resist their vigoroso attack especially in the early part of the game." he added.
Australia, who took part in the Asian zone qualifiers for the first time, only took 45 minutes to whitewash Qatar 3-0 at home in their first group match.
However, they had to face the tough challenge on a nearly 1,895-meter-height venue here on Wednesday without five of their experienced regular players, namely Tim Cahill, Josh Kennedy, Mile Sterjovski, Brett Emerton and Scott McDonald.
"We've already learned that Australia would miss some key players, but we couldn't be relaxed as they still have many experienced players from European top leagues. For me, I do not hope any players of both sides miss the match due to injuries as I expect we could play against an integrated team." said Petrovic.
China, who started the World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-1 away draw with the 2007 Asian champions Iraq in February, was ambitious to strive for a home win after three overseas players returned from Europe to join the team on Monday.
Shao Jiayi, the midfielder of FC Energie Cottbus in Bundesliga, said he was ready for the match.
"Though I just had one day to train with the team, there is no problem for me to adjust myself to the coach's strategy and the cooperation with the teammates. I have prepared enough for tomorrow's game." said Shao.
In 2002, China succeeded in qualifying for the World Cup finals for the first time under Bora Milutinovic's lead, when Kunming was also selected as the host city to stage the qualifiers for the national team. Six years later, Petrovic hoped to continue his compatriot's legend at this lucky spring city.
"I expect we could get a good start here just like what they achieved before. And I hope the fans can give us enthusiastic support tomorrow to become the 12th player on the ground and help us fight for the best result." said Petrovic.
(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2008)