Arnold to keep Socceroos selections for Denmark clash up his sleeve longer

Steve Larkin | November 30, 2022

Graham Arnold is breaking with tradition as he ponders last-gasp changes for the Socceroos’ defining World Cup clash against Denmark.

On the eve of every game in his four and a half year tenure, Arnold has announced his starting line-up to his players.

But not this time.

“We need that extra bit of time to see how the boys pulled up,” Arnold told reporters.

Arnold declined to divulge specifics as the Australians prepare for their third game in nine days in Qatar.

A victory will send the Socceroos into the knockout stage of a cup for just the second time in history, following the so-called golden generation in 2006.

And a draw with the Danes would also be enough should reigning champions France down Tunisia in a match kicking off at the same time (0200 AEDT Thursday).

“I have never coached for a draw, it’s all about winning,” Arnold said.

“We want to go for it, to get two wins.

“In ’06 we got one win and one draw. And our mission now is to get two wins and have the most wins ever at the one World Cup.”

Arnold said his over-riding emotion ahead of possibly his last game as Socceroos coach – his contract expires at the end of Australia’s campaign – was excitement.

“It’s not often you get to go to a World Cup and I have been saying this to the boys, to enjoy the journey, enjoy the ride,” he said.

“We have gone through, over four and half years, some difficult periods.

“Obviously through the (COVID-19) pandemic, and we only played four games out of 20 at home (during qualifying).

“So for the boys, just enjoy this ride.

“It’s all about the belief within the group, it’s about the energy in the players … and then the full focus is on ourselves and getting our game right.

“I feel really relaxed and ready.”

Australia (three points) sit second in the group ahead of Denmark (one point) and Tunisia (one point), with France (six points) assured of advancing.

After being trounced 4-1 by titleholders France, the Socceroos downed Tunisia 1-0 – just the third Australian win at the finals – to keep control of their cup destiny.

And Arnold and his players were buoyed by the ecstatic reaction in Australia to their triumph over the Tunisians.

“There’s … one sporting team that unites a nation and it’s the Socceroos,” he said.

“And when you look at the celebrations in Federation Square down in Melbourne and you look at … how crazy the place is going, it just shows you how that football is alive and well in Australia.

“Putting smiles on Australian faces once is not enough. Let’s do it some more times.”