MIDFIELD linchpin Jason Culina believes Australia`s improved fitness will help them cope with the expected stifling heat in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers in the Middle East.The Socceroos took a firm grip on their qualifying group after a 1-0 win over Asian champions Iraq here on Sunday, with Harry Kewell heading the winning goal two minutes after half-time.
Australia have seven points from their three qualifiers in Asian group one and have not conceded a goal, while Iraq have one point and Qatar have three.
The Socceroos play their return game against Iraq in Dubai on Saturday, staying on for a June 14 qualifier against Qatar in Doha.
Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek believes 10 points will be enough to advance to final qualifying.
Australia were below-par at last year`s Asian Cup, failing to adapt to the heat of Bangkok and Hanoi to lose to Iraq 3-1 on the way to bowing out to Japan on penalties in the quarter-finals.
But PSV Eindhoven midfielder Culina claims the key difference this year is the improved fitness under Verbeek, who is unbeaten in five games in charge of the Socceroos.
“It`s back to the Asian Cup, sort of, next week,” Culina said.
“We know what it`s going to be like and it`s not going to be easy, they`re a good team, the weather is going to make it more difficult, but we have to do the best we can.”
He said the team was “a lot fitter” and “better prepared than we were at last year`s Asian Cup.”
“Fitness is a big factor and because we are fit we are going to find out whether the weather will be easier to deal with,” Culina said.
Verbeek is expecting Iraq to come out fighting as they battle to keep their World Cup qualifying campaign alive.
“I know how many Iraqis will be in the stands next week and I promise you they will fight because they want to go to the World Cup, so they will go for it and they will make it very difficult,” Verbeek said.
Verbeek is expecting tough weather conditions when his team arrives in Dubai to prepare for next Saturday`s return game with Iraq.
“I was in the Middle East once in August, and I can promise you that`s not heaven,” he said. “But I am happy to go there with seven points, I still feel we will need 10, so we have three games to go.”
Iraq coach Adnan Hamad vowed his team will fight until the last minute in Dubai, the war-torn country`s “home” fixture.
“There is still a chance for the Iraqi team,” he said. “We are always playing under pressure, we are the only football team that plays outside its own country.
“Next week`s game will decide it and we`ll fight until the last.”
Watch the Socceroos take on Iraq at 2am Sunday morning (EST) LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on Fox Sports 2.
Agence France-Presse
