By Andy Jackson in Bangkok

Arnold claims that he has not read any of the negative media reports from Australia surrounding the Socceroos' opening game against Oman; and when asked for his thoughts on former coach Rale Rasic’s comments he responded with a curt, “Who cares?”

Arnold also spoke openly about his tactics for the Oman game and claimed he instructed his team to defend deep and sit back as he felt they wouldn’t be able to sustain the effort required to defend higher up the pitch in the humidity. He also admitted they had resorted to a long ball game in the second half after throwing on John Aloisi to support Mark Viduka up front as they were struggling to keep the ball and cited statistics which showed the Socceroos turned over possession 50 times. When asked what improvement he was hoping for, he responded that it would “nice to keep the ball”.

Arnold has a fully fit squad at his disposal and admitted one or two changes is likely to the starting line up. Tim Cahill is the man tipped to benefit with a call-up to the starting XI.

This week the Socceroos have switched their training to a morning session when it is hotter; and has a reduced risk of being washed out by the daily rain storms that have been sweeping through Bangkok. Arnold said the team had been training well and looking sharp and he maintains total belief in his squad, who he also claims have had their pride wounded by the disappointing performance against Oman. Interestingly, Arnold also pointed to Japan’s draw and Bahrain’s defeat as proof that other fancied teams were finding the opposition and conditions challenging.

Lucas Neill says he “expects a reaction” from the players on Friday night before playing down the pressure of the match. He said to expect a “different kind of statement” from the team and was surprised by the poor crowd that turned out to watch the match against Oman.

Arnold and Neill rate Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Korea and China as the teams that have caught their eyes so far.