Mark Viduka believes the disappointing 1-1 draw with Oman in their Asian Cup opener will spur the Socceroos on to secure qualification for the next stage.
The pre-tournament favourites looked on course for a shock defeat to the Gulf side, who led through a Badar Mubarak goal before Tim Cahill rescued his side late on.
Australia will once again face Middle Eastern opponents when they tackle Iraq in their second game on Friday.
Viduka says his team knows that two wins will be necessary if they are to top the pool.
"We certainly didn't want to start in that manner, with that result. But maybe we needed it to remind us that it is not that easy," said the 31-year-old.
"It could have gone very badly for us, Schwarz (goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer) made some unbelievable saves and kept us in the game."
Against Oman, Viduka ploughed a lone furrow up front throughout the first half with Harry Kewell - returning from a long-term injury - playing in a supporting role.
Consequently chances were few and things only really improved when Socceroos veteran John Aloisi was brought on at the break to partner the Newcastle United man in attack.
"I think we all looked very comfortable when we put two strikers up front, I thought we attacked a lot better than we did in the first half," said Viduka.
"We changed formation and went 4-4-2 with John up beside me, which made it easier as it gave the midfielders an extra man to pick out."
Viduka's team-mate Vince Grella claims the hot and humid conditions took their toll on the players against Oman, but is confident Australia can improve against Iraq.
The Torino midfielder struggled along with many of his team-mates in the sticky Bangkok climate and will likely have to face similar conditions on Friday, with Australia tackling Jorvan Vieira's side at the same time as they did Oman.
"We will try to freshen up the legs and look for a better performance. Australia can only improve in the next game," he said.
"I think it is a problem with the physical condition, but they are hard conditions to play in. Until you are on the pitch and feel it, it is hard to explain.
"It is not an excuse. Each player knows what they have done good and what they haven't done as good - we need honesty and we will be okay."
Australia will once again face Middle Eastern opponents when they tackle Iraq in their second game on Friday.
Viduka says his team knows that two wins will be necessary if they are to top the pool.
"We certainly didn't want to start in that manner, with that result. But maybe we needed it to remind us that it is not that easy," said the 31-year-old.
"It could have gone very badly for us, Schwarz (goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer) made some unbelievable saves and kept us in the game."
Against Oman, Viduka ploughed a lone furrow up front throughout the first half with Harry Kewell - returning from a long-term injury - playing in a supporting role.
Consequently chances were few and things only really improved when Socceroos veteran John Aloisi was brought on at the break to partner the Newcastle United man in attack.
"I think we all looked very comfortable when we put two strikers up front, I thought we attacked a lot better than we did in the first half," said Viduka.
"We changed formation and went 4-4-2 with John up beside me, which made it easier as it gave the midfielders an extra man to pick out."
Viduka's team-mate Vince Grella claims the hot and humid conditions took their toll on the players against Oman, but is confident Australia can improve against Iraq.
The Torino midfielder struggled along with many of his team-mates in the sticky Bangkok climate and will likely have to face similar conditions on Friday, with Australia tackling Jorvan Vieira's side at the same time as they did Oman.
"We will try to freshen up the legs and look for a better performance. Australia can only improve in the next game," he said.
"I think it is a problem with the physical condition, but they are hard conditions to play in. Until you are on the pitch and feel it, it is hard to explain.
"It is not an excuse. Each player knows what they have done good and what they haven't done as good - we need honesty and we will be okay."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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