Arnold refuses to underestimate Oman - Soccernet

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Australia are planning to unleash their full attacking forces on Oman in their opening Asian Cup match after all their players were given a clean bill of health.

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold said he would keep his lineup a secret ahead of Sunday's Group A clash in Bangkok but did not want to take any risks against an opponent he knew little about.

'Finally, it's game time. This is all we've thought about for six months and we're ready to play,' Arnold told a news conference on Saturday.

'The first game of any tournament is always the hardest because everyone's starting the same and we cannot afford to underestimate Oman.

'They've got a lot of athleticism and they're very unpredictable. They can do some crazy things and some really good things.'

The Australians are strong favourites to top a group that also includes Thailand and Iraq but Oman are looming as their biggest obstacle after finishing runner-up at this year's Gulf Cup.

The Socceroos initially feared they might have to start the tournament without some of their leading European-based players, including Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill, because they were recovering from injury but Arnold said everyone had been passed fit.

'I have the luxury of having 23 players to select from,' Arnold said. 'Harry's (Kewell) up for contention -- he's looking great.

'I have great faith in all my players and this team. It's not arrogance, it's just confidence.

'If you don't have a goal to come here and be successful then you're probably here for the wrong reasons.'

Oman's Argentine coach Gabriel Calderon said his team were comfortable with their role as underdogs and were hoping to catch the Australians by surprise.

'It might be more difficult for Australia because they must prove something,' Calderon said.

Oman goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi, who plays for Bolton in the English Premier League, said his team mates had an extra incentive to play well against Australia because of the likelihood European scouts would be watching.

'This is an important game for Oman's players to show what they can do,' he said. 'It's a chance for people to see (them play) and for us to maybe have a chance to play in Europe.'