Good start crucial: Carney

Qantas Socceroo defender David Carney has underlined the need for quick start to Australia’s quest for a third straight FIFA World Cup berth, ahead of Friday’s qualifier away to Oman.

Qantas Socceroo defender David Carney has underlined the need for quick start to Australia-s quest for a third straight FIFA World Cup berth, ahead of Friday-s qualifier away to Oman.

The hosts are smarting from their first up 3-0 drubbing away to Japan and will be desperate for points on Friday night, but so too are Australia.

After bolting out of the blocks four years ago when beginning their final push for a place in South Africa, the Qantas Socceroos are aware of the need for early wins should they hope to make it to Brazil in two years time.

“It-s very important, we definitely can-t lose (against Oman) but it-s important to win,” said Carney.

“Japan beat them 3-0 in Japan so it-s important that we get off to a good start as well and go into the Japan game with confidence in Brisbane.”

Australia-s recent history against Oman is overall positive, except for a 1-0 defeat upon their most recent visit to Muscat.

Carney was an onlooker on that occasion, but knows the Omanis represent strong opposition on home turf.

“They-re a good team, they beat us last time 1-0 so it-s going to be difficult,” Carney said.

“Especially in this heat it-s going to be hard. We have to be smart and control the game and keep possession, that-s going to be the key part to the game.

“We-re looking forward to it, these are the games you want to play in, it-s a World Cup qualifying game for us so we-re looking forward to it.”

The Qantas Socceroos begin their final phase of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup with a clash against Oman in Muscat on Friday, 8 June.

Soon after, the Qantas Socceroos will host Japan in their first home fixture of the fourth stage of Asia-s FIFA World Cup qualification process on Tuesday, 12 June at Brisbane-s Suncorp Stadium. Kick off is at 8pm.

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