Osieck believes in Socceroo quality

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck says his charges are capable of returning to their best form against the might of France at the Parc de Princes tomorrow.

PARIS: Socceroos coach Holger Osieck says his charges are capable of returning to their best form against the might of France at the Parc de Princes tomorrow.

The Socceroos have come under heavy fire since their 6-0 defeat at the hands of Brazil last month.

According to Osieck, however, several factors that have since been addressed - including the match fitness of his charges - will have Australia much better prepared for the challenge of the one-time FIFA World Cup champions in Paris.

“We actually had a good look at our last game and we made, I think, a very decent analysis and during the week in training, we tried to focus on our improvement, from what we have seen, what is necessary from the Brazil game,” said Osieck.

“Looking at the Brazil game, it was the early stage of the season and a big number of our team, of our players, had not been in season.

“We couldn-t really find our playing rhythm, now, four weeks later, I think in particular our physical conditioning has increased and that is definitely the basis for a better tactical and technical game.”

Australia will need to match the class of Franck Ribéry, Patrice Evra and Karim Benzema without a host of their own stars.

Mark Milligan has returned to Australia due to injury, joining injured squad members Brett Holman and Tom Rogic on the sidelines.

Several other squad members are doubtful with lingering concerns, meaning Osieck is likely to require the services of every available fit body for one of Australia-s most glamorous friendly fixtures in recent memory.

True to form, however, Osieck was giving little away in his pre-match address to media.

“We were in the position that some players turned up with some niggles and gave our medical department a lot of work to do,” said Osieck.

“Right now, I can-t give you any final update, there-s still some question marks, I hope we can erase them until tomorrow.”