Socceroos out for revenge

Australia defender Sasa Ognenovski admits his side are using the 2011 Asian Cup final loss to Japan as motivation ahead of Tuesday’s clash.

Ognenovski was part of the Australia side which lost 1-0 in extra-time to the Japanese in Doha almost 18 months ago.

Speaking ahead of the AFC World Cup qualifying clash between the teams, he told reporters Australia would draw on that loss as motivation.

“For the ones who played that night there’s a motivating factor there,” said Ognenovski, who plays his club football in South Korea.

“We felt we probably should have won that and hopefully we can get the result on Tuesday.

“We’ve just got to make sure that, like in that game, that we play well and that we do the things that we’re meant to do right.”

The 2010 AFC Player of the Year, who admitted the Socceroos were tired after the long trip home following Friday’s 0-0 draw in Oman, said he hoped a parochial home crowd could help the Australians to victory in Brisbane.

“Obviously playing in front of your home crowd is a big difference, especially when it gets tough. They can lift your spirits and the team as well,” Ognenovski said.

“Playing in front of a big crowd in this nice stadium can make a big difference.

“If you can win all your home games and grab a draw here and there in your away games, I think you’re pretty set (to qualify).”

However, Ognenovski conceded he felt Japan had enjoyed the better fixture, having played their opening two games at home, recording 3-0 and 6-0 wins over Oman and Jordan respectively.

“They haven’t had to travel (so far), which has been a nice draw for them, but we’ll do our best and try and minimise their damage,” he said.