Socceroos expect tough test in tight Group A

BANGKOK, July 11 (Reuters) Asian Cup favourites Australia will bid to put their shaky start behind them when Group A resumes with all four teams level.

Midfielder Tim Cahill scored a last-gasp equaliser in the Socceroos' first game to earn a 1-1 draw with Oman, while Iraq and hosts Thailand also took a point each after a 1-1 draw.

Australia face a determined Iraqi side on Friday in what could be another reminder that their switch to Asia may not be a smooth as they had anticipated.

''That first game was a major wake-up call for us,'' defender Brett Emerton told a news conference today.

''We are not taking them (Iraq) lightly. If we don't play to the best of our ability we are heading for early disappointment.'' Iraq believe they can overcome their chaotic preparations and earn a quarter-final place for the fourth straight tournament.

Their Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira plans to take all three points from Australia, although he expects a difficult game against a team that reached the second round of last year's World Cup.

''I expect them to be an entirely different team to their first game,'' Vieira told Reuters.

''They will be more attacking and much stronger in defence. Oman were a very good test for them.'' Thailand will be hoping for better home support when they face Oman on Thursday after monsoon rains kept tens of thousands of fans away from their opening match.

They have injuries to key defender Jetsada Jitsawad and strikers Pipat Thonkanya and Teerasil Dangda, who will have fitness tests tomorrow.

Coach Charnwit Polcheewin said Thailand's chances of reaching the final eight hinged on Thursday's game.

''This is the most important match for us, we have to play to win to go through,'' Charnwit said. ''We will not pressure ourselves, but we will play with determination.'' REUTERS BJR PM1825