Australia sweat it out before Iraq clash

BANGKOK, July 12 (Reuters) Australia's players have been forced to sweat it out in scorching temperatures to lift their stuttering Asian Cup campaign.

The Socceroos struggled to cope with the extreme heat and humidity of Bangkok during their 1-1 draw with Oman on Sunday, but have been ordered to train even harder.

Although some players reportedly lost five kilograms of body fluids during the opening match, coach Graham Arnold said they had no alternative but to adapt to the extreme conditions.

Arnold switched training sessions from the late afternoon, when the weather is cooler, to the hottest part of the day and expects the benefits to materialise as early as tomorrow's Group A clash with Iraq.

''The training in the last few days has been a lot sharper.

The players know what they're up against now and they seem a lot more focused,'' Arnold told a news conference today.

''Our performance the other night was not good, we can't hide behind that, but the commitment is there and I have a huge belief in the players.'' The Socceroos have been heavily criticised by Australian media after needing a last-minute goal to salvage a draw against Oman, who are 26 places below them in the world rankings.

Defender Lucas Neill said the players were aware of the criticism and determined to make amends.

''We've already tried to improve on the training ground and in tomorrow's game, I expect us to make a different kind if statement,'' the West Ham United player said.

''I wouldn't say the boys were embarrassed but they were a little disappointed by their personal and team performances.

''There's already plenty at stake but we really want to put up a strong performance to get our campaign back on track.'' Iraq, who also came from a goal down to draw 1-1 in their opening match against co-hosts Thailand, are bracing themselves for the likely backlash.

''They will be different against us with more care, more attention and maybe be more serious,'' Iraq's Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira told a news conference.

''We have to take care of that but we are not afraid of anyone.

We are ready to play.'' REUTERS BJR RS1532