Complacency not the problem, say Australia's Emerton

BANGKOK, July 11 (Reuters) Australia midfielder Brett Emerton has dismissed suggestions the Socceroos underestimated their Asian Cup rivals by declaring themselves as tournament favourites.

The Australians have been heavily criticised by former players and coaches after the lacklustre 1-1 draw against Oman on Sunday, when they needed a goal in stoppage time to avoid an embarrassing defeat.

Australia are seeded number one for the 16-nation competition, with coach Graham Arnold telling reporters they deserved to be favourites and anything less than reaching the final would be considered a failure.

But Emerton, one of several Australians who plays in the English Premier League, said the team's self-belief did not mean they thought the competition would be easy to win.

''I don't think we were complacent. Everyone expects us to stroll through this group but it's difficult,'' Emerton told a news conference today.

''We're the favourites but there are any number of teams who can with the tournament.'' Emerton said Australia's lucky escape against Oman was a reminder of how tough the tournament would be to win but added that it could prove to be a major turning point.

There were major problems with the Australian defence as Oman capitalising on some sloppy marking to take an early lead.

Australia's tactics of trying to play the game at pace and outrun Oman also came unstuck when they wilted in the heat and humidity.

The players held a team meeting yesterday to discuss their shortcomings and Emerton said the Socceroos would be adopting a different approach against Iraq on Friday.

''That first game was a major wake up call for us. If we don't go there and play our best we will have a very difficult day,'' he said.

''We didn't help ourselves by giving possession away too easily, we had to chase the ball all the time.

''I think we're getting better and better, we aren't in bad shape. We are probably one of the fittest teams in this competition.'' REUTERS BJR PM1831