Socceroos 'own worst enemies' against Oman
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Amad Al Hosni of Oman heads the ball over Brett Emerton of Australia. (Getty Images: Robert Cianflone)
Socceroo Brett Emerton says there is no need to panic in the wake of the team's disappointing 1-1 draw against Oman in their opening Asian Cup match.
Australia is preparing for its next game against Iraq on Friday night after Sunday's match in Bangkok, in which Emerton says the Socceroos were their own worst enemies.
"As a team, we didn't really help ourselves," he said.
"We gave possession away too cheaply at times and in doing that, we had to defend quite a lot and chase the ball.
"We didn't help ourselves out and that's something we'll also look to do better in the next match."
Australia's defence have been slated for conceding a soft goal to Oman after experienced English-based players were lured out of position, opening up the opportunity for Badar Mubarak to score.
Defender Lucas Neill earlier said Australia must make a statement and post a resounding victory against Iraq to stay in the hunt for the Asian Cup.
Neill said he and other team leaders had put up their hands and accepted responsibility to turn around Australia's fortunes after their insipid opener.
"We've had discussions between smaller groups but today we're going to sit down collectively and run a comb through things because as a team, we've got a lot more to do," he said.
"A few of us have got to hold our hands up and make sure we go better next time."
Neill admitted he needed to lift his game but the Australians also had to defend better as a team.
"The goal the other day was a little bit embarrassing - it was consecutive basic errors and it led to a pretty cheap goal," he said.
"We're not going to be able to go 1-0 down too often and come back, so we've got to make sure we score the first goal and perhaps take the tactics that Oman did and just sit back and make the other team break us down."
- ABC/AFP
