Oh-Man.....

So the step into Asia may be a little trickier than first expected. The Socceroos honeymoon period came to a crashing end on sunday night with a truly dreadful display against Oman in their Asia Cup opener. Tim Cahill was again the saviour with a late late equaliser, but the point gained was the only positive from a horror outing for Graham Arnold's men.

The excuses have come thick and fast; it was too hot; it was too wet; they were time wasting. The bottom line is the Socceroos have not given Asian football, or Asia itself, enough credit. For months now all we've heard from the likes of Lucas Neill is "we're going to win this undefeated". They may still do that, but the wake-up call is there. Asian players have ability. Asian teams will not role over or be awestruck by their "Premier League" opponents. It's the Socceroos that need to earn respect in this part of the world.

For a squad of players plying their trade in the comfort zone of Europe, with massive wages, and feted since Germany, Asia seemed like a holiday. Its not. And Graham Arnold needs to grab his players by the balls and remind them what's at stake. Too many seem content to go through the motions in the national colours. Vinnie Grella said this week that many of the players, "had cut short their holidays to play." Well boo-hoo. This is your country wanting you to win a major tournament. If it's too much trouble Vinnie then go back to your middling Serie A club, count your cash and live in your cosy existence. I'd rather see the likes of Valeri or Carle or Milligan given a go; players who value the shirt and the opportunity.

The coach must take his share of the blame. Arnie needs to remember that he's the boss; he's not their mate. Guus Hiddink was not their mate. There are rampaging egos in that dressing room that need to be brought into line, and sadly I don't think Arnie is the man to do that.

On the field, Australia were directionless, clueless, and downright poor. Mark Schwarzer kept his side in the game as Oman attacked the Socceroos ramshackle defence. Arnie's call for "Green Football" pre-match appeared laughable as his side made one poor decision after another. Harry Kewell's much vaunted start "in the hole" was a disaster. Give him the ball on the left and let him play. That's where he's dangerous.

Changes are inevitable for the next group match with Iraq. Aloisi may get a start, and Nicky carle will be pushing hard. Mark Milligan's resolute defensive ability should also be used to fortify the back four. But the big change should be one of attitude. If Arnold can install a sense of desire in the shirt, respect for the opposition and importance of result, then the Socceroos may just live up to their pre-tournament hype. If not, a hasty return after the quarter-finals is on the cards, and a once in a generation chance of silverware will be gone for good.