Australia is aiming for a medal at 2008 Beijing Olympic men's football tournament, despite the strong opponents in the group stage.
"My birthday wish is to win a medal, and I'm confident in our ability. " Mark Milligan, Australian captain who scored the crucial goal against DPR Korea in the vital qualification match, told Xinhua on Monday.
The captain, embracing his 23rd birthday here in Shanghai, added that his squad shared his birthday wish.
"We are physically good after a couple of weeks' training," said Milligan after a training session at Tongji University.
It is indicated that Australia will adopt a diamond 4-4-2 formation, with Milligan as defensive midfielder, David Carney as the right midfielder, and Archie Thompson, attacking midfielder.
With Milligan marshalling the midfield and Carney bursting at amazing speed in the right flank, the Olyroos feature quick short passes as well as big figures. This might help them emerge from the tough group including the defending champions Argentina.
Taking Argentina as top favorites, Milligan also paid more attention to their opening opponents Serbia.
"All our focus now is on the first match for a good start," he said. "Because we have to get off with three points if we want to make through to the next round."
Striker Mark Bridge also took Serbia as his primary concerns for the moment.
"They (Serbians) are a tough team. We must overcome the pressure."
Obviously, neither Serbia nor Argentina is the sole pressure producer. Australia qualified for every edition of the Olympic Games since 1988 but ended with nothing. They failed to survive the group on three occasions, including the 2000 Sydney Games which they hosted.
Hopefully, the new generation of U23 players won't be historically haunted.
"The most important thing for goal scoring is that my team can create chances from time to time," said Archie Thompson, Australia's forward.
Australia will play Serbia in their Olympic opener in Shanghai Stadium on Thursday. Also in the group are Cote d'Ivoire and Argentina.
(Xinhua News Agency August 5, 2008)