Canberra's Socceroo Carl Valeri on the Thailand game

SBS Reporter Massimiliano Civili talks Italian with Carl Valeri.

I met up with Canberra's Carl Valeri in the mixed zone after the Thailand match.

Carl was warming up ready to replace Vinnie Grella when Mark Viduka scored.

"I almost got on, almost got on. But (Graham Arnold) changed his mind at the last minute," said Carl.

"Thailand were one of the best teams in the Group. It's a pity they aren't going through. Technically they were very good."

"Preparation has been good throughout the tournament but tonight we seemed to mentally be sharper. Maybe it was the atmosphere, the crowd were fantastic and seemed to lift us.

It wasn't easy for The Socceroos. They were pinned back for most of the second half.

"That's normal in football as they chase an equalizer, they'll push forward. It was a tactical game of soccer. And then they leave gaps and we can expose them, as we did. I'm just happy that we got through."

"It gives me a bit of an extra chance to play in the Asia Cup which would be great."

What about the mood in the camp.

"Mood hasn't change, We've always been a tight group."

"After the game the mood was relief. We can forget the last performances and look forward to Japan now. It would have been disappointing to go out now without showing what we can do."

Is the squad getting fitter?

"I don't know about me as I haven't be tested. But the team look sharper tonight."

Are you looking forward to Hanoi and the Japan game?

"Yes, it'll be a great game. Can't wait."