Socceroo forward Kruse echoes China manager's criticism on pitch

CANBERRA - Australian forward Robbie Kruse has followed in the footsteps of China manager Alain Perrin, labeling the Asian Cup surface in Brisbane as "a disgrace".

Australia's Jason Davidson (top) jumps on top of the pile as the team celebrates Robbie Kruse's goal during their Asian Cup Group A soccer match against Oman at the Stadium Australia in Sydney January 13, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Australia arrived in Brisbane on Wednesday ahead of their decisive Group A clash with South Korea over the weekend.

Despite both sides having already qualified for the quarter finals, it remains a crucial match, with the winner set to top the group.

However, Kruse believes the spectacle will be hindered by the pitch conditions.

"I've seen the pitch, it's a disgrace and not up to the standard it should be," Kruse told reporters on Thursday.

"Brisbane has never had a good surface for as long as I can remember and I don't understand why.

"Obviously, rugby league plays hard on that surface, they have (rugby union) Test matches and a lot of concerts as well, but it's not good. It makes it difficult to play football.

"It's the same for both teams, we'll both be wanting to play football on it, which will be difficult, but it's no excuse in the end."

A win or a draw against South Korea will see Australia lead Group A on goal difference, meaning a quarter final clash in Melbourne.

However, a loss for Australia will see them face Group B winners China in Brisbane, after Perrin's side confirmed their spot on top of the group on Wednesday night with victory over Uzbekistan.

China has already played two matches in Brisbane and is set to face a third on the ground in the quarter finals, with Perrin already heavily critical of its surface.

"It doesn't deserve the competition, this pitch," Perrin had said following China's opening game against Saudi Arabia.

"I am very surprised. The training ground is much better than the competition pitch."

Despite Australia's fantastic start to the Asian Cup, recording 4-1 and 4-0 victories over Kuwait and Oman respectively, Kruse believes the team still has its critics.

However, the 26-year-old, who was awarded Man of the Match honors against Oman, believes the Socceroos are determined to continue to prove people wrong.

"Before the Oman game, people were saying that this was the real test," he said.

"Now they'll be saying we were expected to win and that will go on to the next game.

"Some people just don't want to admit that we're playing some really good, quality football.

"I think we're going to have to prove a lot of people wrong in this tournament. We're just proving people wrong, we're going to keep pushing in the right direction and I'm sure we'll do really well."