Arnold startled the players when he claimed that some of his European stars found it too hard and their attitude wasn't right after they crashed to a self-inflicted 3-1 defeat to Iraq here Friday.

But after sleeping on it, Arnold said he was only trying to set his under-performing stars a challenge as they chase victory Monday over the co-hosts which could squeeze them into the quarterfinals.

Arnold also went back on his post-match declarations that he planned to make wholesale team changes for the Thailand crunch game.

"If there are going to be changes it won't be down to that, it will be down to fatigue and injuries and maybe get some fresh legs on the field because it's only a short turnaround in their recovery," Arnold said at the team hotel.

Leading stars Mark Viduka, Mark Schwarzer and Harry Kewell were at odds with Arnold's criticisms after Friday's match, but Arnold weakened his hard-line stance Saturday.

"They have to step up, I've given them the challenge and the challenge is we have to throw everything at Thailand and we have a great chance because we are mentally stronger than Thailand," Arnold said.

"We're back in the position where Australians love to be and that's underdogs, with our backs to the wall, all Australian sportsmen love a dog-fight.

"This time there might be a full stadium and the pressure will be on Thailand.

"I said that out of honesty but also I'm trying to get an extra spark out of them and trying to give them the challenge.

"You can continually say things behind closed doors but sometimes they read it and it might have a shock effect."

One position Arnold will have to replace is West Ham central defender Lucas Neill, who was needlessly sent off in stoppage time against Iraq.

"The loss of Lucas has left a hole and we might have to tinker with the system," Arnold said.

"Lucas has apologised to the whole group for getting sent off."

Arnold's position as coach is under massive pressure after a disastrous Asian campaign amid criticism of him back home in the press and from fans.

"It's the final opportunity in a tournament of three games at the moment and that we've still got that opportunity," he said.

"We only have to beat Thailand, whether it's 1-0, 2-0 as long as Iraq get the right result and we may have to get 2 or 3-0 to make sure our goal difference is better than Oman if they win (beat Iraq).

"These guys have come in and have played two games in the last week and there's only 48 hours to recover so when I say wholesale changes it will be down to how they come up recovery-wise after playing in these difficult conditions."