Dancer was “pretty satisfied” with his team’s last full-scale hit-out, but also well aware the Germans would be much more difficult to beat when the competition begins.

“I think they are probably going to be better for that run,” said Dancer. “They’ve had less time on the ground in Beijing so they’ve probably got more curve for improvement than we have.”

Aware of the conditions they would face here, the Australians have prepared thoroughly by playing and training in tropical climates at home and in Malaysia. Star midfielder Jamie Dwyer said the team was well prepared for the enervating weather it had encountered.

“That is the most pleasing thing about the game today and the game against New Zealand the other day,” he said. “We really finished strong and that is going to be important throughout the tournament.”

The smog that hung heavily over all venues yesterday caused the team some concern earlier in the week when, after a tough training session, several players had breathing problems. But Dancer said there were not lasting effects.

With no significant injuries, the Australians believe their preparation is as good as in Athens when they broke their gold medal hoodoo.

“(The only difference is) you’re not asking me if we’re going to get the monkey off the back,” said Dwyer. “We’ve prepared the same as what we did four years ago so hopefully physically and mentally we are ready for it.”