Speed, mobility and some good old Aussie aggression could be the keys to a successful start to Australia's Olympic soccer campaign.
The Olyroos will be the first Australians in competition at these Games when they face Serbia at Shanghai Stadium tonight.
Defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley said yesterday Australia needed to muscle up against a tall, physical Serbian team, which has strong Games credentials after qualifying wins against Italy, the Czech Republic and Belgium.
The under-23s Olyroos team humbled Serbia 5-1 in Athens four years ago, but Topor-Stanley said that result counted for nothing against a physically imposing opponent.
''We know they're a physical team, but Aussie teams are always physical and always like to get stuck in no matter who we're playing,'' the Canberra 23-year-old said.
''I think we'll definitely be able to match them physically and hopefully we've got the mobility and pace to get around them.''
The Olyroos spent part of last week in Beijing at the Olympic Village before moving to Shanghai for their Group A encounter. Tonight's match is one of eight men's matches being played outside the capital before Friday's opening ceremony.
Topor-Stanley said the team hadn't reflected on being the first Australians in competition, but he said the stay in the village had let them feel a part of the 430-strong Australian team.
''We're feeling excited. We've been in preparation for a few days now and the stay in the village really hammered home that we're part of a bigger thing.
''We're not just a football team we're part of a whole Australian Olympic team.''
Topor-Stanley said it was a blessing in disguise that the qualifying matches were being held out of Beijing.
''The village was a great experience, but a bit distracting. I don't think we could stay there too long or we'd struggle to concentrate.''
Meanwhile, Jade North has reminded the Olyroos of the enormous responsibility they carry as the first Australian team to compete at the Beijing Olympic Games.
Soccer is the only sport to begin competition before the opening ceremony, which will be held in Beijing tomorrow night.
As a result, the Olyroos have been charged with setting the tone for the Australian team.
''We are not only representing ourselves but the whole Australian Olympic team,'' North said.
''We know there will be 400 Aussie teammates watching us because we are the first to compete. That will be special in itself.
''It is important that we get off to a winning start.''
The Olyroos back up against defending Olympic champions Argentina in Shanghai on Sunday and complete the group stage against Ivory Coast on August 13. The top two from each group progress to the quarterfinals.
North has recovered from a quadriceps strain which forced him out of the final lead-up game against Korea and will partner Matthew Spiranovic in the heart of the Olyroos defence tonight.
Former Jets teammate Stuart Musialik, now at Sydney FC, will line up in front of the back-four in a holding midfield role.
The Olyroos spent two days in the Olympic Village before heading to Shanghai but will not return unless they progress to the knockout stage.