2007 Asian Cup
Posted by Jasper Reed in Australia, Competitions | 7 July 2007
Football fans on this antipodean side of the world are having their off season cravings sated by the 14th Asian Cup, starting tonight. After the World and European Championships, this arguably ranks alongside the Copa America and the Olympics in global football importance. However, given that Australia is a fledgling football nation the Asian Cup has been roundly ignored here. That is until now, as the Aussies will make their debut in these finals, having moved into Asia (in football terms) 18 months ago.
Far from being overawed by this step up in class the Aussies are overwhelming favourites to take out the tournament, given their showing at Germany last year. They are the top ranked nation, and their path to at least the semis looks untroubled. Group games against Oman, Iraq and Thailand should see a quarterfinal match up with Qatar. Many of the World Cup starting 11 are available, and fans on Merseyside and in the North East can be assured that Messrs Kewell, Cahill, Schwarzer and Viduka will shed those holiday pounds in the Asian humidity.
Other favoured teams include traditional local powerhouses and holders Japan, South Korea and Iran, whilst the Chinese and Saudis are not without their chances.
With Australian progress all but guaranteed, the timezone favourable and many household names involved, the Football Federation of Australia have again shot themselves in the foot by selling the tournament to subscription TV, meaning only 20% of the population can watch it in their lounge rooms. However, the green and gold bandwagon should soon be off and running again.
The Asian Cup is co hosted by Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, and ends with the final in Jakarta on July 29th.
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