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The Socceroos tackle the United Arab Emirates in the semi-final of the Asian Cup tonight, with the winner destined to face South Korea in the Final next Saturday. Join The Roar from 8:00pm (AEDT) for live blog coverage.
Australia were always preparing for a semi-final encounter with Japan as it was predicted that the defending champions would ease past the UAE in the quarter finals. However, the underdogs managed to withstand Japan, keeping pace with them for 120 minutes, and then winning the penalty shoot-out 5-4.
Australia eased past China in the quarters, winning a match they hardly looked like losing, though will need to be more clinical in front of goal, with Tim Cahill once again rescuing the Socceroos after a poor conversion of chances in the first half.
And once again Cahill will be the player to watch, as the 35 year old continues to impress with his positioning, strikers-technique and world class heading ability.
Australia has had one more day’s recovery and preparation than their opponents, and is benefitted by the return of Matthew Spiranovic in defence. Alex Wilkinson will most likely make way for the Western Sydney Wanderers defender, and is slightly unlucky to miss out on a starting spot, as he played well against China in Spiranovic’s absence.
Nathan Burns could see himself return to the starting line up, as his 30 minute cameo against China proved the attacker is gaining confidence with every game he plays. The more likely option, though, would be Cahill, Kruse and Leckie starting in the front three.
Against Japan, the UAE conceded roughly 65 per cent possession throughout the match, and played well on the counter, using the pace of Mabkhout and Al Hammadi to catch Japan’s defence off guard.
Abdulrahman will also be a key player for UAE as the midfielder’s creativity and speed could wreak havoc for Jedinak, if the Socceroos captain has a similar start to his sluggish performance against China.
With South Korea waiting to play the winner of this one next Saturday night, Australia will be desperate to have another go at beating their group stage rivals, who beat them in a close encounter in Brisbane.
Prediction: Expect a resilient UAE to hold Australia for large parts of the match, and the decisive factor will surely be Australia’s clinical finishing, as chances are almost certain to come around with such a creative midfield.
Australia 2-0 UAE
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