The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Socceroos to fancy Asian Cup chances

24th June, 2014
1

That’s the end of the world. But what about Asia? Australian soccer will take a stronger squad into the Asian Cup on home soil in January, on a couple of provisos: Tim Cahill and Mark Bresciano.

The pair are both 34-years-old and ageing, but remain keys to the fortunes of the Socceroos.

Cahill wants to play in the Asian Cup. And on his performances in the World Cup in Brazil, Australia still need him.

Bresciano is less certain. He’s still upper-class but his body is failing, evidenced by back and hip injuries which curtailed him in Brazil.

The Socceroos should be bolstered by a trio who missed the World Cup, yet appear likely first-choices: Robbie Kruse, Rhys Williams and Tom Rogic.

The livewire Kruse will be an automatic inclusion when recovered from a knee reconstruction, taking a midfield spot.

Williams, recuperating from an achilles tear, appears likely to take the central defensive post held in Brazil by Alex Wilkinson, who appeared a stop-gap measure at age 29.

And Rogic, a precocious talent whose calf injury cost him a World Cup, looms as the man most likely to replace Bresciano in the creative midfield role, should the veteran call it quits.

Advertisement

The talented trio will help Australia fancy their chances in a field of nations far weaker than those encountered in Brazil.

Only four Asian nations contested the World Cup. And by close of play on Monday (Tuesday AEST), none had won a game.

Australia exit without a win or a draw.

South Korea’s World Cup campaign is all but over, with a draw and a loss.

And the hopes of Japan and Iran, both also with a draw and a loss, hang precariously ahead of their must-win final group games in Brazil.

close