It was difficult not to ponder what might have been as South Korea overcame Iraq at ANZ Stadium yesterday. It was meant to be the Socceroos, playing in front of a packed and vocal Sydney crowd, on Australia Day, for a spot in the Asian Cup final.
Among the pockets of South Koreans and Iraqis was a larger contingent of fans who had planned for the most romantic of clashes pre-tournament; something the Asian Cup organisers had also undoubtedly accommodated for.
The 36,000-strong crowd did their best to atone for the changed circumstances.
But if the external pressures and the favourites tag haunting the Socceroos prompted any sort of complacency within camp, it was well eradicated with defeat to South Korea.
The minor scares against Oman and Kuwait were enough of a signal and the response to the South Korea defeat – a comprehensive 2-0 win over China – laid to rest concerns that the Aussies are already, mentally at least, on the pitch for the Asian Cup final.
While the bookies have the United Arab Emirates as long odds to put up a fight, their potential won’t be underestimated. As Postecoglou said, “While it’s easy to write a script at the start of the tournament about who the best teams are, the best teams are the ones that make the final ad the best team is the one that wins it, and that’s yet to be written.”
It’s a simple equation: turn up unprepared and be punished.
Any hype surrounding the UAE has been sparked by one man – Omar Abdulrahman. The 23-year-old has been one of the most impressive players of the tournament, doing his reputation justice.
But Abdulrahman is often excessively targeted to his opposition’s peril. Striker Ali Mabkhout has looked in fine touch thus far, bagging three goals during the group stage, while Amer Abdulrahman has proved a brick wall in a holding role, his distribution often sparking his side’s attacks.
Being hosts offers no guarantees. But it does provide an advantage that the Socceroos must relish.
As Maty Ryan said, “Yeah, a massive game. One of the biggest in my career. It’s never going to happen again in my lifetime for an Asian Cup to be hosted here in Australia.
“It’s been the talk from day one with such a massive tournament here at home and so far we’ve taken advantage of the home support. We’ll be looking for that to continue on Tuesday night.
“We’re not taking a backward step or taking our mind off the job yet. We’re just getting the preparations done for the game and hopefully give Australia another win.”
Most Socceroos players will admit to breathing a sigh of relief after Japan were knocked out. But knowing how difficult the reigning champions are to beat will provide enough motivation to not relent against a UAE side with nothing to lose.
Professor Rosseforp
Guest
Fadida and Langou, good to see that Postecoglou is following our advice on Bresciano. I think we can claim this victory for our tactics ;-)
AZ_RBB
Guest
Everyone ready? Come on you mighty Socceroos!!
ProfVonSchrodinger
Guest
So pumped for this match.
1860melbourne
Guest
Wilkinson Bresc and Troisi out
AZ_RBB
Guest
Not the same without him :D :D (hopefully no cards for him tonight)
AZ_RBB
Guest
Our superior swimming and water polo skills should guarantee a win.
Ben
Guest
I am far more grounded with my expectations than you AR. I am hoping for a win but I certainly don't think we are a shoe in to win it. However I do think as we get closer to the pointy end, the possibility of winning the whole shebang comes into sharper focus. If we do win it - WOW - what a coup d' etat for the FFA!!! The popularity of football in Australia will be given another major shot in the arm If we don't? The perception may certainly be an opportunity lost......but I am sure the popularity of soccer in Australia as a spectator and participant sport won't greatly suffer because of it.
Griffo
Roar Guru
One thing for certain is that it will test the new drainage and subsurface work that took place at Newcastle stadium for the Asian Cup. Should the UAE be used to heavily watering their pitches for speed they might do OK. Australia will be fine imo. The only thing then is if the bank of heavy rain arrives before or during the match. A heavy pitch will hit the legs later in the game. That could be telling.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Come on Socceroos !
AR
Guest
UJ: "I don’t understand why people think it gets easier without Japan and Iran?" I don't think it's easier - I just think perceptions absolutely affect the way we view our chances. Japan and Iran are known footballing commodities in Australia and, more importantly perhaps, historical rivals.
Fadida
Guest
Agree completely Kaks. Kruse isn't an automatic starter for me. Leckie is unpolished but sheet incredible work rate makes him a cert
Franko
Guest
Is Spiranovic back in the XI..........?
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
It may cause problems for them if they are hoping to catch us on a fast break. Still, it is what it is. I doubt our approach will change much as a result.
madmonk
Guest
Closer to an inch by now. If it stops pitch will hold up fine. Not sure who it favours, the cliché is that it is a leveller. Could be we have more players with experience in such conditions but that could be clutching at straws.
Kaks
Roar Guru
Leckie dropped? Not sure you have been watching any of the Socceroos games. Along with Cahill, Leckie is the first name on our team sheet. He was the only player who turned up in the first half against China. If there was anyone in our attack to be replaced by Burns, which there wont be as Burns hasnt even performed well enough to merit inclusion in the starting 11, it would be Kruse who has has an indifferent tournament
langou
Roar Guru
Should we be a goal or two down then Bresc could be handy but otherwise I agree with what you are both saying.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Son Hueng Min had a slow start to the cup but has really come through in the last couple of games.
langou
Roar Guru
UAE also have the best player in the tournament according to the langou ratings.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Doubt Bresc will start, but I think Jedinak will. I also think Leckie could find himself on the pine, possibly. Burns has looked good in patches - most of all against China, though needs to slow down a bit and keep the ball in some situations. But he is growing in confidence and could find himself starting.
punter
Guest
Sorry Franko, I knew what you meant. Just funny to say 12mls have fallen & this benefits a desert country.