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
AZ_RBB
Guest
It's what the good tournament teams do. Making a statement is nice but the only statement anyone will remember is the one in the final.
Me Too
Guest
Had to work late and got home with 25 played - game over, and the rest was rather awful to watch. Seemed like the soccerroos played with half a mind on the final. Did enough against an opposition always unlikely to score twice. Hard to judge based on that, but way too sloppy.
Uncle Junior
Guest
Those who watched the other semi final will have noticed South Korea also had an unimpressive 2nd half. It often happens in semis that the team that scores early has their mind wandering to the Grand Final, trying to save energy and trying to avoid injury. Australia were as impressive (and as unimpressive) tonight against the UAE as South Korea was against Iraq last night. Should be a great final. The nation with the most potent attack (scored 12, conceded 2) playing the nation with the meanest defence (conceded 0, scored 7).
Bondy
Guest
Australia can potentially now be both Club "Wanderers" and Continental Champions "Socceroos" of Asia . Who says this sports is not of us as Australians ? .....
newy
Guest
doesnt matter who won the group stage game now, the winner of final will be the best team of the tournament and that will be the socceroos !!! haha
Tickets available for the final! Get in quicksticks!
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Agree. Kruse et al just wasteful and sloppy at times (poor decision making although he was not alone in that regard). And honestly, Juric needs to look up and sometimes play the simple ball to an unmarked Socceroos rather than trying to friggin blast his way through the defence. We may end up relying on our only truly international quality player to make the difference - Timmy !!!!!
JR Salazar
Guest
Got the scoreline correct. Well played.
midfielder
Guest
Bring on Saturday
Fadida
Guest
Well done. Plenty to work on though. Question marks over centre mid again. Kruse again sub par. Leckie a poor game Big plus was the defence. Centre backs superb Disappointing in the final 3rd. We were sloppy and should have killed the game off. I imagine Ange won't be that happy
pete4
Guest
Yes got the result in the end which was all important. However we need be switched on and play the full 90 mins come Saturday night if we are going to break our 93 year drought without a major trophy Stadium Australia make some noise!!!
Jack
Guest
To be fair we have won Oceania cup 4 times this is still a contenti trophy
jamesb
Guest
Twas a sloppy performance after the first twenty minutes. Our two CB's were magnificent. The rest not so. The second half ended up being offsideville. But not only have we made the final, but it helps our rankings.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Hmmm, South Korea will present a tougher challenge. Well done lads and now it's for Ange to plan the strategy and for us to win our first men's major silverware. Four more sleeps for what has been a fantastic tournament and one that has exceeded many peoples expectations.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Well done boys - well deserved finals birth.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Thank you to everyone who joined us on The Roar for this live blog, we look forward to seeing you all again soon!
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
FULL TIME The Socceroos have earned their place in a second consecutive final. The UAE will play Iraq for a third place spot. Some sloppy play in the second half by the Socceroos. They started off very well, but slowed down since their second goal. An early goal via the head of Sainsbury from a corner opened the scoring early on, and just twelve minutes in the Socceroos added a second through another defender in Jason Davidson. The UAE fought hard and well, but they lacked that finishing touch, their best chance coming in the first half when Sanquor hit the post after a very dangerous ball in the box. In the end, the Socceroos will be the team to take on Korea Republic this Saturday in the final. The only team to beat them in this tournament, the final is sure to be closely fought contest. The final score in Newcastle: SOCCEROOS 2 – 0 UAE
langou
Roar Guru
You beauty!!!!!!!!
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
90+3' - The UAE look to get the ball up field, but the referee blows the whistle for full time. SOCCEROOS 2 – 0 UAE
jamesb
Guest
Well done lads.