The Asian Cup is almost upon us, and for Australia, it should be treated as if it held the same importance as the World Cup.
If the nation cannot compete in its own region, what hope do we have at the big moment, the World Cup? Spain rose through the Euros in 2008 before their South African triumph, and recently France made the final in the 2016 edition of the Euros.
After the golden generation, our next step as a footballing nation will be to consistently make it out of the World Cup group stage which will make the sport more rich and popular, flowing down to the A-League to grow crowds. This Asian cup is the perfect time for us to start taking the next step by making the semi-finals at least.
Since moving to Asia, we have become more competitive since our quarterfinal appearance in the 2007 debut. In 2011, we lost to Japan in the final and in 2015, we lifted the trophy on home soil.
The Asian Cup is the competition where we should be aiming to win every time, as it is definitely achievable and trophies will bring more fans. The national team has got to be performing at its best in the cup to regain a winning habit that will help with this younger squad of players for the Qatar World Cup in 2022.
Australia can beat anyone in this competition when we are at our best, but will have great competition in South Korea (recent 1-1 in Brisbane), Japan (great World Cup) and a couple of other countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and even Syria.
(AP Photo/Andy Brownbill, FILE)
Whilst the injuries to the squad could hurt Australia’s chances with many important players like Aaron Mooy, Martin Boyle, Mathew Leckie, Daniel Arzani and potentially Tom Rogic to miss games. The depth in the squad is very strong with many fringe players looking very exciting such as Chris Ikonomidis, Awer Mabil, Mustafa Amini, Jackson Irvine and Rhyan Grant will be looking to force their way into the best 11.
Australia has a great team but must approach the tournament in the right way as recently when we haven’t, we have been scared with draws against Thailand and nearly knocked out of World Cup qualifying by Syria. The Asian Cup is our big chance for a trophy, so let’s treat it as important as the World Cup and go on a great run.
MarkfromCroydon
Roar Pro
I think Iran might go all the way. They are the team to beat I reckon.
Tom Aalders
Roar Rookie
Should be a great tournament Mark. Do you think the cup will be a bit neglected though because there are not many so called superstars apart from Son playing in Europe? If you had to pick a winner who would you go?
Tom Aalders
Roar Rookie
Good safe bet but South Korea could be a good shout, Son’s in unbelievable form.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Japan
MarkfromCroydon
Roar Pro
Who's your tip to win the whole shebang?
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
No doubt about that. I just did the group stage simulator, ended up with India in the round of 16 and then Japan in the quarter.
MarkfromCroydon
Roar Pro
It was one of the highlights of my life to take my son up to Sydney in 2015 to witness live Australia's greatest ever sporting triumph. I hope we can go back to back. This tournament will be even bigger than the last one. With both India and China both qualifying, along with other well populated nations like Japan, South Korea and Thailand, nearly half the worlds population will be represented at the tournament, and there will be significant media interest and exposure across the globe. I fancy the winner will come from one of what I perceive to be the "Big 4" of Asia. Australia, Japan, South Korea or Iran. Whilst those nations have a strong football pedigree of winning this tournament and qualifying and doing well at World Cups, history counts for little come crunch time. However, form wise, they all look to be playing well, if not always getting the results the deserve. eg. In my opinion, the Iranians were super unlucky at the World Cup and I think they may be the one to beat this time.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
I predict Australia will make it through its group.