Hosts Australia are through the final of the Asian cup after a well earned 2-0 victory over United Arab Emirates (UAE) to set up a showdown with Asian heavyweights South Korea on Saturday.
The Socceroos physical approach caused difficulties for UAE and they dominated the game from start to finish. Their first goal came after 3 minutes from outspoken defender Trent Sainsbury to the delight of the capacity crowd inside the Newcastle Stadium.
A second goal was scored after 14 minutes as the Aussie’s once again exposed defensive frailties. The Socceroos had promised UAE star Omar Abdulrahman a torrid time. "Very tidy on the ball, not the hardest worker and I think we can exploit that," Sainsbury told the press.
Every time playmaker Omar had the ball he was quickly surrounded by Aussie midfielders and defenders. They provided him with what they promised, pressurising him in possession and tough tackling, disrupting his game. This is something he is going to have to get used to if he wants to make it in the big leagues in Europe.
The UAE surprisingly knocked out holders Japan 5-4 on penalties in the quarter-finals on Friday at the Stadium Australia in Sydney to set up this semi-final battle. However against the very experienced Socceroos, with players plying their trade in Europe, it was always going to bit one step too many.
Former Everton star Tim Cahill used his Premier league experience, breaking up the play with tough tackles followed by a pat his opponents head and a wink to win over the referee. He was in the thick of the action at both ends before being subbed after 60 odd minutes. Not bad for someone who played his first form of international football 21 years ago!
The final will be a different proposition for the Aussie’s. The South Korean’s disposed of Iraq at a canter in the other semi-final and so far have not conceded a goal in the tournament. They also beat the Socceroos 1-0 in the group stages, giving them the psychological edge.
Football in Australia is changing and evolving at a frightening pace. The A League is attracting better players and bigger crowds than ever. Internationally they are progressing nicely, they caused eventual winners Germany problems in the World cup. The future looks bright for the Socceroos and an Asian cup victory would really put the icing on the cake.
Source: DSG
