FOOTBALL fans might be excited about the Asian Cup landing on Australian shores but for many neutrals, the tournament is still something of a mystery.
We’re probably preaching to the converted here but as football’s chance to shine finally arrives with a major tournament on our own shores, it’s worth looking at some of the backstories to our region’s biggest tournament.
NORTH KOREA’S SECRECY
If the Asian Cup is a mystery to neutrals, North Korea are the enigma wrapped up inside.
There has been plenty written about what we don’t know about coach Jo Tong-sop’s (who replaced Yun Jung-su, banned from stadiums on matchdays after complaining about officials) team and even their first training session on Australian soil was something of an event, a silent arrival tinged with intrigue about how the players from the closed-off country will behave and respond to the glare of the sporting media — and the far-reaching gaze of their Dear Leader Kim Jong-un.
That secrecy makes the Chollima an even more enigmatic presence in this tournament and having only arrived in the country with three days to spare, we won’t know what to expect until their opening game against Uzbekistan on Saturday.
One of the few quotes to emerge from the camp was the hope “to win every game” — and the country’s “ronery” international reputation means every result will lead to gossip and probably quite a few poorly judged jokes.
Beyond what happens on the field, we’re highly unlikely to learn much more than we know now — but everyone loves a good mystery.
THE RICH GULF NATIONS
Qatar’s controversial selection as 2022 World Cup hosts isn’t likely to endear them to local fans, regardless of Australia’s own shambolic bid.
But this is just another reason why this Asian Cup is such a fascinating event; the Middle East is a hotbed of football, for good and bad, that has changed the game around the world.
Football’s growth in the region and the manner in which the super-rich Gulf states’ petrodollars have flown into all areas of the game’s landscape means the likes of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates cannot be ignored when they come to town (especially if they already have a foothold in the A-League).
Heading into the tournament Qatar appear to be one of the form teams and after beating Australia in a friendly last October, could be a good shot as pantomime villains, along with Saudi Arabia striker Nasser al-Shamrani.
For these tiny nations with huge riches and ambitions that have already changed the world game, the Asian Cup is a genuine platform for success — and even higher expectations — so expect them to take it very, very seriously.
IRAN’S RETURN
It’s been 18 years since Iran broke the Socceroos’ hearts and now Team Melli is back on Australian soil with a strong chance of claiming a fourth Asian Cup title. No one really holds a grudge against the Iranians for that unforgettable night in the lead-up to the 1998 World Cup but then … who wouldn’t want a little bit of revenge?
Keep your fingers semi-crossed, then, for Iran to top Group C and progress to the semi-finals, where, if results work out, a mouth-watering clash with the host nation could give the Socceroos the chance to even the scores.
Former Manchester United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz has flourished as boss in Tehran under difficult circumstances and as Asia’s highest-ranked side (almost 50 places higher than Australia), Iran should be considered real contenders. Let’s hope they do just well enough …
FOOTBALL TAKES THE STAGE
Opinions are divided on how the Australian public will respond to the Asian Cup. On one hand, we all love a big sporting event and the chance to cheer the Socceroos over a number of games at home in a tournament that actually matters is a chance rarely afford to Australian football fans.
On the flip side, the critics will tell you people don’t care about fixtures such as Uzbekistan v Korea and that attendances will reveal Australia’s true relationship with the round ball.
It’s a line football fans are used to hearing but most probably share a small amount of doubt over just how well the Asian Cup will capture the imagination of the Aussie summer.
South Korea fans line up for autographs at their team’s training session.Source: News Corp Australia
As usual, much rides on the Socceroos’ success. A ride to the final could be the making of the tournament, while goalless struggles could make it a hard sell to those sitting on the fence.
But the real fans aren’t going anywhere — apart from the games, hopefully — and we are all hoping that this is the moment football finally takes precedent. The reaction of the public and extended media will be one of the tournament’s biggest stories — so get your mates to the ground, convince your mum to watch a game, surprise your girlfriend with flowers and a couple of tickets. This is our chance to shine.
PALESTINE’S ARRIVAL
Underdogs don’t come much more intrepid than The Redeemers. Palestine’s political and security status means the 113th-ranked team in the world face difficulties most players have never experienced. With a squad made up of players from the West Bank, Gaza, four Israeli citizens and a number playing in far flung world leagues, even training together is something of an achievement.
The team only became a member of FIFA in 1998 and after claiming a surprise victory in the second-tier AFC Challenge Cup, Palestine face a daunting Asian Cup debut against reigning champions Japan. And given coach Ahmed Al Hassan only took over in October, the task ahead of them couldn’t be bigger.
But all that just makes their journey to Australia all the more compelling. For many back home, just qualifying is enough reason to celebrate and the game against Jordan, home to millions of Palestinian refugees, should be a great spectacle.
Their other Group D opponents Jordan and Iraq boast plenty of experience — but neither nation is in particularly good form and they are without a win since March. Could The Redeemers spring another surprise run to claim second spot and a place in the quarter-finals?
If Australia really does love an underdog, Palestine should surely be most people’s second team