Socceroos to meet Japan in the final of Asian cup

The coronation of Asian football Championship is to be held on Saturday at the Khalifa Stadium in Doha between the top ranked sides of the continent-Australia and Japan.Both the teams had made their way to the final by keeping up the expectations on them.Japan beat their East Asian rivals South Korea in the first semi-final held on Tuesday in shootout(3-0) after a closely fought full time(1-1) and extra time(2-2).In the second semis Australia trashed the surprise entrants Uzbekistan(6-0) to reach the final for the first time in history on the same day.

The tournament which showcased excellent football had witnessed many upsets and surprise packages.The early exit of powerhouse Saudi Arabia and Gulf cup winners Kuwait was unbelievable by the way they were defeated.Central Asian surprise package Uzbekistan had played excellent game and reached the semi-final for the first time.Jordan and Syria rose as the new powers of East Asia while favorites failed to make their way.Defending champions Iraq and Iran moved to quarter beautifully but failed to make a seat in the semis. S.Korea,japan and Australia along with host Qatar also played according to expectations. Minnows India played excellently amid their low standard against the giant opponents in group-C. All those who were present at the venue ensured they had a bright future ahead.

The final is going to be a super clash.Australia,with their golden generation is all set to lift their maiden title in their second attempt after joining AFC, while Japan is looking for their 4th continental title.Socceroos had a good campaign in the competition beating India(4-0) and Bahrain(1-0) in the group stage and drawing with S.Korea(1-1).In quarter they ended the Iraqi dreams of defending their title(1-0) in a closely fought match and trashed Uzbekistan in the semis(6-0). Japan had a comeback after managing a draw against Jordan in the first match(1-1) by defeating Syria(2-1) and Saudi(5-0) in the group stage and ending Qatari dreams of their first semi-final in quarters(3-2) and then a shootout victory over S.Korea in semi-final(2-2)(3-0:SO). Both teams are capable of winning the title with their best line-up. So,it is going to be a match with all the beauty of football. And a title of history for both teams.

Asia ready for kickoff

Asia is ready for one of its biggest sporting events. One month after the successfull Asian games,the continent is prepared for the coronation of its football Kings. Qatar is allset to host the 2011 AFC Asian Cup starting from 7th January. The joy of being selected as the host of 2022 world cup is still continuing in this small Arabian country. To that joy is the Asian cup arriving this winter. And this time to carry out a magic of the everlasting Arabian tales Indian football team is arriving after a gap of 26 years, to a place were millions of Indians had find their luck of life. A place were dreams came true for them. It is the right place to start a new era of Indian football.

After the arrival of Bob Houghton as the manager, Indian team has shown much progress comparing to the last few decades. Two Nehru cup winning and the winning of AFC Challenge cup which qualified the team for Asian cup had made the football fans of the country jubilant. Now they are eagerly waiting to see India at the biggest arena of Asian football. It is the dreams fulfilled for the players now. Baichung Bhutia, who is the face of Indian football for last 15 years is the most experienced player with the side. United States MLS team 'Kansas City Wizards' striker Sunil Chettri, is another attraction. Along with them is the best players of India lined up for the competition. They have being preparing for last one year at various places like Nou camp, Dubai, Portugal,etc., As Houghton said they are ready for a surprise among the giant opponents of 'C' group-Australia,South Korea and Bahrain.

Asian cup this time is aiming to showcase a worldclass performance. All the giants of Asian football are coming for an Arabian triumph. The thrilling performance of the continents teams at the South Africa world cup showed that the worth of Asian football had improved. This Asian cup is a step to many such great achievements. Even it dont have the best players of world football, Asian cup will feature all the best of the continent in Qatar. Manchester United player JS Park of S.Korea is the leading attraction. Along with him World cup star K.Honda,Nakamura(Japan), Tim cahill,Lukas Niel, Mark Schwarzer(Australia),Yazar Al Qatani(Saudi Arabia), Mehdi Mehdavikia(Iran),Last editions most valuable player Younus Mahmoud(Iraq) are the other leading stars of the event. Carrying over the dreams of decades, all 16 teams are well prepared for the battle. It raises the expectation of a close competition for the trophy and an everlasting memory filled tournament like the last edition.

Among the giants Indian team is like the Sindbads fleet in a vast ocean. They have to really show some magic for a good result. They dont carry big dreams like others since the teams standard is very low compared to the giants of Asia. Even diehard fans do not expect a second round. But the presence of the team at the event itself is a big victory. Whatever maybe the result in Qatar, it is a giant step to future. This is a path to bigger dreams for Indian team. After 12 years, when Qatar host the worldcup,India expect their team at event with the support from the millions of Indians there. This is only the first step,to recapture the crown of Asian football and to move to the world stage. Let it be. Come on Indiaa.....................