Asian Cup Final preview: Australia vs. South Korea

Following a very disappointing 2014, the Socceroos have done it, they have reached a second successive Asian Cup final. A 2-0 win against the UAE sealed Australia's spot in the final and another chance to win their first major trophy. South Korea will be a tough proposition, they are yet to concede a goal in the tournament, but Australia has the strongest attack and is more than capable of causing them problems as shown in the group stage match between them. Whatever happens on Saturday, the winner will be a worthy champion.

3 Points to take away from Australia vs. South Korea

Top spot in Group A was there for the taking as Australia faced South Korea in Brisbane. The Socceroos played well and were able to control the match for most of it. Unfortunately an all too familiar lapse in concentration and a lack of communication allowed South Korea to construct a simple play that led to the only goal of the match, the final score ending 0-1. South Korea defended extremely well and were able to frustrate Australia by disrupting the flow of the game. By finishing second, the Socceroos now have a tougher route to the final starting with China in the quarter final and potentially a semi final against favourites Japan. Here are three points to take away from the match against South Korea...

3 Points to take away from Australia vs. Oman

Australia's second match at the Asian Cup, against Oman, was tipped to be a tricky one. However, the Socceroos were able to dominate proceedings and kill off the match by half time when they headed into the dressing rooms leading by three goals to nil. The dominance continued in the second half with the match finishing with a four nil scoreline. The Socceroos produced a very comfortable and routine performance, something that has become rare in recent times. Here are three points to take away from it...

3 Points to take away from Australia vs. Kuwait

The 2015 Asian Cup kicked off with hosts Australia going up against Kuwait. The Socceroos had an extremely nervy start to the match where they conceded an early goal. Once settled, Australia was able to take control and assert their dominance to come out 4-1 winners. It was an exciting match to start the tournament with, which produced many talking points. Here are three points to take away from it...

3 reasons why Australia can win the Asian Cup

The Asian Cup begins this Friday, a tournament that presents the Socceroos with their best chance at winning their first major trophy. Here are three reasons why Australia can become champions...

1. Tactical Versatility

Australian coach Ange Postecoglou is obsessed with finding the right formula, tactics and system to get the Socceroos playing not only attractive but also efficient football. Some of the features that have been prominent since Ange took over include playing out from the back, playing with the ball on the ground, using pace on the wings, being imposing on the opposition and using Tim Cahill as a focal point up front. However, Ange has emphasized versatility and adaptability most of all. He chose players who are specifically competent in tactical awareness and reading the game and technically mobile and versatile. This will allow Ange to be extremely adaptable to the conditions, opposition and tactics encountered in every situation. I think Ange's hard work on Australia's style of play, tactics and philosophy will finally bear fruit at the Asian Cup.

2. Quality Players, Quality Results

Most often than people realise, football becomes a simple game where the team with the better players wins the match. Although it might be a huge mistake to look at it like this and potentially underestimate the opposition, the Australian players need to gain confidence from their pedigree and experience and really take the initiative against inferior opposition. In my opinion only Japan can match Australia on paper and the Socceroos must take full advantage of that. Not every team has the best goalkeeper in Belgium like Matt Ryan, a captain of an English Premier League team like Mile Jedinak or a goal scorer as good as Tim Cahill. Once Australia takes to the field I expect the quality to shine through, which should see the Socceroos make easy work of the group stage and grow in confidence as the tournament progresses.

3. Home Advantage

Playing at home just can't be overlooked, it's not a coincidence that many fan groups call themselves the "twelfth man". Anyone that doesn't believe in home ground advantage in football is simply naive. It has been twenty matches, nearly six years since the Socceroos have lost at home. In recent times the Socceroos have truly made Australia a fortress and playing against Australia at home is a different proposition. Australia is well known for rising up to the occasion in big cup tournaments such as the World Cup and I expect the players to rise even more playing in front of their own fans. To win a major tournament you need three things, quality, a bit of luck and passion. The big Australian crowds should provide the players with all the passion and pride needed to succeed.

Japan 2 - 1 Australia

Japan welcomed Australia to the Nagai Stadium in Osaka with non-stop chanting and screaming from more than 50000 fans. The Socceroos didn't seem intimidated by the imposing atmosphere and started the match strongly. However, as the contest went on Australia lost control of the match and Japan's quality eventually shined through to give them a 2-1 win. Another loss for coach Ange Postecoglou and more things to worry about in what was a last hit out before the start of the Asian Cup in January. The starting lineup was Matt Ryan; Aziz Behich; Trent Sainsbury; Alex Wilkinson; Ivan Franjic; Matt McKay; Mile Jedinak; Massimo Luongo; James Troisi; Robbie Kruse; Matthew Leckie.

The Socceroos Officially in Crisis

After a very promising showing at the World Cup that even surprised our own fans, the Socceroos seem to have fallen into a hole that is getting deeper and deeper with each step. The nightmare for the Socceroos worsened in recent weeks when poor performances led to disappointing results in the recent round of friendlies against opposition that we were expected to beat comfortably. This resulted in Australia falling to its lowest FIFA ranking (94) of all time. To top it all off, the Young Socceroos failed to qualify for next year's U-20 World Cup. With just a few months until the start of the Asian Cup and only one friendly match left before then, can Ange Postecoglou resurrect the squad and get the Socceroos ready in time?

The Road to the Asian Cup Continues: Australia 3 - 2 Saudi Arabia

The Socceroos continued their preparations for the Asian Cup with a win in this morning's friendly against Saudi Arabia. It was actually the first win for the Socceroos in over ten months, a fact that should give the players some much needed confidence. However, the performance was poor overall and it raised more questions than answers. Australia's last few matches, including the World Cup, were promising showings that most agreed were a good base to build on with the ultimate goal being reaching the Asian Cup in top shape. When we struggle against nations such as Saudi Arabia though, it might be time to start worrying. Especially since Australia only has three more scheduled friendlies before the start of the Asian Cup and time is very limited. At the end of the day it's the result that counts in football and Australia did manage to win this match.

First hit out after World Cup: Belgium 2 - 0 Australia

For most national sides post World Cup friendlies are just occasions to get together, have some fun and reflect on the tournament that was, an "after party" so to speak. Australia though has no time to waste, the Asian Cup is just around the corner and time is precious. It was always going to be tough to play against a side which is going through a golden generation and are on a high after just reaching the quarter finals at Brazil 2014. The Socceroos were outclassed, out-muscled and outplayed but once again we didn't embarrass ourselves and kept the scoreline respectable.

TACTICS FOCUS: The Re-emergence of the 3-5-2 Formation

Formations and tactics in football seem to come in and out of fashion in an almost cyclic manner. It is difficult to pinpoint how long each of these cycles last but there are certain characteristics that trigger a formation to be used again or to stop being used. In the 90s the 4-4-2 came into fashion due to the tendency to play more direct football using strong, tall strikers. It became less prevalent once players were coming through in the mould of Messi, Robben or Hazard, small but technically gifted. The 4-3-3 became the standard in the last ten years as teams were looking to dominate possession and play attractive football at the same time, highlighted by Pep Guardiola's Barcelona. In the last few years the 3-5-2 formation has been making a comeback, which hasn't been widely utilised in nearly fifteen years. The 3-5-2 uses three central defenders, five midfielders (two being "wing-backs") and two forwards. We'll take a look at why the formation is becoming popular again, it's strengths and weaknesses and why it probably won't work in the Premier League.

Why FIFA should use a reduced calendar leading up to the World Cup

The Brazil 2014 World Cup was one of the best and most entertaining in recent times. It had close to the highest amount of goals for the tournament, it had great teams that made it a very open competition and it produced matches that will be remembered as classics. However, it didn't have two things that come hand in hand with most World Cups, an outright outstanding player and a completely dominant team. When you think of great World Cup players you think about Rossi in 82', Maradona in 86', Romario in 94' or Ronaldo in 98', all FIFA Golden Ball winners. When you think of dominant team performances you think about Italy 34', Brazil 70', Germany 74', Argentina 78' or Spain 10'. In 2014, it was Germany who won the trophy and Lionel Messi who won the Golden Ball, two facts that the stats and figures don't support. Most fans were satisfied with Brazil 2014 but I think it could have been even better. I believe that player fatigue hampered both team and individual performances at this year's World Cup and that FIFA should consider a change to its calendar for the season before the tournament.

Australia's World Cup Campaign: A look back at Brazil 2014

It has been just over a month since Australia was eliminated from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and it's time that we look back on a tough but exciting campaign for the Socceroos. Australia went into the World Cup as the lowest ranked footballing nation of the tournament but after some strong performances and exciting individual efforts, the Socceroos left the competition receiving plenty of plaudits. Although Australia weren't able to win any games, they were far from being the worst nation at the World Cup. New coach Ange Postecoglou walked away satisfied and excited by the prospect of what is to come in the next few years, the transition process was well under way. The squad landed in Brazil with a weakened side due to the many injuries that occurred in the months leading up to the start of the tournament but like Australia has done so many times, the team rose up to the occasion and delivered performances that the fans could be proud of.

World Cup 2014 Group H Analysis

Group H at the 2014 World Cup contains Belgium, Russia, Algeria and South Korea. Although it's a group without a traditional super power, this group is extremely interesting. Both Belgium and Russia are going through a golden period with their squads, developing good young players and have established world class teams. Algeria continues to improve while South Korea still plays an exciting and free flowing style of football. However all the talk seems to be about Belgium where some people are even saying that it would not be a surprise if they go all the way and become world champions. In every world cup there is one team that surprises everyone, in Brazil that team looks likely to emerge from this group.

World Cup 2014 Group G Analysis

Another exciting group at World Cup 2014, group G contains Germany, Portugal, Ghana and the USA. A famous World Cup quote about Germany said by Gary Lineker goes, "Football is a simple game; 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win.". That quote might have rung true at the 1990 World Cup as Germany lifted the trophy but they will find it a lot tougher in 2014 from the get go. Portugal with an unstoppable Cristiano Ronaldo will have self belief that they can snatch top spot in the group. While Ghana and USA continue to grow and improve, they will put up a good fight and could cause an upset.

World Cup 2014 Group F Analysis

In a World Cup having a relatively "easy" group can often help a good team get into their groove and gradually improve until they hit top form in the latter stages of the tournament. On the other hand, it can also have negative effects when a team gets too complacent, is surprised by the quality of the opposition and is eliminated much earlier than expected. Argentina has had the pleasure of experiencing both of these extremes in the past. In 1986 they had a fairly easy group and advanced to the knockout stages, Maradona got stronger and stronger as the tournament went on and they were crowned champions. In 2002 however, going into the tournament as favourites and being drawn in a group they were expected to get through from comfortably, they were eliminated. This time around they once again find themselves in a relatively "easy" group which consists of Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria.

Australia 1 - 1 South Africa

Australia took on South Africa last night at ANZ stadium as more than 50000 people turned up to farewell the Socceroos before they depart for Brazil. Unfortunately a shaky performance and an underwhelming result left more questions than answers by full time. One thing is for sure, there is still a lot of work left to do before our first World Cup group match. Brazil 2014 will undoubtedly be our toughest World Cup tournament to date. Here's my analysis and thoughts after last night's match...

World Cup 2014 Team Kits

Here are all 32 team kits for the 2014 World Cup...

World Cup 2014 Team Lists

Keep up to date with all the World Cup squads here...

World Cup 2014 Group E Analysis

Group E is yet another tough group that is difficult to predict, in this World Cup there are few groups that are straight forward. Group E contains Switzerland, who are one of the strange top seeds, Ecuador, France and Honduras. This group has a great variety of footballing styles, which contrast each other. There are now only 51 days until the start of the 2014 World Cup, lets see what Group E has to offer...

World Cup 2014: Group D Detailed Analysis

The unusual seedings for the 2014 World Cup resulted in very unbalanced groups. We will see some very strong teams playing against each other in the early stages of the tournament and many people say that there is no clear "group of death". However, if I had to choose one group that stands out as the strongest and most unpredictable it would have to be Group D. Three out of the four teams in Group D are former World Cup champions who are all in fairly good form. The group contains Uruguay, Costa Rica, England and Italy.