AGUIRRE'S FATE IN JFA'S HANDS AFTER EARLY ASIAN CUP EXIT

Javier Aguirre and Japan arrived in Australia as favourites for the Asian Cup. As well as the burden of favouritism and the weight of expectation from back home, the manager himself was under scrutiny for his 'alleged' match fixing activities of the past. Despite that, the squad and Aguirre always looked in good spirits during their time in camp.

But in the aftermath of a shock quarter final exit to United Arab Emirates, it's fair to examine and review the team's performance, and in particular that of the manager.

Since being in charge Aguirre's Japan has conceded just eight goals in 11 matches. Four of them goals coming in the October thumping by Brazil, where the manager fielded an experimental squad. Settling on Yoshida (Southampton) and Morishige (FC Tokyo) for the Asian Cup, Aguirre seemed to have pulled the right rein. The pair conceded just once in their four matches in Australia.

Aguirre can also be credited for bringing fresh blood into the national team. In his short period of experimentation between the September friendlies and November friendlies, the Mexican gave time to numerous new faces. As a result youngsters Gaku Shibasaki, Yoshinori Muto and Gotoku Sakai were able to fit into the team seamlessly. The latter particularly impressive.

The debits on Aguirre's account are there, but were they debits already owed. Many reviews into Japan's World Cup performance concluded that Samurai Blue suffered a case of stage fright. Hailed as the 'golden generation', the team travelled to Brazil with a weight of expectation, unfamiliar to a Japanese national soccer team. They failed, and in Australia they failed.

In the Asian Cup quarter final against UAE, Japan bossed the possession 68% to 32%. They bossed the shots on goal stat 35-3. They won the corner count 18-0.

But as the realists among us know, stats count for nothing, and though he might want to, Aguirre can't put the ball into the back of the net himself. The manager witnessed Japan squander chance after chance against the emerging west Asian outfit.

Perhaps the biggest criticism of the Mexican has been his failure to rotate the squad during the tournament. Aguirre used the same starting eleven for all four Asian Cup matches. Managers can always counter this by referring to combinations, and the need to improve upon them with game time. Countering that though, is the harsh seasonal shift the players would have experienced, travelling from the northern hemisphere winter to Australia's hot summer.

Now Aguirre's fate is in the hands of the JFA. Will they use Japan's Asian Cup failure as an excuse to shift a manager currently under scrutiny for actions beyond the playing field, or will they stay loyal? 

KOREANS CRUISE INTO ASIAN CUP FINAL

Korean Republic have cruised into their first Asian Cup final since 1988. The Koreans overcame some early nerves to dispose of their less fancied rivals Iraq.

In front of a raucous 36,053 strong crowd on a wet Monday in Sydney, the Taeguk Warriors appeared to be letting the pressure of the occasion get to them. More than once the Koreans were dispossessed at the back while dwelling on the ball, no doubt causing heart palpitations for their managers Stielike.

But the early pressing from Iraq's Saad Abdulameer and Alaa Abdulzehra subsided after some threatening counters from Son, Heung Min. The conservative measures couldn't spare the Iraqis though, as Lee, Jeong Hyeop headed hard and low to make it 1-0 in the 20th minute.

The Koreans were on a roll from that point on, and a theme for the half was the sight of Younis Mahmoud's frustrated body language, remonstrating every time he was denied possession.

Kim, Young Gwon gave the Koreans a 2 goal buffer early in the second half, after a ball was chested into his path by a teammate. The Guangzhou Evergrande defender picking up a rare goal.

With Iraq forced to take more risks that match played out with Bundesliga star Son, Heung Min making a number of slalom runs through midfield, giving his final opponents more warning of his potential.

The final score of 2-0 meaning the Koreans remain undefeated and still yet to be scored against in the Asian Cup so far. The Taeguk Warriors now stay on in Sydney as Australia and United Arab Emirates play off in Newcastle for the other finals berth.

ABDULRAHMAN NOT THE ONLY THREAT TO SAMURAIS

At yesterday's pre match press conference for Japan versus United Arab Emirates, Samurai Blue manager Javier Aguirre made it clear that his team will be wary of more than just shining light Omar Abdulrahman.

Aguirre's tenure as manager for Japan has been largely successful, apart from a hammering from Brazil in October, while fielding an experimental squad.

But now Japan faces a stern test. They've had quite an easy group stage where it's been possible for them to take their foot off the accelerator and ease back. That won't be possible against the UAE who dominated the majority of their match with Iran.

Probed on who was the key player in the UAE, Aguirre paid respect to the whole team. "I would not be fair to them if I name some. They're a competitive team," the manager said.

Clearly Aguirre didn't want to give airplay to his means of containing Omar Abdulrahman, though Japan would be naive though if they thought they could get through this match without a plan for the UAE's key player.

Meanwhile, United Arab Emirates manager Mahdi Ali has hinted that his team will be doing their best to close down Keisuke Honda. Ali and his team have studied Japan closely and he noted, "They always play an open game and they like to play a possession game, and for us I think it is the same."

With the game played in Sydney tonight, it's expected that more than 20,000 will be in attendance. Last night Melbourne was able to draw 23,381 to the Korea Republic vs Uzbekistan quarter final. Though Sydney still has a semi final to host, plus the final, the 'big city' will quietly assert itself again tonight as the premier sporting city of Australia.

Samurai Blue will have the majority of the support given Australia's fondness for all things Japanese. But if the Asian Cup champions advance to the semi final in Newcastle, the fondness and friendly relations will be cast aside.

CHINA SETS UP QUARTER FINAL FIXTURE WITH AUSTRALIA

China vs DPR Korea at Canberra

Safely qualified for the knoockout phase China met DPR Korea in Canberra for the last of their group round fixtures. Their opponents on the other hand were playing with two losses behind them, and the knowledge they'd soon be leaving the sunny shores of Australia.

Early on North Korea displayed some of the defencive frailties that have been a hallmark of their campaign. They went behind inside the first minute after a centre back misjudged the flight of the ball, and in form striker Sun, Ke pounced.

By the 15th minute Ke was through on goal again, but on this occasion it was owed to a clever interplay in midfield. The Jiangsu Sainty recruit found himself on the right of the box and unselfishly, sent a low ball across the face of goal. His teammates were unable to meet the ball, for what would have been a tap in.

A regular theme throughout the half were the sightings of both Chinese fullbacks in the attacking third. Manager Alain Perrin it seems has given them license to roam, and coupled with the passing game of Hao, Junmin, the Chinese pose a true threat.

Though it should be mentioned that before Sun, Ke made it 2-0 with a gift of a goal, the North Koreans did open up the Chinese. Jong, Il Kwan lunged at close to full stretch, in order to race the advancing Wang, Dalei (GK) to a lobbed through ball. His contact was too heavy though and the ball sailed over the bar.

With their 2-0 lead in hand China took their foot off the gas in the second half. The replacement of Guangzhou's battle hardened midfielder Zheng, Zhi may have had a lot to do with the space the North Koreans suddenly had to operate in.

Barely ten minutes into the second half, a cross was allowed to sail from one side of the box to the other. It was left to 22 year old Jong Il Kwan to finish the job, with a neat cut back and finish. Sadly for Jong the goal was labelled an own goal, after deflecting off Gao Lin.

North Korea threatened again late in the match, and this will be something manager Allain Perrin will be analysing in the lead up to the quarter final with Australia in Brisbane.

Asked about China's second half performance after the match, Zhang, Linpeng put it down to mental strength. "We didn't concentrate very well, so we made some mistakes."

Quizzed on how China could beat the Socceroos, the Guangzhou Evergrande fullback indicated his confidence in his French manager. "Australia's team is a very strong team, the players are very strong, very skillful, very fast. We just need to follow the coach's instructions," he said.

China will head to Brisbane as underdogs, and for the first time their fans will be outnumbered. On their side though is the fact they've won on the much maligned Brisbane surface, twice. Contrastingly it's Australia who has been one of the loudest detractors of the pitch.

IRAN vs QATAR: Match Report

Tens of thousands of Iranian fans descended upon Sydney's Stadium Australia for what was expected to be akin to a training ground match, after opponents Qatar were battered by UAE in their Asian Cup  opener.

But the Iranians met a commited opponent. Early on the Iranians had the better of play. Forward Sardar's glancing header had the fans on their feet and the Qataris looked lost in the noise and fanfare created by the large Iranian contingent in attendance. 

However, the Gulf Cup champions found a way into the match. There best outlet Lekhwiya midfielder Mohamad Ismail, made countless runs into the attacking third. Unfortunately for Qatar his crosses were either intercepted or of poor quality. 

Qatar's left back also found a way into the attacking third, and a measure of the seriousness of his threat was the manner in which Dejagah brought him down. His sliding tackle from behind could politely be described as disrespectful of a fellow professional. Unbelievably Dejagah got off scot free. 

With Qatar having the better of play by the half hour mark, a frustrated Nekounam could be seen gesticulating toward Masoud. While the experienced heads talked, Dejagah was busy in the action, reeling off a shot on the brink of half time, as Iran edged back into the contest.

At the commencement of the second half Iran asserted themselves. Midfielder Masoud forcing his opponent into a yellow card offence as he dribbled man on man toward the perimeter of the box. And when Qatar turned it over in their own half the rampaging Dejagah was on the scene to quickly feed Sardar. Sardar simply swivelled and lost his marker, before stabbing the ball into the far corner.

Iran were happy to sit back and attack on the break from that point on. Former Fulham midfielder Dejagah putting in an 'energizer bunny' performance as his teammates provided a free sample of Iran's award winning defence. 

Qatar threw everything at the Iranians, but Team Melli showed more evidence of their signature impregnable defence. Though early on Muntari was often short of a teammate in the attacking third, late in the second half, Qatar would have needed their whole complement to surge forward to match Iran's numbers at the back. 

The final minutes became a replay reel of Qatari long balls, launched in vein, as Iran's battalion at the back remained miserly. Iran now head into their match with UAE assured of qualification for the knockout phase, likewise their opponents. Both will march with trepidation toward a possible quarter final showdown with Japan.

KUWAIT v KOREA REPUBLIC: Match Report

More then 9000 were in attendance on Tuesday for Kuwait vs Korea Republic. Those there,  predominantly in red turned the fixture into a quasi home game for the Taeguk Warriors.

In an uneventful and tame first 20 minutes Kuwait looked to be capable of matching the Koreans, who were fielding a first eleven minus a number of starters from their Asian Cup opener.

Creative midfielder Aziz looked to be the outlet for Kuwait with a couple of maizy runs from midfield. Unfortunately Aziz was also responsible for some errant passes as Kuwait struggled to maintain meaningful possession the longer the half went.

In the 25th minute some sloppy work by Jang allowed Yousef to pounce and the two were shoulder to shoulder heading into the box. Jang already cautioned did enough to force a poor first touch from Yousef, and the danger was averted.

The incident proved to be a turning point, minutes later Lee, Keun Ho was staring down goal with a one on one opportunity after a Kuwaiti opponent was dispossessed. The former Gamba Osaka forward's lob tapped over the bar.

But the Koreans would get their go ahead goal in the 36th minute. It was via what could be called a Korean cliche - another Cha Du Ri wing raid. Nam Tae Hee flew through a pack of blue shirts to make it one nil, with his head.

The second half got underway in the same inclement conditions but the action was at maximum contrast settings. Kuwait were ready to take risks with their Asian Cup lives on the line.

Midfielder Ali Almaqseed was first to raise the question with his shot that rattled the woodwork. A free kick moments later sailed on by the Korean defence the saving grace being that their Kuwaiti opponents were caught off guard, unable to poke home what should have been an equaliser.

The pulsating second half saw both teams with multiple chances, the Koreans wasteful when they surged into the attacking third with extra men. But the highlight of the match was the courageous performance of Aziz.

The midfielder winning a number of free kicks and playing himself to a stand still with step overs, and evasive dribbling. Teammate Almaqseed was just as inspirational though at one stage his enthusiasm bubbled over into a reckless foul on Ki.

For Korea Republic the match will raise questions about their defence as they were regularly prised open through the centre of the field. And their finishing will also come under scrutiny, no doubt they'll head into their final group match against Australia with a stronger first eleven.

For Kuwait, Oman must spring an upset against the Socceroos tonight, before the blues then face their Gulf rivals on Saturday in Newcastle. Korea Republic 1-0 Kuwait.

JAPAN v PALESTINE - Match Report

A large contingent of flag waving Palestinian fans blew into Newcastle for the country's first ever Asian Cup fixture. Facing the continental champions Japan, the odds were stacked against them, though the weather conditions certainly hindered the favourites.

Japan got the scoring underway after the Palestinians laid deep, inviting trouble. Midfield general Yasuhito Endo used the time and space to drive the ball from outside the box, into the far left of goal.

For a brief period the Palestinians had themselves in the attacking third, but it was brief and unthreatening.

Making an impact however, was Japan's fresh faced right back Gotoku Sakai. The Stuttgart defender linked well on a number of occasions with Shinji Okazaki and Keisuke Honda.

When Japan's second goal did finally arrive it was with the aid of some good fortune. Left back Nagatomo had charged into the box rounding defenders at the bye-line where he had no option but to cross. The Palestinians failed to fully clear. Dortmund attacker Kagawa bursted onto the ball from midfield, with forward Okazaki redirecting the missile into goal.

With a 2-nil deficit to act on Palestine showed some encouraging signs through midfield, Said and Abuhabib linking occasionally. But the wind was taken out of their sails when a penalty was awarded moments before half time. Honda slotting it away after Okazaki was clattered into.

The second half was barely underway when Southampton defender Maya Yoshida made it 4-0. The big man simply leaping higher than his opponents.

From that point the Japanese seemed to take the foot off the pedal. Half time substitute Kiyotake and 58th minute sub Muto were unable to maintain the momentum.

Despite the scoreline and windy conditions the Palestinian fans continued to sing and dance, and every time star striker Ashraf found himself with the ball near the box, the decibels were raised.

With 73 minutes past defender Mahajna picked up his second yellow card. At that point there was a feeling the flood gates may open but the Japanese didn't take advantage. It was a second half performance that never kicked off.

Apart from a late goal mouth scramble Japan didn't look like extending their four goal lead.

Nevertheless the champions of Asia have stamped their mark on the tournament, matching Australia's four goal haul against Kuwait. Japan now head to Brisbane, to take on Iraq who defeated Jordan 1-0.