ASIAN CUP SET TO PROVIDE SURPRISES

Son, Heung Min in action for Korea Republic.

With hosts Australia going through an identity crisis at the moment, and numerous other Asian Cup contenders taking on new managers recently, the continental tournament is set to provide plenty of shocks.

Last year East Asian Soccer said neither Australia nor Japan could win the tournament. Since then Japan has experienced a stunning form turnaround, whilst Australia is still languishing at 100 in the FIFA rankings. 

Yes, Japan are back on our contenders list but there has been nothing to suggest Australia can suddenly halt their steep descent through the rankings. Current manager Ange Postecoglou is defiant in his bid to play pressing and passing football, despite the results the tactics have yielded (2 wins from 12 matches). 

The Socceroos come into the tournament opener against Kuwait heavily dependent on Tim Cahill. "They've always been a difficult opponent for Australia . . ." Postecoglou told the media at a recent press conference. But the general public are totally unaware of the threat of Kuwait. One radio station had hosts talking about brining on substitutes against Kuwait if the Aussies are leading 3-nil or 6-nil.

Kuwait themselves have had a recent managerial change and their form is also on a downward spiral, winning 1 from their last 6. Boss Nabil Maaloul said the team had regained some confidence since he took charge on December 18, after a disappointing Gulf Cup. Head to head it's Kuwait 5, Australia 3, and 2 draws.

Winners of the Gulf Cup in November, Qatar do nothing but impress me, and they're the dark horse of the tournament. The Maroon are undefeated in their last 11 matches. Amongst the scalps they've claimed are Uzbekistan, Australia and Estonia. In a tournament full of questions, the form line of Qatar provides answers. They'll advance through Group C, but they need to win their group or they'll face Japan in the quarter finals.

Iran manager Carlos Queiroz.

Iran were an early favourite at East Asian Soccer but their disrupted campaign has us concerned. Team Melli has had just two friendlies since their decent showing at Brazil 2014. Though it should be noted they won those two friendlies. One against Korea Republic in November and the other against Iraq last week. 

In their favour is the fact they meet Bahrain first, who we see as the weakest of their group opponents. Manager Carlos Queiroz has been coy since arriving in Australia and you get the feeling Iran is ticking along fine behind the smoke and mirrors.

Korea Republic is another definite contender. The Taeguk Warriors have too much class to not make an impact here in Australia. They haven't won the tournament since 1960 and it's high time for them to taste success again. 

With European based stars Ki Seung Yong, Lee Chung Yong,  Son Heung Min it's silly to think the Reds won't click at some stage of the tournament. After their wretched performance at Brazil, they'll be out to make amends. 

New manager Uli Stielike was a surprise choice for many, given he's had an on-off experience as boss. Most recently at Al Arabi in the Qatari Star League, the German should not have a problem with getting the Korean to click. Their glamour is backboned by some experienced campaigners, Cha Du Ri, Lee Keun Ho and 29 year old goalkeeper Jung Sung Ryong.

Korea Republic will advance through their group and most likely face China or Uzbekistan, from their they'll face Iran or Qatar in the semi final, before going all the way in front of a ravenous crowd of expats in Sydney. 

The Asian Cup is sure to provide plenty of surprises over the next three weeks. I'm crossing my fingers the hosts can advance beyond the group stage. 

JAPAN vs AUCKLAND CITY - Match Report

Though Auckland City had turned heads in the Club World Cup, they were clearly our of their depth against the Japanese national team.

In a first half where Auckland couldn't get the ball into the attacking third, it was a matter of how long. Played in the late afternoon of a sweltering hot Newcastle day both teams did seem a little off the pace at times. 

Until Yasuhito Endo's goal in the 33rd minute the best chances fell to Keisuke Honda and Shinji Okazaki. Honda lashing a bouncing volley wide, while Okazaki failed to get on the end of a teasing cross that crossed the face of goal.

With his goal coming off a deflected drive Endo bowed his head while receiving plaudits of his teammates. The Gamba Osaka midfielder showed his classy touch throughout the match but it was Keisuke Honda who had most influence over proceedings. 

Auckland looked to make amends in the second half and certainly acquitted themselves well. Nigerian Sanni Issa will surely have impressed any scouts on the lookout for a strong and speedy forward. His injection into the game ensured the Japanese defenders experienced some pressure prior to the tournament.

The Cessnock crowd full of Samurai Blue admirers were almost stunned when Issa found himself one on one with keeper Eiji Kawashima, after a quick counter down the kiwi left. The diagonal ball was met by Issa at the edge of the box, but the Nigerian could only spray the ball high and wide. A tough chance, but one that would light up the eyes of any footballer.

Japan took the warning in the 76th minute and Auckland never threatened again. With Kiyotake, Konno and Muto coming on 10 minutes into the second half, the changes proved a master stroke.

Kiyotake provided the assist for Okazaki's 90th minute goal after some clever interplay with Keisuke Honda. All that was left for the Mainz striker was to tap it in. 

Japan ending the match comfortable 2-0 winners after a minor scare in the 76th minute. 

SAMURAIS IN CESSNOCK

Cessnock Sportsground

Japan's soccer samurais have arrived in Australia and are wasting no time getting in some match practise. Today Japan will play one of two friendly fixtures in preparation for the Asian Cup. The unlikely location for the match is Cessnock, neighbouring Hunter Valley wine country.

More often associated with wine production and rugby league icons the Johns brothers, Cessnock has landed a major coup. Located 35 minutes from Newcastle CBD the township will not only host Japan vs Auckland City today, but Cessnock is also providing Japan's pre-tournament accommodation.

Cessnock Sportsground green keeper Greg Chappell said of the venue and surface, "You won't see it like this again."

The pitch is the home of local rugby league side the Cessnock Goannas, and Chappell was of the opinion that once the league season was in full swing (April-May) the surface would resemble a cow paddock.

Pitch level at Cessnock Sportsground

Nevertheless the pitch is currently in pristine condition and though the match is a friendly, Japan is expected to give opponents Auckland City a dressing down. The Kiwi club side (semi professional) is fresh from an unbelievable run to the semi finals of the World Club Cup.

The Navy Blues (Auckland City) themselves have two Japanese nationals in their squad. Thirty-one year old Takuya Iwata and twenty-five year old Kohei Matsumoto are expected to start for Auckland with Matsumoto coming in for the injured Simon Arms. The two will no doubt be taking the friendly very seriously. Adding to their Japanese contingent the Auckland City squad reads like a United Nations general assembly. The squad includes: Serbian, Spanish, Korea Republic, Potuguese, South African, Papua New Guinean, Nigerian, English and Croatian members.

With the Cessnock Sportsground in the condition it is, no amount of international flavour will allow Auckland City to trouble Japan, and with a well known betting agency offering $1.28 for the Samurais, it looks to me like taking candy from a baby. 

WESTERN SYDNEY OUT OF FINALS CONTENTION FOR 2014/15

It's a write off! Wanderers fans prepare yourself, for there is no fairy tale ending to A-League season 2014/15.

In these dark days Wanderers fans have been surviving off the rumours of a player overhaul in the January transfer window. With loud noises surrounding a number of players, manager Tony Popovic was quoted in the Daily Telegraph today, fanning the flames, "Every player is contracted but we'll see what happens in January."

So Western Sydney can expect new recruits soon, but new recruits require time. Firstly there is integration into the playing group, then there is adapting to the playing style. Add to that the forming of on field combinations that can break open a defence.

No doubt the Wanderers need time but that is something they dont have. They face an equally desperate Central Coast today before taking on Melbourne Victory on January 6th.

Yes, the Asian Cup break will give new recruits much needed time to be integrated into the group. But Western Sydney simply have to win from this point on.

A-League ladder 01/01/2015

With Melbourne City in 6th (the last finals position) and on 16 points, the Wanderers with their two games in hand are 13 points adrift. That is simply too much to reel in when you consider they will have to negotiate the ACL from late February onward.

Only a miracle can turn this season around, and the Wanderers have surely used up all the divine assistance due to them, for a year or two at least.

TEN AND A HALF TIPS FOR A GREAT ASIAN CUP

1. For foreigners, Don't Tip! In Australia it's not regular practice to tip, and that's due to our generous wages. No doubt many tourists would have discovered this already, but please don't waste your money tipping, as I and all of Australia would hate to see an expensive trend start.

2. Be in Brisbane for the weekend of January 16th-18th. On Friday you can see Japan take on Iraq, and the following night witness Australia vs Korea Republic. This is as good as the Asian Cup will offer in the Group Stage.

3. Buy tickets to another Asian Cup game. They're so cheap, FFA is almost giving them away. If the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar had a depressing off field theme, it was the excess of empty seats. It's hoped Australia can delete those scenes from Asian Cup memories.

4. Don't catch the train from Sydney Airport to Sydney itself. It's outrageously expensive. If possible catch a taxi with friends to your accommodation. Taxis are also expensive but you can split the cost among friends or fellow travellers.

5. When in Sydney visit the Queen Victoria Building. To do this you can take a train to Town Hall station, and the majority of exits from the station place you right there in the building. There's shopping, coffee, sushi and more. Oh, and it's a really cool old building with a unique timber constructed elevator.

6. Hire a car. If you arrive in Sydney and want to catch the Japan vs Palestine match in Newcastle, I recommend this option over the train trip. We don't have Shinkansen or fast trains, and the Country Link train ride from Strathfield Station to Newcastle is certainly not cosy.

By hiring a car you'll have the chance to stop off at Gosford on the way to Newcastle. And despite my constant niggling of the Central Coast Mariners and Gosford in general, it's actually a great little holiday town.

7. Please don't be offended when customer service staff in shops throughout the country ignore you. This happens to everyone, local or visitor. Unfortunately in Australia the customer is only a distraction to store staff's conversations and social media activity.

8. Take in the Western Sydney Wanderers home game at Parramatta's Pirtek Stadium on January 6th. There is no other team that can match Wanderers for whole crowd participation. You can take a train to Parramatta station and the ground is just a ten minute walk from there. Mind you, you'll probably have to buy tickets at the away supporters end.

9. Once again,when in Sydney (excuse me but I'm local) be sure to take a train to Circular Quay Station. Yes, I am biased, but there is no better 'get off' location in the world for a train station. I know this will spark debate, so please feel free to send all correspondence to my twitter account lewdub@NaoetsuCafe.

10. If you visit any Australian beaches, please take care. Unfortunately many locals and tourists have lost their lives in the surf. Our beaches are beautiful, but they're also Dangerous.

10.5 If you're going to bet on the Asian Cup, don't bet on Australia. The Asian Cup could not have arrived at a more ill timed period in Australian soccer history. A spate of big name retirements, injuries to key youngsters, and a poorly timed systemic overhaul have all but scuppered the chances of the home team.

Good luck, and enjoy the lucky country.

EAST ASIAN SOCCER - NEWS ROUND-UP

Usami and Patric embrace.

In Japan Gamba Osaka completed the domestic treble, after defeating second tier Montedio Yamagata in the Emperor's Cup Final. 

Just one week earlier Gamba had captured the J-League title, and with little time to celebrate, the Kansai natives were facing an upbeat Yamagata club who had just won promotion to J1 for 2015. It didn't take long for Gamba's class to tell though, with in form Takashi Usami finding the back of the net in the 4th minute, before Patric doubled the lead in the 22nd minute. 

In the second half the underdogs jagged a goal to restore hope, but once again Usami asserted the authority of the J-League champions. The match ending 3-1, Usami with two goals and an assist.

Stunningly the man of the match was still ignored by national team manager Javier Aguirre. True, the Samurais have a wealth of attacking midfielders, but this blogger was not the only one shocked by his absence in Japan's Asian Cup squad.

ASIAN CUP SQUAD

Japan's national team was officially announced on Monday. See below -

In a scoop for the Newcastle region where the Japanese squad will be based during the tournament, a friendly was recently announced for January 4th. The Japanese will take on New Zealand's most famous club side, Auckland City in Cessnock, while also taking on local side Lambton Jaffas in a behind closed doors trial. The Kiwi team has been a regular representative for Oceania at the Club World Cup, and turned a few heads this year after defeating Algeria's ES Setif. 

GK - Eiji Kawashima, Masaaki Higashiguchi, Shusaku Nishikawa
DEF- Yuto Nagatomo, Masato Morishige, Kosuke Ota, Uchida, Maya Yoshida, Tsukasa Shiotani, Gotoku Sakai, Gen Shoji
MF- Yasuhito Endo, Yasuyuki Konno, Makoto Hasebe, Shinji Kagawa, Hiroshi Kiyotake, Gaku Shibasaki,
ATT- Yohei Toyoda, Shinji Okazaki, Keisuke Honda, Yu Kobayashi, Takashi Inui, Yoshinori Muto.

ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW ANNOUNCED

The 2015 Asian Champions League draw has been completed, though there are still some unknowns,

In a promoters dream Western Sydney Wanderers have been grouped with Chinese gargantuans Guangzhou Evergrande. 

Fans of both clubs will not have forgotten 2014's cage fight in the ACL quarter finals. The match saw Marcello Lippi enter the playing field at Parramatta, after two controversial red cards were handed out to superstars Zhang Linpeng and Gao Lin. 

Joining them in Group H is the J-League's most successful club, Kashima Antlers. The Antlers enjoyed a return to prominence in the J-League, inspired by the form of youngster Gaku Shibasaki. Just as mouth watering is the prospect of Koreans FC Seoul coming through the play-off phase to join the triplet of talent in Group H. FC Seoul featured in the 2013 ACL Final against Guangzhou, while in 2014 they crashed out to Wanderers in the semi finals.

GAMBA OSAKA SET TO WALK AWAY WITH STUNNING TREBLE

Patric lighting it up for Gamba Osaka.

They've won the Yamazaki Nabisco Cup, they now lead the J-League, and they're set to face second tier Montedio Yamagata in the Emperor's Cup Final. Though nothing is guaranteed in Japanese soccer, Gamba Osaka's treble is as good a certainty that 'the land of the rising sun can offer'.

Gamba Osaka's story is a tale of two seasons. Prior to the mid season break the blue half of Osaka were mired in the relegation zone, 14 points off competition leaders Urawa. During the World Cup though, 27 year old Brazilian Patric was signed. Along with the return to fitness of Takashi Usami whose first starting appearance was in round 12, the Brazilian led Gamba on an unimaginable run of form, that will ultimately lead to J-League glory.

Patric has picked up nine goals in his 18 J-League matches. The Brazilian taking no time to adapt, partly due to his previous experience in Japan in 2013. Unlike the svelte figure of most, this Brazilian has a physical presence (think Hulk). At 189cm Patric has been the perfect foil for the likes of Usami and Shu Kurata.

Though nothing should be taken away from Gamba Osaka, last Saturday will also be remembered as the final act in one of the J-League's great capitulations.

Urawa led the J-League from round 19; around the time title challengers Sagan Tosu inexcusably sacked their manager. Ironically it was the Kyushu club that broke Reds hearts last weekend, with a last gasp equaliser to allow Gamba Osaka to go top of the league on for and against.

Urawa had gone ahead early in the second half on the back of a penalty. As a result Sagan Tosu were down to ten men, and things were looking rosy for the Reds. But in a nightmarish finale, Japan's biggest club conceded a corner, and then, virtually conceded the title.

The twitter-sphere almost broke down in the aftermath. J-League fans the world over looked to commiserate, or with words annihilate. The highlight for me being Barry Valder's work.

Mind the profanities. 

Now, in what seems a foregone conclusion, Gamba Osaka is tasked with taking three points on the road at relegation consigned Tokushima.

Meanwhile, the Reds have to beat Nagoya while carrying the psychological baggage of seven days ago. It just won't happen.

But as per usual in the J-League there is a joker in the pack. For the title race is a 'three horse' race, with Kashima Antlers poised just two points from the summit and ready to pounce on any slip ups from the aforementioned.