AFC Asian Cup
UAE to host Asian Cup in 2019
The Asian Football Confederation has announced the 2019 Asian Cup will be held in the United Arab Emirates for a second time.
Antonis can't wait to get back into the A-League after Asian Cup high
Sebastian Hassett The rush of being part of the Socceroos squad was something Terry Antonis will never forget - but not kicking a ball for the entire tournament has left the midfielder itching to return to Sydney FC.
A-League doesn't seem to figure in Cahill Inc plans
Sebastian Hassett Tim Cahill's move to Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua probably shuts the door on the Socceroo legend's A-League ambitions, at least for another year and possibly forever.
Asian Cup community program a unifying force
Dominic Bossi The Asian Cup could have a far greater legacy with the FFA seeking to maintain the community ambassador program that made this tournament a success.
In Ange they trust - but will rest of us follow?
Andrew Webster Ange Postecoglou has rebuilt the Socceroos. But talk of world domination might be pushing it.
Franjic and Kruse make sacrifice for glory
Sebastian Hassett Socceroos right-sided duo Ivan Franjic and Robbie Kruse suffered serious injuries in Australia's Asian Cup triumph over South Korea but the pair believe their sacrifice was well worth the price of success.
Six of the best: Highlights of the Asian Cup
Dominic Bossi, Michael Lynch and Sebastian Hassett Dominic Bossi, Michael Lynch and Sebastian Hassett look at the highs and lows of the Asian Cup.
We've proved doubters wrong: Cahill
Sebastian Hassett Socceroos star Tim Cahill says the national team's triumph in the Asian Cup has proven everyone who doubted the team wrong and that coach Ange Postecoglou should be praised for the squad's regeneration.
Equaliser stirred memories for Mat Ryan
Sebastian Hassett Mat Ryan has revealed that when South Korea scored their equaliser, he had flashbacks to the 2011 A-League grand final between Brisbane Roar and Central Coast.
Luongo excels in Socceroos environment
Dominic Bossi Massimo Luongo says he has always been the style of player that lit up the 2015 Asian Cup but required the right team environment to feel comfortable enough to shine.
Lowy eyeing 2018 World Cup success
Dominic Bossi Football Federation of Australia has set its targets on not just reaching the 2018 FIFA World Cup but advancing to the second round following the Socceroos' 2015 Asian Cup triumph on home soil.
These Socceroos have conquered final frontier
Michael Cockerill Better teams have represented Australia, and better players have played for Australia. But there's never been a bigger achievement, or a better moment, than this.
Socceroos, Ange and the game rid themselves of inferiority complex
Michael Lynch The status that comes with being the champions of Asia is immense in one of the world's most populous regions, so Australia's triumph in the Asian Cup is a huge boost for the game in this country.
'It was just instinct': Juric
Sebastian Hassett The striker whose extraordinary solo effort produced the chance to win the Asian Cup for Australia, Tomi Juric, says he didn't have time to think through the inspired moment that ultimately led to James Troisi's match-winning goal in extra-time.
Five crucial moments
Dominic Bossi Saturday night's Asian Cup decider between Australia and South Korea boiled down to these key moments.
Socceroos coach says win just the beginning
Michael Lynch Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has called for Australia's triumph in the Asian Cup to become the springboard for a golden era for the national team.
Live Asian Cup final: Socceroos v South Korea
Adam Pengilly Can the Socceroos go one better than in the 2011 as they play in front of a packed house in Sydney.
Asian Cup win
Sebastian Hassett The Socceroos have survived a spirited South Korean comeback to claim the biggest prize in the history of Australian football with a 2-1 extra-time victory in the Asian Cup final at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Saturday night.
Asian Cup: the best team
After much debate, football experts Michael Lynch, Sebastian Hassett and Dominic Bossi have selected their top team from the hundreds of players who competed in a stellar Asian Cup.
Asian Cup success just the tip of the iceberg
Craig Foster The organisation, feeling of goodwill towards every team and Aussie openness created an Asian Cup of exceptional quality that will be long admired all across Asia.
Omar Abdulrahman masterclass sinks Iraq in Asian Cup third-place play-off
Josh Leeson Omar Abdulrahman provided one final Asian Cup masterclass in Australia on Friday night as he inspired the United Arab Emirates to a 3-2 victory over Iraq in the third-place play-off at Hunter Stadium.
After six of the best, Postecoglou chases Socceroos' seventh heaven
Sebastian Hassett For some, there's a certain cultural cringe when it comes to Australian football and the playing of finals. But not for Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou. And if there's an edge the Socceroos need going into Saturday night's Asian Cup final, his unbelievable finals record might well be it.
Socceroos' Mat Ryan has the mother of all inspirations
Daniel Lane If the character of the mother forged the mettle of her son Socceroos' supporters would have good reason to believe that whenever goalkeeper Mat Ryan is put to the test in Saturday night's Asian Football Cup final he'll fight like hell.
Why Sepp Blatter is the perfect man for a captain's pick
Malcolm Knox On behalf of all the world's sportspeople, sports communities and sporting bodies, may I take this opportunity to reject any suggestion that the term 'Captain's Pick' has anything to do with us.
Mile Jedinak just enjoying the moment of the Asian Cup final
Dominic Bossi It has been a long road for Mile Jedinak. In June 2006, he was an unemployed footballer driving three hours a day just to land a job in the A-League. On Saturday, he will lead Australia out of the tunnel in front of 80,000 people in the 2015 Asian Cup final.
Asian Cup victory would give Socceroos their mojo back
Michael Cockerill Saturday's final against South Korea is a seminal moment for the Socceroos.
South Korea yet to concede – can Australia breach their defences
Michael Lynch They have made the final despite two of their 23-man squad - Koo Ja Cheol and Lee Chung Yong - being missing through injury and their star player, Son Heung Min, affected by illness.
Former Socceroo says South Korea's weakness now their strength
Dominic Bossi The art of turning their weakness into their strength has been the backbone of South Korea's success this Asian Cup with coach Uli Stielike hailed as the architect.
Winners and losers of the Asian Cup
Dominic Bossi It is the final Hairdryer of the tournament so a chance to review on the hits and misses of the Australia's Asian Cup.
The Lowdown - Asian Cup Final: Australia v South Korea
Sebastian Hassett The Lowdown - Asian Cup Final: Australia v South Korea
Five things you should know about Australia
Dominic Bossi Five things you should know about Australia before Saturday's Asian Cup final.
Socceroos star has much to ponder on eve of Asian Cup
Michael Cockerill If this is the end for Tim Cahill, you wonder if he'll cast his mind back to the beginning as he prepares for the final of the Asian Cup, the perfect bookend to a magnificent career.
Five things you should know about South Korea
Dominic Bossi If the 2015 Asian Cup goes down to penalties, South Korea might not fancy their chances. According to former Seongnam Ilhwa captain Sasa Ognenovski, the Koreans are not confident from the spot.
Stielike hopes to crown coaching career
Michael Lynch Having earned a comparison to the great Franz Beckenbauer, it is clear South Korean coach Uli Stielike was a very decent player in his own right. Now the bespectacled, balding Stielike has made the South Koreans more than just difficult to beat.
Franjic 'should be ready' for Asian Cup final
Sebastian Hassett Socceroos defender Ivan Franjic won't be 100 per cent fit going into Saturday night's Asian Cup final against South Korea at ANZ Stadium but coach Ange Postecoglou has backed his right-back to recover sufficiently from a hip injury.
Iraq look to World Cup qualifiers
Paul Johnson It's a case of winning the battle of the Middle East for Iraq and the United Arab Emirates when they take the pitch for the Asian Cup third/fourth place playoff at Hunter Stadium on Friday.
Kruse in control of own destiny now
Michael Lynch They say you don't know what you have got until it's gone. That certainly wasn't the case when Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou got the devastating news early last year that Robbie Kruse needed a knee reconstruction and would miss the World Cup.
Five things: South Korea v Australia
Dominic Bossi Some familiar faces and some familiar places for the two teams, who will face each other in the Asian Cup final.
Gulf nations want Australia out of Asian football
Sebastian Hassett On the eve of the Socceroos going in to battle for the Asian Cup title, Football Federation Australia could be about to face an even greater war after a movement mobilised among some Gulf nations to have Australia expelled from the Asian Football Confederation.
Iraq look to World Cup qualifiers
Paul Johnson It's a case of winning the battle of the Middle East for Iraq and the United Arab Emirates when they take the pitch for the Asian Cup third/fourth place play-off at Hunter Stadium on Friday.
Socceroos' Cup dream a key to Asian Century
David Sygall Win or lose the Asian Cup, Australia is expected to reap business and tourist rewards from the massive international TV coverage of the tournament.
Success by the numbers
Dominic Bossi There will be 80,000 fans packed into ANZ Stadium on Saturday, but about 800 million will be watching watch what unfolds from their living rooms.
Socceroo Franjic cleared of serious injury
Socceroo Ivan Franjic's chances of playing in the Asian Cup final have improved with scans clearing the defender of any serious injury.
Five things to know - Asian Cup final
Sebastian Hassett Five things to know about Saturday's Asian Cup final.
Early goals dulled intensity, says man of the match Luongo
Michael Lynch Is it possible that going two up inside a quarter of an hour in a major tournament semi-final has any downside?
Cup success would deliver Socceroos many fringe benefits
Michael Cockerill With Australia just one game away from winning the Asian Cup the focus remains firmly on the honour, and prestige, of claiming a first major men's trophy in 93 years. Understandably so.
Lose the ball and we'll lose the Asian Cup: Mathew Leckie
Sebastian Hassett Socceroos winger Mathew Leckie has implored his teammates to take more care when in possession after they continually turned the ball over during the second half of their semi-final against the United Arab Emirates.
Nervous wait for Ivan Franjic as injury fear mounts
Sebastian Hassett Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou will wait for the advice of his medical staff before making a decision on the fitness of right-back Ivan Franjic for Saturday's Asian Cup final after the Torpedo Moscow defender pulled up lame during the semi-final win.
Socceroos make final but 'nobody is getting carried away', says Cahill
Sebastian Hassett Australia might be on the cusp of winning the nation's biggest piece of football silverware but Socceroos talisman Tim Cahill says the players won't be getting ahead of themselves before Saturday night's final against South Korea.
Don't forget the Matildas' Asian Cup success
Dominic Bossi The Socceroos are on the verge of success in Asia, but the Matildas got there first.
Japan education puts Davidson in front
Dominic Bossi Jason Davidson has his nose in front of Aziz Behich for the starting left-back role in the Asian Cup final, and according to his father, former Socceroo Alan, he is reaping the benefits of lessons learned by leaving home at an young age.
Sell-out crowd expected for Asian Cup final
Tom Decent Tickets for Saturday night's Asian Cup final between Australia and South Korea have almost sold out after a massive surge in sales moments after Jason's Davidson's 15th-minute goal against the United Arab Emirates.
Kruse back to his best: Socceroos coach
Ange Postecoglou doesn't like the word vindicated, because it supposes he has something to prove.
Evangelist Ange plans to win in Australian style
Michael Lynch Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou insisted in the run up to the Asian Cup that he should not be judged on the disappointing results of his team's lead-up games but on their performance in the tournament itself.
Cahill deserves to rated as one of the greatest players ever
Jonathan Liew Tim Cahill may not play the beautiful game, but he deserves his place with the modern-day greats.
Socceroos reach last stop on the Asian Cup express
Sebastian Hassett The final of the Asian Cup will be an absolute belter. The two best teams in the tournament will be there, Australia and South Korea, both of them with so much to prove.
Postecoglou wants players to embrace the moment
Michael Lynch Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou is one game away from bringing Australia its first major trophy in men's football and making a legacy statement for the sport in this country.
Socceroos keep date with Asian Cup destiny
Michael Lynch The Socceroos will get the chance to go one better than their narrow failure in 2011 when they face South Korea at Stadium Australia in the final of the Asian Cup on Saturday night.
Live: Socceroos v UAE
Adam Pengilly The Socceroos face the United Arab Emirates at a wet Hunter Stadium for the right to face South Korea in the final.
We must overcome past failures, says South Korea captain
Sebastian Hassett South Korea captain Ki Seung-yong admits his team are feeling the weight of history on their shoulders as they aim to break a 55-year drought in winning the Asian Cup.
For South Korea everything now a bonus
Michael Lynch The perennial bridesmaids from east Asia, who have not won the Asian Cup since the second ever edition in 1960, are now into their first final since 1988,
Painting a picture of a game you can't see
Daniel Cherny Mani Djazmi is in Australia to cover the Asian Cup for the BBC. He's also blind.
Socceroo Tim Cahill linked with move to UAE club
Michael Carayannis Tim Cahill has been linked in recent weeks to more clubs than Robert Allenby, with the latest being a transfer to an United Arab Emirates outfit.
Socceroos in perfect shape: Jedinak
Skipper Mile Jedinak says with 22 fit players, there is nothing more the side could want.
Socceroos are certainties against UAE: Stielike
Michael Lynch Uli Stielike is in no doubt about who gamblers should be weighing into in tonight's Asian Cup semi-final in Newcastle between Australia and the United Arab Emirates.
South Korea too strong for Iraq, enter final
Michael Lynch South Korea will get the chance to break a 55-year Asian Cup hoodoo when they contest the final.
Japanese left carrying baggage after surprise loss
Michael Carayannis Confidence was so high in the Japanese camp, that team officials sent a bulk of the team's luggage to Newcastle in preparation for a potential semi-final clash against the Socceroos on Tuesday.
UAE not concerned about criticism of Abdulrahman
Josh Leeson UAE coach Mahdi Ali dismissed Socceroos comments about his star player Omar Abdulrahman being lazy in defence and said their sole focus was their on-field performance.
Jedinak keen to bounce back against UAE
James Gardiner Mile Jedinak "absolutely" benefited from his return match. But the inspirational Socceroos skipper insists the Asian Cup semi-final show down against the United Arab Emirates at a sold out Hunter Stadium on Tuesday is not about him.
The Lowdown: Australia v United Arab Emirates
Sebastian Hassett The Lowdown: Asian Cup Semi-Final - Australia v United Arab Emirates
Memory of loss to Emirates motivates Postecoglou
Sebastian Hassett Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has revealed the scar of a misjudgment against the United Arab Emirates in an international tournament almost 12 years ago is his personal motivation for getting Australia past the Emirates in Tuesday night's Asian Cup semi-final in Newcastle.
Luggage goes to Tokyo via Newcastle for overconfident Japanese
Michael Carayannis Confidence was so high in the Japanese camp, that team officials sent the bulk of the team's luggage to Newcastle.
Melbourne left to rue lack of faith in Asian Cup soccer
Michael Lynch That the scheduling of the Socceroos' Asian Cup semi-final clash against United Arab Emirates on Tuesday is in Newcastle instead of Melbourne is at best regretful and in reality an embarrassment.
Sainsbury hoping he's not a hostage to fortune
Michael Lynch There's nothing like being confident. But the downside of expressing self belief can be that a sportsman leaves himself a hostage to fortune.
Postecoglou reveals new colour by mixing his palette
Michael Lynch Successful teams grow into tournaments. And so do players.
How the semi-finalists shape up
Michael Lynch Two of the big guns delivered in the Asian Cup, two haven't.
Socceroos fighting fit thanks to Ange
Sebastian Hassett They might be enduring a brutally short turnaround between their Asian Cup matches but Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou is confident he's successfully staved off squad burn-out before their semi-final with the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday night.
Ryan confident of Asian Cup glory
Sebastian Hassett With the exception of their group stage defeat against South Korea, goalkeeper Mat Ryan believes the Socceroos have ticked every other box in this Asian Cup and are perfectly placed to take the next step in Tuesday night's semi-final against the United Arab Emirates.
Halal food success at ANZ Stadium
Michael Carayannis Halal food has been on sale for the first time in Stadium Australia's history during the Asian Cup in light of a wave of different cultures converging on to the Sydney Olympic Park precinct.
UAE spells dangerous opposition for Socceroos
Michael Cockerill What's with the red cap? Perhaps the only mystery about a UAE team standing between Australia and a place in the final of the Asian Cup is the plain, unsponsored, cap worn by their coach, who's never seen in public without it.
Roos to test Abdulrahman's work ethic
Sebastian Hassett While Socceroos defender Trent Sainsbury concedes United Arab Emirates megastar Omar Abdulrahman is the player to stop in Tuesday's Asian Cup semi-final in Newcastle, he feels the attacking midfielder may have a chink in his armour.
UAE star lazy, says Socceroo Sainsbury
The Socceroos have branded United Arab Emirates star Omar Abdulrahman as lazy and promised the playmaker a torrid time in their Asian Cup semi-final.
Iraq and UAE perform, but Middle East remains off the pace
Michael Lynch Iraq and the United Arab Emirates have been the surprise packages in this Asian Cup, both reaching the semi finals – admittedly through the fortunate medium of penalties. But if they can succeed, why can't other teams from what the AFC calls west Asia?
Williams comes under fire for controversial send-off
Lee Gaskin Former Socceroos striker John Aloisi claims referee Ben Williams held a grudge with Iran coach Carlos Queiroz, while ex-Australian goalkeeper Mark Bosnich labelled the controversial sending off in Friday night's quarter-final against Iraq at Canberra Stadium as ''embarrassing''.
Socceroos have attacking edge: Leckie
Sebastian Hassett Socceroos forward Mathew Leckie believes the team has finally gathered all the attacking ingredients to give them an Asian Cup winning team after blasting in 10 goals in their four matches so far.
For the Socceroos and the Asian Cup, the best is yet to come
Craig Foster Does anyone want to argue the Asian Cup has not been a magnificent experience for Australia and is not money well spent by the federal and state governments?
Socceroos on the brink of something special, says Kruse
Sebastian Hassett Japan's shock exit from the Asian Cup has left Australia with an incredible opportunity to make history on home soil, according to forward Robbie Kruse, who feels his Socceroos' teammates are ready to grasp their destiny.
United Arab Emirates believe they can upset Socceroos
Sebastian Hassett UAE coach Mahdi Ali accepts his team will be underdogs to defeat Australia in their Asian Cup semi-final, but that doesn't mean they can't win.
Iraq stun Iran in Asian Cup epic
Lee Gaskin Gripping. Dramatic. Controversial refereeing decisions. A penalty shoot-out. It wouldn't be any other way for an Iran v Iraq encounter.
Does ref sleep at night, asks Queiroz
Carlos Queiroz asked how Australian referee Ben Williams could sleep at night after 10-man Iran crashed out of the Asian Cup on penalties to Iraq.
UAE shock Japan to set up semi with Socceroos
Sebastian Hassett The United Arab Emirates have stunned defending champions Japan to set up an Asian Cup semi-final showdown with the Socceroos.
Postecoglou has Socceroos on verge of history
Michael Cockerill As far as the Socceroos coaching job is concerned, Ange Postecoglou has always been the right man in the right place at the right time. Now he gets the chance to leave a lasting legacy.
Jedinak pledges to improve for semi-final
Sebastian Hassett Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak has vowed to bounce back to his best for Australia's Asian Cup semi-final after struggling in his comeback from an ankle injury that saw him miss the tournament's last two group matches.
Cahill's a hero? Definitely, definitely ...
Michael Lynch The morals and ethics of human cloning are, alas, sufficiently murky to rule out the FFA attempting such an experiment with a sliver of Tim Cahill's DNA.
South Korea can win if they conquer nerves, says Stielike
Michael Lynch Can South Korea win the Asian Cup and break their 55-year-hoodoo in the continent's biggest football tournament?
Postecoglou's rope-a-dope talk inspires Socceroos to victory
Sebastian Hassett A half-time team talk from Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou was the catalyst for the Socceroos' second-half revival against China on Thursday, with Trent Sainsbury revealing the mentor asked his players to imagine they were in the middle of a brutal boxing match.
Palestine football chief makes wild claim over absent players
David Sygall Palestine football chief Jibril Rajoub has made the extraordinary claim that the Israeli government prevented two players from travelling with the squad.
Socceroos back their man Ange Postecoglou
Phil Lutton The Socceroos have rallied behind revved-up coach Ange Postecoglou as they begin preparations for their Asian Cup semi-final in Newcastle on Tuesday.
Drums sound defeat for Uzbekistan
Martin Flanagan The Uzbeks numbered 300 in a crowd of 23,381 in their Asian Cup quarter-final and yet, for the whole of the game, they made it sound like there were two teams in the stadium, two proud nations competing.
