What: 2011 Asian Cup Quarter-Final
Who: Australia vs Iraq
When: Saturday, 22nd January, 2011, at 13:25 UK Time
Where: Al-Sadd Stadium, Doha, Qatar
Australia Soldiering On
Sometimes results really are more important than performances and whilst Australia laboured to a 1-0 win against Bahrain to top Group C, it was enough to get them what should be an easier quarter-final meeting with second placed Iraq from Group D.
Australia are playing to win this tournament and won’t care how they go about it. Negative tactics by the previous coach were pilloried at home on the back of a poor return, but current incumbent Holger Osieck seems to have found a winning formula. The 1-1 draw with South Korea was the result both teams knew would probably see them through and almost everything is going to plan, but for some injuries that have hit the squad. By picking the oldest group of players in the competition there is an obvious risk of frail bodies accompanying the huge experience however.
There will be some concern about how hard Bahrain pushed Australia, and keeper Mark Schwarzer was called into action numerous times against obdurate opponents, with the defence repeatedly exposed against pacey attackers. While the tactic of playing high balls into the box may yet come unstuck for Australia, for now the path to the final is shaping up, and defeating Iraq will deliver a confidence boost that should help Osieck’s men put old demons to rest.
Holders Look to Repeat 2007 Feats
When Iraq won the Asian Cup in 2007, they defied all expectations. Unfancied, the Middle Eastern side managed to claim the title for their beleaguered country, a win that saw celebrations break out throughout the nation. In 2011, a tough draw has seen them take on neighbours Iran, the United Arab Emirates and World Cup representatives North Korea in the putative group of death.
On paper Iraq will be nervous facing the much fancied Australians, but they can feel confident of at least troubling them. Younis Mahmoud managed to get on the scoresheet against Iran and set up the winner against the United Arab Emirates, and will again be key to the Iraqis’ chances. Wolfgang Sidka’s team took the initiative against North Korea and scored early on. They have been stout defensively and maintain their shape well, making them hard to break down. However, trouble finishing off games continues to be a worry. Iraq will surely be looking to target Australia’s wings, where the loss of Brett Emerton to suspension, so important going forward and tracking back, means a less experienced right side will be in operation for the Socceroos.
Iraq’s indifferent form in the lead up to this competition should leave them in no doubt that they must perform to their best to win. Being underdogs is a role they fit well and the pressure to counter attack will not be disconcerting. Trying to control the game and hit on the counter will be their best bet for progression to the semi-finals.
Recent form
Australia:
Australia 1-0 Bahrain (18/01; Asian Cup Group C)
Australia 1-1 South Korea (14/01; Asian Cup Group C)
India 0-4 Australia (10/01; Asian Cup Group C)
Iraq:
Iraq 1-0 North Korea (19/01; Asian Cup Group D)
United Arab Emirates 0–1 Iraq (16/01; Asian Cup Group D)
Iraq 1-2 Iran (12/01; Asian Cup Group D)
Players to watch
Australia – Tim Cahill: With scoring goals an ongoing problem it is likely down to Cahill to provide the vital touches. The Everton midfielder remains a constant threat and his two goals so far in this tournament should be added to before the end of the competition. Cahill can only be described as a goalscoring phenomenon and is only six off being Australia’s all time top scorer. At 31 he’ll know that this might be the last tournament he can make a real impact at too. The Everton man may not be everyone’s first choice as a centre forward, but on current form Cahill should put away any chances that are created. The niggle he picked up against Bahrain will need to be well managed though.
Iraq – Mohammed Kassid: Iraq can expect to have their goal peppered and a commanding performance from their goalkeeper Kassid will be vital, especially when coming out to claim crosses and corralling his defence at set-pieces. Fast distribution will also be necessary to try and set up swift counter attacks. The 24-year-old was caught out against Iran from a free kick, but will have recovered well after a second successive clean sheet against the North Koreans to qualify. He has shown both sides of his game so far in this tournament, saving well at times, but making some fundamental errors too. The former qualities need to come to the fore against Australia.
Match Prediction
On paper Australia should win this easily, but the same was the case last time these two played in this tournament with Iraq winning comfortably. If Australia play to their full potential a routine win should follow, however the Iraqis will know they have the firepower to damage the Socceroos and the longer the game goes on the more confident Sidka’s side will feel.
A variety of niggles and injuries have hit the Australians’ first team, and how well Cahill, in particular, recovers from the knock he picked up against Bahrain might be key. After struggling to overcome Bahrain, Socceroos coach Osieck was adamant that things would be different in the quarter-final. Qatar has not seen the Australians backed into a corner yet, how they respond remains an unknown.
A tight game with the Australians coming out on top, Iraq might well keep things interesting until the very end though.
