South Asian Business news and information

For many decades, Australian people wanted to feel that they do not belong to Asia. They wanted to feel that they are a part of Europe but geographically that is impossible. Australians have realized that isolation did not bring good result. So, in the last few years, we have seen more integration from the Australian people and the government with Asian neighbors. Thus, I am happy that Australian football/soccer team is going to participate in Asian Cup Football 2007.

Many of the players of Australian national squad play for clubs in the European league. So, they have already experience of playing in the top level.

Khaleej Times reported:

The star-studded Socceroos are odds-on to win with defending champions Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Iran seen as their key challengers in the 16-team, 32-match tournament starting July 7.

The Aussies have a full-strength squad led by Newcastle poacher Mark Viduka and supported by the return from injury of Liverpool playmaker Harry Kewell and Everton maestro Tim Cahill.

Throw in Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, influential West Ham defender Lucas Neill and Blackburn utility player Brett Emerton, and it is a formidable line-up.

Graham Arnold’s Australians, who impressed at the World Cup in Germany, are taking the tournament very seriously, spending two weeks in Singapore to acclimatise.

Surely, Australia has the best team in AFC Asian Cup 2007. However, their lack of experience of playing in Asian conditions may create some problems for them. Australia played in World Cup Football 2006 and performed great. The only sad part is that soccer is not that popular in Australia. I hope that good performance in Asian Cup 2007 will help to increase the popularity of soccer in Australia.