Asian Cup, first round wrap up.

The first round of the games in the Asian Cup has come to an end, some suprising results have come to light, while the "big guns" of the tournament also sent out a message to their opponents.


Group A: With Qatar sitting at the bottom of Group A we might just see a suprise qualifier from the group. Qatar subsequently lost Uzbekistan 2-0 in the opening match of the tournament and sit equal bottom with Kuwait who also experienced the same deficit again China. The next round will see Qatar take on China as the host nation tries to bidge the three point gap that exists. An Uzbekistan win against Kuwait could see the Uzbek's qualify for the knockout round.

Group B: Japan, who are percieved as one of the favourites to take out the title played out a 1-1 draw with little known footballing nation Jordan. Syria also caused an upset beating Saudi Arabia 2-1 to claim top spot in group B. A solid performance in their next game against Japan could see them unexpectedly qualify for the knockout round of the Cup.

Group C: No suprises in group C as favourites to qualify Australia and Korea Republic both won their opening matches proving that their intentions to win the Asian Cup are well and alive. Australia comprehensively accounted for India 4-0, whilst Korea escaped a close fought contest against Bahrain in a 2-1 game. The group favourites will face eachother in their next round and the winner of the match will surely qualify for the knockout round.

Group D: Defending Champions Iraq have been stunned by rivals Iran in a close fought contest. The Iranians fought back from 1-0 down to take all three points from the Iraqis in a final score of 2-1. North Korea when on to draw 0-0 against the United Arab Emirates. Iraq will hope to rebound and once again reign supreme in Asia.


Their were certainly a few suprises in the first round of the Cup. Stay tuned to Play the Advantage for all the new from the biggest International Competition in Asia.

Asian Cup 2011 - Australia vs India - Preview

After a disappointing 2010 Australian Football will look to recover by producing a successful Asian Cup campiagn. However little known footballing nation India will look to stand in their way. With the momentum of a nation behind them India may just prove to be a tough obstacle for the Socceroos.

Australian football has had a turbulent year, with a disappointing performance in the World Cup as well as a dismal bid for the 2022 World Cup bid, however a new coach in the form of Holger Osieck has seen major change in the Socceroos squad including the introduction of a new generation of Roos who will look to spark and inspired and agile performance.



Ranked 142nd in the FIFA International rankings India are not known for their footballing prowess, the euphoria surrounding the Asian Cup has boosted support for their footballing nation. Their participation in the Cup will certainly boost the support for football in their country.

Australian Team News: Australian come into the match at full strength. All their European stars are avaliable including Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell and Mark Schwazer. Captain Lucas Neil will also be avaliable to sure up defence, however his partners in the backline are still not known. Youngsters Tommy Oar and Robbie Kruse may get a chance to prove their worth for the national team.

India Team News: Indian sport headlines have been dominated by the news that their star footballer Bhaichung Bhutia may be out injured. But after a recovery during the week it is expected that he will start at least from the bench.

Australia's first match in the Asian Cup will prove to be little challenge for a side desperate to reign supreme in Asia

Prediction: Australia 4 - India 0