Tonight sees Australia kick-off their second Asian Cup appearance with a match against India at Al Sadd Stadium in Qatar.
With a majority of their European-based stars present, the Qantas Socceroos will be out to make amends for their disappointing tournament debut four years ago. At the start of the Asian Cup 2011, the bookies had them as second favourites to win the tournament although after pre-tournament favourites Japan's draw with Jordan last night, Japan have now moved out to $5.00 (Centrebet) whilst Australia has firmed to $4.50 (Centrebet).
Australia are heavy favourites for this match at near unbackable odds with many expecting the score to blow out. That may well be the case if India decide to play 4-4-2 and take the game to Australia.
However, I just cannot see that happening and it will be most likely that India play a defensive-minded 4-5-1 formation. As seen by Jordan's one-all draw with Japan and Syria's shock 2-1 victory over 3-time Asian Cup winners Saudi Arabia, the so-called minnows of the tournament cannot be under-estimated. It is always difficult to breakdown a team that sets out their stall to defend with 9 or 10 men behind the ball. The Socceroos will also have to make sure they do not get caught out on the counter-attacks.
Personally, I would like to see the following starting line-up: GK-Schwarzer; RB-Emerton, CB-Neill, CB-Ognenovski, LB-Carney; RW-Oar, CM-Cahill, CM-Culina, LW-Kewell; ST-Holman, ST-Kruse.
Regardless, I predict a Socceroos win, most likely 2-nil or 3-nil.
On a side note, having watched the first half of the Japan vs Jordan match last night, I was very impressed with Japan's play. In particular their speed of passing with lots of one-touch passing and triangular movement, much like Arsene Wenger's Arsenal!
