Roundtable: Asian Cup Final Preview

This is the start of a new series both here at World Cup Blog and over at The Offside, in which I will be talking to our bloggers from around the world about their thoughts on big upcoming matches. Today, I talked to Aidan Williams from Japan World Cup Blog and Jack Spencer from Australia World Cup Blog about Sundays Asian Cup final, where one of those two sides will be crowned champions of Asia.

First off, it has to be said that after the 6-0 over Uzbekistan, Australia has a bit more of the momentum coming into the final. Jack do you think that puts more pressure on the boys?

Jack: Yes and No. Australias previous Asian cup was overshadowed by complacency and never really hitting our full potential. Respecting Uzbekistan and hammering them without conceding suggests we have a proper cohesive team this time around. However, yes it does put pressure on the team as it would normally. Matt Mckay has been a shining light so far and i have concerns for him and some of the younger players, who have little or no experience outside of the A-League. The experienced players like Cahill and Kewell must help them out with this, and we need them to perform when it matter most.

And Aidan, similar question for you Do you think that 6-0 performance from Australia has changed anything in Japans game plan?

Aidan: Not really. The two teams have reached the final in very different ways. Australia havent been tested to the extent Japan have, even if some of that was of our own making. Japan will need to play their usual quick passing game, which is similar to Koreas style and that was the match where Australia were t! he most tested and looked the least comfortable. I expect it to be very close and difficult and of course an early goal would help but this team has a lot of patience and belief.

For both of you what player or aspect of your own teams performances so far worries you most for the final?

Aidan: Defensively Japan have had to chop and change a lot in this tournament, and even before it with the injuries to our two first choice centre-backs. Weve then had suspensions and other niggles causing the back four, and goalkeeper, to have to be changed regularly. This could lead to problems, and we havent been as secure at the back as Australia have, so that would be my main concern. Zaccheroni now has a decision to make again at the back as Maya Yoshida is back from suspension, but whether he will come back into the team Im not sure.

Jack: This may seem odd but Neill worries me, as does anyone else at the back who is not Schwarzer or Ognenovski. Australia have a great defensive record so far, but its maybe made us too dependent on defence. Looking at the quality of Japan, namely Honda and Endo, I think our defence will be breached, and for only the second time in the tournament, we will have to go in search of a winner. It was unconvincing against South Korea, and the lack of pace in the Australia backline, mainly Neill, will probably see us concede.

Who on your team has most impressed you this tournament?

Aidan: There have been two standout players for Japan for me. Firstly, Yuto Nagatomo at left-back has been extremely impressive. He charges forward at will, and has the pace and skill to worry the likes of Lucas Neill. He was key in teh South Korea game frequently overlapping and effectively being a winger at times which lead to our first g! oal, and a host of other great chances, Defensively he is very soild too, presumably picking up a few good things from his club in Italy.

The other for me is Keisuke Honda, who started very slowly, as did Japan. But in the knockout rounds he has come more and more into it and seems to cause panic in the opposition who swarm to him at times. This leaves space for others to expolit but also means that a quick killer pass from Honda sees 2 or 3 defenders taken out of the play instantly. This was how Honda helped greata couple of crucial goals in the QF and SF for Japan so far. He is improving with every game, as he is still gaining match sharpness since prior to the tournament he hadnt played for over a month when the Russian League finished.

Jack: Mckay. Jedinak was a contender, but he has dropped off a little these past two games. Mckay had three assists against Uzbekistan, which was to the contrary of pre-tournament expectations, where he was seen as a less spectacular foil to Cahill or Kewell. Yet when he is asked, he has done what he does for Brisbane Roar week in week out, i.e keep the play moving with always forward thinking passes. It takes the pressure off the forwards if they are being fed so consistantly, and means we can keep Cahill in and around the penalty area, where he is best. Cahill is not an uncreative player, but deep in midfield he just doesnt seem to have the impact he does. Plus if you havent seen Mckays ball for Kewells goal against Iraq then do, its a wonderful ball from a difficult angle.

(And to save you a Google search, here it is:)

Special mention must go to Jedinak, whos goals have propelled us through the group stages, while also being an excellent defensive asset alongside Valeri.

Now to turn it around, which opposing player do you think is going to give you the most trouble on Sunday?

Aidan: Before the tournament Id have said Tim Cahill as having seen him frequently in England I think hes excellent, but he hasnt shown so much in Qatar so far. Harry Kewell has the assurance of someone whos been there and done it and has had too much class for some of Australias opposition so far so outfield it would have to be him. Mark Schwarzer is also class and will be hard to beat.

Jack: Honda is the easy choice, but he can be stifled with our crowded midfield. Shinji Okazaki is another player who has come very far in a small amount of time, and Maeda is really frightening as well. Out of the three i would have to say Honda on reputation, but Maeda on current form. Neill and Ognenovski arent the best at marking in the world and Maedas ability to find space will exploit that.

(Heres why you should be afraid of Maeda)

What is the feeling in Japan and Australia about the importance of this match, the title, and the trip to the Confederations Cup that comes with it?

Aidan: While the Asian Cup is important, it is usually viewed as a stepping stone in the 4 yearly World Cup cycle I think, rather than an end in itself. Thats even borne out with some of the squad selections which are with a view to bringing some younger players through for 2014. However, that didnt mean they escaped criticism after the poor start against Jordan so people do care and want them to win, and personally I think getting into the Confederations Cup would be a great boost to the development of a talented squad wanting to progress at a World level. The problem is there isnt so much depth of quality in Asia outside of the few usual suspects, but a win will be celebrated in good style should we win on Saturday I have no doubt.

Jack: As alw! ays with Australia, the Soccer fans will be delighted, but i cant see the other Australians really taking notice. They will all remember Japan from the first World Cup victory, and will want revenge for the shootout loss in 2007. The confederations cup became almost a formailty for Australia when they were playing in Oceania, but it would be interesting to see how Australia would fair off in a Confederarations cup after a time out, with more practise against quality opposition in the build up though Asian world cup qualifiers.

Now the last, hardest and most obvious question. Give me your prediction for the final.

Jack: 3-2 Australia after extra time.


Aidan: Neck on the block time! I think it will be close and relatively low scoring, so Ill go for a 2-1 win for Japan.

For more on the upcoming final, check out our Japan and Australia blogs.