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Australia, Japan, South Korea and Iran ready to start Asian Cup title race

Xinhua, January 8, 2015 Adjust font size:

Australia, Japan, South Korea and Iran are ready to launch their title race in the AFC Asian Cup which will kick off in Melbourne on Friday.

Australia, in front of home fans, will be the most favorite to win the tournament, despite losing all the three games in the 2014 World Cup.

Coach Ange Postecoglou is depending on young talents such as Mathew Leckie, Robbie Kruse and Tommy Oar. But Tim Cahill will always be the most dangerous weapon for the Aussies. Neither Holland nor Chile could stop the 35-year-old last June.

The Socceroos, in their home soil, are hoping they can be a little luckier than four years ago.

In the 2011 Asian Cup finale, the Socceroos suffered a bitter defeat to Japan, who claimed the title with striker Tadanari Lee's goal in extra time. Making their debut in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, Australia found themselves facing Japan in the quarterfinals, and the Socceroos lost the match 5-4 in penalty shootout.

Japan have proved themselves to be a roadblock for the Socceroos in the past eight years, and they will continue to be the biggest threat in this edition.

The Samurai Blue defeated defending champions Saudi Arabia to win their first Asian Cup in 1992 and again took the title from the Saudis eight years later in Lebanon. Their third trophy came in 2004 with victory over hosts China and they made a record fourth title in 2011 after edging Australia.

Although Italian Alberto Zaccheroni departed after the 2014 World Cup, new coach Javier Aguirre could make a difference.

With superstars Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa running the midfield and the red hot Shinji Okazaki up front, Japan will be the technically best team among the 16.

South Korea, however, are seeking to end their 45 years continental title drought since they won the inaugural 1956 Asian cup and successfully retained the trophy in 1960.

Uli Stielike, who took over the team from Hong Myung-Bo after a disappointing World Cup campaign, are desperate to make impression in the upcoming Asian cup.

Stielike could rely most on Son Heung-Min in the attacking line, who scored five goals in 16 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen in German Bundesliga. Also, midfielder Ki Sung-Yong from English side Swansea will give full support for Son Heung-Min. Kim Young Gwon, who played for Asian club Champions Guangzhou Evergrande, has a new chance to make impression at international stage after a performance far from satisfactory last June.

Iran, who owned three consecutive titles from 1968 to 1976, also have chance to add one more.

Led by former Real Madrid and Portugal national team manager Carlos Queiroz, Iran secured a place in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, topping their qualification group in the process, for their fourth appearance at the finals.

Skippered by Javad Nekounam, Iran have the ability to repeat their former glory. Endit