Aussies go for Asian Cup glory

Sydney – Australia go for Asian Cup glory boasting few stars but with a record-breaking coach in Graham Arnold (above), an inform striker born in Uruguay and an imposing defender whose goal-scoring exploits are more akin to a forward.

With their run to the last-16 of the 2022 Qatar World Cup and good form since, the Socceroos have climbed to their highest Fifa ranking in over a decade at 25.

They return to Qatar for the Asian Cup and are among the favourites to repeat their 2015 exploits, when they beat South Korea 2-1 in the final on home soil.

Australia’s opening game is tomorrow against India.

Their first and only Asian title was achieved under now Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou and with a team boasting talisman Tim Cahill, Crystal Palace skipper Mile Jedinak and Valencia goalkeeper Mat Ryan.

Ryan, who now plays for AZ Alkmaar, is the only survivor from the starting XI and with 86 caps the most experienced player in a squad where 15 of them have appeared fewer than 10 times and three are rookies.

None currently play in the English Premier League or Spain’s La Liga.

But Arnold, who recently became the longest-serving coach in Socceroos history, called it a “top squad” that he is “really, really happy” with.

Since taking over in 2018, Arnold has often spoken about building depth, having been dealt a difficult hand by a number of high-profile retirements including Cahill and Jedinak.

He believes his Asian Cup lineup has finally achieved that.

“I think you can see by this squad, when I first took over in 2018 I didn’t have anywhere near this depth,” he said.

“Half a dozen to 10 players could’ve come in as well. It shows where I feel confident, finally I can sit here, we’ve got depth.”

Australia’s secret weapon in attack could be a 36-year-old born in Uruguay.

Bruno Fornaroli has only featured twice before for Australia but got the nod after a prolific season with Melbourne Victory, scoring 13 times in 10 games.

“The most important thing with the Socceroos is form,” Arnold said.

“Bruno has done a fantastic job and he fully deserves his selection. He definitely gives you something different.”

“I’m excited about the potential within this group,” added Arnold. –