The Socceroos Leap Over South Korea, Claim AFC Asian Cup

The AFC Asian Cup is staying in the land down under. Just tens years after having switched Federations, Australia are at the top of Asian football. The Socceroos hoisted the Cup for the first time thanks to a late goal in extra time downing South Korea 2-1.

For those that were able to get up and watch this match in the wee hours of the morning it was worth it. Two sides that have looked impressive in the AFC Asian Cup, both teams played with panache and flair. A crowd of 76,385 at the Stadium Australia mimicked what at times an excited but also nervous pitch.

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The Socceroos would strike first in the 44th minute, thanks to a splendid strike by forward Massimo Luongo. The forward who plays for Swindon Town was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament  after having scored twice and assisting on four other goals.

With the one goal advantage, Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglu opted to substitute out New York Red Bulls midfielder Tim Cahill. Cahill, 35, had heavily hinted that this might be his final appearance with Australia. It is also speculated that he might be leaving the New York Red Bulls as well. With that in mind he was given the proper send-off in front of the home crowd.

But South Korea had other plans. Forward Son Hyeung-min had looked dangerous all match and given right-back Jason Davidson trouble on the outside. Son was finally able to equalize in the first minute of stoppage time.

While Socceroos supporters had visions of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup Final when they lost in stoppage time to Japan, the players continued to press onward. Despite losing talisman Robbie Kruse to a leg injury the team still looked poised to score. Midfielder Mile Jedinak provided several quality balls into dangerous spots that were very close to giving Australia the advantage.

But it would be substitute James Troisi who would lift Australia to the 2-1 victory in the 105th minute of the match. The 26-year old striker, who plays for Zulte Waregem in the Belgian first division, scored after South Korean goalkeeper Jin-Hyeon Kim made a diving save.

Having performed admirably during the 2014 World Cup against difficult odds (they were grouped with Netherlands, Spain, and Chile) Saturday’s Cup victory should serve as some level of vindication for the work the Postecoglu has done. The Football Federation of Australia has spent considerable resources into scouting and training in recent years and to getting beyond the “Golden Generation” of the middle 2000’s.

The question now for Australia is what is next? Aside from the Cahill question, Australia may find themselves back on the hunt for a federation to play for. Recent reports seem to indicate that the Gulf States are looking to drop Australia from the AFC. Such a move would likely mean that Australia would go back to the Oceania Football Confederation, home to the likes of Fiji, Nauru, and Samoa.

While these are certainly uncertain times for the Socceroos as to where they will next play, what is certain is that this team is the new AFC Asian Cup Champions and will represent the Confederation at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia.

Next: Tim Cahill: The Good, The Bad, and Why He Must Go.