Australia is one of the favourites to win the 2007 Asian Cup. It is also their debut in this prestigious competition and many fans home and abroad have high hopes for the Socceroos. Australia’s first match is also possibly their easiest and a good way to build confidence for the tournament. Australia face Oman on July 8^th for Group A of the Asian Cup. They play their game in Bangkok Thailand and it is a game the Socceroos need to win in light of stronger competition in the remainder of the group.

Australia’s second and third games in the tournament will be against stronger opposition. They will face Iraq and hosts Thailand as they look to progress in the competition. Armed with their European squad, Australia is ready to hammer Oman though. However the climate must be taken into consideration. Australian players who cut their teeth on the European front are not used to playing in hot humid tropical climates like Bangkok. They will likely tire faster as Harry Kewell speculated a few days back. Training in Singapore the team have had reasonable chance to acclimatise. The Australian line up will depend on a lone striker in new Newcastle United player Mark Viduka. He will be backed up by other key players such as Serie A midfielder Mark Bresciano. Australia defence will be a tough nut to crack with the presence of Middlesbrough’s sturdy goal keeper, Mark Scwharzer and West Ham’s Lucas Neill.

Oman field a team which is again littered by players who ply their trade in Europe. A secure defence hopes to protect Bolton goal keeper, Ali Al Habsi. The 26 year old goal keeper has aided FC Lyn, a Norwegian team, to finish top of their league for three consecutive seasons. Although he has not played any games for Bolton, he still played regularly for the reserve team. Oman playmaker is Fawzi Bashir who is superb by Middle East standards but has much to prove against the Socceroos.

The Socceroos are in superb form after confidently beating Singapore 3 – 0 despite their unfamiliarity with the hot climate. Oman shared a 1-1 draw to Middle East champion, Saudi Arabia in a fierce game in Singapore. Ali Al Habsi was reported to thwart at least three genuine goal scoring attempts by the Saudi Arabians. 

The game Australia v Oman promises to be a suitable owner to the tournament. You can watch football live inside our member’s area including live Asian cup games. This game is one sided on paper with Australia easily outstripping Oman. Lets see what unfolds on the night.