Korea Republic

Many consider Korea Republic's fourth place finish at the World Cup 2002 as the pinnacle of their football history, becoming the first and only Asian team to reach the semi-finals. 

However, the 'Red Devils' have participated in a total of eight World Cups, were the only unbeaten Asian team in qualifying for South Africa 2010 and are currently the third ranked team in Asia.

Their current world standing is less impressive, officially ranked at 44 but an admirable last 16 finish in South Africa has kept a faint light of optimism burning that they can win their first Asian Cup since 1960.

They have experienced a mixed preparation in a handful of friendlies, beating troubled Nigeria, losing narrowly against fellow Asian performers Iran and most recently drawing at home against Japan in a drab encounter. Although not in the most convincing of form, the squad is one in transition with a new coach and a new style of play in practice, so they need time to settle.

No longer reliant on a solo star-performer, few Asian teams can boast the increasing European-based experience of Korea Republic. Their offensive mindset is supported by a strong midfield and attack which should guarantee goals and, at the very least, explosive and entertaining attacks.

However, no matter how passionate and overly optimistic South Korea's fans may be, many doubt a domestically experienced but little-known coach can lead the team to glory in the Middle-East. Cho Kwang-Rae has come under criticism for his perceived naïve tactics and will have his work cut out to strengthen a shaky defence, with some critics calling for the team to play to it's physical strengths and not attempt to emulate world champions Spain.

South Korea's charge will be led by a European-based quartet, including Bolton Wanderers star and Liverpool target Lee Chung-Yong, who is expected to provide attacking flair down the wing. Striker Park Chu-Yong plys his trade for AS Monaco and should provide a goal-threat, supported by Celtic's central midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng, known for his vision, technique and pinpoint passes across the pitch.

Star Man
Was there ever any doubt on this front? It had to be the evergreen Park Ji-Sung. His unbeatable work-rate barely needs a mention and yet again the nation's Golden Boy will be leading the team by example. Ji-Sung plays for the giants of world football, Manchester United, captains the national team, is the first Asian to score in three consecutive finals and has racked up almost a century of caps so far in the process. Dutch messiah Guus Hiddink moved Park's position in early 2002 to a winger and since then he has become an extremely versatile midfielder and forward who can play right across the field. Legendary status already achieved, Park will become a God in his country if he can bring home the Asian Cup trophy.

The Coach
Cho Kwang-Rae - If prizes were given for optimism, then Cho Kwang-Rae takes the crown. The successor  to the popular Huh and fifth-choice for the position, he has his work cut out to perform in the role that has been cheerfully dubbed "Poison in the Holy Grail" by the nation's fiercely patriotic fans. The former Korean midfielder is making all the right noises, publicly stating he wants to model their play on world champions Spain.

FourFourTwo predicts...
Despite the changes within the team, there is still quality in abundance. It would be foolish to suggest South Korea cannot reach at least the last four.

Australia

The Socceroos swaggered into their first Asian Cup four years ago with not only the weight of huge expectations, but with a slight air of over-confidence that they were about to cement their place as the dominant nation in their new confederation.

An opening game draw to Oman, which included a last-gasp Tim Cahill goal, was followed by being thoroughly out-played by eventual tournament champions Iraq. A 4-0 crushing of Thailand enabled the Socceroos to stumble out of their group, but the Samurai Blue of Japan put them to the sword on penalties in the first knock-out stage.

The Australian team that played four years ago were stronger than the crop that travel to Qatar this time. For example, there is not the likes of Mark Viduka in Qatar, who notched three tournament goals in our four appearances in 2007.

But what might be lacking in pedigree could be supplemented with a stronger team harmony this time around. 2007 interim coach Graham Arnold had an fractious relationship with many of the players, so proceedings should be different this time
with affable German coach Holger Osieck and his experience of Asian competition success at the helm.

In qualification, a largely A-League-based Socceroos side struggled to get the better of a series of defensive-minded Asian minnows, the nadir coming in defeat to Kuwait in Canberra.

The make-up of the Socceroos Asian Cup squad remains unclear at the time of writing, with many major European-based players unwilling to commit to participation. Based on qualification, if A-League players are relied upon, then it could be a short foray in Qatar.

However, if the likes of Mark Schwarzer (in his possible swansong), Lucas Neill, Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell, Brett Emerton and Jason Culina make the trip alongside a good blend of rising talent such as Brett Holman, Dario Vidosic, David Carney and Nikita Rukavytsya, then the Aussies will be tough to stop.

An added advantage this time around is the influx of Australians plying their club trade in Asia. Striker Josh Kennedy has a prolific goalscoring record at J.League club Nagoya Grampus, while defenders Matthew Spiranovic and Mark Milligan, at Japanese sides Urawa Red Diamonds and JEF United respectively, are a potential future Socceroos' back-two pairing.

Mix together that European experience, rising stars and Asian-based players and the continent's top nation should cement their top ranking. The main caveat centres on the added drive other Asian nations will have to take the tournament's biggest scalp.

Star Man
With Scott Chipperfield stepping aside, his replacement at left-back David Carney has improved his defensive approach, while maintaining his eye for a goal, including the recent winner at home to Paraguay. 'Carns' could use Qatar as the perfect stage to cement his Socceroo spot at left-back for years to come.

The Coach
Holger Osieck - German-born Holger Osieck has a solid resume at various clubs and countries. As an assistant, he helped Beckenbauer win the 1990 World Cup, coached Canada to a 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup victory and has coached European clubs like VfL Bochum and Fenerbahce. He also has significant Asian experience, coaching Urawa Red Diamonds. Pre-Osieck, Australia developed a pragmatic and efficient style under Pim Verbeek. Osieck seems keener to foster a more open style.

FourFourTwo predicts...
The knock-out stages are a given, while making the final would represent a strong tournament to establish the Holger era.

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