5 reasons why Australia can defend the AFC Asian Cup title

Ever since joining the AFC the Socceroos have enjoyed a gala time at Asian football’s flagship tournament.

Australia progressed as far as the quarterfinals in their first AFC Asian Cup in 2007. They ended as runners-up in 2011 and then went on to become champions in the most recent one in 2015, after beating Korea Republic 2-1 after extra-time in the final. The Socceroos will be going into the tournament as defending champions and with a new look under recently-appointed head coach Graham Arnold.

Australia had a disappointing outing at the FIFA World Cup in 2018 in Russia and had to deal with the exits of household names in captain Tim Cahill and veteran Mile Jedinak. This has allowed Arnold the chance to involve more youth into the mix and they are heading into the tournament with a lot of expectations to lift the coveted title once again.

Here are five reasons why they might just lift the retain their crown in the United Arab Emirates:

5. Availability of Matt Leckie who is returning to fitness

Matt Leckie who stars for Hertha BSC in the Bundesliga is an important cog in the offence for Arnold’s side. Stress-lines were drawn in the Australian camp when he tore a hamstring and was ruled out of the tournament by the initial diagnosis. However, his recovery has gone faster and better than expected and the team’s physiotherapists in the UAE have communicated to Leckie that he is available for the tournament after a smooth rehab period.

The tactician however, will not be rushing his star player back into action and will try to slowly integrate him into the team dynamics in training sessions and start with limited game-time, before progressing into the knockout rounds, where Leckie is expected to start and be pivotal to his side's title retention hopes.

4. Australia have been in great form recently

Graham Arnold was the third man to take the reins as the Socceroos’ head coach last year after Ange Postecoglou, who led the side to Asian Cup glory in 2015 stepped down after securing qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and Bert van Marwijk, who was hired only to oversee the tournament. Under Arnold, they have been unbeaten in his four games in-charge and most recently thumped Oman 5-0.

Arnold has shuffled the pack of cards in the Australian team and has earned plaudits for his insistence on an attacking style of play.

3. Australia are no longer Tim Cahill dependent in attack

Tim Cahill who had pretty much been the face of Australian football for the last decade and a half often had to shoulder extra responsibility as their stalwart in attack. Australia’s game primarily went through and focussed on him in the attacking third and this had rendered them somewhat predictable. With him calling time on his national career, that overdependence has gone out of the window, but Australia need to make sure they utilize the right tools so as not to miss a player of his calibre because they have suffered in front of goal whenever Cahill hasn’t played.

Arnold has drawn up plans bringing pace and unpredictability upfront and counts on the likes of Leckie, Jamie Maclaren, Andrew Nabbout, Chris Ikonomidis, Awer Mabil, Robbie Kruse and Tom Rogic who are technically strong and quick players. The manager trusts his side has enough players that can make a difference and provide effective goalscoring options upfront and from advanced midfield.

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2.  The Australian team has the most number of players with overseas experience

Comprising of players who ply their trade in the leagues of the United Kingdom, including the Premier League and other European top flight leagues and being led by Brighton goalkeeper Matthew Ryan, the Australian squad has the most players from outside its domestic league at the tournament.

It goes without saying that such experience counts as extremely handy and is bound to make a difference.

1. Graham Arnold has struck a balance by including both youth and experience

The Socceroos’ head coach has dealt with the departures of long-time servants Cahill and Jedinak the right way- by offering more chances to young and upcoming talents to prove themselves.

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He has struck a fine balance between the old and new in his squad selection thus, employing both experience and youthful energy, pace and unpredictability.

In Mark Milligan, Max Kruse, Rogic, Leckie, Ryan and Trent Sainsbury, the Socceroos have plenty of experience and strong leadership on the pitch. Youthful and exciting additions in Ikonomidis, Awer Mabil and Daniel Arzani will bring different dynamics, vigour, pace and commitment to the side which is equally important.