The AFC Asian Cup is the oldest, biggest and most prestigious football event in Asia, and it is coming to Australia in January 2015.
With the festival of football coming to Sydney, excitement and expectation is building fast.
Sydney will be thriving on the excitement of Asian Cup football by the time the Socceroos arrive for their second match of the 2015 tournament.
Ange Postecoglou’s host nation heroes face an Omani side looking to book a top spot in the fiercely competitive Group A on Tuesday January 13.
The Omani side will be led by their inspirational goalkeeper and Captain Ali Al Habsi. Regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in the English Championship last season, Oman will be hoping he can bring this form to the national set-up and lead his side closer to the knock-out rounds.
Hot off their World Cup campaign in Brazil, the Socceroos have identified this game as crucial in their campaign for Cup glory on home soil.
Socceroos skipper Mile Jedinak has identified the home crowd as a crucial factor to his team’s success in the AFC Asian Cup and hopes all Aussie football fans joined arm in arm to support his side throughout the tournament.
“That will be a huge factor in what we try and do at the Asian Cup,” he said.
“I think it’s that support, that atmosphere be it one-sided, it all works in our favour on the pitch. Since we’re the home team in every game, it’ll be great seeing packed stadiums come January.
This match will be crucial for the Socceroos to ensure they have a genuine chance at topping their group heading into their final group clash with fellow group giant, the Korea Republic.
If the Socceroos are successful against their Middle-Eastern rivals, then Sydney fans have a greater chance of being rewarded by seeing the local side contest their semi-final again in Sydney.
This is all the more reason to listen to Jedinak’s call and head to Stadium Australia, clad in gold and support the Socceroos.
With the warm summer evenings to be well and truly in full swing in January, Sydney will be the prime location to showcase these two all-important Group clashes with the family during school holidays.
With tickets starting from $5* for kids and $15* for adults, a family of four can enjoy all the action of the AFC Asian Cup for just $40*.
*Subject to availability. Prices shown are the cash price at the gate for non-Socceroos group matches. Transaction fees from $3.95 and credit/debit surcharges from 1.95% apply for other purchase methods.Prices are in $AU and include GST.
