Asian Cup Glory

Decided to venture to Sydney to watch the 2015 Asian Cup final between South Korea and Australia. This was Australia's second final in a row with Korea's last appearance in a final since 1988. The crowd was excited and there was a sea of yellow with pockets of red making this game's build up very much like the last Asian Cup final, minus the confusion of the ticketing fiasco.

The game was incredibly intense, perhaps as Australia being the host nation chasing their first title against a much stronger Korean side really proved to be a great contest. With the Koreans pushing for an opener with the Australians countering with some attacking play of their own it wasn't until close to half time Australia broke the dead-lock with a wonderfully threaded pass to shrug off the defender and a calm well stuck and placed ball to put Australia in the lead.

Second half was as intense as the first with Korea trying to burst open the Australian defence where at times it looked like they were just about to score, only to be denied by a lunging boot or head to clear. However Australia couldn't extend their lead either as the Koreans proved just why they had one of the tightest defence in the competition. Australia in the last 15 minutes of the second half were stretched and were starting to wane but the defence still held firm.

However with a few seconds to go deep into stoppage time Korea pounced on a severely tired and over stretched Australian defensive line and equalised. The Korean support erupted with jubilation as the Australian fans fell silent thinking that this cant be happening to the fairytale. Australia must of found some extra juice in the tank as they picked themselves up and pressed during extra time. The first half was incredibly solid despite Korean attacks, it was an opportunistic goal created by belief to beat the Korean defenders then cross the ball and then to just slot the ball into the back of the net. Although it was hit on an upward trajectory, so many of these type of shots missed and placed on the blooper reels not this time as Australia went two goals to one and held out for the last 10 minutes of the game to win their maiden Asian Cup victory!

Food was as usual in Stadium Australia average with two hot dogs and a coke being 18 dollars with no sauce. Bread was dry and the sausage being all right but lost in the terrible bread. Sauce would have most definitely soften the bread to make it rather enjoyable. Instead the coke had to break up the bread instead.

Pizza, sandwich and water amounted to $22.50 which wasn't excellent but when you're drinking alcohol it is nice to wash down. I didn't drink at the ground as they were small cups and not value for money where I consumed many schooners at the Palace Hotel and Cheers Bar in the city before heading out to Olympic Park.

As I write this I am still stunned with the fact Australia are the Asian Cup champions. To now possibly think about Russia in 2017 was almost unthinkable at the start of the tournament. Well done Australia, deserved Asian Cup 2015 champions!