DOHA: Preparations were being fine-tuned yesterday ahead of the Asian Cup, a tournament that will test Qatar’s ability to host a big event after being awarded the 2022 World Cup.
Heavyweights Australia, Japan and South Korea go into the three-week football festival, which kicks off tomorrow, as clear favourites from the 16 teams taking part.
But there are plenty of dark horses, with Iraq the defending champions and Kuwait coming off a morale-boosting victory at the Gulf Cup, while Iran and Saudi Arabia can never be written off.
How Qatar fares in staging such a high-profile tournament will be closely watched after FIFA surprisingly handed it the World Cup ahead of more fancied bids from Australia, Japan, South Korea and the United States.
Qatar has insisted that it won on the merits of a bold proposal to build climate-controlled stadiums that will enable players and fans to be comfortable in its desert heat.
But there have been sceptics amid claims that the decision was political, linked to Qatar’s deep pockets.
Australia’s squad of European-based stars are desperate to make amends for their maiden tournament in 2007 when they struggled.
Back then, the Socceroos found it difficult to adapt to the hot and humid conditions of South-East Asia.
Winter in Doha will suit them more – warm during the day but chilly in the evening, although star player Tim Cahill is keen to play down their chances.
“It’s very difficult for me (to consider ourselves favourites)” said the Everton midfielder.
“I’m a realist and I haven’t been in camp long enough. I haven’t been with the side long enough, the other teams have been together longer.
“So, basically, we want to respect all the other nations and play just as well as we can, show a good attitude and put in a lot of commitment.”
Cahill leads a formidable squad that also include Blackburn’s Brett Emerton, Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and the Galatasaray pair of Harry Kewell and Lucas Neill.
They are grouped with the Park Ji-sung-led South Korea, who made the knockout rounds in South Africa.
The Koreans are gunning to land a first Asian title in 51 years, leaving fellow Group C teams Bahrain and India facing an early exit. But they have suffered a blow with the withdrawal of injured striker Park Chu-young.
Coach Cho Kwang-rae in still fretting over who will replace him.
“I have not yet decided who will replace Chu-young. I have thought about putting one more midfielder instead of a striker but it may weaken the team’s offensive power,” he said.
Japan also have a strong line-up, with CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda chosen to lead the Blue Samurai. He is one of the eight Europe-based players in their squad.
Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni is chasing a record fourth Asian Cup title as a crucial stepping stone in the build-up to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
A win here guarantees the champions a berth at the Confederations Cup, held by the World Cup host nation a year before the four-yearly showpiece.
They get their campaign under way on Jan 9 against Jordan. Saudi Arabia and Syria are also in the group and play their opener on the same night.
Qatar and Uzbekistan kick-off the tournament at the Khalifa Stadium tomorrow, one of five arenas being used.
They are in Group A alongside perennial under-achievers China and Kuwait.
Defending champions Iraq are back to try and emulate their finest footballing achivement when they beat Saudi Arabia in the 2007 final.
But it won’t be easy with Iran, the United Arab Emirates and North Korea awaiting them in Group D.
They open their account against neighbours Iran on Jan 11.
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