Can Asia win a WC?

[Stuckey]

Interesting article.

Anything is possible in football, so not now but maybe in ten years' time an Asian country will win the World Cup," South Korea's Park Ji-Sung said last week. As talented as the Manchester United star is, he is no Pele, but that also holds true when it comes to predictions. The Brazilian's statement that an African team would win the World Cup before the end of the 20th century is now the most famous, or infamous, reminder that he was far better with a ball of leather than one of crystal.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/st ... ry?cc=5739

IMO the key is youth development. If we (Aus) can start sending players abroad (hopefully Europe) and then have the next kid in line already to step up. There will hopefully be a seamless transition with clubs as they profit from transfers and don't drop in quality on the pitch. For example hopefully for AUFC Malik has a storming nest season, meantime Melling is gaining experience and skill then hopefully by seasons end Malik (the HAL's MVP) transfers to a European club for a healthy transfer fee and Melling by that time is more then ready to step into Malik's shoes. Its just a pity Euge didn't end up heading overseas as Birra is clearly ready to take over in goals.

[blahblah]

Asian sides keep pushing the high tide mark a little higher. Last World Cup Japan and Korea were in the round of 16, no-one was surprised. If this World Cup one or two sides make the quarters, no-one will be surprised.

[Stuckey]

Asian sides keep pushing the high tide mark a little higher. Last World Cup Japan and Korea were in the round of 16, no-one was surprised. If this World Cup one or two sides make the quarters, no-one will be surprised.

If Australia doesn't make it thru to the knock out stage it won't be worth us being there IMO. We must continue to improve as a footballing nation. An Arab side that hasn't been there before would warrant a place over us if we're just making up the numbers. There are quite a few kids out there that deserve a chance over the ageing 'golden generation' players.
Sadly Holger goes with selections like Emmo and Thomspon in the last match, who clearly aren't players for the future.