Australia's Massimo Luongo (R) celebrates his goal with teammate Tim Cahill during their Asian Cup Group A soccer match against Kuwait at the Rectangular stadium in Melbourne January 9, 2015.
Australia's Massimo Luongo (R) celebrates his goal with teammate Tim Cahill during their Asian Cup Group A soccer match against Kuwait at the Rectangular stadium in Melbourne January 9, 2015. REUTERS/Brandon Malone

After the first round of matches in group A of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup host Australia sit on top of the group, because of superior goal difference, and should need just one more win to confirm their spot in the quarter final stage of the tournament. South Korea, the group favourites, have also won their first match and a win against Kuwait would virtually confirm the two teams that would move ahead in the competition. Kuwait and Oman have all to play for. These two teams must win their second matches just to stay afloat in the competition.

In their opening match Australia produced just the performance that would unite a nation to start to dream of their first AFC Asian Cup. In football we have all learned the hard way that things are rarely straightforward and two plus two does not necessarily make four. Australia have already played arguably the easiest match of the tournament and things will get considerably tough from here. Going forward things are looking up. Tim Cahill is not the only goal scoring option as was able demonstrated by Massimo Luongo, Mile Jedinak and James Torisi.

The problem with Australia is their defense. With captain and defensive midfielder Mile Jedinak out with an ankle problem the inexperienced defensive unit will miss a leader. The veteran Mark Bresciano might get a game to bring some much needed know-how in their defensive organisation. The Socceroos looked especially vulnerable while defending set pieces. That is how they conceded a goal in their first match. As of now coach Ange Postecoglou is keeping things close to his chest.

Oman on the other hand employed a defensive approach against the much fancied South Korean side. They relied on counter attacking football to apply pressure on the opposition. It nearly worked but unfortunately they lost the game in the narrowest of margins. This time around Oman need to be much more offensive as they must win this match to have any chance of progressing to the next round.

In the last five matches between these two teams each have won twice and the other one has been a draw. Two matches played in Australia have resulted in an Australian win and a draw.

To contact the author of this article email a.biswas@IBTimes.com.au

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