Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos have title on their minds after impressive quarter final win

FORGET the semi-finals being a “pass mark” – Ivan Franjic says the Socceroos won’t be satisfied unless they win the Asian Cup next week.

Australia's Tim Cahill is congratulated by teammates Ivan Franjic, left, and Massimo Luongo, right, after scoring his second goal during the AFC Asia Cup quarterfinal soccer match between China and Australia in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)

FORGET the semi-finals being a “pass mark” – the Socceroos won’t be satisfied unless they win the Asian Cup.

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A place in the last four was seen by many as Australia’s minimum Cup requirement, particularly with the tournament being played on home soil.

But having reached the semi-finals courtesy of their 2-0 win over China at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night, the Socceroos aren’t ready to accept an honourable exit on Tuesday in Newcastle.

“The pass mark for us is winning it,” Socceroos defender Ivan Franjic said.

“We set out to win it at the start and nothing’s changed since. We’re going to try to go all the way.”

The Socceroos will meet either Japan or the United Arab Emirates – who meet in Sydney on Friday night – for a spot in next Saturday’s final.

“To get to the final you have to beat one of the best four teams and we’re ready to do that,” said Franjic, who did not have a preference in terms of future opponents.

Franjic was full of praise for star attacker Tim Cahill – the scorer of both Australia’s goals against China, including a spectacular bicycle kick – and coach Ange Postecoglou.

“(Cahill’s) such a great guy, such a great leader,” said Franjic, who set up Cahill’s opening goal.

“We all look up to him for what he’s done for this country in football. The amount of goals he scores, you expect him to pop up and score a spectacular goal.

“He’s got the knack for goals and he keeps showing it time and time again.”

Franjic said Postecoglou, who unleased a post-match tirade against his critics, was a “great coach”.

“He’s always looking to improve and that’s always what a good coach and a good player does,” he said of Postecoglou.

“We’re knocking the ball around playing that up tempo style that he wants.

“You can see the style of games we’re playing and it’s really become beneficial now. Everyone’s bought into it and we’re believing in one another.

“We’ll keep getting better and better as time progresses.”

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos have title on their minds after impressive quarter final win