Asian Cup final: right-back Ivan Franjic set to shake off injury in time for decider
IN a major boost for the Socceroos hopes of lifting the Asian Cup, defender Ivan Franjic is set to start the final after shrugging off a groin injury.
Asian Cup
Don't miss out on the headlines from Asian Cup. Followed categories will be added to My News.
RIGHT-BACK Ivan Franjic looks set to start in tonight’s Asian Cup final against South Korea, with the Socceroos just 90 minutes away from their first piece of major silverware.
Franjic sent a shudder through the Socceroos camp when he raced up the tunnel 10 minutes into last night’s final session at ANZ Stadium.
He reappeared several minutes later and resumed full training with the 22-man squad, moving freely.
Coach Ange Postecoglou said that if he pulled up well from Friday night’s session, he would not hesitate throwing him into the 80,000 cauldron on Saturday.
“In terms of Ivan, if gets through training today he’s available so that’s it. If he trains he plays,’’ Postecoglou said.
The only other change could come in midfield, with Postecoglou toying whether to retain Mark Milligan in central midfield or recall James Troisi or Matt McKay to the first XI.
Postecoglou’s side was developing a habit of early-game stage-fright, but has rectified that in the Asian Cup knockout phase.
VIDEO: WATCH SOCCEROOS’ GREATEST EVER MOMENTS
ANGE’S REGENERATION PROJECT REAPS DIVIDENDS
CAHILL RELIVES HOLGER’S BANGED-UP 2011 MODEL
He backed his young side to perform on the grandest of stages, at a sold out ANZ Stadium, with a global TV audience of 80 million.
“No I don’t think it’s really an issue, some of the most experienced players freeze on big days but so far the group’s been very good,’’ he said.
“There’s nothing I’ve seen to suggest the occasion will get to anyone tomorrow.
“Anyone who saw us after the semi-final, the players pretty much by the time we got back into the rooms, were already in recovery mode and focusing on the final.
“I can’t speak more highly of their professionalism over the last month. It’s been a long time to be together and live in each other’s pockets 24-7. It’s a unique situation.
“The players have been really good, they’re doing the right things, they’re well led by the skipper (Mile Jedinak) and I’ve got a great deal of faith in these players to perform the task tomorrow.’’
Two-time champions South Korea are yet to concede this tournament and coach Uli Stielike is considering rewarding his semi-final side that beat Iraq 2-0.
AUSTRALIA ON CUSP OF HISTORIC DOUBLE
PAPER TALK: CAHILL A ‘MODERN GREAT’
PLAY IT LIKE SPAIN: ANGE’S BRAZIL CLARION CALL
HIDDINK, EL TEL: WHERE DOES ANGE RANK?
SUPER SON IS ‘BIGGEST SUPERSTAR NOW IN ASIA’
The German-born coach warned against complacency and said it would be a very different Socceroos side they’ll face than the one they beat 1-0 in the group stage, courtesy of a goal from young striker Jung-Hyub Lee, who also netted in the semi-final.
“We are expecting and preparing for a very tough game,’’ Stielike said.
“We played Australia in the group stage but everybody knows that tomorrow we will meet another Australian team with other players on the pitch.
“We are unbeaten and we didn’t take (concede) any goals. We go into this game with a lot of confidence and conviction.’’
Originally published as Asian Cup final: right-back Ivan Franjic set to shake off injury in time for decider
Fowler keen to clear the air on Paris flop
Accusations of “pampering” were thrown at the Matildas following their disappointing exit at the Paris Olympic Games.
Huge concerns for new AFC Women’s Champions League
It hasn’t kicked off yet but FIFPRO Asia have serious concerns about the financial strain the AFC Women’s Champions League will have on clubs, athletes’ welfare and disruptions to domestic competitions.