Asian Cup Scout: Socceroos first opponent Kuwait sacks coach after poor Gulf Cup

THEY may have won only once in 2014 and are labouring at a historical FIFA rankings low - but at least the Socceroos can boast some coaching stability.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Coach of Kuwait, Jorvan Vieira, speaks to the media after the 2015 AFC Asian Cup draw at Sydney Opera House on March 26, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Joosep Martinson/Getty Images)

THEY may have won only once this year and are labouring at a historical low of 102 in the FIFA rankings - with only four of their 15 Asian Cup rivals behind them - but at least the Socceroos can boast some coaching stability.

With the Asian Cup opening game less than one month away, one of Australia’s group opponents has just dumped their Brazilian coach after a less-than impressive Gulf Cup in Saudi Arabia in November. Two other tournament participants have - right at this moment - no-one to lead them to Australia.

Jorvan Vieira celebrates the 2007 Asian Cup win with Iraq.

The Socceroos open the three-week tournament at AAMI Park on January 9 against Kuwait, who installed Tunisian Nabil Maaloul over the weekend after dispensing with the services of Jorvan Vieira, who guided Iraq to Asian Cup success in 2007.

A disasterous 5-0 loss to Oman, whom they meet again in Newcastle on January 17, proved the final straw.

Juan Ramon Lopez Caro was another Gulf Cup casualty after the 1996 Asian Cup champions Saudi Arabia cut the Spaniard loose.

And then there is the tale of North Korea’s Yun Jong-Su.

He has just been banned for 12 months after what was described as a ‘tirade of abuse’ at match officials at the recent Asian Games.

At this rate Ange Postecoglou - who would have been in charge just under 15 months come January 9 - could well be one of the longest tenured coaches at the tournament.

Juan Ramon Lopez Caro has been dumped by Saudi Arabia.

Kuwait - ranked 124th in the world - have played 16 games so far this season - with at least three more to come - but have only won four.

Maaloul will have three games to prepare for the Socceroos, starting with Uzbekistan this week and followed by vital clashes with Iraq and United Arab Emirates, and is confident it will be enough time.

“Our group at the Asian Cup is very difficult, as we have Australia and Korea Republic who played at the FIFA World Cup, and there also is Oman who defeated Kuwait at the Gulf Cup,” Maaloul said.

“However, we want to put in a good performance at the Asian Cup, as we will not be there just to take part.”

Saudi Arabia dispensed of Lopez Caro’s services even though he led them to the Gulf Cup final, which they lost 2-1 to Qatar.

Three lead up wins over Bahrain, Yemen and the UAE weren’t enough as the Spaniard paid the price for not winning the tournament on home soil.

A replacement has yet to be named.

Meanwhile, Jong-Su’s furious rant in October against South Korea has earned the wrath of the AFC, and severely dented his team’s preparations.

North Korea - the lowest ranked team at the tournament - already had a mountain to climb to get out of a group featuring Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia and China.

The confederation cited “offensive behaviour” in suspending him from all AFC competitions for 12 months.

Originally published as Asian Cup Scout: Socceroos first opponent Kuwait sacks coach after poor Gulf Cup