Brett Emerton believes Socceroos should aim for at least a semi-final berth at Asian Cup

BRETT Emerton says the Socceroos do not need to win the Asian Cup but anything less than a semi-final berth would be unacceptable.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 02: Former Socceroos Brett Emerton poses with the Asian Cup trophy during the Asian Cup Trophy Tour at Sydney Harbour on December 2, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

THE Socceroos do not need to win the Asian Cup to regard the tournament as a success but anything less than a semi-final berth would be unacceptable.

That is the opinion of Socceroos great Brett Emerton, who has called for patience as national coach Ange Postecoglou builds a team for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

“As far as World Cups are concerned, as a nation we need to make sure we qualify each and every time,” Emerton said.

“We don’t need to win this Asian Cup (but) we definitely need to perform well. We need to at least qualify for the semi-final, if not the final itself.

“In major tournaments, once you get to that stage anybody can win it, so we need to make sure we’re in the mix.’’

Emerton, who made 95 appearances for the Socceroos, is a supporter of Postecoglou’s regeneration of the national squad despite the run of poor results this year.

Josh Kennedy of the Socceroos celebrates heading the ball to score a goal during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Asian Qualifier match in June last year.

“Since Ange has taken over he has experimented quite a lot, but now is the time where we need to start finalising a squad of players for the future,” the former Blackburn Rovers midfielder said.

“People need to be patient with the team and the results we’re getting at the moment, and give them some time.’’

Emerton’s former Socceroos teammate Mark Bosnich will be in the Queen Street Mall today from 11.30am for the Brisbane leg of the Asian Cup Australia 2015 Trophy Tour.

The Asian Cup starts on January 9 when Australia meet Kuwait in Melbourne.

Suncorp Stadium will host seven games, starting with Saudi Arabia versus China on January 10.

Originally published as Brett Emerton believes Socceroos should aim for at least a semi-final berth at Asian Cup