From goal.com
From goal.com
Asian Cup 2011: Goal.com's Team Of The Group Stages
Goal.com's Chris Paraskevas picks out the star performers from the first round of matches in Qatar...
By Chris Paraskevas
Jan 20, 2011 3:27:00 AM
Mark Schwarzer (Goalkeeper, Australia): Just edges India shot-stopper Subrata Paul by virtue of his heroics in the final group game against Bahrain, where he pulled off a string of superb saves to seal Australia’s passage into the knockout stages when they weren’t at their best. Has made an international career out of doing that and was his usual reliable self during the first three matches.
Yuto Nagatomo (Defender, Japan): The Samurai Blue haven’t hit top gear in the early parts of the tournament and in defence in particular they’ve looked shaky without usual centre-backs Tulio Tanaka and Yuji Nakazawa. Nagatomo has not only made his usual lung-bursting runs forward but taken care of his defensive duties and often covered the other three members of Zaccheroni’s back-line.
Odil Ahmedov (Defender, Uzbekistan): A converted midfielder, Ahmedov has been one of the stars of the Asian Cup thus far, starting off the tournament by scoring a thunderbolt in his side’s 2-0 win over Qatar. He’s been extremely impressive at the heart of Uzbekistan’s defence, where his technical abilities have come to the fore. Will doubtless attract the attention of European suitors if his form continues.
Maya Yoshida (Defender, Japan): At just 22 years-old has had to deputise for the aforementioned Tanaka and Nakazawa in central defence. An unfortunate own-goal against Jordan in his side’s opening match was cancelled out when the VVV-Venlo man surged forward to head home a dramatic late equalizer. Has looked solid, displaying mobility and a composure beyond his years.
Cha Du-Ri (Defender, South Korea): One of the stand-out performers in Cho Kwang-Rae’s side, turning in a man-of-the-match display against Australia, where he marked out Everton’s Tim Cahill. Has brought an uncompromising physicality to the Korean back-line that has been crucial to their progress and has also contributed offensively also, both in the air and on the ground.
Mile Jedinak (Midfielder, Australia): Netted two crucial goals for his country during the group stages: the first an equalizer against South Korea and the second the winner against Bahrain. Though he hasn’t necessarily impressed in his defensive duties, his goals have given him confidence and particularly against Bahrain he was able to drive his side forward out of midfield. Turning into a key player.
Koo Ja-Cheol (Midfielder, South Korea): An impressive return of four goals from the group stages, the attacking midfielder has stepped up to the breach and delivered in front of goal. One of South Korea’s biggest concerns heading into the tournament was the absence of striker Park Chu-Young and with no recognizable name leading the line, Koo has done superbly. Is leading the scoring charts.
Park Ji-Sung (Midfielder, South Korea): One of the few big-name players to deliver on his reputation so far in this tournament, Park turned in an industrious display against Australia in particular to help his side to a point. Carrying his excellent club form with Manchester United onto the international arena, his energy and drive has been at the heart of Korea’s play.
Server Djeparov (Midfielder, Uzbekistan): Netted twice during the group stages and has arguably been the star performer of the tournament, pulling the strings in an impressive Uzbekistan side. Showing the sort of form that won him the AFC Player of the Year Award in 2008, like Park before him is continuing his excellent club form (with FC Seoul). Scored a goal-of-the-tournament contender against Kuwait.
Yusef Ahmed (Striker, Qatar): This 22 year-old has burst onto the scene, the catalyst for Qatar’s progress into the knockout stages. His incredible double against China turned around the hosts’ campaign, his first goal a stunning volley and his second a classy finish on the turn. Turned in a busy display in the final match against Kuwait and is one to watch from here on in.
Shinji Okazaki (Striker, Japan): Netted a hat-trick against Saudi Arabia in a 5-0 win to make sure of his side’s place in the quarter finals but in truth, his contributions were more telling when used as a substitute in the first two matches. Came off the bench against Jordan and Syria with his side in trouble on both occasions, changing the game with his energy and enthusiasm before finally winning a starting berth. Will now lead the line.
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1996, 2000, 2004, 2007 and now 2011 !!!
Another heart break finish for Iran in Asian Cup. Iran had some chances in the second half but finally the better team won.