(Rumour) Malaysia vs Indonesia Match, Calciopoli ala Final AFF Cup 2010

Soccer Extreme : Enormous buzz about the individual alleged that sells PSSI-final first leg match AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 in Stadium Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, then the more toned sound.

If the previous issue about the person who could sell the victoryPSSI Indonesia to the bookies' big fish in Malaysia was circulated by word of mouth, now comes the recognition of someone who called Eli Cohen, the tax officer within the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, who delivered an open letter through email to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, sby@presiden.go.id.

The letter was also sent to the email editor Tribunnews.com, Bolanews, and top scorer.

In electronic mail, Eli told her disappointment about the lack beresan hear that happened when Indonesia was a remarkable show in the tournament. Moreover, a sudden landslide Indonesia and Malaysia were beaten 3-0. The defeat, he argued, had previously arranged for Indonesia lost to Malaysia.

Indonesian fans react after Malaysia beat Indonesia

during the final first leg match of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 soccer tournament in Kuala Lumpur

"The defeat of the football team from the host Malaysia Indonesia when it was already determined before the game started. This occurs because of the game or the bribery scandal by Judi Airport in Malaysia with important officials in the PSSI (he wrote the initials of two names, red). From this defeat both teams Indonesia Bandar betting or 2 people this person made a profit of PSSI tens of billions of dollars, "Eli said in the email.

Furthermore, Eli also said in his letter that sells the victory of Indonesia to the bookies are then used to finance the PSSI Annual Congress in Bali some time ago.

Not only that, Eli also said in his letter if the two officers who masterminded the defeat of PSSI have time to go into the locker room players and give specific instructions to individual players who later took part playing its part to confuse and discourage national team compete.

Kelly also added that the laser beam which then issues arise and are considered as the source of the national team's defeat also included one part of the scenario of making the national team loses. Because, with the defeat, which, according to Eli PSSI officers do have the heart to make the national team has lost is then multiplied benefit from Malaysia's airports, according to Eli letter to President Yudhoyono.

Japan The Winner Asian Cup 2011

Soccer Extreme : Japan has dashed Australia's dreams of clinching a maiden Asian Cup title by defeating the Socceroos 1-0 in extra time in the final in Qatar.

A stunning left-footed volley from substitute Tadanari Lee broke the deadlock on 109 minutes and the Australians were unable to equalise and force penalty kicks.

Australia has now been dumped by Japan from its only two Asian Cup appearances, having lost on penalties at the quarter-finals stage in 2007.

Japan's triumph at the Khalifa Stadium in Doha gave the Blue Samurai their fourth Asian Cup title, making them the most successful team in tournament history.

The Japanese previously won the Asian Cup in 1992, 2000 and 2004.

(Video) Spectacular Goal : Japan 1 - 0 Australia, AFC Cup Finals 2011

Tadanari Lee 110', Australia 0-1 Jepang

Highlights and Video Not Avalaible

Prediction Asian Cup Finals 2011, Australia vs Japan is Penalty

Extra time is required to determine the 2011 Asian Cup champion after Australia and Japan were deadlocked at 0-0 at the conclusion of regulation time in the final.

Harry Kewell had the best of Australia's chances, squandering clear-cut opportunities either side of half-time at the Khalifa Stadium in Qatar.

In the first half he lashed a flick-on from strike partner Tim Cahill high and wide of the target, and was thwarted by the trailing leg of Japan goalkeeper in the second half.

Eiji Kawashima was close to best-on-ground over the course of 90 minutes and Japan had him to thank for blocking Kewell with the pair one-on-one in the 71st minute.

Live Stream Asian Cup Finals 2011 : Australia vs Japan

Extra time is played over two halves of 15 minutes each and a penalty shoot-out will then take place should the scores remain locked.

Asian Cup Finals 2011 : Half-Time, Australia 0 - 0 Japan, Khalifa International Stadium

Soccer Extreme : The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 final between Japan and Australia is goalless at half-time, with neither side able to fashion a breakthrough at the Khalifa Stadium.

Australia created the best opportunities of the first 45 minutes. Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima blocked a close-range flick-on from Harry Kewell, who also thrashed a half-volley into the side netting.

Japan are bidding to become the first team to win the Asian Cup for a fourth time, while Australia are appearing in their first continental final on their second appearance in the competition.

Highlights, Video, not available

Live Stream Asian Cup Finals 2011 : Australia vs Japan

Watch Australia vs Japan Live Streaming HD Asian Cup Finals 2011 will be played on Saturday January 29th 2011, kick- off set for 18:00 GMT, Khalifa Stadium. There will be a lot of excitation waiting for the Asian Cup Football viewers because of the last highly voltage competition. This stardust exclusive Match will be held in between Australia vs Japan. Don’t be upset if you aren’t still tuned with the channels, just click here and we will provide you 100% quality software to Watch all the AFC Asian Cup Football Matches and all the football matches from the world this season.

If you want to watch Australia vs Japan live game, you can follow this TV channel below. We will give you the video broadcast TV online for free from Justin TV, Ustream, Freedocast, Veetle, Uusee, and many more streaming paltform in HD like P2P using Sopcast.

Preview Match : Australia captain Lucas Neill says the absence of Shinji Kagawa in the final of the 2011 Asian Cup will hurt Japan but believes that the Blue Samurai still have quality players in their squad.

Asian Cup Finals 2011 : Socceroos and Blue Devils battle for title

Kagawa will miss the final against the Socceroos on Saturday after breaking a bone in his foot during Japan's semi-final victory over South Korea.

“As a team, we feel very sorry for Kagawa, he's a talented player and we love to compete against the best,” the Australia captain is quoted as saying by the-afc.com.

“So it's unfortunate for Japan that he's not playing but we have to take that as a bonus."

He continued, “I know [Keisuke] Honda has been linked with a Premiership move, a player of that quality must have had a good tournament so we'll keep an eye on him.

“They have a different coach, a different formation but still a very talented team all over the pitch but all the history and past results count for nothing, even the form of this tournament, it all goes out the window for a one-off game.

“We know there's a great rivalry building between the two countries. You're going to see two teams that are very talented, possibly the best two teams in the tournament, trying to become the champions.”

Reflecting on Australia's performance in the competition, Neill enthused, “It takes attack and defence to be successful and this has been about a team.

“It takes a team effort so we're going to concentrate on Australia. So far we've been solid at the back and free-flowing going forward. Japan also have to worry about our forwards.

“The team is very proud to be in the final after two World Cup qualifications and a not so good last Asian Cup.

"We've taken a lot of negatives and turned them into positives and we find ourselves in a major final, which we are very excited about.”

We’ve also played at World level, in the 2006 World Cup group stage where Australia’s late goals won it 3-1, but let’s gloss over that one. Most recently we’ve played in World Cup qualifying in 2009, drawing 0-0 in Yokohama and losing 2-1 in Melbourne which is the last time the two sides met.

But as I said this is Japan’s fourth Asian Cup Final, and we have a 100% success rate so far, winning in 1992, 2000 and 2004. Time to add 2011 to that list, and become the only nation to have won the Asian Cup 4 times.

Enjoy with the Australia vs Japan live score, Line Up, preview, recaps and highlights if available here.



So, don’t miss this Match Watch and enjoy the Australia vs Japan live stream online broadcast of AFC Asian Cup Football live tv channel and get further information and you will Watch all of the AFC Asian Cup Football Matches.

Where can i watch this match Australia vs Japan Live Online ? Visit Link Here.

Asian Cup 2011 : Automatic bye to 2015 Finals for top-three

Soccer Extreme : AFC has confirmed that the top three teams in this edition of the AFC Asian Cup will get a direct bye to the 2015 Finals of the competition.

Speaking at the daily media briefing here at the Khalifa Stadium main media centre, Tournament Director Tokuaki Suzuki said: “The top three teams have a bye to the 2015 tournament, which will be held in Australia. This is to motivate the teams. We followed this in the last edition (2007) also.”

To a question if another berth would be created if Australia qualify through this tournament in the top three, Suzuki replied in the negative. “The decision is to give only the top three teams direct entry. If Australia finish third, then they and the top two teams, whoever they are, go through.”

For Tuesday’s semi-finals, Suzuki said Japan’s Maya Yoshida and Korea Republic’s Lee Jung-soo would not be eligible because of suspension. (the-afc)

Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima : It was my time to work

Soccer Extreme : Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima said he knew it was his time to shine as he saved two penalties in a shootout against Korea Republic on Tuesday to send his side through to the AFC Asian Cup final.

Hwang Jae-won had sent the game at the Al Gharafa Stadium to penalties when he levelled the score for the Koreans at 2-2 with just seconds left in extra-time.

But Kawashima emerged as Japan’s hero, stopping spot kicks by Koo Jae-cheol and Lee Yong-rae while Hong Jeong-ho shot wide as the Blue Samurai won the shootout 3-0 to advance to meet Australia in Saturday’s final at the Khalifa Stadium.

The Lierse goalkeeper was feted by his teammates for his heroics in the shootout but he felt that he was simply doing his job on the pitch.

“Over 120 minutes, every player worked really hard so I was thinking that when it came to penalties, it was going to be my time to work,” the 27-year-old said.

With his team having allowed the Koreans to get back on level terms so late on, Kawashima was determined to lift his side in the shootout.

“I saw that everybody’s head was down and the atmosphere was a bit strange because we had conceded the goal so close to the end of the game. But I knew it was not finished so I just focussed on the penalties.

“Everybody on my team was coming and saying things but I just kept my mind on what I had to do. We are a team and we all work for each other and it was my time to work.”

Forward Kesiuke Honda had failed to dispatch a penalty in extra-time although he was bailed out by teammate Hajime Hosogai, who followed up to put the Japanese 2-1 up. But Honda kept his nerve in the shootout and put his side ahead with an unstoppable effort into the top right corner before Shinji Okazaki and Yasuyuki Konno also converted to send
Japan through.

“I feel good and I’m very happy,” said the CSKA Moscow player, who was named the Man of the Match.

“I don’t think we could have given any more than we gave today. It was a very difficult game so we can take great satisfaction with this victory.” (the-afc)

Score not success surprises Socceroos supremo

Soccer Extreme : Australia coach Holger Osieck was naturally delighted with his side's 6-0 victory over Uzbekistan but the German admitted he did not expect to win by such a large margin.

Australia swept aside their opponents to reach their first AFC Asian Cup final at the second attempt with an emphatic performance that now gives them a real chance of hosting the continental competition in four years time as defending champions.

Once Harry Kewell had given them a fifth-minute lead at Khalifa Stadium, there was no looking back as AFC Asian Player of the Year Sasa Ognenovski doubled the advantage just after the half-hour mark before David Carney put the semi-final contest beyond Uzbekistan's reach midway through the second period.

Brett Emerton, Carl Valeri and Robbie Kruse then added further goals after Ulugbek Bakaev had been sent-off as Australia won at a canter.

“We had a brilliant game today,” beamed Osieck.

“The players put on a great show and performance. I'm full of praise and credit for them, what they did today was fantastic.

“You can't expect a result like this. We definitely wanted to win the game and go to the final but you can never predict the score.

“The secret was the way we presented ourselves on the pitch. We were well structured, we had a great shape, we played high, we tried to create, Harry Kewell had a great game and he's had a great tournament so far but he's not the only one.

“All the other boys have done well and I'm very happy with the way our team has developed in the tournament.”

While all the focus will be on Australia's attacking prowess, they have also proved formidable at the back having conceded just one goal in five games.

“It's a result of our structure,” continued the 62-year-old, who led Urawa Reds to glory in the 2007 AFC Champions League.

“The entire team works well defensively. We are very compact and the defence starts with the strikers, they close the opponents down and we are very well-structured behind them.

“When the opposition dribble into midfield, they run into a wall. We win the ball and we play our game. It sounds simple but it took some time to get the structure together.

“The more we play together, the better we become.”

Osieck was also keen to savour the victory before turning his attention to Saturday's historic final against Japan.

“It's not the time to talk about the final yet,” said the German.

“We've just played a great game, we just qualified for the final and the preparation will start tomorrow.” (the-afc)

Asian Cup 2011 : Korea Rep. 1-0 Iran. AET. (FT: 0-0)

Soccer Extreme : An extra-time goal from substitute Yoon Bit-garam ensured Korea Republic once again got the better of Iran as the Taeguk Warriors progressed to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 semi-finals following a 1-0 win at the Qatar Sports Club Stadium on Saturday.

The two sides were pitched against each other at the quarter-final stage for the second successive edition of the tournament and, as was the case in 2007, neither could break the deadlock inside 90 minutes.

But unlike four year ago, Yoon ensured penalties would not be needed to separate the two when he struck towards the end of the first period of extra time to set-up a mouthwatering semi-final clash between Korea Republic and Japan.

Both sides were cheered on by a sizeable contingent of their respective fans and it was the Koreans who were the first to be given something to shout about when they were awarded a free-kick outside the area, but Ki Sung-yueng sent his effort straight into the wall.

It took until the 23rd minute for the next chance to materialise and it once again went the way of the East Asians as Ki struck a well-hit volley from outside the box just wide of the target.

Moments later, Korea Republic keeper Jung Sung-ryong was finally tested at the other end of the pitch, though it was by his own player as Ji Dong-won headed Mohammad Reza Khalatbari’s free-kick towards goal and Jung did well to get a hand to and avert the danger.

But Cho Kwang-rae’s side continued to dominate possession and Ji came within inches of giving his side the lead just before the break with a curling effort that flew just wide of the post.

Though Korea Republic had dominated possession they had yet to register a shot on target and it was not until just after the hour that they managed to do just that when Cha Du-ri delivered a fine cross that Ji headed straight at Iran keeper Mahdi Rahmati.

A mistake in defence presented Ehsan Haji Safi with a clear sight on goal soon after but the defender drove his shot wide before Javad Nekounam headed wide as Iran started to come into the game.

But still the two sides largely cancelled each other out and, after Pejman Nouri shot high and wide the referee signaled the end of 90 minutes, meaning extra time was needed to separate the pair.

Haji Safi produced a timely tackle to prevent Park Ji-sung a chance on goal but once again the game was largely contested in the midfield with chances at a premium.

But the Koreans finally managed to break the deadlock seconds before the end of the first period of extra time when substitute Yoon dribbled the ball towards the edge of area before lashing a powerful shot into the back of the net.

It was backs against the walls for the Koreans in the closing stages but they successfully held Iran at bay to seal the hard-fought victory. (the-afc)

Osieck salutes solid Socceroos

Soccer Extreme : Coach Holger Osieck felt Australia fully deserved the 1-0 victory over Iraq that saw them reach the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 and revealed his delight that it was Harry Kewell who scored the winner.

Following a goalless 90 minutes, Kewell's header from Matt McKay's cross four minutes from the end of extra time at Al Sadd Stadium was enough to knock out the defending champions and clinch a last-four meeting with Uzbekistan.

“I'm very pleased and happy with my team's performance,” said Osieck.

“We managed to qualify for the semi-finals, which is definitely a great achievement and, looking at the game itself, although it went to extra time, during the regular 90 minutes we had more of the game.

“We played solidly in defence, we had a good structure, we created a lot of good chances and if I'm not mistaken, Iraq only had one great opportunity, the rest came from half-chances.

“We should have done our job in 90 minutes and then Iraq played very strongly in extra time. Some of our key players were tired but we battled through and I'm very pleased for Harry Kewell that he was the one to score the winning goal.

“Matt McKay did a great job on the left and Brett Holman equally on the right flank. We had a lot of mobility up front, interchanging of positions, but I'm very pleased with what I've seen.

“Of course we should've capitalised on our opportunities and it didn't happen but I'm not negative. The players showed great determination in the game.”

While clear-cut chances were limited throughout the contest Australia did spurn a couple of openings just before the interval. Osieck, though, was not overly concerned about his side's finishing.

“Definitely you benefit from every game you play. You always go into a game with a plan and the players know what is required but of course there are some things that don't go according to expectation,” added the German, who has already experienced success in Asia having led Japanese side Urawa Reds to AFC Champions League glory.

“You can learn when you make serious mistakes but our defensive shape looked solid, we created opportunities that looked good but that we didn't finish. That was maybe not so good.”

After banishing the memory of four years ago when they lost to Iraq in the group stage, Australia are now only two victories from their first AFC Asian Cup title but Osieck refused to look beyond Tuesday's clash with Uzbekistan.

“That is two steps ahead,” Osieck stressed.

“I'm happy and pleased with the performance, the team showed great character in this game, they played great football and played with big heart.

“The next game with Uzbekistan is waiting, I saw them the other night, they are a very good team too, they play a different kind of football and it's going to be a different challenge.

“First we need to recharge our batteries then we look at the game with Uzbekistan, that is my next target and I don't want to look further ahead than that.” (the-afc)

Australia go to semifinals Asian Cup after beats Iraq 1-0

Soccer Extreme : Harry Kewell proved the hero as his header deep into extra-time saw Australia edge out defending champions Iraq 1-0 at Al Sadd Stadium and book a place in the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011.

A game largely bereft of chances was settled in the 116th minute when Kewell got on the end of Matt McKay's deep cross from the left and steered a header past keeper Mohammed Kassid into the back of the net to set up a clash with Uzbekistan in the last four.

There was no doubting the effort and desire of both sides in the opening period but clear openings were hard to come by with defences firmly in top.

A poor header from Samal Saeed let in McKay after 28 minutes but the midfielder unfortunately lifted the half-chance way over the bar before reigning AFC Player of the Year Sasa Ognenovski glanced David Carney's free-kick from the left flank wide nine minutes later.

Australia then managed to carve out two opportunities as half-time approached.

McKay latched onto a through ball but fired straight at Mohammed Kassid from the edge of the box before Kewell outmuscled Ali Erhaima as they contested Luke Wilkshire's deep delivery but with the Iraq keeper bearing down on him, the forward's attempted lob was too high.

Iraq had their best chance of the game so far in the 54th minute when Younus Mahmood's fine pass released Emad Mohammed and with Australia appealing for offside, he drove into the right side of the box before placing a shot across Mark Schwarzer but the wrong side of the far post.

Mile Jedinak's drive from distance was comfortably held by Kassid on the hour mark before Lucas Neill rose highest to meet McKay's corner on the far side of the box but his header was diverted straight at the Iraq keeper by Ognenovski.

Kassid held Cahill's header as Australia continued to test Iraq in the air but with limited success

Brett Holman forced Kassid to push over his long-range effort with 10 minutes to go as the Socceroos looked the more likely to grab a late winner but Schwarzer had to get down low to hold substitute Mustafa Kareem's header.

Kassid then kept out another Ognenovski header from a corner as normal time ended scoreless.

Australia came agonisingly close to taking the lead seven minutes into extra-time when Ognenovski's acrobatic overhead kick following a corner seemed destined for the back of the net only for Jedinak to head the ball over the bar from close range.

Nashat Akram saw a stinging low drive from the edge of the box fly just wide of Schwarzer's right post two minutes into the second period of additional time before Kewell netted the winner four minutes from the end.

McKay's diagonal cross from the left picked out the forward's run in between two Iraq defenders and he beat Kassid with a clinical header to secure Australia's place in the last four. (the-afc)

Australia’s Brett Emerton suspended for Quarter Final

Soccer Extreme : Australia’s Brett Emerton will be suspended for the team’s AFC Asian Cup quarter-final on January 22.

AFC Tournament Director Tokuaki Suzuki confirmed that Emerton would miss the last eight encounter after collecting two yellow cards in two separate matches.

“Emerton is not eligible for the match,” said Suzuki, who also said that China head coach Gao Hongbo, who was sent off in the 89th minute of his team’s match against Uzbekistan on January 17, had been suspended for one match.

“Gao is suspended for China’s next official match and his case has been referred to the AFC Disciplinary Committee,” said Suzuki.

“Qatar coach Bruno Metsu has been fined USD 2000 for non-fulfilment of media obligations,” said Suzuki.

The Tournament Director said there was no question of changing the venues.

“We have already said in the beginning that there will be no change in the venues, as a matter of principle. The venues will be the same, the tickets have been sold.” (the-afc)

Live Stream AFC Asian Cup 2011 : U.A.E. vs Iran

Watch U.A.E. vs Iran Live Streaming HD AFC Asian Cup 2011 will be played on Wednesday 19th January, 2011, kick- off set for 19:15 GMT. There will be a lot of excitation waiting for the Asian Cup Football viewers because of the last highly voltage competition. This stardust exclusive Match will be held in between U.A.E. vs Iran. Don’t be upset if you aren’t still tuned with the channels, just click here and we will provide you 100% quality software to Watch all the AFC Asian Cup Football Matches and all the football matches from the world this season.

If you want to watch U.A.E. vs Iran live game, you can follow this TV channel below. We will give you the video broadcast TV online for free from Justin TV, Ustream, Freedocast, Veetle, Uusee, and many more streaming paltform in HD like P2P using Sopcast. Enjoy with the U.A.E. vs Iran live score, Line Up, preview, recaps and highlights if available here.



So, don’t miss this Match Watch and enjoy the U.A.E. vs Iran live stream online broadcast of AFC Asian Cup Football live tv channel and get further information and you will Watch all of the AFC Asian Cup Football Matches.

Where can i watch this match U.A.E. vs Iran Live Online ? Visit Link Here.

Live Stream AFC Asian Cup 2011 : Iraq vs Korea DPR

Watch Iraq vs Korea DPR Live Streaming HD AFC Asian Cup 2011 will be played on Wednesday 19th January, 2011, kick- off set for 19:15 GMT. There will be a lot of excitation waiting for the Asian Cup Football viewers because of the last highly voltage competition. This stardust exclusive Match will be held in between Iraq vs Korea DPR. Don’t be upset if you aren’t still tuned with the channels, just click here and we will provide you 100% quality software to Watch all the AFC Asian Cup Football Matches and all the football matches from the world this season.

If you want to watch Iraq vs Korea DPR live game, you can follow this TV channel below. We will give you the video broadcast TV online for free from Justin TV, Ustream, Freedocast, Veetle, Uusee, and many more streaming paltform in HD like P2P using Sopcast. Enjoy with the Iraq vs Korea DPR live score, Line Up, preview, recaps and highlights if available here.

So, don’t miss this Match Watch and enjoy the Iraq vs Korea DPR live stream online broadcast of AFC Asian Cup Football live tv channel and get further information and you will Watch all of the AFC Asian Cup Football Matches.

Where can i watch this match Iraq vs Korea DPR Live Online ? Visit Link Here.

2011 AFC Asian Cup Preview Highlights and Videos

Below are video highlights for the 2011 Asian Cup. This page will be continually updated as the tournament progresses. Click on each match for the highlights.

2011 AFC Asian Cup Preview Highlights and Videos

(Video) Japan's red card protest snubbed

Soccer Extreme : Asian football's governing body said on Saturday it had received a protest letter from Japan over a red card controversy but insisted the referee's decision was final.

Japan are seething about the sending off of goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima in their 2-1 win over Syria at the Asian Cup.

Iranian referee Torky Mohsen gave Kawashima his marching orders for bringing down Sanharib Malki despite the player being flagged offside.

The referee insisted Malki was not offside because the ball was played back to the goalkeeper by a Japanese defender.

The Asian Football Confederation's tournament director Tokuaki Suzuki said the matter would not go to their disciplinary committee because "it is a matter of a pure refereeing decision".

He said only refereeing decisions involving cases of misidentification of players could be referred to the committee for review.

"I would like to stress that a referee decision is final."

Kawashima has been banned from Japan's coming match against Saudi Arabia on Monday.

Other players not eligible for the next round of matches include China's Qu Bo (two yellow cards in two different matches), Kuwait's Mesaed Nada (two-match suspension) and Bahrain's Faozi Aish (one match-suspension after two yellow cards in one match.

Video, Link This

Asian Cup 2011 : Jordan 1 - 0 Arab Saudi

Soccer Extreme : Saudi Arabia crashed out of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 after Baha' Abdelrahman's first-half goal sealed a 1-0 win for Jordan at Al Rayyan Stadium on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia may have changed their coach but it made little difference to the result as Abdelrahman struck three minutes before the break in the Group B encounter to now give Jordan every chance of reaching the quarter-finals.

It was the Saudis who were first to threaten, though, when Mohammed Al Shalhoub sent in a cross from the right that was met by Naif Hazazi but Amer Shafi displayed quick reactions to make the save.

Jordan were on the back foot and Hazazi saw a powerful shot from outside the area rise over the crossbar in the 19th minute but Adnan Hamad's side had a sight of goal two minutes later when skipper Bashar Bani Yaseen fired straight at goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah.

Saudi Arabia continued to dominate the middle of the pitch and again went close in the 35th minute when midfielder Saud Kariri struck a first-time effort that proved just too high.

The Jordanians then stunned Saudi Arabia in the 42nd minute when they opened the scoring, although Abdullah will have to take some of the blame.

Abdelrahman looked to deliver an inswinging cross from the left into the box and although it was over hit, it caught out Abdullah who was too far off his line as the ball dropped over his head and into the net, with the Saudi keeper scrambling back in vain to keep it out.

Jordan almost doubled their lead just before the interval when Odai Al Saify found himself with only the goalkeeper to beat but Abdullah partially atoned for his earlier misjudgement by denying the striker.

The second-half started slowly with Jordan content to sit on their lead while Saudi Arabia, despite fielding three forwards with the introduction of Nassir Al Shamrani at half-time, failed to create any meaningful chances.

It took until 15 minutes from the end for them to seriously threaten the Jordanian goal as Al Shamrani exchanged passes with Taiseer Al Jassam before driving into the area but Amer Shafi was equal to his effort.

Saudi Arabia continued to press but were unable to find the goal they needed to stay in the competition as Jordan recorded a famous victory that puts them in with a very real possibility of reaching the last eight. (the-afc)

Highlights no available

Asian Cup 2011 : Australia 4 - 0 India

Soccer Extreme : Tim Cahill carried his prolific club form onto the international stage as two goals from the Everton striker helped Australia down India in the AFC Asian Cup at Al Sadd Stadium.

Harry Kewell and Brett Holman also found the back of the net as Australia cruised to an opening Group D victory.

Four years ago, the Socceroos laboured to a 1-1 draw with Oman but there were no such woes this time around as they outclassed a plucky but limited India side.

Cahill broke the deadlock after 11 minutes when he sidefooted home Brett Emerton's low cross inside the six-yard box after the Blackburn man had advanced unchallenged into the area.

Kewell doubled the lead in the 25th minute with a vintage strike. The former Leeds and Liverpool forward collected Luke Wilkshire's pass on the right and was afforded space to turn before unleashing a swerving left-foot drive that nestled in the far corner.

Cahill spurned an excellent chance to add a third goal after half an hour when a deflected shot broke to the 31-year-old but from close range, he prodded a weak effort that hit goalkeeper Paul Subrata and spun wide.

The Indian stopper then tipped a fierce dipping 25-yard effort from the same player over the bar after Cahill had exquisitely brought down a long ball with his chest before Holman claimed the third in first-half injury time when he beat Subrata to Emerton's cross to head home from six yards.

The second half turned out to be a more pedestrian affair with Australia largely happy to sit on their healthy lead but Cahill added the fourth goal in the 65th minute when he outjumped everyone in a crowded box to power Wilkshire's free-kick from the right into the bottom corner.

Saudi Arabia coach Jose Peseiro gets the boot

Soccer Extreme : Saudi Arabia coach Jose Peseiro has been sacked after the Sons of the Desert suffered a humiliating 2-1 defeat to unfancied Syria in their opening Group B game of the AFC Asian Cup on Sunday.

Two goals from Abulrazaq Al Hussein in the 38th and 63rd minutes consigned the favoured Saudis to defeat despite substitute Tayseer Al Jassem leveling the score in the 60th minute.

Veteran local hand Nasser Al Johar will be the new coach and will lead the Saudis through the rest of their campaign though they now face a real fear of elimination in the group stage.

“The performance was bad and we want to correct things before the next two matches,” said Saudi FF President HRH Prince Sultan Bin Fahd on television while confirming the Portuguese tactician’s departure.

The 50-year-old Peseiro’s fate was sealed almost immediately after the 2007 runners-up came up short against a determined Syrian side at the Al Rayyan Stadium. Last month, the team had lost to a second-string Kuwaiti side in the Gulf Cup final.

Peseiro, a former Al Hilal and Panathinaikos coach, took over from Al Johar in 2009 and was tasked with guiding the team to the 2010 FIFA World Cup but the Sons of the Desert flopped in the intra-Asia play-offs against Bahrain.

The everpresent Al Johar will now need to boost the team’s confidence levels without losing time before they play Jordan (13 January) and face Japan (17 January) in their last group match. (the-afc)