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JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION

SOCCER

Japan and South Korea lead way for Asian soccer

Sports Jan. 28, 2011 - 04:43AM JST ( 5 )

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5 Comments

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elbudamexicanoJan. 28, 2011 - 10:38AM JST

And who really cares?? Maybe only the Australians?
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OsakadazJan. 28, 2011 - 01:13PM JST

Yeah as an Aussie, I would say that this comment is pretty typical of Bin Hammam.It has all been heard before.
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rockbusterJan. 28, 2011 - 02:18PM JST

While Bin Hammam is clearly a bit of a mug, his comments here aren't that far away.

Of course, Australia have to be put in there as standard bearers for Asia too, but it's domestic league is relatively underfunded and under-attended compared to the J & K leagues. The A-League is much newer and is still in it's fledgling years, and they have had some success in the continental competition - I think Adelaide United reached the final a couple of years ago. But, the A-League needs to establish itself and produce more quality homegrown players to replace the current, aging, Australian squad.
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spudmanJan. 28, 2011 - 03:33PM JST

Considering Aussie soccer is an also ran in pro sports it's no wonder the Japanese and Koreans are the standard bearers for Asia. Population and economy wise, what other Asian country can compete? China but they already have won enough Olympic medals.
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BurakuminDesJan. 28, 2011 - 09:43PM JST

Considering Aussie soccer is an also ran in pro sports

We are doing pretty well for an "also ran", though - highest ranked in Asia, and making an Asian Cup FInal on the second attempt!

Your point is spot on though - soccer is, by most measures, only the No. 3 or 4 football code in Australia - and is light years behind cricket. This will likely change though. That Bin Hammam muppet seems to have it in for Australia whenever he opens his mouth - he is probably just envious because his mob are woeful at any sport!