AFC Asian Cup is finally here

Posted on 5 January, 2015

I’ve never been to a professional soccer match myself, but I’m told that it’s nothing like you’ll ever experience. Whenever I’ve watched a game on TV, one thing hat I’ve always noticed is the level of passion—from both sides, the spectators and the players. There’s crying, cheering and yelling, and players running, their faces etched with pride, arms spread wide.

It’s an intense game. And, in a Canberra first, you’ll have the opportunity to be a part of that passion. Next week Canberra will be one of five cities hosting the AFC Asian Cup. But it’s also the first time Australia will host the Cup, and while I’m sure our Socceroos will be winning the title, they’ll still have to compete against the likes of The Korea Republic, Iraq, Qatar and defending champions Japan.

There’s no doubt these matches will be exciting with seven opportunities a game between Saturday 10 to the Friday 23 January. If you’re thinking of going along, there’s a few things you should know about the game…

Some teams like to counter attack, which means they sit back on the defence and wait for the opposition to lose the ball before quickly racing into the oppositions half at an attempt to score. Other teams like to hold possession; the idea is to get the defence to over-commit which opens space behind defence.

It’s a game based on strategy, and if you enjoy subtlety and tactical nuances it’s the game for you.

Here’s some tips to consider before head to a game:

Adopt a team to support

Since the Socceroos won’t be playing here in Canberra, support a team, pick a side and stick by them till the very end. Well, only until they play Australia that is.

Study the match day guide

Know the players, understand their strengths. Appreciate their skill and control. Decide on your favourite player, you’ll get more excited when he gets the ball. Usually, I go the best looking one or anyone of them who interacts with the kids before the game.

Rules

1. Players cannot touch the ball with their hands except for the goalkeeper.
2. Tempers can flare up quite easily, players don’t like getting tackled. Side note, this leads to players thinking the ref is wrong 99% of the time.
3. Like Rugby, players can’t be offside.

So this January take the family to GIO Stadium (formerly Bruce Stadium) and watch this highly-skilled, entertaining and fantastic sport. It will be a great family affair while you watch some of the best footballers in the world.

AFC Asian World Cup Giveaway

We’ve got four family passes and three double passes to give away! Simply email hello@hercanberra.com.au with your contact details (including phone number), which game you would like to win tickets to (see below) and answer the following question: Which of the competing countries would you love to visit and why? Competition closes Thursday 8 January at 4pm. Winners will be notified on the same day. Tickets to be collected from the HerCanberra office in NewActon.

Giveaway tickets

• Two Family Passes 11 January Qatar v UAE 
• Two Family Passes 15 January Bahrain v UAE
• One Double Pass 15 January Bahrain v UAE
• Two Double Passes 23 January Quarter Final

The essentials

What: AFC Asian World Cup
Where: GIO Stadium, Bruce
When: See match times below

• 4pm Saturday 10 January — Korea Republic v Oman
• 6pm Sunday 11 January — UAE v Qatar
• 6pm Tuesday 13 January — Kuwait v Korea Republic
• 6pm Thursday 15 January — Bahrain v UAE
• 8pm Sunday 18 January — China PR v DPR Korea
• 8pm Friday 23 January — QF Winner C v Runners Up D

Tickets: Purchase your tickets online via the AFC Asian Cup website.
Web: www.afcasiancup.com