Australia Aren't Asia's Top Team Despite Asian Cup Triumph

“The Asian Champions versus the World Champions” – It’s a headline in the making for the Socceroos next international. Australia will play Germany in a friendly at the end of March in match which pits the World Cup Holders against the Asian Cup Winners. While wild celebrations may have finally ceased with players returning to club duties; a fortnight after winning the Asian Cup, the Socceroos are still seeing the fruits of their labour. They’ve locked in a Confederations Cup berth in Russia in 2017 where they’ll face some of the best countries in the World and perhaps more importantly Australia has shot back up the FIFA World Rankings. The future is looking bright!

Socceroos Rocket up the Rankings but still Aren’t Asia’s Top Team

Australia is now ranked 63rd in the world according to the latest FIFA Rankings released on February 12. And while the system is controversial, this time the Aussies aren’t complaining. The Socceroos have rocketed up 37 places thanks to their Asian Cup Glory but still aren’t Asia’s top ranked nation. The Aussies are now Asia’s fourth best side (going by the rankings) which means they will be a seeded when the 2018 World Cup Qualification fixtures are released.

Australia Ends 12 Year Confederations Cup Absence

Australia is the first country outside Europe to qualify for the 2017 Confederations Cup (their reward for winning the Asian Cup). Hosts Russia and World Cup Kings Germany will also play at the tournament. The Winner of the UEFA Euro 2016 will be Europe’s other team at the competition while Australia will also face the best South American, Northern American, African and Oceania nations who qualify from their continent specific tournaments. The Socceroos will make their first appearance at the Confederations Cup since 2005.

Socceroos Should Challenge at Next World Cup

The Socceroos squad is packed with young players who will only improve with more game time at domestic and International level. The battle to breakthrough for regular action for their clubs will help their skills progress. Tim Cahill’s already proven himself in one of the best League’s in the world and talk of him playing at the next World Cup warms the heart of all Australians. He’ll turn 39 in 2018 but after his performances at the Asian Cup who’d bet against him not only featuring in Russia but having another major impact on the tournament.

The Aussies were enthusiastic, attacking and exciting during the Asian Cup, entertaining spectators with enjoyable offensive play. And having found the net more times than they did for the entire of last year let’s hope their scoring touch sticks around. Next up the World’s number one ranked team…. Bring on Ze Germans!