Japan coach Ivica Osim believes Asia is benefiting from Australia's switch from Oceania to the Asian Football Confederation but has warned it will make his team's bid to win a third straight title at next month's Asian Cup more difficult. "I personally think that it's good for football in general. It's good for Australian football because they are moving to a better federation. It's good for Asian football because there is a team that is coming with a different style and is full of players that are playing in countries like England, the top country for football," Osim told media. "It gives us the opportunity to discover new things, to learn new things but then of course the fact that Australia is there means that there is more competition to be top. I think Australia is going to qualify from their group and aim to win it."
Japan could face Asian Cup Australia in the elimination Quarter Finals or later in the Cup Final of the 7-29 July tournament according to how the two nations finish in their respective groups.
Japan could face Asian Cup Australia in the elimination Quarter Finals or later in the Cup Final of the 7-29 July tournament according to how the two nations finish in their respective groups.