When Japan's Tadanari Lee struck a stunning volley to break Australian hearts on Saturday, it was a fitting finale to an exciting Asian Cup final, perhaps even superior to last year's dour World Cup final in South Africa. The Blue Samurai were worthy winners and Doha put on a great show hosting the event.
Sadly, the same cannot be said of the under-performing Arab nations at the competition.
After the elimination of the Arab teams, the region's lack of quality football was sadly plain for all to see. That Uzbekistan, who had defeated Qatar and dispensed with Jordan in the quarter-final, were themselves thrashed 6-0 by Australia in the semi-final highlighted what many suspected: Arab teams had not merely stagnated in the last four years, they had regressed.
Currently, the Japanese superstar Keisuke Honda plays for Russia's CSKA Moscow, while Yuto Nagatomo plays for Cesena. Additionally, Yasuhito Endo of Gamba Osaka of the J League is the 2009 Asian Footballer of the year. For the Socceroos, the likes of Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer, Lucas Neill and Brett Emerton are all English Premier League veterans. Such experience is priceless.
In stark contrast, the Arab teams, making up half of the 16 participating nations, could not muster one professional footballer plying his trade in a top European league. Saudi Arabia, once one of the continent's undisputed giants, lost all three group matches and went home early. The UAE, despite the presence of several talented young players, failed to score a single goal, and were eliminated at the first hurdle. Syria, Kuwait and Bahrain managed a pitiful six points out of a possible 27 between them and headed home early as well.
Iraq, having won the title gloriously in 2007, lost to Australia by the odd goal. Hosts Qatar, leading 10-man Japan 2-1 with 20 minutes left on the clock, somehow snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. At least their 3-2 loss was to the eventual champions.
Amid the plaudits being showered on Qatar for successfully holding the Asian Cup, it should not be forgotten that in terms of football, the tournament was a dismal failure for the region. The award of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar should prompt a serious overhaul of the game in Arab countries. Qatar as hosts automatically qualify, but from their recent performance, there is no guarantee that others will be joining them.
The standard of tackling left a lot to be desired, with some bordering on the reckless. The quality of the passing was poor, with too many long balls lumped from the back towards the forwards, simply presenting possession back to the opposition. These tactics now seem straight out of the dark ages with Spain and Barcelona ushering in a new era with their perfection of tiki-taka - possession football relying on short accurate passes. Lack of discipline and professionalism must also be addressed, with dissent, diving, faking injuries and poor fitness rife.
Of course, long-term initiatives have been put in place that will hopefully bear fruit in the next 11 years. The UAE's Pro League is on the rise, thanks to the introduction of international players and managers. The culture of sacking managers at the first sign of difficulties, however, must be ended. Such short-term thinking will result in an unstable league and national team. The country's most talented young players must also be encouraged to perform in foreign leagues to gain invaluable experience.
Encouragingly, the UAE has produced a succession of excellent national teams at youth levels over the last few years. The UAE reached the quarter-final of the Fifa under-20 World Cup quarter-finals last year, and the under-17s are current Gulf Champions. The 2003 Youth World Cup, which was held in the Emirates and starred future World Cup winner Andres Iniesta, produced Ismail Matar, one of the country's most gifted players. Hopefully, this will be translated into success for the senior team.
In 1990, the UAE's golden generation qualified for the World Cup in Italy. With better resources and infrastructure, there is no reason why this cannot happen again.
The 11-year window between now and the World Cup in Doha provides a massive opportunity and incentive, for Arab nations to improve their football standing globally. It would be a shame if when the party finally arrives, Qatar's nearest neighbours are not invited.
