Australian coach Ange Postecoglou optimistic ahead of the final in the Asian Cup

Ange Postecoglou

Newcastle (Australia), January 28 (IANS)

Australia's coach Ange Postecoglou is optimistic about his team's chances in the Asian Cup football tournament final against South Korea after beating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 2-0 in the semifinals.

Postecoglou said his team would not miss the chance to win the Asian Cup title at home. They would face South Korea in the final in Sydney on Saturday, who beat Iraq 2-0 on Monday to reach the final, reports Xinhua.

Having lost 0-1 to Japan in the final of the 2011 edition of the tournament, Postecoglou insisted Australia were firmly focused on landing the maiden continental title this.

“They are already in recovery mode and doing the right things as they have done all tournament,” Postecoglou said on Tuesday.

Australia have now scored 12 goals in their five games, while only conceding twice. Ten different players have now scored for Postecoglou's side during the campaign.

“I think we have been very good in the whole tournament. There haven't been too many periods in any games where I have felt we've been dominated, so for the most part we have been pretty solid,” added Postecoglou.

“The players have got real belief now and they are getting the rewards, so hopefully that means they keep progressing and challenging themselves to be better.”