AFC Asian Cup 2019: Australia ready for title defence

Bengaluru/Abu Dhabi, December 27: AFC Asian Cup defending champions Australia touched down in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and immediately had a training session as they prepare to defend the crown which they won four years back at home, defeating South Korea 2-1 in extra time in front of a capacity crowd at Sydney's Olympic Park Stadium.

The Asia's elite and the biggest-ever AFC Asian Cup, will take place from January 5 to February 1, 2019.

The Socceroos have witnessed a period of transition over the last four years after the retirement of arguably one of the country's greatest-ever players in Tim Cahill and have since appointed a new coach in Graham Arnold.

First session underway in the UAE! #GoSocceroos #TogetherAsOne @afcasiancup pic.twitter.com/8sB0aog7K0

— Caltex Socceroos (@Socceroos) December 26, 2018

Despite taking over the reins after the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, Arnold is no stranger to the hot seat or the AFC Asian Cup, having been at helm during Australia's first-ever foray in the Continental showpiece at the 2007 edition.

"In 2007, I was the interim coach and I probably didn't deserve to be in that job and that role at that time, but I have gone away and worked hard in club land and I feel that I deserve the role this time. So, I am really looking forward to the challenges ahead," said Arnold who is clearly relishing the prospect of returning to the pinnacle stage.

Since his last stint, Arnold has enjoyed successful spells with Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC, winning three A-League Premiership titles and results on the international arena following his return has been impressive with early and convincing victories against Lebanon and Kuwait enroute to the UAE.

"In our preparations, we have played against Kuwait and Lebanon who are very similar to the three nations that we have drawn in the group," added the Socceroos coach, who have been drawn in Group B alongside Jordan, Palestine and Syria.

Australia will kickoff their campaign against Jordan on January 6, at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain before travelling to Rashid Stadium in Dubai to face Palestine on January 11.

The Socceroos will then reignite their epic contest against Syria, which caught the attention of football fans around the globe during the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 play-off, in their last Group B match on January 15, at the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain.

(Source: AFC Media)