AFC Asian Cup - Qatar Jan 7th to 29th 2011

[FFC Mariner]

Now we have qualified, a bit of info on the comp.

DV like, here is the Wiki link

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_AFC_Asian_Cup

Venues:

Doha Khalifa International Stadium 50,000
Doha Al-Gharafa Stadium 25,000
Al Rayyan Ahmed bin Ali Stadium 25,000
Doha Qatar SC Stadium 19,000
Doha Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium 15,000

Weather likely to be between about 13 and 23 in January - almost perfect football weather.

Worryingly, their laws on drink may not mix well with travelling football supporters (thanks again Wiki)

The laws of Qatar tolerate alcohol to a certain extent. However, the few bars and nightclubs in Qatar operate only in expensive hotels and clubs, much like in the UAE. Also like in the UAE, Muslims are banned from drinking alcohol. Expatriate residents in Qatar are eligible to receive liquor permits permitting them to purchase alcohol for personal use through Qatar Distribution Company, the only importer and retailer for alcohol in Qatar. Under Qatar's Sharia, alcohol is illegal to be shown/drunk in public.

 

[serious14]

Worryingly, their laws on drink may not mix well with travelling football supporters (thanks again Wiki)

Advice from a friend's Mum who used to live there - "do the Ferry Run over the strait to Bahrain - far more lax with their alcohol laws".

Trying to find when the draw is too, any luck??

 

[marinermick]

Looking at the nations who have qualified it would really only be us, Japan and some Chinese and Indians worried about the strict alcohol laws.

On a side note, incredible stuff that India has qualified. There are heaps of Indian workers in Qatar so expect their games to be packed. Would also make massive news at home.

 

[serious14]

Looking at the nations who have qualified it would really only be us, Japan and some Chinese and Indians worried about the strict alcohol laws.

Good.  Less competition for the Bahrain ferry. 

I've only ever seen the Indian team play twice, and they were a bit shit both times.  You're right about it being big news though.

 

[marinermick]

Looking at the nations who have qualified it would really only be us, Japan and some Chinese and Indians worried about the strict alcohol laws.

Good.  Less competition for the Bahrain ferry. 

I've only ever seen the Indian team play twice, and they were a bit shit both times.  You're right about it being big news though.

I watched plenty of the national league when in India and the standard was awful.

 

[midfielder]

Wonders aloud... I wonder how many from the WC will back up .. how many from Europe will be released be there clubs...

Still wondering who will play ... and have FFA stopped the A-League or will they keep playing ... meaning clubs could be without some of their best...

 

[pjennings]

Draw is on 23rd April.

 

[kevrenor]

Still wondering who will play ... and have FFA stopped the A-League or will they keep playing ... meaning clubs could be without some of their best...

Mr Archie 'It's all to hard' Fraser (FFA) has stated that there will be no break!

 

[FFC Mariner]

As it is a FIFA designated international comp, clubs have to release players if they are picked (cue niggly injury claims from Everton to keep Timmy out).

Depends who retires after the WC I suppose but the new coach (yay) will be able to pick anyone who is fit

 

[pjennings]

I think that many of the 2007 team have a point to prove and will turn up. As for niggling injuries I would expect those to only come from those that aren't secure at their club - so Timmy should be there.

 

[midfielder]

As it is a FIFA designated international comp, clubs have to release players if they are picked (cue niggly injury claims from Everton to keep Timmy out).

Depends who retires after the WC I suppose but the new coach (yay) will be able to pick anyone who is fit

Are you sure it is in FIFA dates I can recall reading somewhere in was not in FIFA days like the African finals.

 

[finally retired]

As it is a FIFA designated international comp, clubs have to release players if they are picked (cue niggly injury claims from Everton to keep Timmy out).

Depends who retires after the WC I suppose but the new coach (yay) will be able to pick anyone who is fit

Are you sure it is in FIFA dates I can recall reading somewhere in was not in FIFA days like the African finals.

I asked this question of Simon Hill in the pre-game Q&A run by FoxSports...his response was "Australia CAN demand the release of European players - but it will be up to the coach (and the players concerned) as to whether they go or not. Personally speaking, I'd like to see Australia do what Japan did for the last tournament - select a mainly local-based squad with maybe four or five overseas stars thrown in. It would be good for the local players development - the problem is (as ever), the fans will expect the Roos to win! That's the conundrum for whoever the coach will be!"

 

[midfielder]

Tards go down 2 - nil

 

[Jesus]

I think that many of the 2007 team have a point to prove and will turn up. As for niggling injuries I would expect those to only come from those that aren't secure at their club - so Timmy should be there.

Proving you will turn up when there is no conflict with your club does not mean you will show up when you will not be playing for your club instead.

But as a FIFA competition all clubs are required to release players. Concidering a number will retire anyway post world cup possibly, it could be their swansong, os, possibly a few will return home so that wont be a problem.

4 or 5 returning roos, plus asian/aleague roos, including culina/kennedy/wilkshire/sterj should be enough to make us decent if the FFA folk out the cash to prepare

 

[serious14]

Anyone going/thinking of going??

 

[serious14]

Main stadium in Doha - looks like a one-tiered Wembley. Very impressive.

 

[Forum Phoenix]

f**k I'd love to. Unlikely though.

 

[dibo]

Athletics
Tracks
Must
Die

 

[Forum Phoenix]

lol. I agree. HATE being that far back.

 

[the J Man]

Advice from a friend's Mum who used to live there - "do the Ferry Run over the strait to Bahrain - far more lax with their alcohol laws".

Trying to find when the draw is too, any luck??

better still watch it at home on the 42" with a run to dangerous dans.in between a stop at mcmasters for a swim