Roos courage prevails as Sydney delivers

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AS the sun dropped towards the horizon beyond ANZ Stadium, the sense grew of history waiting to be written. There were nerves, of course there were nerves with so much at stake, but hidden beneath bravado as the fans approached the site of their moment of destiny.

On the trains, clutches of Korean fans were greeted by - and burst out laughing at - choruses of "Your flag is a Pepsi sign", and "You're just a suburb of Pyongyang".

VIDEO: Key moments in stunning triumph

MATCH REPORT: Australia crowned champions of Asia

ANALYSIS: Young Roos show courage on biggest stage

PLAYER RATINGS: who starred, who struggled?

ASIAN CUP MATCH CENTRE: stats, line-ups, play-by-play, video.

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But outside the stadium, one father sat with his son, already wide-eyed at the hordes milling around him, and told him they could be part of a once in a lifetime moment. Just a short walk away, deep inside the catacombs of the stadium, the Australian players were getting a similar message from Ange Postecoglou.

The first discordant note of the night came with the introduction of Sepp Blatter among the dignitaries presented to the teams - though undignitary might be a better term given the splendid booing that greeted the FIFA president, a reception his age-diminished hearing must now be used to.

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Behind one of the goals and along one touchline, a sea of Korean red made a cacophonous noise. The hordes of gold, still well in the majority, responded maginicently, and the energy around the stadium was frenetic.

As the seconds ticked away until halftime the noise had taken on a nervous edge, as Korea wasted a series of gilt-edged chances - and then Luongo scored, and there was bedlam again.

The 22-year-old, who grew up in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, had said beforehand that "Sydney always delivers". But instead it was he who delivered, and the reward was to hear the best part of 80,000 supporters in his home city hailing his name in unison.

With seconds left he was almost the hero - until Son Heung Min finally converted, leapt over the hoardings and ran to disappear somewhere in the midst of several thousand euphoric Koreans. An equaliser at the death is akin to defeat for the conceding side, but Postecoglou gathered his troops, exhorting them to find 30 minutes more running.

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It's doubtful he used Sir Alf Ramsey's famous line to his England players at the same stage of the 1966 World Cup final - "well you won it once, so you'd better go out and win it again." But sinking to the turf as the final whistle went, that's exactly what they had done.

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No Cahill heroics for Roos this time

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HE loves the big occasion, but for once Tim Cahill didn't find himself on the scoresheet during it.

His appearance in the Asian Cup final lasted just 64 minutes before he was forced off with what appeared to be a foot injury he picked up in the first half.

The question now for the Socceroos is whether that will be his final appearance for Australia, despite his phenomenal showing in the green and gold, especially over the last year as the team has transitioned under Ange Postecolgou.

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VIDEO: Key moments in stunning triumph

MATCH REPORT: Australia crowned champions of Asia

PIC SPECIAL: celebrate the Socceroos' classic win

ANALYSIS: Young Roos show courage on biggest stage

ASIAN CUP MATCH CENTRE: stats, line-ups, play-by-play, video.

ANGE: I expected drama, but never lost faith.

REACTION: Hear from all the key players

Tim Cahill of Australia kisses the Asian Cup Trophy. Source: Getty Images

He was part of the old regime, and he is front and centre of the new one.

Cahill received a standing ovation from the 76,000 strong crowd at Stadium Australia as he walked to the bench and warmly embraced Tomi Juric, who came on to replace him.

It was in the 25th minute of the game that Cahill took a knock when, typically, he turned a half chance into a full one. The ball moved from Mark Milligan to Robbie Kruse, who then found Cahill in the box. The Socceroos star took a sharp stab at it, but South Korea's goalkeeper Kim Jin-hyeon managed to save it.

Tim Cahill laps it up with fans. Source: Getty Images

It was a good chance, but Cahill limped to the corner flag, apparently in distress - though it seemed minor at the time.

As usual, he was full of energy, sprinting down the pitch to help out at the back when he was needed.

Towards the end of the first half, when the Socceroos were under intense pressure from South Korea, he rose to clear the danger with a powerful header.

The high regard opponents hold Cahill in has been evident all tournament, with teams going out of their way to get him off the ball, at times leaving other players unmarked. The same was true for South Korea, whose players swarmed Cahill every time he got near the ball.

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McIlroy stumbles but in good shape

Rory McIlroy takes a ball out of the hole on the practice putting green during the third round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. Source: Ross Kinnaird / Getty Images

RORY McIlroy gave the field a sliver of hope as he unexpectedly struggled on the back nine of his third round, but even then he will go into the final day of the Dubai Desert Classic leading by four shots.

McIlroy took apart the front nine of the Majlis course with five birdies in his first eight holes, but could add just one more to the tally in his last 10 holes.

The back nine of the Majlis course, with its three reachable par-5s, is considerably easier than the front.

But at least the world No. 1 kept bogeys out of his card for a successive day.

A gutsy par save on the par-5 18th hole, where he had hit his second shot into the water but made an up-and-down from the drop zone, allowed him to close the day with a six-under-par 66.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his second shot into the 16th green during the third round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. Source: Getty Images

His three-day total now stands at 20-under 196, four better than 26-year-old Dane Morten Orum Madsen, who shot a similar bogey-free 66 in the third round.

"I didn't put a foot wrong on the front nine and when I missed that little short putt on ten, it seemed like that momentum I had, just sort of went away and I had to scramble a little bit for pars coming in," McIlroy said.

"The greens got firm and the wind got up a little bit so it was hard to get the ball close to the hole."

Rory McIlroy plays his second shot on the par five 13th hole. Source: Getty Images

Lee Westwood, who did not make a single bogey in his first 44 holes of the tournament, doubled the par-4 ninth from the middle of the fairway and a third-round 69 was good only for a third place at 14-under par 202, six shots behind the leader.

Scotland's world No. 34 and the defending champion, Stephen Gallacher, will have his task cut out if he wants to join a select club of five players who have won the same tournament three successive times.

A mid-round wobble saw him make three bogeys over a stretch of five holes, and even though he recovered to shoot a two-under par 70, he is seven shots adrift of McIlroy.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland on the 11th tee during the third round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. Source: Getty Images

Gallacher was tied alongside the English duo of Andy Sullivan, winner of South African Open earlier this year, and Race to Dubai leader Danny Willett, as well as Austria's in-form Bernd Wiesberger.

Madsen, who followed up his nine-under par 63 on Friday with a 66, was mindful of the fact that he was going to be up against the world No.1.

"Obviously, he's going to be tough to beat. He looks like he's playing pretty solidly out there, as well," said the Danish world No. 194.

"I'll be happy if I do what I set out to do and play pretty solidly."

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Socceroos Asian Cup final player ratings

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MASSIMO Luongo and James Troisi popped up with goals, while the Trent Sainsbury - Matthew Spiranovic partnership took another step forward as the Socceroos were crowned champions of Asia on Saturday night.

Who shone brightest for Ange Postecoglou's triumphant side?

VIDEO: Key moments in stunning triumph

MATCH REPORT: Australia crowned champions of Asia

PIC SPECIAL: celebrate the Socceroos' classic win

ANALYSIS: Young Roos show courage on biggest stage

ASIAN CUP MATCH CENTRE: stats, line-ups, play-by-play, video.

ANGE: I expected drama, but never lost faith.

REACTION: Hear from all the key players

Find out with our Socceroos player ratings and pass judgment on each player.

1. MAT RYAN 7.5

Was busy with his feet and hands. Raced off the line on numerous occasions and produced some brilliant and crucial stops throughout the 120 minutes.

2. IVAN FRANJIC 6.5

Booked within six minutes and didn't overlap as much as usual due to his injury. Lasted 74 minutes before his groin gave away, as he came off in tears. A courageous, selfless effort.

23. TRENT SAINSBURY 8

Composed on the big occasion and defended brilliantly. Provided the assist for Luongo's goal, though the midfielder still had a bit to do.

6. MATTHEW SPIRANOVIC 8

Wasn't scared to push forward with the ball or when pressure needed to be applied to South Korea's deep-lying players. Immense in the dying minutes.

3. JASON DAVIDSON 7

The left-back had an epic duel with South Korean superstar Son Heung-Min. Was tested but didn't stop and ran all game, with his extra-time energy a sight to behold.

15. MILE JEDINAK 8

Looked at ease on the big occasion and almost scored with an eighth minute free-kick. His experience was vital in the end as experienced heads came off.

5. MARK MILLIGAN 7.5

Started as one of the advanced midfielders and set the tone for Australia's physicality by getting into the South Korean's faces. Moved to right-back when Franjic came off.

21. MASSIMO LUONGO 8.5

A stunning piece of technique for the 45th minute goal, starting with an exquisite first touch then a thunderous strike. Didn't shirk his defensive duties, providing a crucial early block on Son.

10. ROBBIE KRUSE 6.5

Was in tears as he was stretchered in the 71st minute, after working so hard to overcome a knee reconstruction. Appeared to injure his achilles. Full of injury up to then.

7. MATHEW LECKIE 7.5

His stamina is absolutely extraordinary. Worked tirelessly defensively and forced some good saves from keeper Kim Jin-Hyeon. Deserved a goal.

4. TIM CAHILL 6.5

Subbed off after 64 minutes after copping aknock on the foot in the first half. While he didn't score, his tenacity caused South Korea's defence issues.

9. TOMI JURIC 7

Came of for Cahill 19 minutes into the second half and struggled to get into the game, until his wonderful persistence set up James Troisi's extra-time goal.

14. JAMES TROISI 7.5

Replaced the distraught Kruse and played on the left wing. Had a huge impact in extra-time, gambling to beat his opponent to the loose ball for the winning goal.

17. MATT McKAY 6.5

Replaced Franjic and slotted into midfield for Milligan, who moved to right-back. Helped the Socceroos overrun South Korea.

COACH: ANGE POSTECOGLOU 8

Gambled with Franjic's selection, but his subs were spot on as they all made an impact and the overall tournament rotation was justified in a glorious 120 minutes last night.

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Young Roos show courage on biggest stage

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Any concerns of stage-fright were banished emphatically on Saturday night by the young and courageous Socceroos, who overcame key injuries and late heartbreak to claim the 2015 Asian Cup in glorious fashion.

The Socceroos' most inexperienced starter, Massimo Luongo, was a minute away from being the hero before superstar Son Heung-Min dramatically sent the game into extra-time.

And as injuries cost Australia key trio Tim Cahill, Ivan Franjic and Robbie Kruse in a cruel 10-minute second half spell, another lesser light James Troisi scored the winner after fellow super sub Tomi Juric's persistence was rewarded.

VIDEO: Key moments in stunning triumph

MATCH REPORT: Australia crowned champions of Asia

PIC SPECIAL: celebrate the Socceroos' classic win

ANALYSIS: Young Roos show courage on biggest stage

ASIAN CUP MATCH CENTRE: stats, line-ups, play-by-play, video.

ANGE: I expected drama, but never lost faith.

REACTION: Hear from all the key players

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The Socceroos' 2-1 extra-time win over South Korea is Australia's first piece of major silverware and underlines the success of an extraordinary 14-month overhaul under Ange Postecoglou.

Luongo, his Asian Cup wildcard selection, has started every game and justified it with a glorious goal that looked set to claim glory inside 90 minutes, but was eventually decided in extra-time.

It was there the Socceroos' superior fitness and savvy squad rotation came home to roost, with Troisi scoring in the 105th minute.

Whether it was a directive or purely adrenalin, the Socceroos were highly physical, starting with Mile Jedinak's second minute bump on Son just as the attacker was getting his shot off.

It affected the South Koreans as their coaching staff was off the bench several times to protest, the Socceroos on the other hand relished the duel.

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It was a frantic opening half with the ball regularly turned over, while referee Alireza Faghani's whistle was regularly heard, affecting the game's flow.

The Socceroos and Franjic dodged a bullet when South Korea's star and the most gifted player at the Asian Cup Son started on the right-wing.

It left underdone Franjic to instead contend with the less dangerous Park Joo-Hoo, who usually plays deeper.

But Franjic, who the Socceroos had planned a contingency for if he didn't get through the warm up, was still troubled by Park and earnt a booking within six minutes after a blatant shirt tug.

Perhaps a combination of the groin strain and the way the game had panned out, with South Korea attacking, Franjic didn't provide his usual overlap.

Ange Postecoglou's wildcard - Massimo Luongo - came up trumps again in the final. Source: AFP

Son was looming large in the 10 minutes before half-time, involved in every one of South Korea's bona fide chances.

Sloppy touches often slowed Australia's play in potentially threatening situations.

But as the seconds were ticking down to half-time, Luongo produced the most sublime bit of skill of the first half.

He received the ball from Trent Sainsbury with his back to goal, but with an exquisite first touch evaded Ki Sung-Yueng and was facing forward.

A shattered Robbie Kruse leaves the field on a stretcher. Source: Getty Images

With the second touch he set himself up without breaking stride and with his third he unleashed a stunning shot from 20 metres which sizzled past keeper Kim Jin-Hyeon.

The second half lacked clear-cut chances as the Socceroos battled injury and fatigue midway through the half.

Cahill was the first to make way after copping a knock on his foot, then a distraught Kruse was stretchered into the rooms after injuring his achilles.

Third and least surprisingly, Franjic's groin gave way, as energetic Matt McKay came on, with Milligan - who was superb in midfield - deployed to right-back.

Ivan Franjic hobbled off in the second half. Source: Getty Images

Australia battled bravely in the closing minutes, but Sainsbury's failure to clear and Son's touch of class sent the game into extra-time.

The Socceroos looked shell-shocked but Postecoglou picked them up during the five-miute interval, and the young side composed itself and simply overran the South Koreans despite key personnel watching from the sidelines.

The subs made an impact as the Aussies claimed the crown in an epic.

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Socceroos make history in final thriller

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THE Socceroos are the champions of Asia!

A thrilling extra-time victory at Stadium Australia over South Korea has handed Australia the country's first Asian Cup crown.

South Korea had the better of much of the first-half but the green and gold led 1-0 at the break, thanks to a sublime strike from Massimo Luongo. It stayed that way until the 91st minute, until Heung-Min Son hit back with a late, and potentially heart breaking equaliser.

VIDEO: Key moments in stunning triumph

MATCH REPORT: Australia crowned champions of Asia

PIC SPECIAL: celebrate the Socceroos' classic win

ANALYSIS: Young Roos show courage on biggest stage

PLAYER RATINGS: who starred, who struggled?

ASIAN CUP MATCH CENTRE: stats, line-ups, play-by-play, video.

ANGE: I expected drama, but never lost faith.

REACTION: Hear from all the key player

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Despite South Korea throwing a torrent pressure on the Australian goal, the Socceroos conjured the winner in the 105th minute thanks to some outstanding lead-up work from Tomi Juric, which led to James Troisi's cool finish.

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It was a tight, tense and nervous finale, but a wonderful tournament got a pulsating final, and the Socceroos hung on and clung to that priceless 2-1 lead.

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Ange Postecoglou's side claimed the first major international trophy in Australia's football history, a title that sees Australia concurrently hold Asia's top club, and international, prizes.

Re-live an epic night in our blog below.

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Cycling to be part of 2020 Paralympics

Disabled athlete Michael Milton is a five-time Australian Winter Paralympian. Source: News Limited

CYCLING will be part of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, despite initially being left off the list of sports due to an administrative oversight, the International Cycling Union (UCI) confirmed on Saturday.

"Cycling will be part of the Paralympic program where it has been part of the Games for more than 30 years, dating back to the 1984 Los Angeles Games," the UCI underlined, approving the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) decision.

There is good news for Australia's disabled cyclists. Source: News Limited

When the initial list of 16 sports was published last October, cycling did not appear alongside major disciplines like athletics, rowing, swimming and tennis.

But Swiss media put the omission down to an administrative oversight.

The Tokyo Paralympics will run from August 25 to September 6 and will feature 22 sports.

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