Australia learn harsh Asian lesson

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HANOI, Jul 22 (AFP): Australia and its highly paid European-based stars were hotly tipped to waltz through the Asian Cup on their debut appearance, but they learnt a hard lesson.
Asia is not Europe and playing in the sprawling continent is tougher than they thought, but it was invaluable experience as they prepare for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers where they will encounter similar conditions.
"We have learned a lot in the last couple of weeks, Asia is very difficult," admitted coach Graham Arnold after watching his team lose in a penalty shootout to defending champions Japan in the quarter-finals here Saturday.
Despite being reduced to 10 men for the final 15 minutes of regulation time against Japan when Vince Grella was sent off for elbowing Naohiro Takahara, the Socceroos clung on to take the match to extra-time and penalties.
At the crunch, Harry Kewell and Lucas Neill, two of the team's most experienced players, were unable to convert their spot kicks.
What really took Australia by surprise was the gruelling hot and humid conditions in Asia, as well as the quality of the opposition.
Captain Mark Viduka, whose international future is up in the air, said the whole squad was disappointed, but praised them for showing character after being heavily criticised for their performances in their first two group games.