Australia in Asia

It’s a busy time throughout Asia for many of national teams and Adelaide United and Football Federation Australia would like to wish them all the very best in there endeavours over the next week or so.

Best wishes to Adelaide United as they aim to paint the town red on behalf of all football fans when they take on Bunyodkor in the first leg of their AFC Champions League semi-final tonight.

Adelaide is one of four Aussie teams in action against Asian teams this week, with the Westfield Matildas in Vietnam, the Qantas Joeys in Uzbekistan and the Qantas Young Socceroos in Thailand all participation in championship competitions.

The Qantas Joeys have already qualified for the quarter finals of the AFC U16 Championship, with a place in the semi finals guaranteeing a place in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2009.

Meanwhile the Qantas Young Socceroos are just one game away of playing in the final of the AFF U-19 Championship in Thailand. The tournament is proving to be a solid hit out in preparation for the AFC U-19 Championships being held next month.

The Westfield Matildas kick-off their AFF Women’s Championship on Friday night.

And, of course, the Socceroos are in Brisbane preparing for the crucial 2010 FIFA World Cup round 4 qualifier against Qatar at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, on next Wednesday at 7.30pm local (8.30pm AEDT).