It's a little strange being so far from home in the Middle East and following the regional teams play against each other in the Asian Cup alongside....Australia. We are playing Australia's neighbours - Iraq, Iran, Saudia Arabia, Uzbekistan....? I can tell that the local and visiting spectators are also a little bemused as to why we are here and where did these 100s of people wearing green and gold come from. Especially since our winning streak. This is only our second time in the Asian Cup and I guess we were included because we don't fit anywhere else - part of our Austrlaian story - it can be a little lonely being a whole continent all to yourself! These teams are certainly supported by passionate crowds with sometimes violent shared histories, and so passionate that at times the crowds have to be completely separated and there are security guards which take up the entire first row around the seating bowl. It was also amusing to see the North Korean spectators trying to look as natural and relaxed as possible in their complete matching attire. "And now look to the left......" Interestingly, the North Korean official representatives from Asian Cup have to be separated in the offices from officials from all other countries.
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