2011 AFC Asian Cup

2011 AFC Asian Cup
source
Tournament	AFC Asian Cup
Year	2011
Other titles	AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011
Dates	7–29 January 2011
Num teams	16
Champion	Japan
Second	Australia
Matches	32
Goals	69
Attendance	419859
Top scorer	Keisuke Honda (3)
Player	Keisuke Honda
Fair play	Japan national football team

2011 AFC Asian Cup was the 15th edition of the Asian Football Confederation's premier national team competition held in Qatar from 7 to 29 January 2011. Sixteen national teams contested the tournament across six venues in six cities, culminating in Japan national football team winning their fourth title after defeating Australia in the final. The competition featured players from leading clubs and leagues such as FC Barcelona, Manchester United F.C., AC Milan, Real Madrid CF, and Bayern Munich among many participants, and it had significant attention from confederations and broadcasters including the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA.

Background

The Asian championship traces its lineage to the inaugural AFC Asian Cup competitions that established continental rivalry among nations like Iran national football team, South Korea national football team, Saudi Arabia national football team, and Japan national football team. The 2011 edition followed the 2007 tournament won by Iraq national football team, and was organized under the auspices of the Asian Football Confederation with coordination from the Qatar Football Association. The event sat within a broader context of regional football growth marked by the rise of clubs such as Al-Sadd SC and Al-Rayyan SC and the expansion of international calendars linked to competitions like the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games football tournaments.

Host Selection and Preparations

Qatar was announced as host after a bidding process that included nations such as Iran, India, and Australia showing interest in staging continental events. Qatar's successful bid leveraged facilities associated with clubs like Al-Sadd SC and stadia projects related to the country's long-term plan culminating in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Preparations involved upgrades to stadia, training complexes, and transportation coordinated by the Qatar Olympic Committee and municipal authorities in cities including Doha, Al Wakrah, and Umm Salal. Security arrangements were coordinated with regional police forces and international partners, while marketing and ticketing were managed alongside broadcasters including ESPN Star Sports and networks covering Asia and Oceania.

Teams and Qualification

Sixteen teams qualified through a multi-stage process overseen by the Asian Football Confederation and including automatic berths for the host nation and top performers from previous qualifying cycles. Competing national sides included former champions and prominent teams such as Japan national football team, Australia, South Korea national football team, Iraq national football team, Saudi Arabia national football team, Iran national football team, Uzbekistan national football team, and Kuwait national football team. The qualification phase featured fixtures tied to regional competitions and continental qualifiers that involved national associations like the Football Federation Australia, the Korean Football Association, and the Iran Football Federation.

Venues and Match Officials

Matches were played at six stadia equipped to international standards, including venues in Doha and municipal districts associated with clubs such as Al-Rayyan SC and Al-Sadd SC. The roster of match officials comprised referees and assistants from across the AFC membership, including officials appointed by the AFC Referees Committee drawn from associations such as the Japan Football Association, Football Federation Australia, Korea Football Association, Chinese Football Association, and Football Federation Australia. Technology and logistical support were provided in collaboration with stadium operators and event management firms involved in previous continental tournaments.

Tournament Summary

The group phase saw competitive play among four groups, with notable performances by Japan national football team, Australia, South Korea national football team, Iran national football team, and Iraq national football team. Knockout rounds included quarter-finals and semi-finals featuring storied players and managers from clubs like Middlesbrough F.C., VfL Wolfsburg, AC Milan, and CSKA Moscow. The final pitted Japan national football team against Australia; Japan emerged victorious, securing their status among continental powers alongside historical winners Israel national football team (as a past participant) and Saudi Arabia national football team. Upsets and key matches involved national stars who played for prominent clubs including CSKA Moscow, Aston Villa F.C., and KRC Genk.

Statistics and Awards

The tournament tally included 69 goals across 32 matches, with the Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player honors awarded to Keisuke Honda of Japan national football team. Other standout players represented clubs such as AC Milan, Manchester United F.C., Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid CF. The Fair Play Award recognized good conduct by national sides and organizations, and individual awards highlighted young talents who later featured in competitions like the FIFA Confederations Cup and AFC Champions League. Match statistics and disciplinary records were maintained by the Asian Football Confederation and used by national associations for subsequent selection and planning.

Legacy and Impact

The tournament reinforced Qatar's credentials as a host for major international football events ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while enhancing the profiles of regional clubs like Al-Sadd SC and national programs such as the Japan national football team and Australia. It influenced player transfers involving teams from the English Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga, and La Liga, and contributed to policy discussions within the Asian Football Confederation regarding tournament scheduling and development pathways. The legacy extended to youth development initiatives tied to confederation programs and national associations including the Japan Football Association and Football Federation Australia.

Category:AFC Asian Cup tournaments Category:2011 in Asian football