Another day, another game with the Iraq team

Iraq fans, Lidcombe station, 26 January pic: Matt Herd

It's the knock-out stages of the Asian Cup and this time we're in Sydney for the semi final between Korea and Iraq. Noisier and busier than Canberra from the getgo, as was clear from the queue at Lidcombe railway station.

Stadium Australia, 26 January. pic: Spike Deane

My nephew Matt joined Spike, her dad and I on a very wet Australia Day at Stadium Australia with 40,000 others. It was supposed to be Australia versus some other team on Australia Day in Stadium Australia with 85,000 happy Aussies but that's not how it worked out in the end because the Socceroos didn't come top of their group. Ho hum. There are bigger disappointments in life.

Rain did not stop play. Pic: Matt Herd

We had seen both teams in Canberra during the group stage so we knew we'd be in for an exciting game. Endless noise from beginning to end. Tea, chips, Krispy Kreme donuts and the best seats in the house ... almost the best. Spike's dad and I sat in the wheelchair area. The stewards moved Matt and Spike into the comfy, pay extra for the privilege seats behind us.

Roll on the final.