If only we had Messi - Aussies say X-factor needed as Asia catches up

Australia's coach said Asian sides had closed the gap after the defending champions received a reality check at the Asian Cup, signalling a tough time ahead in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

The Socceroos once expected to dominate their regional rivals but they found their title defence tough, going goalless for 210 minutes of knockout football before slumping 1-0 in the quarter-finals to hosts UAE.

Coach Graham Arnold presided over an inexperienced and injury-ravaged squad -- a far cry from the 'Golden Generation', including Tim Cahill, Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell, that he took to the same stage in 2007.

He said his young Socceroos had much to learn, but cautioned that Asia's increasingly well-resourced teams, including semi-finalists UAE and Qatar, could no longer be considered pushovers.

"You have to congratulate the UAE and Qatar -- two Middle East countries that are coming very, very fast," Arnold told his post-match press conference.

"If there's anything for the Australian ...