Asian Cup 2015: From Keisuke Honda, Nasser Al-Shamrani and Shinji Kagawa, 10 stars to watch

With the Asian Cup just days away, we’ve heard plenty about Socceroos stars Tim Cahill, Robbie Kruse and Mile Jedinak in Melbourne, but what of their rivals?

The region’s best players have touched down in Australia, ready to aide their nations’ push for Asian supremacy when the tournament kicks off on January 9, 2015.

Here are 10 stars set to shine at the Asian Cup.

Keisuke Honda — Japan

Honda isn’t just Japan’s main man, he’s probably the best player in Asia. At 28, the midfielder is at the peak of his powers and has flourished since moving to Italian giants Serie A. The playmaker’s pedigree is impressive, having played in two World Cups and as a key part of Japan’s 2011-Asian Cup winning team, named the player of the tournament four years ago.

His speed, close control, vision, finishing (he has 28 goals in 65 national team appearances) and passing ability makes him a nightmare for defences, while the blonde-haired wizard is also a dead-ball wizard. An excitement machine, expect Honda to purr for the tournament favourites.

Japan’s classy midfield double act of Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa. Source: Getty Images

Shinji Kagawa — Japan

Such is the class of the Japan squad, we felt it pertinent to include two members of the Samurai Blue, Shinji Kagawa just edging out Bundesliga rival and Japan’s all-time leading goalscorer Shinji Okazaki of FSV Mainz 05. Kawaga’s club form at present reflects that of struggling Borussia Dortmund, but the Asian Cup gives the 25-year-old the perfect stage to display his immense talents. 

He’s yet to find the back of the net under Japan coach Javier Aguirre, but having been moved back to his ideal central role after a fruitless spell on the left, you’d expect that to change when Japan’s defence kicks off against minnows Palestine on January 12 in Newcastle.

Nasser Al-Shamrani — Saudi Arabia

An attempted headbutt and spit at Matthew Spiranovic in the Asian Champions League final in November followed by last week’s altercation with a fan in Geelong have ensured Al-Shamrani will be the Asian Cup’s pantomime villain. His fiery nature means he’s never far from the action, but the Saudi Arabia striker is quite the player, his 10 ACL goals for Al Hilal helping him win the AFC’s player of the year award. It will be interesting to see and hear the welcome fans give him in Brisbane for the Saudis’ opener against China.

Son Heung-min — Korea Republic

A teammate of Robbie Kruse at Bayer Leverkusen, South Korean winger Son Heung-min is a genuine star and has flourished since moving from Hamburger SV. His five goals and two assists in 16 Bundesliga games this season have attracted interest from England, with Manchester United and Tottenham among his admirers. At just 22, Heung-min has a long career ahead of him, and if the South Koreans are going to upset Australia in Group A and go deep into the tournament, the winger will have to be at his best.

Ashkan Dejagah — Iran

Dejagah during the World Cup. Source: Getty Images

Iran attacker Dejagh played for Germany at youth level, was part of Wolfsburg’s 2008-09 Bundesliga-winning team and played in the Premier League with Fulham. In 2011 he pledged his allegiance to Iran, scoring twice on debut against Qatar in a World Cup qualifier. 

Now plying his trade for Al-Arabi in the Qatar Stars League (who paid Fulham a reported $12m to sign him), the lightning-fast attacker has the talent to wreak havoc on Group C rivals Japan, Iraq and Palestine if they give him too much space and time on the ball.

Khalfan Ibrahim — Qatar

Dubbed the ‘Maradona of Qatar’, and for good reason, Khalfan Ibrahim has a penchant for the spectacular. The Al Sadd winger was named Asian Player of the Year in 2006, aged just 18, and while his career ascent has somewhat levelled, the 26-year-old is still a deadly proposition. Ibrahim scored goals for fun (15 in 21 games) in the 2008-09 Qatar Stars League and won the Asian Champions League in 2011.

Reza Ghoochannejhad — Iran

Ghoochannejhad, nicknamed Gucci, scored Iran’s sole goal at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and will lead the line for his country at the Asian Cup. The Charlton striker boasts a great strike rate for country (11 goals in 19 matches). Ghoochannejhad was a talented violinist as a child and will be hoping to strike a chord at the Asian Cup.

Omar Abdulrahman — United Arab Emirates

Another of Asia’s genuine superstars, the only doubt over Abdulrahman is his fitness, because if he is on song during the Asian Cup, look out. The 23-year-old Al Ain attacker trialled with Manchester City in 2012, with only work permit issues scuppering his move to England. There are question marks over his condition, having not played since the semi-finals of the Gulf Cup in November, but the big-haired attacker is a big game player and the UAE will be looking to him to help get them through a wide open Group C against Iran, Qatar and Bahrain.

Ali Al Habsi — Oman

Oman goalkeeper and skipper Al Habsi only arrived in Australia on Sunday, meaning he won’t have much time with the team before their Asian Cup kicks off against Korea Republic in Canberra, the city the Red Warriors have based themselves in. There’s plenty of experience in Oman’s squad, and Al Habsi is no different, having played 92 times of the national team, been to three Asian Cups and representing Wigan in the Premier League. The Socceroos attackers will have to be on their game when they face Al Habsi on January 13 at Stadium Australia, the 33-year-old has showed before he’s tough to get past.

Server Djeparov (Uzbekistan)

A two-time Asian player of the year (2008 and 2011) Uzbekistan forward Djeparov has been skipper of the side since 2011 and scored twice at the White Wolves’ semi-final finish at the last Asian Cup. Now at Korean side Seongnam FC, Djeparov’s country will look to their skipper to provide the goals in another wide open group featuring the Uzbeks, Saudi Arabia, Korea DPR and China.

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Limbo | Dirty and Dangerous Circus Cabaret - Sydney Festival 2015

Limbo | Dirty and Dangerous Circus Cabaret - Sydney Festival 2015

After a sellout season at Sydney Festival 2014, the ultimate other-worldly party, staged somewhere between heaven and hell, returns to the Festival Village once more with circus that’s wild, wicked and out of this world.

“An irresistible cocktail of circus skills, live music and sexy humour”

Time Out (UK)

LIMBO is dirty and dangerous circus cabaret, whisking audiences into a sinister netherworld of jaw-dropping contortion, gut-churning aerial acrobatics, nail-biting stunts and staggering illusions.

Set to Sxip Shirey's thrilling live score of brass, electronics, hip-hop and club beats, LIMBO is poised to set Sydney on fire again.

Event Duration: 70 mins, no interval

Event Preview: 7 January at 7.30pm 

Event Dates: 8–25 January 

8 January at 5.15pm & 9.45pm 
Tues–Sun at 9.45pm 
Sat at 5.15pm & 9.45pm 

No performance on Mondays

View the official Sydney Festival Site

#sydneyfestival #sydfest #sydfest2015

Richie Benaud Becomes ‘Lambassador’ for Australia Day Lamb Campaign

Richie Benaud is spruiking lamb for Australia Day this year. Picture: Damian Shaw

HE’S been the recognisable dry, voice of Australian cricket for decades, now Richie Benaud will be lending his vocal talents to the Aussie lamb industry.

The national treasure is joining Sam Kekovich as a ‘lambassador’ for this year’s Australia Day lamb campaign.

Benaud has been missing from the Channel 9 commentary team this summer as he battles skin cancer, but he’s found time to implore Aussies to celebrate Australia Day with some chops and cutlets.

“To me, Australia Day is the perfect excuse to get together with friends and family over a BBQ and tuck into some delicious lamb chops,” Benaud said.




Sam Kekovich will have some competition at his lamb barbecues now. Picture: Stuart Quinn

Kekovich has become synonymous with the lamb campaign, while this is the first campaign involving Benaud.

“Just like cricket, the annual lamb campaign is synonymous with Australia Day and I’m thrilled to be part of it in 2015,” Benaud said.

Meat & Livestock Australia spokesman Michael Edmonds said Kekovich and Benaud would form a brilliant team.

“We are very proud of how previous campaigns have captured the nation’s attention over the past 10 years,’’ Edmonds.

“For 2015 we wanted to evolve the campaign and it was only fitting to have one of Australia’s most treasured icons, Richie Benaud join Sam on his annual crusade to get Aussies together over lamb on Australia Day.”

Sydney’s New Year's Eve 2014 Fireworks Display

The annual Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks are about as good an advert for the city as it is possible to have.

Paid for by the local Sydney government, the spectacular display is one of the first New Year’s celebrations to be beamed around the globe every year.

The municipal authorities, not generally known for their modesty when it comes to Sydney’s charms, describe their city as “the New Year's Eve Capital of the World” – and they’re quite right in this instance. Each year brings a different (fairly broad) theme. Last year was “Shine”, the previous year was “Embrace”, and this year it is “Inspire”. 

It truly is one of the most memorable places you will find anywhere to welcome in the New Year, with the balmy Australian summer and the wonderful harbour setting making it ideal for spending the build-up outdoors in convivial company.

That said, its popularity does create its own problems – with some areas around the harbour throbbing with crowds. With a little bit of planning and insider knowledge, you can make sure you find the ideal spot to see in the New Year 2015.

Do I need a ticket?

The short answer is no. If you don't want to pay, you don't have to - there are plenty of vantage points that do not require payment. However, there are many ticketed events, many of which will be booked up well in advance. See here for the full rundown of what’s going on.

Many places will already have sold out – some of them with astonishing price tags.

When are the displays?

It’s not such a stupid question. There are, in fact, two firework displays in the Sydney. The first is at 9pm, a “family fireworks” event before the main event at midnight. If for some reason you’d rather watch the main event from your hotel television with children tucked up in bed (good luck with that), the early showing will allow you to get back.

Where should I watch it?

The "front row seats" – the area around Circular Quay and the Botanical Gardens – inevitably are the most popular. Many old Sydney-siders think you get a better perspective from the North Shore, as well as marginally less competition for a patch of grass to watch the show.

Those who like to toast the coming year should note that many vantage points do not allow any fizz (including the Central Business District). Some include alcohol in their ticket price. Others do not allow Bring Your Own (BYO) alcohol. If this is a New Year prerequisite for you, be sure to check.

On the water

Alternatively you could take a Harbour Cruise(newyearsevecruise.com.au). Note that you’ll be on the boat for a long evening – typically, setting off at 6pm and you usually have to bring your own food but you’ll have a great, uncrowded, view of the fireworks.

When should I arrive?

Get there early, or miss out (picture: Getty Images)

The broad advice is simply to get there early or you will miss out. Competition for spaces can be fierce. People even start camping out the day before the event in some places. Even in areas where pressure to bag a spot is less intense, plan on spending most of the day there - by noon, many places will already be full. The vantage points information on the official website will have live updates on whether or not they have reached capacity.

Specific information on vantage points will be published on the main website in November: Sydney New Year vantage points

Transport

Don’t even think about driving. Sydney – never the best city for traffic – is simply nightmarish at this time of year due to road closures and crowds.

Extra public transport is in operation to get spectators home after the event. Again, it’s worth planning your journey in advance. Do so attransportnsw.info.

The official Sydney New Year's Eve website also allows you to sign up for updates about road closures and transport disruption.

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Walking With Dinosaurs | Sydney

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular

After a worldwide tour seen by over 8 million people in 243 cities, the stunning theatrical event WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular is coming to Australia for a strictly limited tour! 

Internationally renowned designers have worked with scientists to create 20 life-size dinosaurs, including the terror of the ancient terrain, Tyrannosaurus-rex! Be amazed and thrilled as the greatest creatures ever to walk the earth return before your eyes.  It’s a dazzling $20 million arena spectacle of unprecedented size and quality set to captivate young and old alike. 

Marvel at the story of their 200 million year domination of life on earth. Watch them walk. Hear the roar. Be there as they fight for survival and supremacy. From the ripple of their skin to the glint in their eye, you will know the dinosaurs have really returned! 

Don’t wait another 65 million years until they’re back! 
Book now before they’re extinct.


EVENT SCHEDULE:

Wed 18 Mar 7:00pm
Thu 19 Mar 11:00am & 7:00pm
Fri 20 Mar 7:00pm
Sat 21 Mar 11:00am, 3:00pm & 7:00pm
Sun 22 Mar 11:00am & 3:00pm

EVENT LOCATION: Allphones Arena

#dinosaurs #showsaustralia #sydney #walkingwithdinosaurs #dinosaurssydney

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Towers of Tomorrow with Lego Bricks

Certified LEGO builder Ryan McNaught shows off his skills in this exhibition, recreating skyscraping buildings from Australia and Asia

Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks is a world premiere exhibition of astonishing LEGO skyscrapers at the Museum of Sydney.

Constructed by Ryan McNaught, one of only 12 LEGO® certified professionals worldwide, this exhibition celebrates tall and extraordinary buildings from Australia and Asia. Some are engineering head-turners while others are technical marvels.

Some of these eye-popping giants, like the Shanghai Tower, pioneer new ways of living, while others like Singapore's Marina Bay Sands are instant global landmarks. Some are green, others lean. Some are strange and other-worldly, others are breathtakingly beautiful.

With several models standing over 3 metres high, with stunning architectural detail and playful use of colours and textures, each of these LEGO® structures is guaranteed to amaze. They'll also inspire the young and the young-at-heart to create their own ‘towers of tomorrow’

With over 200,000 loose LEGO® bricks on hand, you’ll have more than enough to build your own towering creation and add it to the colourful futuristic metropolis rising steadily in the heart of the exhibition.

“Like the real things, super-tall LEGO® buildings are truly inspirational,” says Mark Goggin, director of Sydney Living Museums, “Not only do Ryan's models prove what's possible with everyday LEGO®bricks, but experiencing so many of them together in a world first line-up, perched together side by side, is nothing short of mind-blowing, even at 1:200 scale.”

Ryan McNaught agrees, “it's by far the biggest building job I've ever faced and certainly the most fun. My head's still spinning.”


SNAP & SHARE TO WIN


Get creative in the exhibition for your chance to win a workshop with Ryan McNaught, a LEGO®Certified Professional. Simply snap a pic of you and you LEGO® bricks masterpeice while you're at the exhibition and share via your favourite social network with the tag #SLMtowers for a chance to win this hands-on workshop for you and five friends.

Terms & Conditions apply.

BECOME A MEMBER AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS

As a Sydney Living Museums Member you'll enjoy exclusive membership benefits, including priority access, behind-the-scene events, discounts, advanced ticket sales to select events and much more.

Special Member benefits for 'Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® bricks' are:
Special Members price of only $5 - save $10
Access to pre-sale tickets on 19 November – book the session you want
Special Members ONLY preview day 12 December – be the first to see the exhibition

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Ricciardo Revved up for F1 Melbourne

Ricciardo revved up for F1 Melbourne

Australian superstar Daniel Ricciardo was in Melbourne today to launch the 2015 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix, as the event prepares to celebrate a milestone of two decades in Melbourne on 12-15 March.

Ricciardo took to the steps of the iconic Flinders Street Station, posing for photos alongside a Formula One car in an Australian Flag design, as excitement builds ahead of the event.

The spectacular Albert Park street circuit will again play host to the season opener of the 2015 FIA Formula One World Championship™ – with the V8 Supercars  once again part of the line-up – and Ricciardo believes the opening weekend in Melbourne is easily the most anticipated of the year.

"The Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix is pretty much the best way to start the season for me. It's one of my favourite events, not just because it's on home soil but because it's the first race, the first time you really get to put everything on the table and see where you stack up," Ricciardo said.

"The last year has been an incredible year for me, I couldn't have wished for a better start to my career with Infiniti Red Bull Racing. The fans and the support we get at the Australian GP is incredible and last year I definitely felt it on track. I'm looking forward to getting out there already – I'm excited!"

The Minister for Tourism & Major events, the Hon. John Eren MP, was also in attendance – he said the event is a proud part of Victoria's major events calendar.

"As the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix prepares to stage its 20th consecutive race since it came to Melbourne in 1996; there is no question that the event holds huge value to the State. This significant milestone is a timely reminder of how truly entrenched this event is in the social, cultural and sporting fabric of the city,” Minister Eren said.

"We are delighted the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix has been secured until 2020, the benefits to the tourism industry and the economy are indisputable. The global broadcast of the race is the perfect platform to showcase Melbourne to the world, with images of our stunning city skyline and parklands shown to millions across the globe.”

Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chairman, Mr Ronald J Walker AC CBE, said with the most promising local driver in decades set to line up on the grid; anticipation for the 2015 event is particularly high.

"We have an exceptional talent in Daniel Ricciardo; his fighting spirit and infectious smile have captured the imagination of all Australians. He has built on the strong foundations of Mark Webber, and we are incredibly fortunate to have the privilege of seeing him challenge the world's very best on home soil this March,” Mr Walker said.

Sunday General Admission tickets purchased before 1 March, 2015 are available at the early bird price of just $79. For more information, visit www.grandprix.com.au.