It would be fair to characterize Australia’s relationship with Asia since joining the Asian Football Confederation as one of indifference.
Australia joined the confederation at the tail-end of its golden generation; a team that was full of European-based stars such as Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka, Lucas Neill and Mark Schwarzer.
Australia, to a large degree, thought it was better than Asia. Asia, meanwhile, was not particularly fond of its intruder. Not all of Asia it must be said, but large parts of it, particularly from the Gulf, saw Australia as taking away their World Cup berths and giving back nothing in return.
It was a frosty relationship. In many ways, it still is. But for one magical month in 2015 that all changed. Australia embraced Asia like never before, and Asia had its eyes opened to just what modern Australia looks like.