+ Hosts, favourites take on UAE in Newcastle

+ South Korea await the winners in the final

Australia carry the hopes of an expectant nation on their shoulders when they take on the United Arab Emirates in their Asian Cup semi-final on Tuesday.

The hosts have been the tournament’s most explosive side but still have hurdles to jump to win their first title, with South Korea awaiting in Saturday’s final.

The Socceroos scored eight goals in their first two games before being beaten 1-0 by the Koreans to finish runners-up in their group.

But Japan’s shock quarter-final defeat by UAE leaves Australia hot favourites to reach their second final in a row after losing to the Blue Samurai in Doha four years ago.

Coach Ange Postecoglou will expect his inspirational skipper Mile Jedinak and the prolific Tim Cahill to carry his side past the tournament’s surprise package in Newcastle.

The Socceroos have already fired a shot across the bows of the Gulf side, with defender Trent Sainsbury warning star playmaker Omar Abdulrahman to expect a rough ride.

“I don’t think the UAE has got the legs to go with us for 90 minutes,” he said. “As soon as we lose the ball, we’ll choke them until they’re blue.”

“(Abdulrahman) is very tidy on the ball but if we can get in his face hopefully we can stop him.” he added.

If Australia can disrupt the almost telepathic understanding between the shaggy-haired Abdulrahman and striker Ali Mabkhout, they should have too much firepower for a UAE side which went to penalties against Japan.

A rematch with South Korea on Saturday in Sydney would be a dream final for Asian Cup organisers.

“People are extremely excited about the team,” said Postecoglou. “That’s part of the responsibility we carry in this tournament.”