Thai's love English Premier League players.

Spot the local!

Well the myth about Thai people loving football and English Premiership football seems well and truly smashed.

Maybe they do, but on a beautiful clear evening maybe 5-10,000 were inside the 60,000 seater stadium.

And most were Australian and Omani.

Still it could have been worse.

Imagine if the storm had come through just before kick-off!

Who is responsible for this fiasco?

Don't know yet, but I'll find out.

At this stage I'm blaming it on the four country host scheme. One country hosting the tournament means fans from all countries come to a single country thus creating a wonderful atmosphere around the cities, and increasing interest from the local, and ensuring the Government really promote the tournament with energy and pride.

Next time, The AFC will get it right.

Let me know what you think.

All the media stars!

Simon Hill (Fox Sport) is laughing not at the incredible storm in the background, but because Robbie Slater, out of picture, has taken a photo but forgot to turn the camera on.

And I thought I was the worst photographer at the Asia Cup. Sorry Robbie.

SMH's Mike Cockerill, The Age's Michael Lynch, and AFC Director of Communications Clare Kenny-Tipton discuss stuff.

Meet Clare Kenny Tipton: Head of AFC Communications

Spoke with Clare Kenny Tipton, Head of AFC Communications, in the Press Centre.



The growth of Asian Football is her mission.



"We've had some challenges. But the local media are amazed at the free internet access in all stadiums for the Asia Cup."



"We're still unsure about the crowd levels, but ticket sales have gone well."



"Also The Asia Cup came to spread the World of football to South East Asia. Although very passionate about European football, we want the fans and countries to get behind their teams."



"It's no surprise that the four games on the poster promoting the games are all European based players."



"The English speaking papers still require a lot of encouragement to cover the local game in this part of the World. Once the tournament kicks off the coverage will not be a problem."



Any last minute problems?



"Yes, but I'm not saying," laughs the head of communications.



Kenny has been in Asia for eleven years. Her past employment includes worked with Coca Cola Sports Marketing, and the World Sports Group.



Both Clare and I have Irish names, but Clare was actually born there!



"I remember you. I gave you your accreditation."



"Oops. That was with Netfa.com."



"Yes I checked it out!"



"Funny thing is Clare, Netfa closed, but I picked up other work since then."



"That's okay then!"



Phew!

Guess who was the first writer at the Asia Cup?

Well, I've made it.

Thai photographer, Bank, took this shot.

At 11am I walk into the stadium to be greeted by Tun the AFC Media man.

"Eamonn, we have your tickets....later."

"Am I in the Mixed zone, and Press Conferences?" I plead!

"Yes, you are. We just gave you the Press Conferences access, we thought standing in the Mixed Zone would be too much for you."

A quick rant about letting me make that decision and Tun agreed.

I'm in. The Press Centre is empty 6 and a half hours before kick-off...apart from me.

And I have a special seat number in the Press Zone for the actual match in the stadium.

"No-one can take your seat, we've set it up specially." Said Tun

Tun I could kiss him. In the middle of all their planning and organisation the guy has taken the time to make my reporting happen.

All the President's men

Now you think the Asia Confederation would be a little clearer on such matters.

I've picked up my accreditation, all very efficient. Also happens to be in the wealthiest hotel I've ever seen, never mind been in.

Wonder how the World gets to stay here, but lots and lots of people can afford it, it seems.

If I look up, right up, the ceiling goes past the clouds and that's just the lobby.

Anyway AFC President Mohamed Bin Hamman is holding a press conference this afternoon, so the press release says. Now he is very popular in my house, as he let the Aussies into Asia, so I thought I should rock up.

Well thing is, no-one at the accreditation desk, which is in the same hotel as the press conference, indeed where all the AFC officials are staying, well nobody can tell me if he's coming.

Maybe he is, we don't know!

And it's cold, the air conditioning is freezing and I'm in my shorts and it's raining so I can't duck into the five star pool without being seen!

Hanging round like a journalist ain't so great. bring on the football tomorrow!