FIFA has never really liked the idea of co-hosted tournaments, which is why the Korea/Japan experiment of 2002 will probably be the last ever co-hosted World Cup. But a quick glance over to Asia for the Asian Cup 2007 shows you that the AFC have no such reservations about it. Four nations; Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam will joint host the games this summer.

Much of the news coverage from Britain concerning these games has (unsurprisingly) come from the Australian camp. Mark Viduka, 31, has recently signed for Newcastle United and had announced his international retirement. However, a "backflip" - as World Soccer News put it, has led to Viduka coming out of his shortlived retirement to lead the Socceroos into their first ever Asian Cup.

They will come up against three teams that they will know little about. Hosts Thailand, Oman and Iraq (who's side just missed out on a medal in the last Olympics). Australia, as favourites for the tournament will expect to easily qualify for the knockout stages.

The Australians start the Asian Cup against Oman who are playing in only their second Asian Cup in their history and have little footballing heritage. However, they do boast Carlos Alberto and ex-Aston Villa manager Joszef Venglos among their previous coaches. This time it is former Argentine striker Gabriel Calderon who will be leading the Omanese into battle this time around.

Of interest to myself is the Omanese kit. Their flag is made up of three bars of red, white and green and thus the national colours of Oman are the same as Wales. In the last Asian Cup they sported a wonderful all red with green and white flashes kit that I felt would have done Wales proud. Unfortunately my emails to the Oman FA were left unanswered and I never did manage purchase a kit.

I leave for Mongolia this Saturday and fly back on the opening day of the tournament. I very much doubt Ulaan Bataar will be full of football fans looking forward to the Asian Cup - after all, it would take a near miracle for the Mongolians to qualify for an Asian Cup wouldn't it?