Why the Asian Cup is so special for Kyah Simon

The AFC Asian Cup holds a special place in the heart of Kyah Simon. 

Eight years ago, on a muddy pitch in China, the then-teenage Westfield Matildas striker stayed ice cool in the rain to make history for football in Australia. 

With Simon's boots sodden and heavy from the downpour in Chengdu, in the biggest moment of her career, she held her nerve to score the decisive fifth penalty against DPR Korea in the Asian Cup Final 2010. 

History was made.

The first Australian team to win a major tournament. The first Asian Cup victory. What a moment for the national team. 

Little wonder the tournament remains special to Australia's gifted goal poacher. 

"It was a privilege to be a part of that individually but most of all as a team. It was the first silverware any Australian team had brought back," a proud Simon told FFA TV. 

After a gruelling tournament, the team was rightly feted on their return to Sydney airport following their win over DPR Korea.  

After a quarter-final finish at the 2007 FIFA World Cup, the team was on the rise as they looked towards the 2011 World Cup in Germany. 

Bubs and the Asian Cup trophy
Then captain Melissa "Bubs" Barbieri and the Asian Cup trophy at Sydney airport

Simon is in Jordan with the Australians as they aim to win a second Asian Cup this month (after going so close in 2014, runners-up to a very good Japan side in Vietnam). 

"When I was 18 in 2010, I didn't realise the significance of the tournament," Simon added. 

"It's one of the three major tournaments we have with the World Cup and the Olympics [in the next couple of years]. 

"I hope we can back it up again eight years down the track," she said, adding the team is more tactically aware than in 2010. 

Australia kicks off their 2018 Asian Cup campaign against Korea Republic in the early hours of Sunday morning at the King Abdullah Stadium in Amman. 

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