We must move forward, not backward, upward, not forward, and always twirling, twirling, twirling towards freedom.

For those of you unfamiliar with that line, it was delivered by an alien in an episode of "The Simpsons". It's more relevant than you may think, because a foreigner is what Australia now needs in order to qualify for the world cup.

Last night's defeat to Japan on penalties will be remembered as "heartbreak" by some, and more than we deserved by others. Despite a bright opening couple of minutes Japan had the better structure and created all the better chances. Once the Aussies were down to 10 men the only option was to play for spot-kicks.

Some will argue that not winning the Asian cup at the first time of asking is a good thing as it won't upset our new hosts. However too many weaknesses have been exposed for any Australian fan to be happy about how the campaign went. A new manager is what we need Mr. Lowy, please deliver with time to prepare for our first world cup qualifier in the zone.

He may be the target of a lot of abuse from Melbourne Victory fans but there's no doubt that Australia sits in a quarter-final showdown with Japan at the Asian Cup thanks to Mark Milligan.

Milligan's textbook tackle with the Aussies holding a shaky 1-0 lead against Thailand last night saved the day after Schwarzer fumbled a long-shot into open space in the box. That moment highlighted the lift in defensive effort that earned Australia its first clean sheet of the tournament - the three goals scored in the final moments of the game just cosmetic improvement of the statistics.

The question now for Australia is what to do with Lucas Neill. Neill is having a mediocre tournament, while Beauchamp and Milligan both performed admirably last night. Japan are in hot form and the underdog tag will suit Australia, perhaps it will suit Neill as well.

Up front there are problems too, mainly because Sterjovski finds himself back in the frame without having even taken the pitch last night. Aloisi dogged it and picked up a stupid yellow card, while Brett Holman offered up the miss of the tournament. It doesn't bode well when the best alternative is to play Kewell as a floating man behind Viduka rather than a second striker.

And my excuse for not fronting up for a comment after the Iraq game? A severe hangover. Much like the rest of the football supporting population of Australia.

Something different to the previews out there, because there are lots of them.

1. Win the thing

Obvious really.

2. Beat Iran

Tempted to put this at number one, but at the end of the day winning the cup is more important than settling this old rivarly. There will be plenty of chances in world cup qualifying to avenge 1998. Nothing will erase the hurt, but let's face it, had Australia qualified for France then the NSL would probably still be alive and none of the nation's domestic football overhaul would have happened.

How do we want to beat Iran? Nothing cruel, a straight up and down beating would be nice. No Iranians out injured or sent off,  just their best team, and our team beating them.

3. Defend

Where the hell is Spiranovic? For some reason he's been cut loose to go and do pre-season with Nurnburg. Beauchamp is a stop-gap solution, and while he's always done the right thing by the national team, he isn't the long-term answer at centre back. I'll make the call now - every goal Australia concedes at this championship will be "soft". It's just a matter of concentration and limitation.

4. Arnie back to number two

From day one I've said that if Australia is going to hit a hurdle qualifying for 2010, it's going to be in the first stage. Four teams in a group, only top spot goes on to the next stage. Maybe the AFC will change the qualifying format but at this stage there's nothing to suggest they will.

Names have been thrown around for Arnie's replacement; Van Gaal, Advocaat, Hiddink - at this stage either of the latter two would be preferable. Arnie is the players' best mate, the sort of relationship a squad should enjoy with an assistant coach - not the top man.