DOMINIC BOSSI

Best goal

Despite strong challenges from Tim Cahill and Ehsan Hajsafi, Luongo's spectacular long-range goal takes out the top gong of this tournament. It was not just the quality of the goal and the diverse set of skills involved in turning his marker, controlling the ball and unleashing a drive from distance but also that Massimo Luongo did so on the biggest stage, the final. So rarely does a goal of this calibre occur in a final of a tournament, which adds more to the effort.

Best game

From a neutral's perspective, the quarter-final match between Iran and Iraq was the highlight. Two fierce rivals in a knock-out match, a red card, six goals, four scored in extra-time, controversial refereeing and a penalty shoot-out. What more can you ask for?

Best player

Massimo Luongo won the award, Omar Abdulrahman stole the show and Trent Sainsbury flew under the radar up until the final. The laid-back defender was the defensive backbone of Australia's title and played every single minute of the tournament. He was not only the defensive stalwart but served as the foundation of Australia's possession-based play.

Favourite moment

Rarely is there a match that is a fitting finale of a superb tournament, which makes Australia's victory over South Korea all the more special. Both teams laid out an attacking and entertaining game that had more than its fair share of drama. It was a match that will be remembered in time as one of Australia's greatest sporting moments.

Talking point

Japan were almost unbackable favourites to win a successive Asian Cup title and their progression through the group stage strengthened that belief. Eight goals scored, none conceded and a star-studded roster – they appeared certain to make light work of UAE. Instead the tiny Gulf state sent the Asian giants packing in the biggest shock of the tournament.

What now for Australian football?

The immediate impact will be felt in player registrations, with the Asian Cup triumph conveniently occurring as local clubs are busy recruiting players for the upcoming season. More players means more money for the FFA, more participants in the game, more public interest, a greater market and greater ease channelling attention to the A-League. A new national youth football program is about to be unveiled, which will harness the momentum.

MICHAEL LYNCH

Best goal

There were some crackers and Australians were responsible for a number of them, no more so than Tim Cahill's overhead kick in Brisbane that put the Socceroos in front in the quarter-final against China. Iranian defender Ehsan Hajsafi's long-range drive against Bahrain was another contender, but for quality and for the stage it was scored in, surely Massimo Luongo's collect, spin and shot from distance to put Australia in front in the final has to be right up there.

Best game

The final, with its last-gasp South Korean equaliser, the angst and heartbreak that the bulk of the crowd felt and then the joy that surged through ANZ Stadiumwhen the Socceroos  came back to win is a worthy shout, but my vote goes for that amazing contest in Canberra between Iran and Iraq. This game had it all, a controversial send-off, six goals (a 3-3 draw), extra time and then penalties. Extraordinary.

Best player

Massimo Luongo picked up the award for the tournament's MVP and with several man-of-the-match awards and crucial goals at important times in Australian games it's hard to say it wasn't deserved, even if the UAE's wonderfully talented midfielder Omar Abdulrahman had been most pundits' prediction. He didn't let anyone down and was a star of the show, and had the UAE won the title or even made the final he probably would have got the plaudits. Australian centre back Trent Sainsbury was another who had a hugely impressive tournament.

Favourite moment

There were so many during what turned out to be a riveting three-week competition that won the hearts and minds of the public up and down the eastern seaboard. Brisbane ballboy Stephan White's advice to Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalei about which way to dive when he was facing a penalty from Saudi Arabia was hard to ignore, given Dalei saved the spot kick. But Ange Postecoglou's arm pumping salute of sheer relief and joy to encourage the crowd after the Socceroos' final triumph probably tops the lot. He has spent his life in the Australian game and has got a just reward.

Talking point

It emerged in the last week, particularly in Victoria, when a  huge debate  blew up over why Melbourne had not bid to stage a semi-final or perhaps even the final of the Asian Cup. The government and major events organisers did not anticipate the popularity of the Socceroos or the tournament and feared it would be overshadowed by the Australian Tennis Open. Hindsight is 20/20, but it was a poor call not to go for at least a semi-final, which was eventually played in the provincial NSW city of Newcastle.

What now for Australian football?

The feel good vibes must be harnessed by the FFA and the upside must be turned into increased fan, sponsor and corporate backing, as well as used to leverage a better broadcast deal next time. On the field the Socceroos have to qualify for the World Cup and when they get there achieve Postecoglou's aim of being competitive and not simply happy to be part of the show.

SEBASTIAN HASSETT

Best goal

It's tempting to give it to Tim Cahill for the audacity of his overhead kick against China, but Massimo Luongo's goal in the final ticks all the boxes. A supreme piece of skill, delivered when the nation needed it the most, on the biggest stage of all. South Korea were getting on top when he let fly with an effort that nearly won the game. It would have been a worthy winner.

Best game

While the final was a wonderful, gripping affair, the quarter-final between Iraq and Iran made the earth stand still. A rivalry thousands of years in the making being played out on neutral turf –Canberra, no less – with a capacity crowd screeching their lungs out for both sides, who both seemed to have won and lost the game before it ended 3-3 with Iraq winning in a drama-filled shoot-out. It ended as arguably the Asian Cup's greatest ever match.

Best player

Omar Abdulrahman arrived in Australia with most having no idea who he is. He leaves with a nation in his thrall, many wondering what it would take to get the United Arab Emirates star to play in Australia. That won't happen – he already earns more in a calender year than an entire A-League squad – but we'll get to see so much more of him for club and country. Looks like David Luiz, plays like Luka Modric and could be the best Middle Eastern player of our lifetime.

Favourite moment

It was hard not to be swept up by the size and sound of the Iranian community. This tournament provided their diaspora a platform to fill stadiums in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Canberra with their unique, unrelenting support. The piercing noise that greeted their win over Qatar at ANZ Stadium, when Sardar Azmoun scored a brilliant winner, was wonderful. That so many women came to see Iran play – something they can't do in their home country – was even better.

Talking point

Japan is a good example of what happens when hubris sets in. Clearly the most talented team at the tournament, the Samurai Blue were complacent, a most un-Japanese quality, in how they approached their title defence. Some of their displays were utterly nonchalant. For a team that will be favourite again in four years' time, they must rediscover the humble, hard-working qualities that took them to the peak of Asian football over and again.

What now for Australian football?

The challenge, once again, is to recognise the need for urgent improvement at all levels –largely because Australia is a sporting nation that craves and bathes in repeated success like few others. Apart from competitive performances at the 2017 Confederations Cup and the 2018 World Cup, the real task is to create a conveyor belt of junior talent to regularly compete with the best nations in the world – a project that may take 15 to 20 years to complete.