Asian Cup kickoff a boost for Melbourne

Australia's opening victory in soccer's Asian Cup has once again proved that Melbourne is the sporting capital of the world, Victorian sports minister John Eren says.

He says the hype and expectation didn't disappoint as the first game kicked off on Friday night.

Despite the Socceroos getting off to a worrying start against Kuwait on Friday, the 4-1 win to the Aussies was just what the doctor ordered.

He said the victory would not only give a boost to the confidence of the team, but was also a boost to the confidence of Melbourne.

"It was fantastic," Mr Eren said.

"We have yet again showed why we are the sporting capital of the world."

Wet and windy weather didn't keep more than 25,000 fans away, all wanting to get a taste of a international soccer match and Mr Eren encouraged all Victorians to get involved in the event.

Almost 20,000 tickets have been sold for the quarter finals in Melbourne later this month, but tickets are still available for the match between Korea and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.