Second round of Asian flavour

The second round of Asian qualifiers kicks off on Wednesday with sixteen matches. A main highlight being the top of the table clash in group four between neighbours China and group leaders Hong Kong.

After dominating Malaysia, Hong Kong will hope that good form will continue against the overwhelming favourites in the group. China however will be wanting to hit back after a lackluster victory against Kuwait. A 1-0 win all the 2002 World Cup finalists could manage.

Another tantilising clash is Korea DPR hosting Middle Eastern heavyweights the U.A.E. The Emirates snuck over Thailand with a 1-0 victory while the emerging darkhorse for the group managed a 1-1 draw with Yemen. North Korea have recently shown alot of strength in their region and this could well be a deciding match in the group, despite the early stage.

Of the other big names Japan travells to Singapore looking to improve over their narrow victory last round. Sri Lanka will host embarrassed World Cup team Saudi Arabia. While 4th placed World Cup team Korea Republic will travel to the Maldives.

Full report on the Asian qualifiers after the 31st of March.

28 March, 2004

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