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Four groups still up for grabs with one match to go.
Only half of the next round places for Asia's qualification process are secured with Uzbekistan, Japan, Korea DPR and Saudi Arabia able to rest key players in the final match. But heavyweights such as China and Korea Republic are still yet to be safe as they search for results in their final clashes.
Group 1 sees Iran lead Jordan on goal difference alone. But a five goal difference means Jordan need Iran to drop points for them to have a chance. Over the international weekend they both crawled across the line with 3-2 victories. Jordan defeating Laos after coming from behind twice. Iran however took the lead early against Qatar before they regrouped and took the lead. After equilising it looked like a draw was on the cards but Vahid Hashemain (who scored in the 9th minute) nettered an 89th minute goal to steal victory.
Uzbekistan has made group 2 their own and put the seal on their invitation to the next round when beating nearest challenge, Iraq, 2-1in Jordan. Two early goals and a quick reply settled the match at 2-1 before the half hour. It remained this way for the remainder of the match as uzbekistan increased their chances of qualification. Palestine snuck home in what was literally a last minute goal. Deep into injury time Taysir Amar netted against Chinese Taipei to steal away what seemed Chinese Taipei's only guaranteed points for the campaign. Palestine can only take solice in the fact they can still compete for second in the group however as they are six points behind the leaders with one match remaining.
After an outburst by Japanese coach Zico prior to their qulifier against Oman (claiming bigger nations should have an easier run to the finals) Japan scored an all important victory to make it five from five and progress to the next round. Takayuki Suzuki scored for the 2002 co-hosts to put them through to the next round. Singapore scored a victory over India when they netted twice in three minutes. It countered the loss to India earlier in the group.
China are looking in severe danger of bowing out early with Kuwait shocking the Chinese 1-0. Waleed Jumah scored in the 47th minute to give Kuwait the biggest chance of progressing and having a good shot at qualification for Germany. In the other matchHong Kong downed Malaysia 2-0 to secure third in the group. With a slight goal difference advantage Kuwait go into the final round with the advantage. China takes on Hong Kong while Kuwait will be looking to put as many past Malaysia as possible.
North Korea progressed with a 2-1 victory over bottom placed Yemen. While not convincing the Han Ja Ri (1 min) and Yong Jo Hong (64 min) goals were enough to stear them to the group win ahead of favourites UAE. One big reason for the Emirates being knocked out was Thailand's huge 3-0 victory over them. Two goals by half time and a third 20 minutes after the break saw Thailand catch UAE napping.
In group 6 Bahrain look to have sealed top spot but will need at least a point in their home match against Tajikistan to be clear enough ahead of Syria. In theory Syria can progress but they need a six goal turnaround to do it. The catalyst being the 2-2 draw against each other in Syria. After taking a 2-0 lead before 20 minutes of play Syria looked to have given themselves a great chance to get through the group. But 70 minutes is a long time. The most heartbreaking aspect for Syria though was the injury time equiliser by Talal Mohamed. In the other match Tajikistan has overcome Kyrgyzstan 2-1, holding out a late challenge.
Korea Republic, a traditional big wig of the Asian game, has only a point lead over Lebanon. They have themselves to blame though after taking an 8th minute lead through Jin Cheul Choi. Lebanon brought the deficit back though Ali Nasseredine on 27 minutes. The result keeps Lebanon in the group. The Maldives meanwhile pushed ahead of Vietnam with a 3-0 win.
Saudi Arabia had already secured their next round spot but have now added another victory to their tally. Indonesia felt the force of a 3-1 result agsinat them as the Saudis ran away with the points. Sri Lanka picked up another point against Turkmenistan with a 2-2 home draw.
Asia has alot of big matches coming up with Korea and China in trouble. As mentioned though Uzbekistan, Japan, Korea DPR and Saudi Arabia have progressed with Bahrain more than likely to progress. Group 1, 4 and 7 though are tight and could fall either way.
17 October, 2004 |
