Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: It is World Cup qualifying time again and Asia's 10 final round participants have seen mixed results in the run-up to the June 3 kick-offs.
FIFA World Cup regulars Japan took on Azerbaijan at home last week and thanks to goals from Dortmund star Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki, they won the match 2-0. Japan will take on Oman on Sunday followed by matches against Jordan and Australia in the final round of qualifiers.
Jordan also put in a morale boosting performance ahead of the home tie against Iraq as they defeated Lebanon 2-1 and also thrashed Sierra Leone 4-0 at home. After taking on Iraq on Sunday at the Amman International Stadium, Jordan will travel to Japan on June 8 with their third match coming only in September’s international calendar.
Group B contenders Iraq played two friendly matches in Turkey, winning 1-0 over Sierra Leone and then holding Botswana 1-1. Iraq will travel to Jordan on Sunday followed by a ‘home tie’ against Oman next Tuesday.
Neighbouring Iran also faced Albania in Turkey and suffered a 1-0 loss. Iran have a tough opener against Uzbekistan on Sunday followed by a home match on June 12 against Qatar, who also had a less inspiring preparation after losing 2-1 to Albania and playing a goalless draw against Palestine at home.
Qatar host 2002 World Cup semifinalists Korea Republic at home on Sunday as the Taeguk Warriors lost 4-1 to Euro 2012 participating and reigning World Cup champions Spain on Wednesday. Korea’s second match is on June 12 against Lebanon who a suffered 2-1 loss to Jordan and were held 1-1 by Oman in the build up to their Sunday’s match against Qatar.
Australia, who will start their final round campaign only next Friday, will take on Euro 2012 contenders Denmark in Copenhagen on Saturday to prepare for the away tie against Oman followed by the 12 June outing against Japan.