06 October 2016

Out of six, one big game tonight

This Tuesday the Asian World cup qualifiers continue towards Russia 2018 with its third round of matches. From both groups and six games schedule only one represent a continental derby.

- Japan - Iraq. Mighty Japan did not start these qualifiers well as they were beaten at home from the start. Now they want to repair that image against Iraq, who lately are not playing very well. Two loss out of two, the visitors just have to win this deciding game for them if they want to have some hope for the finals. Its too early in the phase indeed to speak of the final outcome for Iraq, but Japan would not miss this opportunity to collect first three points at home.
- South Korea - Qatar. The 2022 World cup hosts are having some difficult time at the moment. Unlike Iraq, Qatar need to win this one, but it will be very difficult to do that knowing that South Korea is simply unstoppable at home. It would be real miracle if lost the match and we are sure that they will be very focused to beat a team who have not scored a goal yet.
- PR China - Syria. Another predetermined match which the winner is known in advance. Lately China's form has drop down rapidly and are not the same team from the previous stage. Syria should not pose a real threat, but they might cut two points off from the 'sleepy' hosts. Whoever win this game that team will chase the leading pack for sure and from this point of view China is a little bit closer to achieve that.
- Uzbekistan - IR Iran. This is only pre-derby of what is going to follow later in the evening. Teams which are playing first against second in the early phase are always interesting to watch. Uzbekistan is good at home, are performing better, but scoring only one goal so far in the games should not be enough against today's rival. In earlier meetings these two always play tough matches and this time Iran does look a little bit closer of collecting all three points.
- UAE - Thailand. United Arab Emirates are always considered winners when they play at home, but lately that is not the case. Thailand may surprise them even though they are in the last place with two losses. As the hosts are not confident enough and visitors can always pull something a draw may occur, even though UAE are favorites.
- Saudi Arabia - Australia. Game of the whole day belongs to this pair. Even if its too early in this campaign tonight's winner will look very confident for the first place in the group. As they are playing very sloppy, Saudi Arabia is at the top 'thanks' to those three penalties from two starting games so far and Australia will not allow that anymore. Although the Socceroos are not in their true form, they are still winning matches and next in their schedule should be Saudi Arabia.

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