One round from Asia

Beside Africa, the Asian continent will have only one round to play this month. We reached the half way stage in both groups and after these matches we will see which teams show early signs of World Cup fever.

- Japan - Saudi Arabia. Even though Saudi Arabia did not lost a match so far, Japan is considered to be a strong favorite for the win. The 'Blue Samurai' are not playing as they should, lately they increased the level to very high and now easily are scoring goals. We have to expect a tough match and the visitors are not naive and they want to stay on top in group B and at least Saudi Arabia might stall the game for a point. As two other teams are near them, Japan just have to win this one if they want to stay in contention for the finals.
- South Korea - Uzbekistan. Playing third against second you always think that this game will be hard. South Korea with three points will surely hold the automatic place, escaping the intercontinental play off spot. It might look strange, but the team is playing better matches at home rather than away. Uzbekistan will not miss this opportunity to come back home with a point, but with joyful hosts that might seems difficult to achieve.
- PR China - Qatar. With a new coach China have a big task ahead of them - to do the mission impossible and be placed at least in third place. For their dream to be alive 'The dragons' have to beat 2022 World cup hosts Qatar and with the Italian manager they have the needed strength. Plus playing in  home is a winning combination against a team who has an awful tournament so far. These bottom placed teams in group A have to find something quickly, because whoever lose this match it can say goodbye to the finals. Qatar, who did not impress so far (except in friendly matches) also want to salvage this campaign as win from previous round give some (slim) hope of progressing though. Still, Chinese players are aware of the situation and surely want to repeat previous stage when they beat the same team at home, so there will be no doubt to repeat the same (tough) victory as well.
- Syria - IR Iran. Syria today is playing against the leader in group A. Although the are not playing at home (before their own fans) Syrian game is very positive, compact and promising, just like the team were playing round four. Their rival today may be tougher than expected, did not receive any goal so far and with this play looks like Iran will be in Russia. Excellent play with strong defence, it seems that no one cannot stop the Persian country achieving new three points.
- Thailand - Australia. Today Australia is playing with the weakest rival in the group. New three points will give confidence to the Socceroos, who are struggling with victories and they cannot humiliate themselves with the last team. With four losses from four games Thailand is practically out from the World cup finals. and from now on the team is playing to restore some pride in the following games.
- United Arab Emirates - Iraq. When these two teams are playing its always an interesting game to watch with plenty of goals. Iraq have lost its both away games, but the team can stop that negative record tonight against the UAE. Looks like the host is in desperate need of victory as it will only grow chances of that magical third place. They perfectly know each other very well and it would not be surprise to anyone if these two play an entertaining draw.