7 teams vying for spots in Asia Cup qua

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7 teams vying for spots in Asia Cup qua

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-07-18 09:06

BANGKOK, July 17 - Seven countries are still in contention for the four
remaining quarter-final spots heading into Wednesday's final round of
Asian Cup group matches.

Australia, Japan, Iraq and Vietnam have already booked their places in
the knockout rounds but the race for the other four places is wide open.

All four teams in Group D -- Indonesia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and
Bahrain -- have a chance of going through while China, Iran and
Uzbekistan are battling for the two available places in Group C.

Malaysia, who have lost their two opening games, are the only team
already out of the running.

China, Iran and Saudi Arabia only need a point from their final games to
be assured of going through while Bahrain and Indonesia could also
advance with a draw.

However, South Korea and Uzbekistan both need to win their final games to
continue.

Iran appear to have the easiest path to the quarters with their final
match against co-hosts Malaysia, who have conceded 10 goals in their two
matches.

The former three-times champions came from behind to beat Uzbekistan 2-1
then drew 2-2 with China but will be hoping for a big win over Malaysia
to improve their goal difference and boost their chances of winning the
group and staying in Kuala Lumpur.

China lead the Group C standings on account of their 5-1 win over
Malaysia but face a tricky final match against Uzbekistan, who rebounded
from their loss to Iran to thrash Malaysia 5-0, and would leapfrog China
if they won.

The Chinese, runners-up three years ago, will be without their suspended
skipper Zheng Zhi and central defender Li Weifeng, but are still
confident of getting the point they need to progress.

"We didn't win our last match but I think that we are playing better and
better each game and I expect that in our next game, we will play even
better than before," China coach Zhu Guanghu told reporters.

Saudi Arabia lead the Group D standings with four points yet could still
miss out if they lose their final match against Bahrain in Palembang
while South Korea, one of the pre-tournament favourites, will be relying
on other results to stay in the competition.

They need to beat co-hosts Indonesia in Jakarta and hope that Saudi
Arabia do not draw with Bahrain.

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