Jordan Books Third Place in Group B After 1-0 Win Over Oman

Around six hours after Australia shocked Iraq 1-0, Jordan posted a similar score against Oman at the King Abdullah International Stadium in Amman.

Like the Socceroos, Jordan found its footing late in the game. Oman dominated the first half, leaving Jordan scoreless at first. Qasim Said’s counter-attack was saved by Jordan keeper Amer Shafi, while Ismail al-Ajmi’s grazed the left post at the 26^th minute mark.

Khali Bani Ateyah made a superb run on the right flank and passed the ball to Ahmad Ibrahim, who made the 57^th strike that sealed Oman’s fate. Ateyah previously lost a ball from a cross by Odai Alsaify.

Oman tried to recover in the last 10 minutes, but could get only one good kick through Jordan goalkeeper Amar Sabbah courtesy of Saad Al Mukhaini.

Oman needed only a draw to advance to the next round.

According to Jordan Football Association Vice President Salah Sabra, “This is a great win for Jordan… We are looking forward to getting ready for Uzbekistan after this crucial win against Oman. Jordan is prepared for all scenarios at this stage.”

This victory is Jordan’s revenge for its earlier 2-1 away loss. With 10 points under its belt, Jordan will face Group B third-placer Uzbekistan on September 6 and 10. The victor of this match, in turn, will take on the fifth-ranked South American team in the intercontinental playoffs on November 15 and 19.

Meanwhile, Japan and Australia, as the Group B top two, will go to Brazil. 

Photo credit: TimesofOman.com

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Australia Routs Iraq 1-0, Qualifies for 2014 FIFA World Cup

Unfortunately for Iraq, their opponent last Tuesday had a knack for making late, match-breaking goals.

Josh Kennedy from The Land Down Under kicked past goalkeeper Noor Sabri at the 83^rd minute mark to defeat Iraq 1-0 and qualify Australia for its third consecutive World Cup.

Kennedy was a last-minute substitute for veteran Tim Cahill. This move courtesy of Coach Holger Osieck paid off, as the 30-year-old striker teamed up with Mark Bresciano to make that winning goal.

It’s a surprising result, considering how the Australians fared against the Iraqis throughout the game. Mark Schwarzer struggled to contain the young and energetic lineup of Iraq; conversely, Brett Holman and Robbie Kruse had a hard time getting past their opponent’s defense. There was also the bad weather hampering the performance of both teams. Australia also fared badly in the Asian qualifying rounds, with only one out of their first six matches won.

Luckily, the psychological boost provided by the home court and the 80,000-strong fans, combined with the experience of the Socceroos, ensured that Australia will see Brazil this year.

“I’m proud of everybody,” said captain Lucas Neill. “It’s been a really tough campaign. We’ve stuck at it, showed mental strength. Sorry, it wasn’t pretty. But we’ve beaten what was in front of us and pushed ourselves on to a very exciting tournament.”

Australia now ranks second in their AFC group behind Japan. 

Photo credit: Camw (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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Iran and 3 Other Squads Acquire 2014 World Cup Ticket

In another down the wire Asian qualifying match, Iran outclassed its archrival, Korea Republic with a 1-0 victory to secure its World Cup berth next year. 

Iran earned its sweet revenge after Reza Ghoochannejhad nailed a left-footed shot off of a counter-attack against Kim Younggwon on the 59th minute. Korea Republic tried to regain momentum and made several attempts to score an equalizer, yet, the prolific Rahman Ahmadi denied them twice.

The Iran-Korea Republic encounter is one of the most anticipated rivalries in the Asian World Cup qualifiers. In 2010, Taeguk Warriors forced a draw that ended Team Melli’s 2010 World Cup campaign. After a 4-year wait, Iran answered back, inflicting an almost similar degree of disappointment. The rivalry became even more intense as word war broke between Choi Kang-hee and Carlos Quirioz prior to the deciding game. 

But despite of losing to Iran, Korea Republic has no reason to be depressed. The squad still, qualifies for the World Cup by virtue of goal difference over Uzbekistan. Joining them is Australia, which defeated Iraq with a 1-0 score.

The win against Korea Republic earned 16 points for Iran and secured the top spot in Group A. Yet, what is even more important is the country’s 4th World Cup appearance.  As a result, the country’s Sports Ministry is set to celebrate the victory in Tehran.

Iran’s first entry into the World Cup began in 1978. However, the squad failed to rise above the group stage. Their next attempt happened in 1998 where they secured a great win over USA. Iran made it again in 2006. Yet, history simply repeated itself when Team Melli got stuck in the group stage.

Korea Republic, on the other hand, finished with 14 points and nailed its 8th consecutive World Cup qualification.



Photo Credit: Zimbio

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2014 World Cup Qualifiers Match Preview: Korea Republic Vs. Iran

Venue: Munsu Football Stadium
Date: 18 June 2013

Munsu Football Stadium shall witnessed one of the most awaited rivalries in the World Cup’s Asian qualifiers as Korea Republic meets Iran this 18 June 2013. What is at stake? It is no other than an automatic ticket to Brazil.

The battle between Team Melli and Taeguk Warriors is never their first encounter. The two have already met in six (6) World Cup qualifiers and the upcoming face-off becomes even more intense as word war between Choi Kang-hee, and Carlos Quiroz spreads through the World Wide Web. Nevertheless, whether it is on the web and on the field, it is evident that Choi and his men have the upper hand. Indeed, there is a high possibility that Taeguk Warriors will soon Japan in Brazil.

Korea Republic’s strength goes beyond playing in its own territory. Rather, it stems from the fact that it only needs a draw to qualify. Team Melli, on the other hand, has no other option but to win the match.

The above-mentioned scenario looked like a repetition of what transpired in 2010 World Cup qualifiers where Taeguk Warriors forced a draw against Team Melli, much to Iran’s disappointment. It was a come from behind win for Korea Republic. But now, the situation is a bit the same, except that there is a reversal of roles. In this match, Iran trails. Apparently, Taeguk Warriors has all the power to repeat history.

Both sides have their own dose of injuries and players who will be missing the match. Korea Republic’s Park Jongwoo is suspended and Kim Namil is nursing an injury. Similarly, in Iran, Ashkan Dejagah’s injury will also keep him in the bench. Nevertheless, the latter’s very own Reza Ghoochannejhad shall take Dejagah’s scoring responsibility.

But here is the catch, Park and Kim may not play, but Choi still has, Asian Football Confederation’s best player, Lee Keun Ho. Along with him is Lee Dong-gook who has already secured 10 goals out of their 30 encounters against Middle Eastern squads. It is therefore not very surprising to see Team Melli throw the white towel.

Should Korea Republic qualify, this will be their 8th consecutive World Cup appearance. What is the verdict? Korea Republic as favorites and Iran receiving the Asian handicap.



Photo Credit: Zimbio

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Korea Republic Claims 1-0 Victory Against Uzbekistan

Taeguk Warrior clings to a 1-point lead over Iran after clinching a victory against Uzbekistan last 11 June 2013. The down the wire match ended with a 1-0 triumph in favor of Korea Republic.

Unfortunately for Uzbekistan, the decider came from Akmal Shorakhmedov, who scored his own goal several minutes before the half-time ended. Shorakhmedov’s attempt to intercept Kim Younggwon’s cross broke the dead ball situation.

Early in the game, Lee Keun Ho had his chance to take the lead for Korea Republic. Yet, his first touch let him down as the equally aggressive Ignatiy Nesterov pulled off a great save. But Nesterov was not the only one rising up to the challenge.

Long before Lee made a failed attempt, Jung Sungryong has already denied Ulugbek Bakaev and has managed to keep a clean sheet in the match.

Timur Kapadze rallied for an equalizer, but Jung was keen on keeping the lead.

Korea Republic’s big boss, Choi Kang-Hee admitted that his men went through “a lot of pressure.”  This is after forcing a draw against Lebanon during their last encounter. Choi, however, emphasized that the pressure never forced his squad to “lose their focus.” He (Choi) added that “mental fortitude” has been one of the squad’s main thrusts in their World Cup journey.

Prior to the match, Korea Republic and Uzbekistan are tied with eleven (11) points. But Taeguk Warriors has the upper-hand since it has a better goal difference.

Korea Republic’s next match will be against Iran in Ulsan. Should they win, the squad shall be enjoying its  8th consecutive World Cup appearance.

Photo Credit: Strongonpaper

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Kim’s Free Kick Shot Forces A Draw Against Lebanon

Kim Chi Woo’s free kick during the 7th minute of injury time kept South Korea on top of Asia’s Group A qualifying group. The match ended with a 1-1 draw in favor of the Red Devils. 

Prior to the match, Taeguk Warrior’s boss, Choi Kang-Hee already stressed that the Cedars is a strong force to overcome when playing in their own territories. This is despite of the fact that Lebanon is the group’s underdog—and true enough, the Lebanese squad refused to wave the white flag.

Early on the game, Hassan Maatouk’s 12th minute shot ensured the lead for Lebanon—thanks to South Korea’s poor defence. Maatouk, however, was not the only source of the country’s impressive performance. Among other players, it was really the mighty goalkeeper Abbas Hassan that almost buried the Red Devils.

Throughout the match, Hassan denied South for several times. One of these was Lee Chung-yong header. Another major save followed when he blocked Kim Chi-woo’s attempt on the 33rd minute.

Hassan’s determination not only to win, but also to keep a clean sheet continued during the 2nd half as he deflected Lee Chung-yong’s second attempt and Lee Dong-gook’s header. Unfortunately, for Hassan and the rest of the Cedars, the seemingly insurmountable defence found its waterloo in Kim Chi Woo’s free kick.

As for South Korea’s part, the previous match is a hard lesson learned. They need to step-up their defence should they want to enjoy an automatic qualification into the World Cup.

South Korea is still on the top spot of the qualifying group with eleven (11) points. Following them is Uzbekistan, which also have 11 points. South Korea, however, has a better goal difference.

South Korea’s will next face Uzbekistan in Seoul and Iran in Ulsan.

Photo Credit: Zimbio

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Japan: World Cup’s First Qualifying Team

After forcing a 1-1 draw against Australia, Keisuke Honda’s late penalty shot signaled Japan‘s journey to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, making them the first country to enter the prestigious event.

The Socceroos gained their momentum when Tommy Oar secured the first goal of the match on the 82nd minute. Eiji Kawashima tried to deflect the shot, only to find himself unsuccessful. It could have been a preview of Australia’s impending victory, but the Blue Samurais refused to be beaten in their own soil.

With just a couple of minutes before the match’s end, Matthew McKay fished hand-ball violation that sent Honda to the penalty line. Amidst the overflowing Saitama Stadium, Honda converted and secured the squad’s ticket to Brazil.

The triumph against Australia places Japan on the top spot of Asia’s qualifying Group B. Occupying the 2nd slot is Oman. Only the top 2 teams shall qualify for the World Cup. Those on the 3rd spot shall enter the play-offs. Apparently, the play-off is what Australia has to endure after the disappointing loss.

Japan is known for being one of the strongest World Cup contenders in Asia. So far, this is the country’s 5th appearance since 1998. But long before the Blue Samurais begin their World Cup campaign, their next mission is to first dominate the upcoming Confederations Cup in Brazil on 15 June. Their first match will be against the crowd favorite Brazil.

 Photo Credit: Yahoo

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