Would have preferred they didn't.
Given Australia's not in Asia. And denies another team from there a rightful place.
And yes, know they're part of that federation...
Qatar 1-0 away to Uzbekistan while South Korea and Iran are 0-0 at half time. Means it's the play-off for Uzbekistan, but still hope for automatic qualification if they can turn their game around.
Meh. They played in Asia till 1982 anyway, and even then they tended to have Israel or Taipei, neither of whom are Oceania. Not a major issue really.Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy
Last edited by pineapple stu; 18/06/2013 at 1:05 PM.
I don't mind that they've qualified as I'd have more interest in their games than Oman's. I do mind that they qualify by winning three games out of eight against mostly minnows, whereas we lost out last time because we couldn't top a group with the World Cup holders or beat the runners-up in a playoff.
Iran 1-0 up in South Korea. So Uzbekistan now need 7 goals in the last 25 minutes to overtake South Korea on goal difference and qualify.
Equaliser for Uzbekistan. Just 6 more to go now!
I'm guessing the standard between Uzbekistan & Kazakhstan is pretty similiar although there is nearly 100 places between them in the FIFA rankings.
They're also similiar Geographically.
Wouldn't the Kazaks have a better chance of qualifying for the WC if they played in Asia? Why did they switch?
It didn't work out too well for them the last time. Kazakhs, by all accounts, identify as European and want to play their football here.
I'd say so, though it's hard to tell really. Last time Kazakhstan were in Asia (2002), they were knocked out by Iraq, but fairly matched them in the groups. In 1998, they got to the final round, finishing joint-bottom with Uzbekistan. I'd say both have improved since then. That's guesswork really though.
3-1 Uzbekistan now. 4 more needed! Or 2 and a Korea equaliser. I'd say Korea and Iran are happy with what they have though.
4-1 now. Looking all in vain though. Though they just need a South Korea equaliser now; I think I mis-counted earlier.
5-1! "Just" two short of Korea now, who have lost.
Though wiki has them in second and qualified, presumably on head-to-head? I thought it was GD that counted first?
Edit - has to be a wiki error; they drew and lost to Korea.
Edit edit - 5-1 result now. Wiki now saying Uzbekistan have qualified, but I still think it's wrong?
Last edited by pineapple stu; 18/06/2013 at 1:59 PM.
Judging by the reactions after the match it would have come down to GD (otherwise Korea would have already officially qualified before today) - had Uzbekistan won 7-1 they'd have jumped above Korea.
There was obviously a lot of tension on the benches as instead of a handshake Carlos Quiros (manager of Iran) he was just shouting abuse at the Koreans. I'd imagine he expected Korea to settle for the 1-0 loss which would have seen them both through, unless Uzbekistan managed the 7-1 win, but Korea really pushed for an equaliser and very nearly did with a header in the 93 minute, that would have dropped Iran into the playoffs.
I phoned the speaking clock to hear a voice speak, it said - "At the tone you will be very much alone"
Yeah, wiki's changed. Korea and Iran through.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say they're probably a better team now than in 2002.
Just thinking back to September when we played Kazakhstan & Oman. The Kazakhs looked a better side than Oman, who are still in the hunt to qualify at least until 7pm this evening.
Well yeah but would they be a better team if they hadn't left Asia?
Fair point.
And however much we begrudge the Aussies, they probably did it the harder way.
Well it looks like the winner of Oceania (New Zealand) will have to face either Mexico or Honduras for a place in the World Cup. I'd imagine it's easier to win one of the 5 spots in Asia.
Jordan 1-0 Oman. So Jordan v Uzbekistan in the play-offs for the right to play the 5th place in South America (currently Uruguay)
That's a good point. I never thought of that...
Some craic, serious bricking going in during injury time. Cahill not impressed to be subbed off, until the sub scored the winning goal.1-0 Australia; 83 minutes.
The Aussies played some good football the last two world cups, so I am glad they will be at the party next year
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