|
 |
| Qatar coach Metsu puts his players through their paces at Al-Sadd [AFP] |
The Asian World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday all take place in the Middle East, with Qatar and Japan fighting out a crucial battle in Doha – while hoping injury-hit Australia slip up in Bahrain.
Qatar coach Bruno Metsu and opposite number Takeshi Okada talked up each other's chances in the Qatari capital on Tuesday evening.
But the compliments will cease at the Al-Sadd stadium where victory is imperative to keep pace at the top of Group One, in which the Aussies have taken their move from Oceania well in their stride.
None of the night's fixtures come bigger than Saudi Arabia against South Korea in Riyadh, as two sides with 11 World Cup appearances between them gun for a place at South Africa 2010.
Only the top two teams in each of the two groups of five automatically qualify for the World Cup.
Qatar stranglehold
Nearly two months into the job, Frenchman Metsu will be keen to maintain the Gulf state's impressive record against Japan, winning two of five unbeaten internationals to date.
But he does not think the Japanese – on the same four points as Qatar but with a game in hand – have faded as a footballing force.
Japan coach Okada was criticised by the domestic media after last month's turgid draw with Uzbekistan put the team two points behind Australia.
"I do not believe Japan are not as good as before. It is still a strong team," Metsu told Al Jazeera.
"They have many players in club football in Europe and it can be difficult for them to get all the players together for preparations.
"But I have to insist – Japan is definitely one of the best in Asia."
 |
| Nakamura's free kicks could put paid to Qatar's record [AFP] |
Eighties flashback
Okada for his part is taking nothing for granted in Doha, having been beaten 1-0 there as a player in 1983.
"I have said this many times before, but there are no easy games in Asia any more,' he said.
"As for our record against Qatar, I remember I played against them as a player and I don't think it was a good result.
"We have struggled to beat them but this time we will leave with no less than three points."
The key could be star midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura of Scottish Premier League champions Celtic, although he may miss out with a thigh injury.
"He has come to play I guess, but still we will look at him after training before we can be sure," said Okada.
"As for Qatar, I know they are a good team, especially in one-on-one situations. We need to keep the ball."
No stroll for Park
Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung knows a difficult challenge awaits his South Korea team in Riyadh.
Both have collected four points in a tight Group Two, but the Asians have a poor recent record against the 'Sons of the Desert,' failing to win any of their last five meetings.
"It is a tough game but we have come here to win," Park said.
"We don't have a good record against them. We will do our best to change that."
Making it more difficult for the visitors, Borussia Dortmund's Lee Young-pyo is the only fit fullback among the regulars and will make his 100th international appearance.
Saudi Arabia have worries of their own.
Asian Player of the Year Yasser Al-Qahtani will miss the game with injury, Swiss-based defender Hussein Abdulghani and Malek Maaz are also doubtful starters, while Saad Al Harthi is suspended.
Aussies on Manama mission
 |
| Australia apply the elbow grease as they prepare to face Bahrain [AFP] |
In Group One, Australia are the only team with a 100 per cent record and are going for a third straight win when they play Bahrain in Manama.
The Socceroos won in Uzbekistan in September and at home to Qatar last month.
With the return of Mark Bresciano and Harry Kewell from injury, coach Pim Verbeek initially named a strong squad but it was soon depleted by withdrawals.
Former Glasgow Rangers captain and Newcastle United defender Craig Moore, the only domestic A-league player originally selected, was last week ruled out after undergoing surgery for testicular cancer.
Blackburn Rovers pair Brett Emerton and Vince Grella are injured and Celtic striker Scott Macdonald is also out.
D-day for UAE
In Group Two's other match, UAE travel to Iran knowing that a fourth-straight defeat will end any chance of a second World Cup appearance.
UAE sit in last place with no points and little hope of making it to South Africa in 2010.
"This game is our last chance and the players fully understand it," coach Dominique Batheney said.
UAE could be without captain Abdulraheem Jumaa, Walid Abbas, Mohammed Qassim and Ali Abbas.
Iran are in good form but coach Ali Daei is wary of the wounded host.
"We are well aware that the UAE are very dangerous, have nothing to lose and are determined to get all three points," he said.
|