Last time South Africa became the (unlucky?) thirteenth side to qualify for the 2018 Draft World Cup finals. Today we’ll see another pair become the fourteenth and fifteenth to qualify as we see the second group in the second round of Asian qualifying. This is how the round looks so far:
The last group was the expected slog between some very handy sides, and today’s group should be no different. The top two sides qualify automatically, whilst the side in third will face Indonesia in a play-off to determine who gets to represent Asia in the Intercontinental play-offs.
I have little idea who will get through today’s group, as each side showed qualify to get here. Uzbekistan didn’t drop a point to win their group, and so might go in as favourites here. Qatar and Saudi Arabia also won their groups, and so have no reason to believe they can’t compete. Thailand and Kazakhstan finished second in their groups, but behind China and Kuwait who have shown they are very good sides, so this doesn’t mean they can’t be involved in the qualification battle. Meanwhile, South Korea were a bit unconvincing in the first round, but they did reach the play-offs in 2017, and so go in here as top seeds.
Niall McGinn has recently left the South Korean leagues to rejoin Aberdeen, but late enough for him to be included in South Korea’s qualification squad here. And he gets the opening goal as his side and Uzbekistan play out an entertaining 2-2 draw. Saudi Arabia eased past 10-man Thailand 2-0, whilst Kazakhstan battled for a 2-1 win away to Qatar, thanks to two Ivo Ilicevic penalties.
I have little idea who will get through today’s group, as each side showed qualify to get here. Uzbekistan didn’t drop a point to win their group, and so might go in as favourites here. Qatar and Saudi Arabia also won their groups, and so have no reason to believe they can’t compete. Thailand and Kazakhstan finished second in their groups, but behind China and Kuwait who have shown they are very good sides, so this doesn’t mean they can’t be involved in the qualification battle. Meanwhile, South Korea were a bit unconvincing in the first round, but they did reach the play-offs in 2017, and so go in here as top seeds.
Niall McGinn has recently left the South Korean leagues to rejoin Aberdeen, but late enough for him to be included in South Korea’s qualification squad here. And he gets the opening goal as his side and Uzbekistan play out an entertaining 2-2 draw. Saudi Arabia eased past 10-man Thailand 2-0, whilst Kazakhstan battled for a 2-1 win away to Qatar, thanks to two Ivo Ilicevic penalties.
Uzbekistan’s auro of invincibility was gone after they lost limply at home to Thailand, 3-1. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia both got their second successive win to become the early favourites for qualification. Kazakhstan beat South Korea 2-0, whilst Saudi Arabia were very impressive in beating Qatar 4-1.
William Jebor bagged two as Saudi Arabia once again won 4-1, this time away to Uzbekistan. However, Kazkhstan were unable to keep up the pace as they lost 1-0 away to Thailand. Meanwhile, South Korea rescued a 1-1 draw from their clash with Qatar thanks to Kim Min-Woo’s late tap-in.
South Korea have played well for little reward so far, but they get their first win with a surprise 3-2 win away to Saudi Arabia, with the winning goal coming from the head of former Boro man Lee Dong-Gook. To emphasise the even nature of this group, the other two matches were drawn 1-1, Kazakhstan at home to Uzbekistan and Qatar at home to Thailand.
William Jebor bagged two as Saudi Arabia once again won 4-1, this time away to Uzbekistan. However, Kazkhstan were unable to keep up the pace as they lost 1-0 away to Thailand. Meanwhile, South Korea rescued a 1-1 draw from their clash with Qatar thanks to Kim Min-Woo’s late tap-in.
South Korea have played well for little reward so far, but they get their first win with a surprise 3-2 win away to Saudi Arabia, with the winning goal coming from the head of former Boro man Lee Dong-Gook. To emphasise the even nature of this group, the other two matches were drawn 1-1, Kazakhstan at home to Uzbekistan and Qatar at home to Thailand.
In the next round there was another pair of draws, as South Korea claimed a 1-1 draw away to Thailand, whilst Uzbekistan came back from 2-0 to draw 2-2 at home to Qatar. The exception came from Kazakhstan’s trip to Saudi Arabia. A tight battle saw its crucial moment come with just 15 minutes remaining as the hosts struck twice. Akos Elek got one back, but it wasn’t enough as Saudi Arabia claimed an important 2-1 win.
This is the table halfway into the group:
This is the table halfway into the group:
It’s unsurprisingly tight, although Saudi Arabia look like they will qualify, whilst Qatar and Uzbekistan may be difficult to beat, but their lack of wins appears to be costing them dear.
Uzbekistan get their first win in their sixth match as they withstand serious South Korean pressure to claim a 1-0 victory. This leaves Qatar bottom of the table despite a good 2-2 draw away to Kazakhstan, featuring a fantastic 30-yard free kick from Xavi. The shock of the round came in Saudi Arabia, as the hosts were stunned by a 4-0 loss to Thailand, with Heberty coming through with a hat-trick.
Uzbekistan get their first win in their sixth match as they withstand serious South Korean pressure to claim a 1-0 victory. This leaves Qatar bottom of the table despite a good 2-2 draw away to Kazakhstan, featuring a fantastic 30-yard free kick from Xavi. The shock of the round came in Saudi Arabia, as the hosts were stunned by a 4-0 loss to Thailand, with Heberty coming through with a hat-trick.
Saudi Arabia looked to be dropping more points as they toiled away to Qatar. However, they were able to snatch a 1-0 win in injury time when Jebor was left unmarked and slotted home. This helped Saudi Arabia extend their lead at the top of the table as Thailand drew 1-1 at home to Uzbekistan, whilst a brace for Gerard Gohou wasn’t enough to earn Kazakhstan an overdue win as they tied 2-2 with South Korea.
Kazakhstan hosted Thailand in a classic 6-pointer, and it was the visitors who took a massive win as Jhasmani Campos’ long range strike proved to be the winner in a 2-1 victory. This meant that Saudi Arabia could secure their passage to the finals with a point against Uzbekistan, and they did so emphatically with a 4-0 triumph. Meanwhile, South Korea blew things against Qatar, as they drew 2-2 despite being 2-0 up and missing a penalty. This was Qatar’s fifth draw, as they continued to remain win-less.
Kazakhstan hosted Thailand in a classic 6-pointer, and it was the visitors who took a massive win as Jhasmani Campos’ long range strike proved to be the winner in a 2-1 victory. This meant that Saudi Arabia could secure their passage to the finals with a point against Uzbekistan, and they did so emphatically with a 4-0 triumph. Meanwhile, South Korea blew things against Qatar, as they drew 2-2 despite being 2-0 up and missing a penalty. This was Qatar’s fifth draw, as they continued to remain win-less.
Despite this lack of wins, Qatar technically weren’t eliminated, but they finally were after they were hammered 5-1 by Thailand. This confirms Thailand’s qualification, and it also makes them the first side to qualify for the 2018 DWC who have never contested a real-life World Cup. Saudi Arabia came from behind against South Korea to win 2-1 and stay top of the table. This meant that Uzbekistan’s 2-0 win over Kazakhstan saw them leapfrog both their opponents and South Korea to go into the crucial third spot in the table.
This is how things look with one round of games to go:
This is how things look with one round of games to go:
So we have a three-way battle for the play-off spot. Uzbekistan should claim it, as they have the easiest tie, playing Qatar whilst Kazakhstan and South Korea play Saudi Arabia and Thailand respectively. But let’s see if that’s how things play out...
South Korea vs. Thailand
South Korea got themselves into contention with a win over Saudi Arabia, but other than that they have been unconvincing. They had had some good performances, but haven’t recorded any other wins, and have to beat the already-qualified Thailand and hope Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan slip up. Thailand, meanwhile, need a win if they are to steal top spot in the group.
South Korea name an unchanged XI, as do Thailand.
South Korea vs. Thailand
South Korea got themselves into contention with a win over Saudi Arabia, but other than that they have been unconvincing. They had had some good performances, but haven’t recorded any other wins, and have to beat the already-qualified Thailand and hope Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan slip up. Thailand, meanwhile, need a win if they are to steal top spot in the group.
South Korea name an unchanged XI, as do Thailand.
Both sides lose key wingers as Heberty and McGinn pick up early knocks, with Vander and Hlohovsky replacing them, respectively. Hwa-Yong produces an excellent reflex save to deny Diogo’s sharp volley, and this proves to be the only good chance of the half as we reach the break goal-less and with both sides looking equally likely to claim the win.
South Korea kick off and immediately get a corner when Min-Woo’s cross has to be tipped behind by Thamsatchanan, and from the corner the goalkeeper is called into action again, tipping over Morais’ powerful header. However, Thailand ride the storm and the match settles once again into a groove of chancelessness. South Korea respond by bringing Goiano on for Osmar as they change to a 4-4-2, and the sub really should open the scoring when Dong-Gook’s cross finds him in the box, but he heads tamely over. South Korea have been the better this half, which makes it all the more cruel when Diogo finds space to fire in the opening goal with 17 minutes remaining. South Korea cannot force any chances of their own, and their elimination is confirmed by Vander’s header in added time.
South Korea kick off and immediately get a corner when Min-Woo’s cross has to be tipped behind by Thamsatchanan, and from the corner the goalkeeper is called into action again, tipping over Morais’ powerful header. However, Thailand ride the storm and the match settles once again into a groove of chancelessness. South Korea respond by bringing Goiano on for Osmar as they change to a 4-4-2, and the sub really should open the scoring when Dong-Gook’s cross finds him in the box, but he heads tamely over. South Korea have been the better this half, which makes it all the more cruel when Diogo finds space to fire in the opening goal with 17 minutes remaining. South Korea cannot force any chances of their own, and their elimination is confirmed by Vander’s header in added time.
Kazakhstan vs. Saudi Arabia
South Korea’s failure to win means that Kazakhstan could survive with a draw, as long as Uzbekistan lose. Kazakhstan have incredibly failed to add to the two wins they racked up in their first two matches, and if they had just drawn with Uzbekistan last time out they would be sitting in third now. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia need a point to avoid slipping to second spot in the table.
Kazakhstan haven’t had a left back claim the position yet, so CB Markovic fills the position in. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, stick with their usual XI.
South Korea’s failure to win means that Kazakhstan could survive with a draw, as long as Uzbekistan lose. Kazakhstan have incredibly failed to add to the two wins they racked up in their first two matches, and if they had just drawn with Uzbekistan last time out they would be sitting in third now. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia need a point to avoid slipping to second spot in the table.
Kazakhstan haven’t had a left back claim the position yet, so CB Markovic fills the position in. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, stick with their usual XI.
The first chance goes to Kazakhstan, as Gohou heads over when he should have at least tested Al-Habsi. That miss is reminiscent of Goiano’s miss in the last game, and like that miss it’s immediately punished as Matias Britos puts Saudi Arabia with a good finish from just inside the box after a flowing move. That’s half time, and Kazakhstan are facing the exit.
Kazakhstan nearly go level as Valenta’s header is flapped at by Al-Habsi, but the man who once caught a chicken in a Premier League match is able to boot the ball away as it dribbles towards the line. Just before the hour mark a great ball from Valenta finds Coureur, who races through. As he looks set to shoot he is hauled down by Izaguirre, who is lucky to only receive a yellow. Unfortunately for him, he was already booked, and so he is still sent off. Ilicevic steps up, but his shot is terrible and Al-Habsi pats it away as though it was a fly... or a small-ish chicken. What a wasted chance, although with a man advantage Kazakhstan start to push hard for an equaliser. Coureur has been his side’s best outlet, he has a rising shot pushed behind by Al-Habsi before later hitting the woodwork with a similar effort. Despite going all-out for an equaliser, it’s not forthcoming, and Kazakhstan are eliminated as the match finishes 1-0.
Uzbekistan vs. Qatar
That missed kick by Ilicevic, and Kazakhstan’s general toothlessness, means that Uzbekistan are secure in third spot in the table, and will go through to the play-off against Indonesia to see if they can get into the Intercontinental play-off. First, they have a dead rubber against Qatar to play. Qatar, meanwhile, may have only lost four matches out of nine, but their zero wins is the reason why they can’t qualify anymore.
The fact that Qatar run out as 3-0 winners may be a sign that Uzbekistan took their foot off the pedal, but it’s also a sign of what might have been for Qatar, who triumphed courtesy of two Youssef El Arabi penalties and a Lucas Mendes header.
Uzbekistan vs. Qatar
That missed kick by Ilicevic, and Kazakhstan’s general toothlessness, means that Uzbekistan are secure in third spot in the table, and will go through to the play-off against Indonesia to see if they can get into the Intercontinental play-off. First, they have a dead rubber against Qatar to play. Qatar, meanwhile, may have only lost four matches out of nine, but their zero wins is the reason why they can’t qualify anymore.
The fact that Qatar run out as 3-0 winners may be a sign that Uzbekistan took their foot off the pedal, but it’s also a sign of what might have been for Qatar, who triumphed courtesy of two Youssef El Arabi penalties and a Lucas Mendes header.
Final standings
Top scorers: Youssef El Arabi (QAT) 9 goals; Diogo (THA) 8 goals; Jebor (KSA) 6 goals
Highest average ratings: Diogo (THA) 7.45; Campos (THA) 7.35; Heberty (THA) 7.33
Next time
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a group where the top scorer plays for the side finishing bottom, but there you are. Saudi Arabia and Thailand looked good, but the other four teams largely performed poorly, with each side blowing chances to get into the play-off. The fact that two wins out of 12 was enough for Uzbekistan to finished third is baffling, and they will need to play much better to overcome Indonesia. Next time we see the penultimate group in Europe, where Portugal will be expected to see off Slovakia and Austria to qualify.
Highest average ratings: Diogo (THA) 7.45; Campos (THA) 7.35; Heberty (THA) 7.33
Next time
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a group where the top scorer plays for the side finishing bottom, but there you are. Saudi Arabia and Thailand looked good, but the other four teams largely performed poorly, with each side blowing chances to get into the play-off. The fact that two wins out of 12 was enough for Uzbekistan to finished third is baffling, and they will need to play much better to overcome Indonesia. Next time we see the penultimate group in Europe, where Portugal will be expected to see off Slovakia and Austria to qualify.