We've had four of our six continental championships play out, with victories for USA (North America), Australia (Oceania), Nigeria (Africa) and most recently Brazil (South America). That leaves two. Much like real life, we'll delay the European Championship for now, and instead focus on the Asian Championship.
24 teams came through qualifying, and were drawn into the following groups:
24 teams came through qualifying, and were drawn into the following groups:
The top two from each group progress, along with the four 3rd-placed teams with the best record. For context, 3 points with a goal difference of -4 was the threshold for qualification in the African Championship.
Today we're doing all six groups...
Group A (Iran, Uzbekistan, Bahrain, North Korea)
Iran have one of the strongest records of teams never to qualify for the DWC, losing in the Asian play-offs each of the past two years. They will expect to get through with ease. Meanwhile the other three teams have never come close to DWC football. However, it is noteworthy that Bahrain finished top of their qualifying group... ahead of Iran.
Matchday 1
Iran started well, going ahead against Bahrain early on, but Ismail Abdul-Lateef picked the pocket of Jalal Hosseini and ran through to equalise. However, the group favourites recovered as Mehdi Kiani fired a free kick home, and in the second half he set up Masoud Shojaei for a long-range fizzer to wrap up a 3-1 win. Meanwhile, Kang Kuk-Chol's header from a free kick was enough to give North Korea a 1-0 win over poor Uzbekistan, despite being out-shot 2-16.
Today we're doing all six groups...
Group A (Iran, Uzbekistan, Bahrain, North Korea)
Iran have one of the strongest records of teams never to qualify for the DWC, losing in the Asian play-offs each of the past two years. They will expect to get through with ease. Meanwhile the other three teams have never come close to DWC football. However, it is noteworthy that Bahrain finished top of their qualifying group... ahead of Iran.
Matchday 1
Iran started well, going ahead against Bahrain early on, but Ismail Abdul-Lateef picked the pocket of Jalal Hosseini and ran through to equalise. However, the group favourites recovered as Mehdi Kiani fired a free kick home, and in the second half he set up Masoud Shojaei for a long-range fizzer to wrap up a 3-1 win. Meanwhile, Kang Kuk-Chol's header from a free kick was enough to give North Korea a 1-0 win over poor Uzbekistan, despite being out-shot 2-16.
Matchday 2
Uzbekistan again couldn't find a cutting edge, this time against Iran, but they did also keep their opponents. That is, until the 92nd minute when Iran were awarded a penalty and Mehdi Torabi put it away. This gave North Korea a chance to wrap up an unlikely early qualification, and they took the lead against Bahrain in the 6th minute, as Om Chol-Song took advantage of a hideous defensive mix-up to score. And they kept their opponents out for another 1-0 win, despite again being out-shot, 5-16 this time.
Matchday 3
Once again, North Korea had to withstand their opponents having all the shots, this time Iran having 28 efforts to North Korea's 4. But this time they couldn't protect their goal... at all... as they lost 5-0. Meanwhile, Bahrain and Uzbekistan met in a clash to decide who avoids elimination. Uzbekistan got their first goal of the tournament just before the break as Odiljon Hamrobekov hit an absolute peach of a volley in from 25 yards. And Dragan Ceran's header in the second half topped off a 2-0 win which puts Uzbekistan in a decent position for going through.
Uzbekistan again couldn't find a cutting edge, this time against Iran, but they did also keep their opponents. That is, until the 92nd minute when Iran were awarded a penalty and Mehdi Torabi put it away. This gave North Korea a chance to wrap up an unlikely early qualification, and they took the lead against Bahrain in the 6th minute, as Om Chol-Song took advantage of a hideous defensive mix-up to score. And they kept their opponents out for another 1-0 win, despite again being out-shot, 5-16 this time.
Matchday 3
Once again, North Korea had to withstand their opponents having all the shots, this time Iran having 28 efforts to North Korea's 4. But this time they couldn't protect their goal... at all... as they lost 5-0. Meanwhile, Bahrain and Uzbekistan met in a clash to decide who avoids elimination. Uzbekistan got their first goal of the tournament just before the break as Odiljon Hamrobekov hit an absolute peach of a volley in from 25 yards. And Dragan Ceran's header in the second half topped off a 2-0 win which puts Uzbekistan in a decent position for going through.
Group B (Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Bangladesh)
Saudi Arabia are slowly emerging as Asia's second-strongest team behind China. They have made the last two DWCs, and will be in this summer's. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan and Georgia are both tricky prospects, both newly in Asia following their switch from Europe. Meanwhile, Bangladesh were the lowest-ranked team to automatically qualify for this tournament, can they keep their fairytale going?
Matchday 1
Pokémon-soundalike Flamarion poked Georgia ahead against Bangladesh, and Giuli Manjgaladze lashed in a second. Mouchid Ly's beautiful volley reduced Bangladesh's arrears, but Nodar Kavtaradze restored the 2-goal lead, and Georgia held on for a 3-1 win. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia got a helping hand from Azerbaijan to start off, as Sebastian Giovinco scored from a bad backpass. Giovinco then ran through the defence and hit the post, allowing Alfred N'Diaye to score into an empty net. In the second half Bafetimbi Gomis scored a brace to complete an easy 4-0 win.
Saudi Arabia are slowly emerging as Asia's second-strongest team behind China. They have made the last two DWCs, and will be in this summer's. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan and Georgia are both tricky prospects, both newly in Asia following their switch from Europe. Meanwhile, Bangladesh were the lowest-ranked team to automatically qualify for this tournament, can they keep their fairytale going?
Matchday 1
Pokémon-soundalike Flamarion poked Georgia ahead against Bangladesh, and Giuli Manjgaladze lashed in a second. Mouchid Ly's beautiful volley reduced Bangladesh's arrears, but Nodar Kavtaradze restored the 2-goal lead, and Georgia held on for a 3-1 win. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia got a helping hand from Azerbaijan to start off, as Sebastian Giovinco scored from a bad backpass. Giovinco then ran through the defence and hit the post, allowing Alfred N'Diaye to score into an empty net. In the second half Bafetimbi Gomis scored a brace to complete an easy 4-0 win.
Matchday 2
Saudi Arabia repeated the trick, easily brushing Bangladesh aside for another 4-0 win. So the Caucasus rivals Azerbaijan and Georgia met with 2nd place likely on the line. The sides traded goals in the first half. Georgia nudged ahead in the second half when Kavtaradze volleyed in from a tough angle, but Azerbaijan were swiftly level through Vojislav Stankovic's header. In the 89th minute Emin Mahmudov hit a ferocious shot to put Azerbaijan into a late lead, and Jaime Romero even added another in stoppage time.
Matchday 3
Saudi Arabia - already effectively through - confirmed it with a 2-0 win over Georgia, with goals for Ahmed Musa and Gomis. So Azerbaijan just needed a point against Bangladesh to go through in 2nd, and Dani Quintana's first half header earned them a 1-0 win, meaning Bangladesh finish with no points for their efforts.
Saudi Arabia repeated the trick, easily brushing Bangladesh aside for another 4-0 win. So the Caucasus rivals Azerbaijan and Georgia met with 2nd place likely on the line. The sides traded goals in the first half. Georgia nudged ahead in the second half when Kavtaradze volleyed in from a tough angle, but Azerbaijan were swiftly level through Vojislav Stankovic's header. In the 89th minute Emin Mahmudov hit a ferocious shot to put Azerbaijan into a late lead, and Jaime Romero even added another in stoppage time.
Matchday 3
Saudi Arabia - already effectively through - confirmed it with a 2-0 win over Georgia, with goals for Ahmed Musa and Gomis. So Azerbaijan just needed a point against Bangladesh to go through in 2nd, and Dani Quintana's first half header earned them a 1-0 win, meaning Bangladesh finish with no points for their efforts.
Group C (UAE, Thailand, Hong Kong, Maldives)
UAE are making their DWC debut this year, after two years where they had failed to even make the final round of qualifying. They appear to be fairly evenly-matched with Thailand, who made the 2018 tournament. Hong Kong squeezed through a tough group to get here, whilst Maldives came through two play-off rounds to qualify after a fairly poor qualifying group.
Matchday 1
It's fair to say that UAE and Thailand are not evenly-matched. When the two met UAE took the lead through Omar Abdulrahman. Thailand went down to 10 men due to Kim Sung-Hwan's red card, and in the second half UAE ran riot, finishing 5-0 winners. Meanwhile, Michael N'Dri's brace ensured that Hong Kong started with a 2-0 win over Maldives.
Matchday 2
UAE continued their fine form, going 2-0 up over Maldives within 14 minutes, both goals coming via a Álvaro Negredo header from a corner. Balázs Dzsudzsák added another for a 3-0 win. It meant that if Hong Kong avoided defeat against Thailand then UAE would go through; a win and Hong Kong were through too. Hong Kong took the lead against the run of play through Serge Déble, and hung on for a 1-0 win which puts them into the last 16.
Matchday 3
The top two met to decide who wins the group. A wonderful header from Déble put Hong Kong ahead. Despite UAE pressure Hong Kong doubled their lead through N'Dri, and Jonathan Acosta's long-range strike made it 3-0, which is the way it stayed for a shock perfect run for Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Thailand eliminated Maldives by beating them 2-0. It leaves Thailand with a chance of qualification, but their heavy loss to UAE makes that doubtful.
UAE are making their DWC debut this year, after two years where they had failed to even make the final round of qualifying. They appear to be fairly evenly-matched with Thailand, who made the 2018 tournament. Hong Kong squeezed through a tough group to get here, whilst Maldives came through two play-off rounds to qualify after a fairly poor qualifying group.
Matchday 1
It's fair to say that UAE and Thailand are not evenly-matched. When the two met UAE took the lead through Omar Abdulrahman. Thailand went down to 10 men due to Kim Sung-Hwan's red card, and in the second half UAE ran riot, finishing 5-0 winners. Meanwhile, Michael N'Dri's brace ensured that Hong Kong started with a 2-0 win over Maldives.
Matchday 2
UAE continued their fine form, going 2-0 up over Maldives within 14 minutes, both goals coming via a Álvaro Negredo header from a corner. Balázs Dzsudzsák added another for a 3-0 win. It meant that if Hong Kong avoided defeat against Thailand then UAE would go through; a win and Hong Kong were through too. Hong Kong took the lead against the run of play through Serge Déble, and hung on for a 1-0 win which puts them into the last 16.
Matchday 3
The top two met to decide who wins the group. A wonderful header from Déble put Hong Kong ahead. Despite UAE pressure Hong Kong doubled their lead through N'Dri, and Jonathan Acosta's long-range strike made it 3-0, which is the way it stayed for a shock perfect run for Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Thailand eliminated Maldives by beating them 2-0. It leaves Thailand with a chance of qualification, but their heavy loss to UAE makes that doubtful.
Group D (Kazakhstan, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam)
Kazakhstan have really made the most of their move from Europe to Asia, qualifying for the DWC last year and this year. Japan, meanwhile, have missed out of each of the two previous events by the narrowest of margins, and will be targeting this tournament given the strength of their squad. Malaysia are a solid if unspectacular side, whilst Vietnam missed out on a shock automatic qualification on goal difference, but regrouped themselves to beat Kuwait in the play-offs.
Matchday 1
The top two seeds in the group both started well with 2-0 wins. Two wonderful long strikes from May Mahlangu helped Kazakhstan see off Malaysia, whilst Japan beat Vietnam thanks to a lovely Andrés Iniesta free kick and Markel Susaeta's header.
Kazakhstan have really made the most of their move from Europe to Asia, qualifying for the DWC last year and this year. Japan, meanwhile, have missed out of each of the two previous events by the narrowest of margins, and will be targeting this tournament given the strength of their squad. Malaysia are a solid if unspectacular side, whilst Vietnam missed out on a shock automatic qualification on goal difference, but regrouped themselves to beat Kuwait in the play-offs.
Matchday 1
The top two seeds in the group both started well with 2-0 wins. Two wonderful long strikes from May Mahlangu helped Kazakhstan see off Malaysia, whilst Japan beat Vietnam thanks to a lovely Andrés Iniesta free kick and Markel Susaeta's header.
Matchday 2
The two winners from the previous round met, with qualification available for the winner. Susaeta got his 2nd in two games to fire Japan ahead, and a fine volley from Takashi Usami sealed a 2-0 victory! Meanwhile, Leandro Velázquez scored the only goal of the game as Malaysia overcame Vietnam.
Matchday 3
A point against Malaysia is all Japan need to secure top spot in the group. And once again, Susaeta was the man to put them ahead, firing in a powerful shot from a difficult angle. And it was his free kick which rebounded to Thomas Vermaelen to wrap up a 2-0 win. It means Kazakhstan just need a point against Vietnam to qualify. Aderinsola Eseola put the favourites ahead on his first start of the tournament, but Edison Fonseca's header levelled the game. Vietnam could get through themselves with a win, but Gramoz Kurtaj's red card made that seem unlikely. And late on they were to be denied even a point as Roman Murtazaev headed in for a nervy 2-1 win Kazakh win!
The two winners from the previous round met, with qualification available for the winner. Susaeta got his 2nd in two games to fire Japan ahead, and a fine volley from Takashi Usami sealed a 2-0 victory! Meanwhile, Leandro Velázquez scored the only goal of the game as Malaysia overcame Vietnam.
Matchday 3
A point against Malaysia is all Japan need to secure top spot in the group. And once again, Susaeta was the man to put them ahead, firing in a powerful shot from a difficult angle. And it was his free kick which rebounded to Thomas Vermaelen to wrap up a 2-0 win. It means Kazakhstan just need a point against Vietnam to qualify. Aderinsola Eseola put the favourites ahead on his first start of the tournament, but Edison Fonseca's header levelled the game. Vietnam could get through themselves with a win, but Gramoz Kurtaj's red card made that seem unlikely. And late on they were to be denied even a point as Roman Murtazaev headed in for a nervy 2-1 win Kazakh win!
Group E (China, Qatar, Oman, Jordan)
China are the heavy favourites for this tournament. DWC semi-finalists in 2018, and the only teams to have knocked them out of DWCs have been Germany and Spain - the two DWC champions. Qatar, meanwhile, have failed to live up to expectations given the money in their domestic league. Oman and Jordan are both outsiders here, but will have realistic hopes of getting through this round.
Matchday 1
Jordan got off to a great start by beating Oman 2-0, Hamza Al-Dardour with both goals. But the real entertainment came as the top two seeds met. China struck first as Marek Hamsik fired in from the edge of the box. But they suffered a calamity as first Miranda was given a second yellow, and then Paulinho suffered the same fate. Amazingly, the 9 men doubled their lead on the stroke of half time as Yannick Carrasco went on a solo run from his own half, beating several players and tucking the ball away. Qatar regrouped at half time, and got one back straight away as Abel Hernández ran onto Yacine Brahimi's pass and slotted home. We were all-square a few minutes later as Brahimi's cross was headed in by Mo Diamé, and Qatar completed the turnaround in the 65th minute as Hernández got his second, again assisted by Brahimi. But that wasn't it, and in the 84th minute Carrasco curled in a beautiful shot into the top corner to earn a 3-3 draw! An unbelievable match, and incredibly the first draw of the tournament!
China are the heavy favourites for this tournament. DWC semi-finalists in 2018, and the only teams to have knocked them out of DWCs have been Germany and Spain - the two DWC champions. Qatar, meanwhile, have failed to live up to expectations given the money in their domestic league. Oman and Jordan are both outsiders here, but will have realistic hopes of getting through this round.
Matchday 1
Jordan got off to a great start by beating Oman 2-0, Hamza Al-Dardour with both goals. But the real entertainment came as the top two seeds met. China struck first as Marek Hamsik fired in from the edge of the box. But they suffered a calamity as first Miranda was given a second yellow, and then Paulinho suffered the same fate. Amazingly, the 9 men doubled their lead on the stroke of half time as Yannick Carrasco went on a solo run from his own half, beating several players and tucking the ball away. Qatar regrouped at half time, and got one back straight away as Abel Hernández ran onto Yacine Brahimi's pass and slotted home. We were all-square a few minutes later as Brahimi's cross was headed in by Mo Diamé, and Qatar completed the turnaround in the 65th minute as Hernández got his second, again assisted by Brahimi. But that wasn't it, and in the 84th minute Carrasco curled in a beautiful shot into the top corner to earn a 3-3 draw! An unbelievable match, and incredibly the first draw of the tournament!
Matchday 2
China reigned in the chaos in their next game, with early goals from Marko Arnautovic and Oscar earning them a 2-0 win over Oman. Meanwhile, Qatar were frustrated by Jordan, who held on for a 0-0 draw that secures their qualification alongside China!
Matchday 3
China sealed top spot in the group with a 1-0 win over Jordan, Arnautovic again striking early on. Qatar would go through with a third draw as they faced Oman, although a win would see them go into second. A wondrous volley from Koo Ja-Cheol put Qatar ahead, and incredibly he repeated the trick a minute later. Hernán Pérez soon added a third with a lovely looping header, before Diamé and Gabi both scored from the edge of the box to make it 5-0 by half time. Fortunately for Oman, that was the way it stayed for the rest of the match.
China reigned in the chaos in their next game, with early goals from Marko Arnautovic and Oscar earning them a 2-0 win over Oman. Meanwhile, Qatar were frustrated by Jordan, who held on for a 0-0 draw that secures their qualification alongside China!
Matchday 3
China sealed top spot in the group with a 1-0 win over Jordan, Arnautovic again striking early on. Qatar would go through with a third draw as they faced Oman, although a win would see them go into second. A wondrous volley from Koo Ja-Cheol put Qatar ahead, and incredibly he repeated the trick a minute later. Hernán Pérez soon added a third with a lovely looping header, before Diamé and Gabi both scored from the edge of the box to make it 5-0 by half time. Fortunately for Oman, that was the way it stayed for the rest of the match.
Group F (South Korea, India, Syria, Armenia)
South Korea are the third-highest ranked Asian team, and made it through to this year's DWC, their second, after coming through the Intercontinental Play-Off. This has been a kind draw to them, with the remaining three teams all roughly equally matched.
Matchday 1
India started with a no-nonsense 2-0 win over Armenia, Bobo grabbing a brace. Ricardo Lopes fired South Korea into a 4th-minute lead against Syria. Their opponents held out until half time, but in the second half South Korea cut loose, as Moon Seon-Min, Lee Yong, Hong Jeong-Ho and Cesinha all scored for a 5-0 win.
South Korea are the third-highest ranked Asian team, and made it through to this year's DWC, their second, after coming through the Intercontinental Play-Off. This has been a kind draw to them, with the remaining three teams all roughly equally matched.
Matchday 1
India started with a no-nonsense 2-0 win over Armenia, Bobo grabbing a brace. Ricardo Lopes fired South Korea into a 4th-minute lead against Syria. Their opponents held out until half time, but in the second half South Korea cut loose, as Moon Seon-Min, Lee Yong, Hong Jeong-Ho and Cesinha all scored for a 5-0 win.
Matchday 2
If that wasn't enough of a warning, South Korea stepped it up as they faced India. Hong Chul scored twice for South Korea in the first 18 minutes, and Kim Seung-Dae added another before the break. In the second half Seon-Min fired in, before Lopes exploited a tiring Indian defence to grab a quickfire hat trick and sew up a 7-0 thrashing. In the other game Armenia and Syria shared a 0-0 draw.
Matchday 3
After an aggregate of 12-0 from their two games, it was a shock to see South Korea fall behind to Armenia, as Igor Stanojevic finished off a nice move. Seung-Dae levelled with a rebound, and in the second half headed in another as his side came through 2-1 winners to preserve their 100% record and eliminate Armenia. In the other game, only one of India or Syria could go through, with India needing a draw, Syria a win. Moayad Al-Ajan put Syria ahead from the spot, and Ward Al-Salama scored following a corner as Syria claimed their first win of the tournament at the perfect time, 2-0 the final score.
If that wasn't enough of a warning, South Korea stepped it up as they faced India. Hong Chul scored twice for South Korea in the first 18 minutes, and Kim Seung-Dae added another before the break. In the second half Seon-Min fired in, before Lopes exploited a tiring Indian defence to grab a quickfire hat trick and sew up a 7-0 thrashing. In the other game Armenia and Syria shared a 0-0 draw.
Matchday 3
After an aggregate of 12-0 from their two games, it was a shock to see South Korea fall behind to Armenia, as Igor Stanojevic finished off a nice move. Seung-Dae levelled with a rebound, and in the second half headed in another as his side came through 2-1 winners to preserve their 100% record and eliminate Armenia. In the other game, only one of India or Syria could go through, with India needing a draw, Syria a win. Moayad Al-Ajan put Syria ahead from the spot, and Ward Al-Salama scored following a corner as Syria claimed their first win of the tournament at the perfect time, 2-0 the final score.
That shocking defeat to South Korea was the difference for India, as even a three-goal defeat would have seen them through. Below is confirmation of the ranking of third-placed teams, showing that Jordan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Malaysia are the lucky four:
They join the 12 winners and runners-up from each group in the second round, which is what we'll cover in our next episode.