The group stages of the Asian Championship were very fun, with a couple of the bigger names - specifically Thailand and India - somehow getting themselves eliminated. Jordan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Malaysia are the lucky four who finished 3rd in their group but were able to sneak through.
We're left with 16 teams, and this is the draw for the knockout stages:
We're left with 16 teams, and this is the draw for the knockout stages:
In this episode we're going to cover the 8 second round matches.
North Korea vs UAE
North Korea are one of two teams who were ranked bottom of their group stage who have made it through. They did it by seeing off Uzbekistan and Bahrain, and their reward is a tricky tie against DWC qualifiers UAE. UAE were top seeds in Group C, but lost out to Hong Kong.
With North Korea were setting up in a defensive 4-1-4-1 formation, getting the first goal was always going to be the challenge for UAE. Therefore, they would have been relieved when they were given a penalty in the 9th minute, and even more so when Fernando Gaibor put it away. Rúben Ribeiro made it two in the 27th minute with a fluke, as his cross evaded everyone and nestled in the far corner.
North Korea vs UAE
North Korea are one of two teams who were ranked bottom of their group stage who have made it through. They did it by seeing off Uzbekistan and Bahrain, and their reward is a tricky tie against DWC qualifiers UAE. UAE were top seeds in Group C, but lost out to Hong Kong.
With North Korea were setting up in a defensive 4-1-4-1 formation, getting the first goal was always going to be the challenge for UAE. Therefore, they would have been relieved when they were given a penalty in the 9th minute, and even more so when Fernando Gaibor put it away. Rúben Ribeiro made it two in the 27th minute with a fluke, as his cross evaded everyone and nestled in the far corner.
North Korea otherwise had defended well, and continued to do so. They showed some threat at the other end as centre back Jang Kuk-Chol's free kick drew a save from Majed Nasser, but generally UAE were comfortable at the back as they saw out their 2-0 win.
Japan vs Jordan
Jordan are the other 4th-ranked team to get through the group stage, as they finished as the highest-ranked 3rd-placed team. They are to face a Japan team that confidently won a fairly tricky Group D.
As with the previous game, there was an early penalty. It was Jordan's, and Hamza Al-Dardour tucked it away to increase the chances of an upset. Jordan's lead lasted just over 100 seconds, as Markel Susaeta lashed a fearsome shot into the top corner from a tough angle. Japan nearly completed the turnaround as David Villa saw his shot hit the post and run along the goal line to safety, before Takashi Usami was denied by a stunning save. Japan continued to push hard, and eventually grabbed the lead just before the break when Usami cut inside and finished into the far corner.
Japan vs Jordan
Jordan are the other 4th-ranked team to get through the group stage, as they finished as the highest-ranked 3rd-placed team. They are to face a Japan team that confidently won a fairly tricky Group D.
As with the previous game, there was an early penalty. It was Jordan's, and Hamza Al-Dardour tucked it away to increase the chances of an upset. Jordan's lead lasted just over 100 seconds, as Markel Susaeta lashed a fearsome shot into the top corner from a tough angle. Japan nearly completed the turnaround as David Villa saw his shot hit the post and run along the goal line to safety, before Takashi Usami was denied by a stunning save. Japan continued to push hard, and eventually grabbed the lead just before the break when Usami cut inside and finished into the far corner.
In the second half Villa set up Usami to double the lead, and they saw out the rest of the game in comfort, 3-1 the final score.
Saudi Arabia vs Uzbekistan
Saudi Arabia are a major contender for this tournament, and will be fairly happy to draw Uzbekistan, who struggled in Group A, only being able to get a result against bottom side Bahrain.
Sebastian Giovinco nearly gave Saudi Arabia an early lead, as his header clipped the bar, whilst at the other end Davron Xoshimov hit the bar when presented with a sitter following a free kick. However, the game's first moment of significance came just before the hour mark when Gustavo Cuéllar was dismissed for a two-footed lunge, reducing the favourites to 10 men. They nearly responded immediately with a goal, as Bafétimbi Gomis hit the bar, and Karim El Ahmadi was denied one-on-one. Uzbekistan continued to fail to make the most of things, and the 90 minutes finished with the teams still goalless.
In the 7th minute of extra time Maicon curled in a free kick from range, and Giuliano calmly side-footed in a volley for the game's first goal! Uzbekistan, despite the man advantage, continued to play without much fire, and ultimately succumbed to a 1-0 defeat.
Saudi Arabia vs Uzbekistan
Saudi Arabia are a major contender for this tournament, and will be fairly happy to draw Uzbekistan, who struggled in Group A, only being able to get a result against bottom side Bahrain.
Sebastian Giovinco nearly gave Saudi Arabia an early lead, as his header clipped the bar, whilst at the other end Davron Xoshimov hit the bar when presented with a sitter following a free kick. However, the game's first moment of significance came just before the hour mark when Gustavo Cuéllar was dismissed for a two-footed lunge, reducing the favourites to 10 men. They nearly responded immediately with a goal, as Bafétimbi Gomis hit the bar, and Karim El Ahmadi was denied one-on-one. Uzbekistan continued to fail to make the most of things, and the 90 minutes finished with the teams still goalless.
In the 7th minute of extra time Maicon curled in a free kick from range, and Giuliano calmly side-footed in a volley for the game's first goal! Uzbekistan, despite the man advantage, continued to play without much fire, and ultimately succumbed to a 1-0 defeat.
South Korea vs Qatar
South Korea were the most impressive side in the group stage, by a long way. They take on a Qatar team that was also unbeaten in the group stage. This could be a very interesting tactical battle, as South Korea opt for a high-tempo pressing game and Qatar for a Xavi-influenced tiki taka set-up.
The sides created quite a few half-chances. South Korea's went close with efforts from Kim Seung-Dae and Ricardo Lopes, whilst at the other end Yacine Brahimi drew a save from Kim Seung-Gyu. In the second half Son Jun-Ho went narrowly close with a volley as South Korea looked more likely, but they couldn't find the breakthrough and we again went to extra time.
In extra time Gabi clipped the bar with a shot following a corner, whilst Samuel was denied by Saad Al-Sheeb when one-on-one. Al-Sheeb was also the hero as he denied Cesinha, who had broken through single-handedly, and Cesinha could only hit the post with the rebound. This was the biggest chance of the match, and the last as we went to our first penalty shootout!
After the first four penalties from each side were scored, we were effectively into sudden death. Jun-Ho stepped up for South Korea... and was denied by Al-Sheeb! This gave Vladimir Weiss the chance to win it for Qatar, and he calmly put it away to see his team through!
South Korea were the most impressive side in the group stage, by a long way. They take on a Qatar team that was also unbeaten in the group stage. This could be a very interesting tactical battle, as South Korea opt for a high-tempo pressing game and Qatar for a Xavi-influenced tiki taka set-up.
The sides created quite a few half-chances. South Korea's went close with efforts from Kim Seung-Dae and Ricardo Lopes, whilst at the other end Yacine Brahimi drew a save from Kim Seung-Gyu. In the second half Son Jun-Ho went narrowly close with a volley as South Korea looked more likely, but they couldn't find the breakthrough and we again went to extra time.
In extra time Gabi clipped the bar with a shot following a corner, whilst Samuel was denied by Saad Al-Sheeb when one-on-one. Al-Sheeb was also the hero as he denied Cesinha, who had broken through single-handedly, and Cesinha could only hit the post with the rebound. This was the biggest chance of the match, and the last as we went to our first penalty shootout!
After the first four penalties from each side were scored, we were effectively into sudden death. Jun-Ho stepped up for South Korea... and was denied by Al-Sheeb! This gave Vladimir Weiss the chance to win it for Qatar, and he calmly put it away to see his team through!
Hong Kong vs Georgia
Three wins from three, Hong Kong are proving to be dark horses this tournament. They take on Georgia, who came through as a lucky 3rd-place team behind Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.
Serge Déblé was given a golden chance early on to put Hong Kong ahead, but Roin Kvasthvadze was able to push it behind. Georgia had a good chance at the other end, as the ball fell to Nodar Kavtaradze from a corner, but Dani Cancela produced a great block. He nearly scored in the 40th minute as his header hit the bar, but it didn't matter as three minutes later his cross was expertly guided into the far corner by Levan Kutalia's header for the game's opening goal!
Hong Kong had success counter attacking in the group stage, and Georgia's defensive shape was denying them that space. The best they could manage in reply was a Mikael shot from range easily held, and Georgia went down the other end and extended their lead as Sandro Altunashvili powered a shot into the top corner! Georgia continued to frustrate Hong Kong, and saw the game out to progress to the quarter-finals 2-0 victors.
Three wins from three, Hong Kong are proving to be dark horses this tournament. They take on Georgia, who came through as a lucky 3rd-place team behind Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.
Serge Déblé was given a golden chance early on to put Hong Kong ahead, but Roin Kvasthvadze was able to push it behind. Georgia had a good chance at the other end, as the ball fell to Nodar Kavtaradze from a corner, but Dani Cancela produced a great block. He nearly scored in the 40th minute as his header hit the bar, but it didn't matter as three minutes later his cross was expertly guided into the far corner by Levan Kutalia's header for the game's opening goal!
Hong Kong had success counter attacking in the group stage, and Georgia's defensive shape was denying them that space. The best they could manage in reply was a Mikael shot from range easily held, and Georgia went down the other end and extended their lead as Sandro Altunashvili powered a shot into the top corner! Georgia continued to frustrate Hong Kong, and saw the game out to progress to the quarter-finals 2-0 victors.
China vs Kazakhstan
Both teams have made it to the DWC every time they have taken part in Asian qualifying (Kazakhstan only moved to Asia for the 2019 tournament). This could plausibly have been a final, but since Kazakhstan missed out to Japan in their group they have landed this very tough assignment.
Hulk thought he had scored in the 11th minute, but his close-range shot was tipped onto the post by Nenad Eric. From the resulting corner Yannick Carrasco's header found Marko Arnautovic at the far post, who looked certain to score, but somehow Dmitri Shomko got a block in. Eric produced further fine saves from Carrasco and Arnautovic, as Kazakhstan found themselves clinging on.
In the second half Kazakhstan managed to carve a clear chance themselves, as a free kick found Dan Rotariu, but Wang Dalei pushed it over the bar. The second half was more even, and eventually the two sides cancelled each other out. The 90 minutes finished with the game tied at 0-0, as did 30 minutes of uneventful extra time, meaning we had another shootout! Were the tournament favourites going to go out here?
Eran Zahavi scored China's first kick, and it got better for his side as Jaba Kankava saw his shot saved low by Dalei! The sides each scored their next three, meaning that Oscar could see China through if he put away his penalty... and he did! A bullet dodged there for China, who see off a very dangerous opponent.
Both teams have made it to the DWC every time they have taken part in Asian qualifying (Kazakhstan only moved to Asia for the 2019 tournament). This could plausibly have been a final, but since Kazakhstan missed out to Japan in their group they have landed this very tough assignment.
Hulk thought he had scored in the 11th minute, but his close-range shot was tipped onto the post by Nenad Eric. From the resulting corner Yannick Carrasco's header found Marko Arnautovic at the far post, who looked certain to score, but somehow Dmitri Shomko got a block in. Eric produced further fine saves from Carrasco and Arnautovic, as Kazakhstan found themselves clinging on.
In the second half Kazakhstan managed to carve a clear chance themselves, as a free kick found Dan Rotariu, but Wang Dalei pushed it over the bar. The second half was more even, and eventually the two sides cancelled each other out. The 90 minutes finished with the game tied at 0-0, as did 30 minutes of uneventful extra time, meaning we had another shootout! Were the tournament favourites going to go out here?
Eran Zahavi scored China's first kick, and it got better for his side as Jaba Kankava saw his shot saved low by Dalei! The sides each scored their next three, meaning that Oscar could see China through if he put away his penalty... and he did! A bullet dodged there for China, who see off a very dangerous opponent.
Iran vs Malaysia
Whilst Iran have never made a Draft World Cup finals, they are one of the heavyweights of Asian DWC football, and will like how the draw looks for them. Their first obstacle is a Malaysia side which scraped here as the 3rd-placed team with the 4th-best record.
Malaysia have only scored one goal all tournament thus far, but they doubled that in the 5th minute as Lazarus Kaimbi got onto the end of La'Vere Corbin-Ong's fantastic early cross to fire home. Iran were quick to press for a leveller, including a shot by Mehdi Kiani which clipped the bar and a close-range chance for Mohammad Reza Khalatbari which he blazed over the bar. Mehdi Torabi had a couple of chances, heading over the bar from a free kick and forcing a save from a volley, as Iran continued to push. However, they went into the break still behind.
Whilst Iran have never made a Draft World Cup finals, they are one of the heavyweights of Asian DWC football, and will like how the draw looks for them. Their first obstacle is a Malaysia side which scraped here as the 3rd-placed team with the 4th-best record.
Malaysia have only scored one goal all tournament thus far, but they doubled that in the 5th minute as Lazarus Kaimbi got onto the end of La'Vere Corbin-Ong's fantastic early cross to fire home. Iran were quick to press for a leveller, including a shot by Mehdi Kiani which clipped the bar and a close-range chance for Mohammad Reza Khalatbari which he blazed over the bar. Mehdi Torabi had a couple of chances, heading over the bar from a free kick and forcing a save from a volley, as Iran continued to push. However, they went into the break still behind.
Malaysia had much more success in the second half at keeping Iran away from their goal, and in the 84th minute they doubled their lead when Bruno Soares' cross was nodded in by Leandro Velázquez! Iran were spent by this point, and Malaysia record the biggest upset of the round.
Azerbaijan vs Syria
Malaysia's victory has opened up this quarter of the draw, as there will be an unlikely semi-finalist. Azerbaijan and Syria both claimed 2nd-place finishes in their groups. Azerbaijan go in here as favourites based on previous ranking.
The match got off to a bang when Azerbaijan's Faycal Rherras did his best Marco van Basten impression by lashing in a beautiful first-time volley! Ward Al-Salama hit the post with a volley at the other end, but Azerbaijan got daylight between the teams when Filip Ozobic scored just before the break.
Azerbaijan vs Syria
Malaysia's victory has opened up this quarter of the draw, as there will be an unlikely semi-finalist. Azerbaijan and Syria both claimed 2nd-place finishes in their groups. Azerbaijan go in here as favourites based on previous ranking.
The match got off to a bang when Azerbaijan's Faycal Rherras did his best Marco van Basten impression by lashing in a beautiful first-time volley! Ward Al-Salama hit the post with a volley at the other end, but Azerbaijan got daylight between the teams when Filip Ozobic scored just before the break.
Azerbaijan remained on the front foot after the break, and a quickfire double from Dani Quintana midway through the half made the game safe. Al-Salama missed a late chance for a consolation, as Azerbaijan went through to the next round with a 4-0 win under their belt.
Lots of action there, including two penalty shootouts and another match settled in extra time. This is how the tournament now looks:
Our next update will cover the remaining 7 games. Favourites China look to be in the right half of the draw, but can they avoid any banana skins? Meanwhile who will win the other half? All four teams will fancy their chances.