The group of death, group C, is living up to its reputation after two rounds.
Group C
1. Japan 4 pts, +1 GD
2. Uzbekistan 4 pts, +1 GD
3. North Korea 3 pts, 0 GD
4. Tajikistan 0 pts, -2 GD
2011 Asian Cup winners Japan did not have the best start to the round, but did pick up four points. Defender Maya Yoshida saved the sides blushes with a 94th minute header that gave them a 1-0 win over North Korea.
They put in an improved performance in Uzbekistan and picked up a point in a 1-1 draw. Shinji Okazaka, who has impressed for Stuttgart in Germany this season, scored the lone Japan goal.
A home match against Tajikistan is up next for Japan, which they will be expected to win by several goals. The Japanese have a friendly scheduled with Vietnam the Friday prior.
Uzbekistan sits tied atop the group with Japan. Its opening match in Tajikistan resulted in three points, Maksim Shatskikh was on target for the only goal in the 1-0 win.
A win versus Japan would have put the Uzbeks in pole position for winning the group, and while they did take an early lead, they should be happy with a point against the group favorites.
The next fixture for Uzbekistan is critical, away in North Korea. A draw would be a suitable result while a win would be terrific.
North Korea however, needs a win in that match. Sitting just one point behind the top two, the 2010 World Cup participants can not afford to drop home points.
They almost picked up a massive away point in the opening match in Japan, putting in a great defensive shift, but succumbing to a goal in added time. They struggled to a 1-0 win over Tajikistan, getting the three points they needed.
Bringing up the rear in group C is Tajikistan, the side that was reinstated to the competition following Syria's expulsion. As expected they have lost both matches so far, albeit both by a 1-0 scoreline.
Tajikistan will struggle to score goals in this round, and will have to grind out results. It does not get any easier for the side, with a trip to Japan next up.
No comments:
Post a Comment