The second set of games in the third round of Asian qualifying take place Tuesday as some teams try to solidify their place at the top of the group while others look to rebound and get back in the thick of things.
Group A
Singapore v Iraq
This game features two teams moving in opposite directions. Singapore has been improving as a team and probably deserved more in its first game, a 2-1 defeat to China. On the other hand, Iraq has struggled mightily this year and was poor in its 2-0 loss to Jordan. This trend continues in the match.
Prediction: Singapore 1 Iraq 0
Jordan v China
Jordan was quite impressive in its opener in Iraq, winning comfortably. China needed a controversial penalty to come back from a 1-0 deficit to defeat Singapore. A win for either team in this game will set them up nicely for advancing out of the group. Jordan has the momentum and should do enough to come out on top.
Prediction: Jordan 2 China 1
Group B
Lebanon v U.A.E.
Lebanon needs some positive vibes after its humiliating 6-0 loss to South Korea. The U.A.E. could also use a little momentum following its 3-2 home defeat to Kuwait. If U.A.E. has any hope of moving onward, this game is a must win. They get the win and Lebanon continues to demonstrate that it may be the worst time left in Asian qualifying.
Prediction: Lebanon 0 U.A.E. 2
Kuwait v South Korea
Kuwait's huge victory in the U.A.E. will see them confident they can take some points off group favorite South Korea. Park Chu-Young looks to add to his hat-trick in the 6-0 win against Lebanon. If Kuwait can take a point from this game it leaves them in good shape, but South Korea has too much depth and quality.
Prediction: Kuwait 1 South Korea 2
Group C
North Korea v Tajikistan
North Korea held out for 90 minutes against Japan, but unfortunately conceded in added time. Tajkistan also leaked a second half goal, falling 1-0 to Uzbekistan. Neither team created much offense in their first games and need to improve if they want to advance. A draw does nobody good in this match, but that is where the game appears headed toward.
Prediction: North Korea 1 Tajikistan 1
Uzbekistan v Japan
Both of these teams managed to do just enough in their first matches to obtain three points. Japan needs to be worried about its inability to finish against North Korea and knows that they can not get away with missing chances in Uzbekistan. The home side is confident they can compete with the elite teams of Asia, but in the end they still lack the skill that Japan possesses.
Prediction: Uzbekistan 0 Japan 1
Group D
Thailand v Oman
Thailand had one of the better performances in the opening matches, but came away with nothing in Australia. Despite the 2-1 loss, they should have taken many positives from the performance. Oman held Saudi Arabia to a 0-0 draw and needs a win here if they have hopes of finishing in the top two. This has the potential of being an open and exciting match with both sides going all out for the win.
Prediction: Thailand 3 Oman 1
Saudi Arabia v Australia
Saudi Arabia needs this match. They lacked creativity versus Oman and must improve against the favorite in the group Australia. Frank Rijkaard has to find answers quickly or else his side could be facing a major uphill battle. Australia survived an early scare against Thailand, although its performance was far from strong. Playing in Saudi Arabia is never easy, and a point gained will be a well-earned one.
Prediction: Saudi Arabia 1 Australia 1
Group E
Indonesia v Bahrain
Indonesia fell apart in the second half in its first game against Iran, falling 3-0. Bahrain had a terrible outing at home to Qatar and stumbled to a draw. Bahrain needs a win in order to get back in the thick of things, but will find it a tough task in front of a raucous and packed Indonesian crowd, a far cry from the paltry 6,000 that showed up for the Qatar match. This could be the upset of the round
Prediction: Indonesia 1 Bahrain 0
Qatar v Iran
Qatar did pick up a road point versus Bahrain, but they know they are capable of a much better performance. Iran's second half blitz against Indonesia reinforced the idea that they are the team to beat in group E. The away side should not have much of a problem in Qatar and will put its stamp on the group.
Prediction: Qatar 0 Iran 2
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