Asian qualifying resumes tomorrow as teams either look to distance themselves from their competitors or climb back into contention. As always, the home team is listed first.
Group A
Singapore v Jordan
Singapore is one of those teams still clinging to life in the competition. The side played well in its first two matches, but dropped both. They need at least a point to stay in contact with the other group members. One small disadvantage Singapore has is the low capacity of its stadium, right at 6,000.
Jordan is the opposite of Singapore at the moment. They had two clutch wins last month and a win here allows them to breathe easier. Hassan Abdel Fattah is the third leading scorer in all of qualifying so far. Expect Jordan to continue its fine 2011 in this match.
Prediction: Singapore 1 Jordan 2
China v Iraq
The Chinese struggled in its first two matches, coming from behind at home versus Singapore and then losing in Jordan. This is a game that could decide which one of these two teams advance and China has the edge due to the home crowd. Jose Antonio Camacho has had an extra month to gain knowledge of his players and which system will work best for them.
Iraq was hit with the news that it will no longer be able to play home games inside the country a couple of weeks ago. A loss here could be what prevents Iraq from getting out of the group. There is a chance Iraq plays for a draw depending on how the match plays out and that does look the most likely result.
Prediction: China 1 Iraq 1
Group B
South Korea v U.A.E.
Favorites South Korea should be slightly disappointed about its current standing. Ideally the side wanted six points from the first two matches, so it could lock up progression early and test out fringe players. They are still in great shape however, and a win tomorrow should make qualifying almost a formality.
The U.A.E. are in shambles now, with a new coach and fading hopes. Abdullah Masfar takes over and needs to raise spirits rapidly with a positive showing in South Korea. Unless a miracle happens, the U.A.E. will not be moving on, so it is more about growing confidence and implementing a new system.
Prediction: South Korea 3 U.A.E. 0
Lebanon v Kuwait
Disregarded as the worst team still left in Asian qualifying, Lebanon finds themselves just one point behind the top two places after two games. A win here would make them legitimate threats to advance. In its other home contest, Lebanon won 3-1 and would love to repeat that dream result.
Kuwait sits in great shape at the moment, with a road win in the U.A.E. and a draw with favorite South Korea so far. Another road win here would consolidate the side's position in the top two. These sides faced off in a July friendly, with Kuwait trouncing Lebanon 6-0.
Prediction: Lebanon 0 Kuwait 3
Group C
North Korea v Uzbekistan
This is the best game of the day and certainly one of the most important as well. North Korea sits one point adrift of Uzbekistan and the match could be the difference maker in which one of the sides joins Japan in the next round. The North Koreans have a fantastic record at home and will look to ride the crowd's momentum to victory here.
A result in this fixture would be enormous for Uzbekistan. They have already drawn group favorite Japan and if they do the same here, they still could have a shot to win the group. A win is not out of the question either, but it will take a massive defensive effort.
Prediction: North Korea 0 Uzbekistan 0
Japan v Tajikistan
This game could be exactly what Japan needs to reboot its goalscoring strength. A 94th minute strike rescued them in its opener versus North Korea, and then they could not capitalize on opportunities in Uzbekistan. Now they face the worst side in the group and expect to win by a comfortable margin.
A loss here all but eliminates Tajikistan from the competition. Placed into this group following the disqualification of Syria, Tajikistan is just happy to be here and play some more games. They have been stingy defensively so far, dropping both games 1-0, but will continue to struggle to create offense throughout the round.
Prediction: Japan 3 Tajikistan 0
Group D
Australia v Oman
After a nervy opening 45 minutes to its qualifying campaign, Australia has been the dominating team everybody thought it would be. Of all the teams in Asia, they should feel the most comfortable with its current position. They should also expect to win this game easily and wrap up moving onward next month with two games to spare.
Oman is still in the mix for the second spot and a loss here is not the end of the world depending on the result of the other group D match. However, Oman needs to find some way to score goals if they want to have a say in matters. They will find it difficult to do so in this match, as Australia has superior quality at every position.
Prediction: Australia 4 Oman 0
Thailand v Saudi Arabia
Thailand are soaring, sitting in second place after two games. This is a massive game for them and the side needs a win at home if the want to maintain that second spot. The home crowd will be rabid and huge plus for Thailand.
Saudi Arabia is still struggling and having a miserable year. However, thanks to the lack of quality in the group, they are still favored to finish second in the group. Coach Frank Rijkaard needs to figure out how to get the side's attack clicking and if they do not get a result here, he may start feeling the pressure.
Prediction: Thailand 1 Saudi Arabia 1
Group E
Indonesia v Qatar
Indonesia has been the worst team in the third round so far, losing both its opening games and with a negative five goal differential. Nothing less than a win will do for Indonesia if they want to somehow climb back into contention. They will have about 80,000 fans cheering them on tomorrow, which could be enough to propel them to victory in a very winnable game.
Qatar is still a mystery at this point, having drawn both of its games so far. They are in decent shape to still advance, having tied Bahrain on the road and favorite Iran at home. They will be confident at getting all three points despite the long travel and gigantic crowd.
Prediction: Indonesia 1 Qatar 3
Iran v Bahrain
This game is critical for both teams. For Iran, they sit in first place on goal difference although they are hardly assured of advancing. Its performance have not been noteworthy up to this point. Team Melli will have a huge turnout for this home game and should have enough firepower and defensive prowess to come away with the three points.
Bahrain has been something of an enigma so far. While they reside in second place at the moment, they have not been impressive at all. A 0-0 draw at home to Qatar was especially troubling for the side. A result here will alleviate some of these fears, unfortunately it looks unlikely for Bahrain.
Prediction: Iran 2 Bahrain 0
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