[情報] 東亞強豪必須重新振作!
看板J-League作者Mihajlovic (Ambassador for Christ)時間19年前 (2005/03/30 12:07)推噓0(0推 0噓 0→)留言0則, 0人參與討論串1/1
Eastern powers must regain winning touch
28 March 2005
by FIFAworldcup.com
After morale-boosting weekend victories, the four west Asian sides will be
on a high as they prepare for the third matches in the final qualifying stage
for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany. Meanwhile the four losers may face
problems with team morale, with the East Asian powers Japan and Korea
Republic under a storm of criticism from their fanatical supporters.
In Group 1, Korea Republic, sitting behind leaders Saudi Arabia, host
Uzbekistan in the Seoul World Cup Stadium, but the disappointment and fatigue
from their travels could take their toll. Two Gulf rivals, Kuwait and Saudi
Arabia, cross swords at the Peace & Friendship Stadium in Kuwait City.
Group 2 leaders Iran travel to Pyongyang to face the courageous North Koreans,
while Japan meet Bahrain in a re-match at the Saitama Stadium of their semi-
final encounter at last year’s Asian Cup.
Korea Republic on the comeback trail
The latest 2-0 loss to arguably their closest group contenders, Saudi Arabia,
may be ringing alarm bells, but Jo Bonfrere’s men need to put the defeat
behind them when they face Uzbekistan, who also desperately need a win.
With Eintracht Frankfurt forward Cha Doo-ri rejoining the team after a
four-game suspension, the 2002 World Cup semi-finalists are not short of
offensive power, but there are doubts over the fighting spirit which won
them their never-say-die reputation. “I don’t think Saudi Arabia are a
better team than us, but they played with more spirit,” lamented Bonfrere
after the match.
Korea Republic have qualified for every World Cup since 1978 and they have
developed a reputation as one of the continent’s most resilient sides.
With big crowds of raucous Red Devils behind them, the Tawguk Warriors are
expected to reassert their continental dominance.
In-form Kuwait on a high
The fiercest rivalries, it is said, are often between the closest neighbours.
In the previous 18 meetings since 1986 between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia,
neither side has managed to scored more than two goals in a single match –
so another tight game can be expected.
Kuwait have improved since eliminating China as they showed when they
overcame Korea Republic with an emphatic 2-0 victory. The result of this
match will very probably be decided by on the performances of the forwards -
particularly Saudi Arabia’s Yasser Al Qahtani and the Kuwaiti Bashar
Abdullah.
Confident Iran look for three more points
Traditionally strong, Iran have also been famous for their notorious slips-up
against some smaller teams. In the qualifying campaign for the 2002 finals
four years ago, they were held to a goalless draw in Bangkok by Thailand,
before losing out to Bahrain in the all-important final group match which
cost them an automatic berth.
But the lessons may have been learned by their experienced Croatian coach,
Branko Ivankovic, who told FIFAworldcup.com that he “respects North Korea”
and feels they are a dangerous team. However, Korea DPR’s lack of
international experience and defensive errors could give his team a crucial
advantage.
Japan cannot afford another loss
Under-fire Japan coach Zico is not a man to change his plans easily. Despite
the loss to Iran which has sparked immense criticism about his selection
and use of players, it is not likely he will make too many changes in his
team. However, two key defenders - Makoto Tanaka of Jubilo Iwata and
Alessandro Santos of Urawa Reds - were suspended for the match in Tehran,
so could be recalled against Bahrain. Zico’s experienced team must be looking
to restore their group momentum with a win over their under-strength
opponents – anything other than three points and the pressure on the
Brazilian will mount.
--
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