Finely balanced groups: AFC President

AFC – DOHA, AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam has called the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011™ draw “unique”, saying that all the groups were finely balanced.

Speaking to www.the-afc.com after the draw ceremony at the Aspire Dome, Bin Hammam said: “It is a very interesting and unique draw. All the groups are very well and finely balanced.

“In fact it looks like none of the teams is guaranteed a spot in the knockout stage. They will all have to work hard for it,” added the AFC President.

“I am absolutely convinced that the competition will be intense and of a very high quality because AFC’s Member Associations are doing a lot of developmental work for their national teams.”

Earlier, Bin Hammam said in his speech to the draw audience that Iraq’s win in 2007 had transformed the landscape of Asian football.

“Iraq’s win in the 2007 edition has reshaped Asian football like never before. No longer can the traditional powers of the East or West take their places for granted.

“The new teams are ambitious and hungry for success. And all this means well for the fans,” said Bin Hammam.

About hosts Qatar, the AFC President – who is himself a Qatari – was confident that Doha would deliver a high quality tournament.

“With its multiethnic population and all-embracing culture, Doha is truly a home away from home for most of the teams who will be playing here.

“And my country’s love and passion for football should reassure everyone that this will be one of the best tournaments ever.”