Asian underdogs out to avenge past defeats [Group A Preview]

AFC – Kuala Lumpur, Asia’s big four – the quartet that represented the continent at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ – face familiar foes as the third qualifying round reaches the third matchday on Thursday. High-flying Australia are hoping to continue their 100 per cent start with an away win against Saudi Arabia, while both Korea Republic and Japan will be aiming to prolong their dominant record against Qatar and Iraq, respectively, in this campaign. Iran, meanwhile, arrive in Tashkent seeking to bring Uzbekistan’s winning streak to a close.

Elsewhere, China PR and Syria enter their first qualifying meeting with each other desperately seeking their first victory. Winless Thailand are, for their part, left with few options but to win in the United Arab Emirates if they are to keep their already-diminishing hopes alive. Lets take a closer look at the enticing Group A encounters.

Group A front-runners Uzbekistan entertain second-placed Iran hoping to strengthen their lead with a third straight win. Carlos Queiroz’s Iran boast a mental edge, however, with four wins and a draw from their six previous encounters. But the two sides’ record in World Cup qualifying remains even, having traded a 1-0 away victory on the road to Brazil 2014. Adding to the intrigue is the expectations placed on a pair of super-subs, with both Alexander Geynrikh and Reza Ghoochannejhad ready to come off the bench and add spark for their respective teams.

Also in Group A, both China PR and Syria are aiming to secure their first three points of the stage, in what is their maiden qualifying encounter against each other. Level with a point apiece, both teams know that they can re-ignite hopes with three points. Despite missing first-choice goalkeeper Zeng Cheng who is nursing an injury, China coach Gao Hongbo has a strong squad at his disposal with Netherlands-based teenager Zhang Yuning expecting to spearhead the attack after impressing in the goalless draw against Iran. Under Ayman Hakeem, the visitors are expected to showcase their trademark resilience which saw them draw against Korea Republic.

What they said
“Team Melli’s history shows that despite boasting great players, coaches and presidents, Iran have never qualified for the World Cup finals twice in a row. My job, my goal, my mission and my dream is to make this happen. If we learn from history, in order to make the impossible possible, we mustn’t repeat the same mistakes or misunderstandings from the past,” – Iran coach Carlos Queiroz

Matchday 3 fixtures
6 October
Group A:
Korea Republic-Qatar
China-Syria
Iran-Uzbekistan