The third round of Asian qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ promises intense clashes and familiar rivalries. As the journey continues, let's delve into the group draw and what it means for the teams vying for a spot on the world's grandest football stage.
Groups A and B: Battlegrounds of Glory
Group A: IR Iran, Korea Republic, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon
Group B: Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, China PR, Oman, Vietnam
Matchdays: The action kicks off on 2nd September 2021 and runs through 29th March 2022.
IR Iran and Korea Republic - The Titans of Group A
IR Iran and Korea Republic emerge as the frontrunners in Group A, with both teams boasting a rich history in World Cup qualifiers. IR Iran, known as Team Melli, has secured World Cup berths in recent years, while the Taegeuk Warriors stunned the world with a fourth-place finish in 2002. However, they won't underestimate their group rivals, including Iraq, UAE, Syria, and Lebanon, who have proven their mettle on various occasions.
Key Players: Karim Ansarifard, Sardar Azmoun (IR Iran), Son Heungmin (Korea Republic), Ali Mabkhout (UAE)
Australia, Japan, and Saudi Arabia - A Familiar Rivalry in Group B
Group B sets the stage for an exciting showdown as Australia, Japan, and Saudi Arabia lock horns once again. These teams faced off during the Russia 2018 qualifiers, with Japan and Saudi Arabia securing automatic berths. Australia, on the other hand, navigated a challenging path through play-offs to earn their spot. The rivalry between Australia and Japan, highlighted by six evenly contested matches, promises captivating football.
Key Players: Takumi Minamino (Japan), Mathew Leckie (Australia), Salman Al-Faraj (Saudi Arabia), Wu Lei (China PR)
Words from the Coaches
- Dragan Skocic, IR Iran coach: "Iran have always been a powerhouse of Asian football. We’re highly motivated and ready to take on any challenge."
- Paulo Bento, Korea Republic coach: "We should think it's a difficult and balanced group, and we will try to do our best and achieve our goal which is to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup."
- Hajime Moriyasu, Japan coach: "We always have to be ready for our next opponent. I think it’s a really difficult group, and all our opponents are really good sides."
- Graham Arnold, Australia coach: "This group shows you’re going to need a good amount of depth in your squad. It gives the players a lot of belief and confidence."
Stay tuned for more updates and insights on online IPL betting tips at Fun88 as the thrilling journey to Qatar unfolds.