Asian Cup tougher than ever, says Bin Hammam
Sunday, 25 April 2010
DOHA, Apr 24 (AFP): Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed bin Hammam says the Asian Cup next year will be tougher than ever for the traditional powerhouse teams after Iraq's upset victory in 2007.
Bin Hammam made the comment as Asia's top-ranked side Australia was pitted against fellow World Cup finalists South Korea, while three-times champions Japan will face Saudi Arabia.
The Socceroos, who struggled in their tournament debut in 2007, have their work cut out in a tough Group C that also includes Bahrain and minnows India.
At a glitzy draw at the Aspire Dome on Friday that culminated 21 months of qualifying, Japan were thrown alongside all-Gulf opposition, with Syria and Jordan making up Group B.
Defending champions Iraq will take on neighbour Iran, North Korea and UAE while hosts Qatar are in Group A with China, Kuwait and Uzbekistan.
"Iraq's win in the 2007 edition has reshaped Asian football like never before," said Bin Hammam.
"No longer can the traditional powers of the East and West take their places for granted. The new teams are ambitious and hungry for success. And all this bodes well for the fans."
Bin Hammam made the comment as Asia's top-ranked side Australia was pitted against fellow World Cup finalists South Korea, while three-times champions Japan will face Saudi Arabia.
The Socceroos, who struggled in their tournament debut in 2007, have their work cut out in a tough Group C that also includes Bahrain and minnows India.
At a glitzy draw at the Aspire Dome on Friday that culminated 21 months of qualifying, Japan were thrown alongside all-Gulf opposition, with Syria and Jordan making up Group B.
Defending champions Iraq will take on neighbour Iran, North Korea and UAE while hosts Qatar are in Group A with China, Kuwait and Uzbekistan.
"Iraq's win in the 2007 edition has reshaped Asian football like never before," said Bin Hammam.
"No longer can the traditional powers of the East and West take their places for granted. The new teams are ambitious and hungry for success. And all this bodes well for the fans."