Uzbeks through but Socceroos, Bahrain must wait
Monday, 9 June 2008
SINGAPORE, June 8 (AFP): Uzbekistan stormed into the last 10 of Asian World Cup football qualifying but a shock loss for Australia and Bahrain's unexpected draw with Thailand mean they missed golden opportunities to join them.
The Uzbeks' 1-0 win over Singapore in Tashkent made them the only team through to the final phase of qualifying, which starts in September as Asian sides chase four automatic berths to the finals in South Africa in 2010.
Second-half substitute Alexander Geynrikh was their hero after he netted the game's only goal in the 81st minute, maintaining their perfect record in Group 4.
"It was a tough match and we were lucky to win this time," said Uzbekistan coach Rauf Inileev, whose team hammered Singapore 7-3 last week.
"Singapore played attacking football in the first match but they totally changed their tactics and played a defensive game which made them very difficult to break down."
A win for Australia would have ensured they progressed but Iraq proved the better team in hot and humid Dubai, with a magical effort from Emad Mohamed from 30 yards giving them a crucial 1-0 win.
With Qatar beating China by the same score in Tianjin, Group 1 remains wide open with two games to play. The Socceroos top the group on seven points, ahead of Qatar on goal difference. Iraq have four and China three.
Australian coach Pim Verbeek was not too despondent though.
"We went into the game with an aim to get a draw and we put in a good performance," he said.
The Uzbeks' 1-0 win over Singapore in Tashkent made them the only team through to the final phase of qualifying, which starts in September as Asian sides chase four automatic berths to the finals in South Africa in 2010.
Second-half substitute Alexander Geynrikh was their hero after he netted the game's only goal in the 81st minute, maintaining their perfect record in Group 4.
"It was a tough match and we were lucky to win this time," said Uzbekistan coach Rauf Inileev, whose team hammered Singapore 7-3 last week.
"Singapore played attacking football in the first match but they totally changed their tactics and played a defensive game which made them very difficult to break down."
A win for Australia would have ensured they progressed but Iraq proved the better team in hot and humid Dubai, with a magical effort from Emad Mohamed from 30 yards giving them a crucial 1-0 win.
With Qatar beating China by the same score in Tianjin, Group 1 remains wide open with two games to play. The Socceroos top the group on seven points, ahead of Qatar on goal difference. Iraq have four and China three.
Australian coach Pim Verbeek was not too despondent though.
"We went into the game with an aim to get a draw and we put in a good performance," he said.