Eastern powers must regain winning touch 28 March 2005 by FIFAworldcup.com After morale-boosting weekend victories, the four west Asian sides will be on a high as they prepare for the third matches in the final qualifying stage for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany. Meanwhile the four losers may face problems with team morale, with the East Asian powers Japan and Korea Republic under a storm of criticism from their fanatical supporters. In Group 1, Korea Republic, sitting behind leaders Saudi Arabia, host Uzbekistan in the Seoul World Cup Stadium, but the disappointment and fatigue from their travels could take their toll. Two Gulf rivals, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, cross swords at the Peace & Friendship Stadium in Kuwait City. Group 2 leaders Iran travel to Pyongyang to face the courageous North Koreans, while Japan meet Bahrain in a re-match at the Saitama Stadium of their semi- final encounter at last year’s Asian Cup. Korea Republic on the comeback trail The latest 2-0 loss to arguably their closest group contenders, Saudi Arabia, may be ringing alarm bells, but Jo Bonfrere’s men need to put the defeat behind them when they face Uzbekistan, who also desperately need a win. With Eintracht Frankfurt forward Cha Doo-ri rejoining the team after a four-game suspension, the 2002 World Cup semi-finalists are not short of offensive power, but there are doubts over the fighting spirit which won them their never-say-die reputation. “I don’t think Saudi Arabia are a better team than us, but they played with more spirit,” lamented Bonfrere after the match. Korea Republic have qualified for every World Cup since 1978 and they have developed a reputation as one of the continent’s most resilient sides. With big crowds of raucous Red Devils behind them, the Tawguk Warriors are expected to reassert their continental dominance. In-form Kuwait on a high The fiercest rivalries, it is said, are often between the closest neighbours. In the previous 18 meetings since 1986 between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, neither side has managed to scored more than two goals in a single match – so another tight game can be expected. Kuwait have improved since eliminating China as they showed when they overcame Korea Republic with an emphatic 2-0 victory. The result of this match will very probably be decided by on the performances of the forwards - particularly Saudi Arabia’s Yasser Al Qahtani and the Kuwaiti Bashar Abdullah. Confident Iran look for three more points Traditionally strong, Iran have also been famous for their notorious slips-up against some smaller teams. In the qualifying campaign for the 2002 finals four years ago, they were held to a goalless draw in Bangkok by Thailand, before losing out to Bahrain in the all-important final group match which cost them an automatic berth. But the lessons may have been learned by their experienced Croatian coach, Branko Ivankovic, who told FIFAworldcup.com that he “respects North Korea” and feels they are a dangerous team. However, Korea DPR’s lack of international experience and defensive errors could give his team a crucial advantage. Japan cannot afford another loss Under-fire Japan coach Zico is not a man to change his plans easily. Despite the loss to Iran which has sparked immense criticism about his selection and use of players, it is not likely he will make too many changes in his team. However, two key defenders - Makoto Tanaka of Jubilo Iwata and Alessandro Santos of Urawa Reds - were suspended for the match in Tehran, so could be recalled against Bahrain. Zico’s experienced team must be looking to restore their group momentum with a win over their under-strength opponents – anything other than three points and the pressure on the Brazilian will mount. -- 『 你們聽見有話說：「以眼還眼，以牙還牙。」只是我告訴你們，不要與惡人作對。 有人打你的右臉，連左臉也轉過來由他打； 有人想要告你，要拿你的裏衣，連外衣也由他拿去； 有人強逼你走一里路，你就同他走二里； 有求你的，就給他； 有向你借貸的，不可推辭。 {馬太福音 5.38～42} 』 --

※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 140.119.27.11