Asias long, hard qualifying campaign for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ lasted for two years and five months, with 43 teams involved and a total of 116 matches played. It ended with Japan and Korea Republic underlining their status as favourites, while Australia made it through for the third time in succession and Iran, under Carlos Queiroz, sealed a welcome return to the global showpiece. Yet while this quartet achieved the same objective, they did so in very different fashion. Alberto Zaccheronis Japan emerged as the most consistent and arguably impressive performers, and ultimately progressed with a game to spare. Australia, on the other hand, struggled throughout, and only Joshua Kennedys late goal in their concluding game against Iraq secured qualification. In the other section, both Korea Republic and Iran experienced rollercoaster campaigns and endured losses that, at the time, threatened to have serious implications. However, despite their early setbacks, Team Melli rallied to stage a late surge, reviving fortunes with three straight victories. And though the road to Brazil looked even more bumpy for the Taeguk Warriors, they eventually edged Uzbekistan on goal difference to seal an eighth successive appearance at the world finals. Jordan raised quite a few eyebrows by reaching the international play-off phase, despite losing to Uruguay -0 over two legs. The Hashemite Kingdom made history by storming into Asias final qualifying round for the first time, where they sprang a series of surprises including stunning Australia and Japan on home turf to set up a continental play-off with Uzbekistan. Once again they beat the pundits by edging the former Soviet republic on penalties, only to be eventually found lacking against the South Americans. The qualified teams Australia,] Iran, . Japan, Korea Republic 5 memorable moments Guccis glory Iran entered their concluding match in Seoul facing the same opponents that knocked them out at the same stage of the South Africa 2010 qualifiers with a 1-1 draw. The outcome this time was very different though, and so were Iran’s emotions – all thanks to a moment of magic by striker Reza Ghoochannejhad. With Iran on back football, ‘Gucci’, as he is affectionately named, scored a terrific solo goal to not only seal the victory, but qualification for Brazil 2014. Supersub Son strikes When Korea Republic were locked at 1-1 with a desperate Qatar on 81 minutes, it looked as if the game was destined for stalemate. That, however, was until young Son Heungmin was brought on to change the face of the game. Having repeatedly tested the rival defence, the Hamburg winger eventually delivered the fatal blow deep into stoppage time to send home fans delirious. Kennedy to the rescue Having somehow avoided elimination during an often-unhappy campaign, Australia still needed at least a home win against a resilient Iraq to claim berth in Brazil. In what proved to be another stiff test for the Socceroos, the hosts were made to sweat for 83 minutes before substitute Josh Kennedy settled the contest in dramatic fashion with a trademark header. Okazaki settles Japanese nerves Runway leaders Japan had a hard time of it in Muscat, when hosts Oman who - after canceling Hiroshi Kiyotakes early opener through Ahmed Mubarak - threw everything forward in search of a winner. It was then, with the pressure on, that Shinji Okazazi eased the visitors’ worries with a last-ditch effort to leave his side on the verge of qualifying. Djeparov’s dejection The sight of Server Djeparov walking off pitch in silent dejection after losing the Asian Zone play-off to Jordan on penalties was poignant. The two-time AFC Player of the Year excelled in his role as captain and creative fulcrum of an Uzbekistan side that led the way for much of their campaign. Sadly for Djeparov though, the Central Asians’ promising campaign once again ended up unfolding as a heart-breaking near-miss.
Posted on: Sun, 08 Jun 2014 17:21:43 +0000
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