For Saudi Arabia, North Korea and Iran, results in Riyadh and Seoul today could mean the difference between playing in the World Cup or watching it from a distance.
Saudi Arabia host North Korea in the last round of Asian qualifying in a match where the winner can secure the last of four automatic Asian spots at South Africa 2010. But a draw in the Saudi capital and an upset win for Iran in South Korea could give the Iranians the last direct entry.
South Korea are already assured of a place at the World Cup and first place in qualifying Group 2, leaving three countries vying for second and third places.
PHOTO: AP
The third-place teams in each of the Asian qualifying groups will play off for the right to meet New Zealand for a spot in South Africa.
Australia and Japan, who have already qualified, will resume a burgeoning regional rivalry in what would otherwise be a meaningless Group 1 match for both teams.
In that group, Bahrain’s loss to Australia last week means they have to avoid defeat against Uzbekistan to secure third place. Uzbekistan are out of contention unless they win.
Most attention will be on Group 2, where North Korea and Saudi Arabia (each with 11 points) and Iran (10 points) remain in contention in a tight bunch.
A win for the Saudis would give them their fifth successive World Cup appearance, while North Korea are aiming for their first finals since 1966.
A draw in Riyadh coupled with a win for Iran would help Iran into their fourth World Cup and drag North Korea into third place, on goal difference ahead of the Saudis.
A big crowd is expected at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to watch the match between Australia and Japan which will determine who finishes top of Group 1.
Despite assertions from the team and coach Pim Verbeek that the Socceroos will not ease off against Japan, the Australian lineup will be without former Liverpool winger Harry Kewell, who has been rested along with Chris Coyne.
“Besides Mark Schwarzer and Jason Culina, Harry and Chris were the only other two players to play [almost all] of the 180 minutes of the Qatar and Bahrain matches,” Verbeek said. “Both players are disappointed that they are unable to play in the big match on Wednesday night, but physically it’s best if we don’t take any risks with them.’’
Tim Cahill, who missed Australia’s last match due to muscle soreness, will be back and skipper Lucas Neill is also due back.
Japan could be without captain and Yuji Nakazawa, who has been ill with a high temperature since the squad arrived in Australia on Saturday.
Iran coach Afshin Ghotbi is not expecting South Korea to ease off after qualifying last week.
“I promise you, you will see us in South Africa,” Ghotbi said. “I know South Korea well and I know their players ... and I don’t accept that they’ll lack motivation. Every team in the world has motivation.”
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