The Asian Game

I’m delighted to announce that I’m joining The Asian Game, a new multi-content providing website that aims to become the leading source of English spoken Asian football specific opinion and analysis.

The following links will direct you to the main page, and my author specific page to keep up to date with my regular work.

The Asian Game – Home Page

Martin Lowe – The Asian Game Author Page

I’m in no doubt that I’ll return to these pages at different points to provide more analysis of personal relevance, such as my regular previews, but until then please check out the TAG pages for more of my recent work.

Tajikistan: The rise of the Crowns from Dushanbe

It would have surprised many to see Tajikistan atop their World Cup qualification group come the end of September, but what could initially be assumed as a one off flash in the pan, instead has roots to be one of the more interesting underdog tales of this World Cup cycle.

Tajikistan, in a political sense is regularly likened to North Korea. A closed dictatorship, that is propped up by an impoverished population, drained by an all consuming ruling family, a country well rehearsed in closing itself from the rest of the world. But while North Korea have looked to improve their footballing scene, in hope to project a better image of itself outside its borders, Tajikistan have largely forgotten about theirs.

The domestic game severely lacks funding, from basic infrastructure to playing facilities, Tajikistan’s top tier league continues to shrink in number and shows little sign of shrugging off its corrupt past which stretches to regional associations across Central Asia. The only case of governmental “assistance” comes in the form of leading club Istiklol, who have just romped home for a sixth domestic season in a row.

The president’s son Rustam Emomali instigated the formation of the club back in 2007, in which he featured as a player before moving on to own it entirely. Istiklol are regularly criticised for having the governing body in it’s pocket, the main reason why their dominance has persisted for so long; acquiring their competitor’s very best Tajik talent in way of little to no compensation, whilst benefiting to let’s just say favourable refereeing decisions; in effect ruling the league redundant.

As has recently been the case, domestic interest instead lies continentally, or how the AFC Cup now works on a focussed regional basis. As with Kyrgz champions Dordoi and Tukmen powerhouses Altyn Asyr, Istiklol represent the third jewel (outside Uzbekistan) in the Central Asian football armoury, reaching the final on two occasions in the last four years. While success has on occasion arrived, consistency, as the others have also experienced is difficult to rely upon when the rest of the league are playing catch-up.

While the domestic scene falters, the national team has ignited a bounce, through the appointment of proud and bullish Uzbek coach Usmon Toshev. Far from being a household name, even back home in Uzbekistan, Toshev’s biggest achievements to date have come in Afghanistan prior to taking up the Tajikistan hot seat last year. What he lacks in his CV, he makes up entirely with his passion for the game and his unerring ability to prepare a team.

The starting theme under Toshev is clear, that of discipline. So much so that he used three different words for it in a recent interview (probably says a lot more about Uzbek culture in general) when talking up his impact since arriving. He took over a team without heart, without backing and without direction, turning them full circle into a unit that is far greater than the sum of its parts. He’s conceded that his side lacks individual talent, instead focusing on occasions and emotion to make their mark.

And so they did, in their qualification opener at home to neighbours Kyrgyzstan. A mismatch of a contest with an added derby day feel, a capacity crowd roared on a team, previously lacking a clear idea, to an unlikely opening day victory. Something the fans could hold as their own, outside the control of their ruling overlords.

Toshev’s principles aren’t rocket science, but they’re proving successful. 1) Modernise an outdated structure, 2) curb external influence (banning outsiders from entering the dressing room on matchdays) and 3) trusting in your talent.

Alongside a slow rise in form at senior level, Tajikistan have seen an accelerated rise at youth level; finalists at the Asian U16s last year, while making it to the last eight on the last two occasions at U19 level. Rather than being an exception, Tajikistan’s presence at the top end of Asian youth football is becoming a normality amongst the elite. The tougher task of course, is to replicate such form at senior level. Tajikistan have never qualified for an Asian Cup in their history, but general opinion genuinely believes this is the greatest opportunity yet to rewrite this.

Toshev has embraced the fresher growth of Tajik talent that has succeeded through the youth ranks, handing half a dozen debuts to players under 21 in the last six months, overseeing a squad that regularly averages under 25 years of age. Half of the 23 man squad selected for September were under 21, with the majority of them already reaching double figures in caps.

This last week Tajikistan steamrolled the competition in qualification for next year’s U19s, with a number of seniors playing key roles. The style of play was consistent to that of Toshev’s team; quick, possession focussed with an emphasis on getting it to their number 9, on this occasion 18 year old colossus Shahrom Samiyev who scored 5 goals over the three qualifying matches.

Their youthful base is well complemented by a spine of experience honed in Europe, mainly in Russia, encapsulated by the three Dzhalilov cousins. Defender Iskandar, midfielder Alisher and attacker Manuchekhr who all made decent fists of their time in Russia, but have gone up another level since returning home for both club & country.

Manuchekhr Dzhalilov was the sensation of the last cycle, with his electric capability to stretch defences and score off barely nothing, his power and pace was a constant threat that even drew praise from visiting Australian journalists when the Asian Champions rode into Dushanbe in 2015.

His younger cousin Alisher Dzhalilov promises to have the same impact this cycle, after only being able to tie up his Tajik registration on the eve of qualification. The classic number 10, started with immediate effect, with a man of the match display to go with his match winning goal against Kyrgyzstan which immediately propelled him to national hero status. The former Rubin Kazan playmaker is agile, inventive but also industrious, and will prove to be a thorn in any defence’s side.

Tajikistan’s rise comes at a time when Central Asian football is starting to lurk out of it’s inward looking past. Kyrgyzstan were one of the stand out performers at this year’s Asian Cup, playing some of the most positive and tactically adept play the competition had to offer, while Turkmenistan have embarked on a root and branch reconstruction of their whole structure under new Croat leadership, already having tangible effects, in their narrow defeat to South Korea last month.

Tajikistan sit as the poorest relation in the region, with arguably the least amount of support from its FA. Yet, with an upsurge in talent making its way through and a bold, single minded coach at the helm, Tajikistan are out to provide yet more surprises as this World Cup qualification cycle rumbles on.

WCQ Preview: Regional derbies headline the week

Round 2 of World Cup Qualification is never a stage that the Asian elite are particularly fond of; either made to play out comfortable victories or suffer from an outsider out to break a record (or over-enthusiastically and inadvertently a star player’s leg). Fans of those sides would have been mildly enthused however with challenging if in the bulk of cases comfortable opening day fixtures, yet October brings around a stark reminder of the sheer breath of Asian football

Matchday 3 four years ago bore witness to 12 home victories from 15 matches played, one mere “upset”, and a combined total of 73 goals scored against 3 conceded. A one sided avalanche of goals and subsequent questions of whether Asia was sailing in the right direction. Unfortunately, the AFC have failed to address the schedule and plumped for another full accumulator friendly set of fixtures that looks to be heading only one way.

While Thursday in the main looks to be a matchday to watch from behind the sofa, there are molecules of interest in the form of some mammoth regional derbies and the plight of some struggling fallen giants to savour, the two calling cards of this early qualification cycle so far. There remains much to see in International Week, you just might have to scratch the surface to find it.

Suzuki Cup final rematch for two of Southeast Asia’s best

It was a concern of many that Group G was never going to live up to the hefty billing it received upon the WCQ draw at AFC House in July, yet the magic fingers of Tim Cahill have sprinkled their magic in Southeast Asia, as this regional super group starts to meander a complex but entertaining path.

So much so, Indonesia, the notable weakest side in the ladder have seen pressure already flung upon their coach Simon McMenemy after their opening day defeat, such is the expectation and regional pride that is at stake. While UAE, the only team from outside the region within the group, under the calculated Bert van Marwijk look to be avoiding such drama, the melee below offers plenty to the neutral.

Thursday’s monumental clash between Vietnam and Malaysia arguably trumps any other match that day, given the pedigree - a rematch of December's Suzuki Cup final, the significance - defeat would shunt either side way behind the progression spots, and the contrast in styles - a clash of two single minded managers.

As was on display 10 months ago, a positive, attack focussed Malaysia under Tan Cheng Hoe, sought the advantage only to be hit by a clever, well organised but reactive Vietnam counter play, a style embedded by their Korean coach Park Hang-seo.

Vietnam have rode a positive year; their second ever regional crown, followed by an impressive Asian Cup campaign with players making some upward switches abroad. Malaysia on the other hand have had to negotiate preliminary WCQs and have already tasted a home defeat at the hands of UAE.

This match has all the hallmarks of a passing of the baton however, from Vietnam to Malaysia as SEA’s primary focus on the continental stage. It should be considered though, as Malaysia have shown so far, while they offer some of the most exciting and brave football on offer anywhere in Asia, their discipline and focus remains off in key moments.

If Park Hang-seo had to handpick a clash of styles, this would be his ideal situation. With Malaysia in the driving seat to take the initiative, Vietnam set as the pouncing cat ready to turn the tables is a fascinating thought. Yet on the flip side; the attacking duo of Syafiq Ahmed & Safawi Rasid flanked by an improving Mohamadou Sumareh could have you out of sight by half time. This game promises to have it all.

Another new dawn for Uzbekistan?

The eternal bridesmaid story of the Uzbekistan national team is one regularly revisited, however another tale of misery and managerial change pits the team in an all too familiar state of uncertainty heading into this week’s World Cup qualification schedule. As soon as one new era under renowned coach Hector Cuper started, it was over, quickly extinguished upon opening day defeat to Palestine last month. After a moderately successful Asian Cup campaign which promised much going forward, the long wait to see the Uzbek national team appear at a World Cup, continues to look like a long distant dream.

For many it was a case of “I told you so.” Cuper’s appointment had a lot to do with his previous role as Egyptian national team coach; having achieved the ultimate goal of the UFA, of qualifying a team for the World Cup. His tactical acumen has regularly come under scrutiny however; for being systematic and cautious, rather than embracing attacking talent. Uzbekistan clearly don’t have a Mohamed Salah in their midst to inspire a chance out of nothing.

That being said the Asian Cup, in brief moments suggested that Cuper may be able to integrate a young cohort of players that have been impressive of late, with those last few exiting members of the previous golden generation. The likes of Eldor Shomurodov were starting to illustrate their true ability on the continental stage, so a seamless transition into early World Cup qualification was treated as an expectation rather than a wish. Uzbekistan’s opening day defeat in Al-Ram inevitably forced his employers hand, and Cuper was swiftly sacked at the first opportunity, leaving the White Wolves playing catch up from bottom spot.

Whether designed or not, Cuper’s successor Vadim Abramov, into his second stint as Uzbekistan boss, is a hopeful one in terms of his ideals. His mantra for attacking play has been applauded, most recently with a young, exciting Bunyodkor team. Defensively he has always been questioned, most prominently in their 6-0 semi final humiliation to Australia in his last match in charge of the national team at the 2011 Asian Cup, one area that’ll not calm national team observers who have witnessed some ropey to say the least defending over the last few months.

Abramov is flanked by legendary Uzbek international Timur Kapadze, who had temporarily taken the reins of the national team ahead of Cuper’s appointment last year. His impact in those brief months suggested he had the ability to deliver the very best out of the young crop of players coming through, and having such a respected head in the dressing room going forward, should allow for an inspirational edge which they’ve been sorely lacking.

While they start from a low point, Group D remains wide open after similar upsets for Saudi Arabia and Palestine leave the ladder in a particularly tentative state. The question of what will change is also up in the air, as Abramov selected a similar looking squad to that of the Cuper regime. Much of the change will only come on the pitch in their intention, and most probably the positioning of Odil Akhmedov, who continues to play an integral role in how play is dictated going forward.

Pyongyang hosts the Korean derby

The common thread flowing through these early matchdays of this qualification cycle has been of regional rivalries, much larger than those outside have appreciated; Indonesia v Malaysia for example was barely whispered about. The upcoming Korean derby breaks through that worldwide consciousness, however with relations drawing closer to resolution over the last year, Tuesday’s derby has much more scrutiny put on it than normal.

This will be only the second time ever that South Korea have played in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, their first competitive outing, having faced their neighbours on neutral territory the last time their paths crossed in qualification. Both teams head into the match in good form on the pitch, boasting 100% records, and having not conceded a goal between them, but outside that the state of play (like much to do with North Korea) is a mystery..

While South Korea’s preparations have been typically public, with coach Paulo Bento speaking quite openly about their priorities heading into this mammoth matchup, the North have remained unsurprisingly quiet, with even the venue kept under wraps until the AFC confirmed the arrangements a few weeks back. They were a shadow of their former selves in the UAE at the turn of the year, falling to three heavy defeats from three at the Asian Cup, but have hit their stride since then, winning the Intercontinental Cup in India over the summer, before picking up solid if only sparingly spectacular wins against Lebanon and Sri Lanka.

Home comforts continue to play a big part in their recent successes in qualification, a matter that they would undoubtedly have been keen on utilising in this upcoming match. What kind of atmosphere will greet the South Koreans is another unknown, but a sellout crowd is highly expected. For many outside observers the pressing issue will be how to view the match; North Korea have regularly shielded coverage of matches, even limiting real time commentary of even FIFA regulated competitive games, it would be in the AFC’s best interests to ensure this one runs transparently.

It comes as North Korean football returns to the forefront of the Asian footballing mind, with domestic champions April 25 making it to the AFC Cup final for the first time in their history. With clamour for coverage expected come the final at the King Il-sung Stadium in early November, the world will be eager to know how far North Korean football has progressed and whether the indications that they were about to integrate into wider society was a sign of what the future may bring or a fleeting statement to appease their political adversaries.