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.
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