Can we move on? There are camels in Iran and Australia too. Is AFC going to announce whether there are 4 of 5 pots, or is it announced during the draw? After seeing today's ACL games, I'm convinced this round will be very close between these 10 teams
My preferred draw Australia (thats us) Iran - Haven't played them since returning to Asia and we have played Japan in last WCQ and both Asian Cups. I think japan is slightly stronger at the moment but this is not the reason I hope for Iran. The difference between the two is not large enough to create an advantage. Uzbekistan - They talk the talk but seem to soil their pants when they play Australian teams at senior level. May as well play them whilst that still holds. Iraq, on the other hand, really believe they can beat us and always put on a good effort against us. Qatar - Same as Uzbekistan. Their senior team seems to freeze when they play us and we may as well keep the psychological edge while it lasts. One day they may believe they can beat us, but there is no evidence of it yet. Lebanon - We missed playing them in the Asian Cup qualifiers through no fault of theirs and there are lots of Australians of Lebanese origin who would love to see their old country play.
Still no word from AFC regarding the draw procedure. Looks like we're finding out at the draw itself tomorrow. Official confirmation from AFC of the seedings: http://www.the-afc.com/en/tournamen...8245-socceroos-top-seeds-for-final-round-draw
I'm really hoping that Qatar & Iraq don't get drawn together as Iraq are playing their home games in Doha (right?). That way I'll get to see all the teams play here! Well I don't know if I'd go to all the games but will be nice to pick and choose.
that is just whack. Australia is not the top seed and we are not ranked above Japan. It should be Japan, Korea, Australia, Iran...everything below Japan is more or less equal that being the case particularly for Australia and Korea. Iran truthfully would have to be considered the weakest out of the 4 and I don't think many would argue against this. Anyways, heres to a good draw.
I agree we lack professionalism and there is too much govt interference in our football. We always make up for these things with talent, but that makes us inconsistent.
I haven't seen much of Japan but they lost to Uzbeckistan, no? But based on "history", I will say Japan, Australia, Korea and Iran. I think Iran would take 2 points from Korea.
I actually think the rankings are good within each confederation. The overall rankings (across confeds) are messed up though. Some of it isn't FIFA's fault. Obviously different tournaments are at diff times of the year in each confederation.
Since you brought it up; Japan has always given me the least amount of worry out of any top Asian team. Maybe because we barely ever play them, but when we do, we usually get a good result. Korea is much scarier to me and we always have trouble with Persian Gulf countries.
FFA has more draw information. http://www.footballaustralia.com.au...-qantas-socceroos--fifa-world-cup-draw-/46015 5 pots of 2. Pot 2 goes first (jpn/irn). JPN goes into position 5 of its group and Iran in position 2. (for match order purposes only). Pots 5 the 4 and then 3 follow in order with each team drawn placed in the lowest open position in their group. (5-4-3 for Iran's group or 4-3-2 for Japan's) Pot 1 will be last with AUS and KOR going into one of A1 or B1. Pretty simple, but obviously marginally different to last time. J
Japan gives me the most amount of worry. As you said, we rarely play them. I have always wondered why we have trouble with much worse Persian Gulf countries.....
You can't honestly say that otherwise you'd be at the top of the heap. I mean you can but Id think you're pretty biased. I can say Korea was probably hyped in terms talent. We are on the precipice and it doesn't look good. Our active internationals are sitting on the bench or injured. I think Japan has the best talent at the moment. But they're flimsy so we'll see. But like I said earlier the differences between the top 4 are small and anyone can beat anyone. Thats how I honestly see it now.
Judging by success in Europe, Japan is slightly better than the rest of AFC in terms of individual quality. Kagawa is a much better player than Ashkan Dejagah in the Bundesliga. They are a different animal with Honda in the side and they missed him badly during the qualification. Their style relies too much on his physical presence and play-making skills.
No, corruption in our federation is widesperead. Korea has always produced a talent lineup but Park Ji-Sung has retired and that's a good thing for opponents of Korea. While you have potential, the replacement for Park Ji=Sung will be difficult. It was after all Park Ji Sung that prevented us from going to the World Cup in 2010.