News.China earn passage,Drama as Iraq
The 16-team 2015 AFC Asian Cup line-up is but complete, with Iraq and China PR progressing to become listed on 13 other nations after Wednesday's closing qualifying matchday. Nevertheless the pair, pitted together within the only undecided Group C, did so in contrasting fashion. The Iraqis booked their place with the continental finals by using an emphatic 3-1 home victory while China, in spite of the defeat, narrowly edged Lebanon on goal impact on seal qualification as the best third-placed finishers.
How many qualified nations now numbers 15 including hosts Australia, last edition's finalists Japan, 2011 third-placed side Korea Republic, and Korea DPR who won the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup. The slot will be decided in May's AFC Challenge Cup, with eight contenders battling for your title along with the last qualifying place.
The match
Iraq 3-1 China PR
The 16th meeting involving the two nations ended with Iraq extending their lead inside the head-to-head record by having an eighth triumph against China in neutral United Arab Emirates. Veteran Younis Mahmoud struck twice to present the hosts a two-goal first-half lead, while Ali Adnan put the contest beyond their opponents prior to a hour mark when he scored from a severe angle.
The scoreline meant Chinese hopes were fast diminishing despite needing just a draw to guarantee progression. With new boss Alain Perrin watching up with obvious concerns, interim coach Fu Bo sent on three young attackers in the last half. His tactical gamble paid off, as substitute Zhang Xizhe pulled one back which has a spot- kick. The results saw Iraq seal Group C's second qualifying spot behind leaders Saudi Arabia, who saw off bottom Indonesia 1-0 at your home. China, meanwhile were left to sweat on the contest between Thailand and Lebanon in Bangkok.
The surprise
Thailand 2-5 Lebanon
Lebanon from Group B produced the matchday's biggest win by thrashing hosts Thailand in a 5-2 thriller. Needing not just victory, and also goals to recoup a six-goal deficit between themselves and also the Chinese, the visitors got to a great start when Mohamad Ghaddar headed his side ahead. Hassan Maatouk doubled the lead on 19 minutes and although Thailand ace-striker Teerasil Dangda pulled one back for your hosts via a penalty, Hassan Ali restored their two-goal cushion just before the break.
The Lebanese began the other half and also the first, and Maatouk struck his second to increase boost their hopes. These folks were soon level with China on goal difference as Iraq took a 3-0 delude one other side with the continent, as well as the Cedars could have progressed by virtue of their superior scoring-tally had the scorelines remained unchanged.
Roda Antar then managed to get 5-1 but just as Lebanon looked destined for a place at Australia 2015, China scored that will put the contest for that third-place finishers within the knife's edge, before Thailand’s Adisak Kraisorn broke Lebanese hearts using a penalty. In the other game, the academic match-up between Australia-bound Iran and Kuwait ended with Team Melli prevailing 3-1 in your house.
Monday, May 26, 2014