Asian Cup… Getting it done.

Getting it done…

Some teams are, some teams are not. Japan did against Vietnam tonight, defeating them 4-1. UAE did tonight – ending the brief dreams of Qatar, defeating them 2-1.

Australia did… finally.

Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok – Australia beat Thailand 4-0, and that qualifies them for the quarter-finals (I think). Michael Beauchamp opened proceedings at the 21 minute mark, and Australia looked underway. Still, attempts were squandered left, right and center as Australia could NOT find the net. Then captain Mark Viduka, scored at the 80 minute mark, and yet again 3 minutes later! To put icing on the cake, Harry Kewell scored right on time – 90 minutes. Next… Japan.

My Dinh National Stadium, Hanoi – Japan looked the goods against Vietnam, far too strong in a match, winning 4-1. But both teams head on to the quarters.

Army Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City – UAE were just too strong for Qatar, ending the possibility of the minnows making it.

Supachalasai Stadium, Bangkok – Iraq managed to eke out a draw against their gulf-state neighbors, Oman. 1-1.

:: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::

Asian Cup – Australia blown away by Iraq!

Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok – Man… I’m gutted. Australia lost this game 3-1… which basically means that we (yes, I’m Australian) have to give Thailand an absolute HIDING (to make up goal difference) to have any chance at all of even making the quarter finals.

My apologies for not bringing a more detailed version of this, but meh… it’s Friday night, my team just lost, & I’d rather drink this nice bottle of white with a bud of mine. Short version: Iraq got three goals. Australia didn’t.

BUT… as a special bonus, giving you the highlights of the Iran vs Uzbekistan match… including the own-goal by Rahman Rezaei. A really foolishly executed ‘defensive header’.

(edit – adding Japan vs UAE to this post)

My Dinh National Stadium, Hanoi – Japan put their quest for a 3rd straight Asian Cup back on track with a good 3-1 win over the United Arab Emirates.  Up 3-0 by half time, the UAE side was never in it – totally outclassed.  Scottish league MVP Shunsuke Nakamura ripped a penalty into the nets, and Bundesliga striker Naohiro Takahara scored twice in 5 minutes.

Saeed Alkas slid the ball past Japan’s keeper, Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi – but all night he was up to the task set before him, and UAE didn’t really threaten.

If not for excellent work by goalkeeper Majed Nasser, the scoreline could’ve read even more lopsided.  Either way, UAE become the first team eliminated from the Asian Cup.

:: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::

Top Sports Stories in Japan… (July 12)

Damn wet here today, really big storm (I guess that’s why they call it rainy season! 😉 )…

Today’s top sports stories in Japan:

• Ichiro the highlight of the MLB All Star game… [Mainichi Shimbun]
• Minnows give Asian Cup a boost… [Japan Times]
• Hakuho tied for lead (sumo)… [Mainichi Shimbun]
• Japan under pressure against UAE (Asian Cup)… [Daily Yomiuri]
• Again, Tigers beat Giants (NPB)… [Daily Yomiuri]

:: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::

Asian Cup 07 – Vietnam defeats UAE

Hanoi – Vietnam stunned Gulf Cup holders United Arab Emirates on Sunday, presenting them with a 2-0 loss. 2 rapid goals in the second half brought about the shock defeat. UAE were clearly stronger in the first half, but failed to make anything of the advantage. The home side made the most of a terrible mix-up in the UAE defense, and Thanh slotted home a goal in the 63rd minute. 10 minutes later Vinh doubled the advantage, scoring off a beautiful lobbed shot.

This win would definitely be considered the upset, and really makes things interesting in Group B.

:: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::