The tournament of four years ago was full of unexpected results and finished with a major upset in Iraq being crowned Asian champions, and there's every indication similar upsets could rule this time. Most games in the first week have gone to some sort of schedule, but the prevailing point to be made is that every game has in some way proven closer and more competitive than expected, even including Australia's 4-0 win over India to an extent.
But the major anomaly has been Group B, where the state of Arabian football was spectacularly highlighted by heroic performances from the underrated Jordan and supposed minnows Syria. The Jordanian defence held up throughout the first half against the might of Japan, before a goal from Abdel Fattah against the run of play right on half time. Trailing 1-0 into the second, Japan looked shell shocked, as if the sheer astonishment of such a scoreline had violently struck them across the face. They slowly took control of the game however and 2 minutes into injury time came Maya Yoshida's last gasp, and for all fans of the under-dog, desperately disappointing equaliser.But there was satisfaction for upset junkies just a few hours later when Syria shocked their regional rivals 2-1.
As for the Socceroos, they did what they had to do. India, perplexing qualifiers through a questionable playoff system, were spirited but comfortably outclassed. India's clear standout was goalkeeper Subrata Pal, who prevented a scoreline which could easily have been 7 or 8 to nothing. 4-0 on paper looked like a disappointing result, and the Socceroos certainly were very scratchy in their basic skill execution in the second half. But this kind of lethargy can often result from such gross mismatches. The important boxes were ticked. Three points. Tim Cahill showing he is in fine finishing form. Harry Kewell reminding of his still spectacular prowess with a powerful long range bullet for Australia's 2nd goal. Brett Emerton was also particularly impressive, although there are definite improvements needed, especially from Mile Jedinak and David Carney on the left.
In Group C's other game, South Korea were comfortable but unconvincing winners over Bahrain 2-1. Any worry about The Socceroos being in goal difference danger because of their theoretically small margin over India should not be a concern. Bahrain gave no sign that they will be any threat to Australia. Despite being ranked 7th of the 16 teams in the tournament, and twice coming within a final playoff of reaching the World Cup, Bahrain were clearly out of their depth against South Korea. They showed the clear step down in class from the big boys that the lower-ranked Syria and Jordan were supposed to show. Meanwhile South Korea also were not too intimidating. As ever they relied on their individual brilliance and skills as opposed to any sort of clinical dominance. Providing India can stay motivated through three big losses, the big question really, South Korea shouldn't win by too much more than four.
If such a situation arises where passage to the quarter finals depends on goal difference, then there is no real cause for expectation for glory anyway after such a disappointing group performance.
At any rate, all will become clear on Friday when South Korea and Australia face off in their second group matches. A combination of the surprise results four years ago, FIFA's questionable ranking system and the hosts Qatar, a weak team comparatively, taking one of the four top seed positions in each group for themselves, has allowed the unlikely instance of Asia's two strongest teams on paper ending up in the same group. A convincing win will be needed for the Socceroos if they are to entertain any notion of being genuine contenders for the final trophy.
Results
Group A
Qatar 0-2 Uzbekistan
Kuwait 0-2 China
Group B
Japan 1-1 Jordan
Saudi Arabia 1-2 Syria
Group C
Australia 4-0 India
South Korea 2-1 Bahrain
Group D
North Korea 0-0 UAE
Iraq 1-2 Iran
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