Kuala Lumpur: After Australia defeated Saudi Arabia on Thursday to throw Group B of the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 qualifiers wide open, the ten remaining teams on the continent return to action on Monday and Tuesday as Groups A and B head towards what is sure to be a gripping finale.
Group A:
The Islamic Republic of Iran will confirm their place at the FIFA World Cup should they defeat third-placed Uzbekistan in Group A on Monday, but a win for the visitors would close the gap to two points and offer real hope of a top-two finish with two games remaining.
Second-placed Korea Republic sit four points behind the unbeaten table-toppers and travel to bottom side Qatar a day later, desperate for a win ahead of meetings with both Iran and Uzbekistan on the final two Matchdays.
Also on Tuesday, Syria face off against China in Malaysia where a top-three place will still be firmly within their sights should the Uzbeks fail to win in Tehran a day earlier, while Marcello Lippi’s China must claim all three points to keep alive their slim hopes of finishing third and grabbing the intercontinental play-off spot.
Iran v Uzbekistan
Venue: Azadi Stadium, Tehran
Kick-off: June 12, 21:15 UTC+4:30
Syria v China
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium, Melaka
Kick-off: June 13, 21:45 UTC+8
Qatar v Korea Republic
Venue: Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha
Kick-off: June 13, 22:00 UTC+3
Group B:
Japan will move a step closer to FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 qualification with a win over already-eliminated Iraq on Tuesday in what is shaping up to be an intriguing three-way battle for two automatic qualification places at the summit of Group B.
Australia’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia on Thursday moved the Socceroos level on 16 points with the Saudis and Japan at the top of the standings, although the Samurai Blue will open up a three-point gap with two games remaining should they see off Iraq.
Realistically, only a win can keep the United Arab Emirates’ slender qualification hopes alive when they travel to Bangkok to face bottom side Thailand, who are looking to end the campaign on a high under recently appointed head coach Milovan Rajevac.
Thailand v United Arab Emirates
Venue: Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok
Kick-off: June 13, 19:00 UTC+7
Iraq vs Japan
Venue: PAS Stadium, Tehran
Kick-off: June 13, 16:55 UTC+4:30
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com