India's lessons from the Asian Cup

The 2011 AFC Asian Cup is history, but for India the tournament marked the return to the continental stage after 27 long years. And there are important lessons for Indian football to take from it, work on them and try to qualify again for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia to show Asia that our football is developing and progressing.


Tournament matches isn't preparatory games

Many had worried that after the bad results in the run-up to the Asian Cup that India could get trashed by continental heavyweights such as Australia, Bahrain and South Korea. Surely we did get beaten by clear margins, but in none of the matches were we totally outplayed as in some of the preparatory matches. Plus the boys always gave their opponents a real fight and the sign of this are the three goals which we scored.


Continue to play international friendlies

Finally India played a number of international friendlies. From September to November 2010 we played more international friendly matches then in the last decade. Surely the results weren't the best, but what can you expect from a team which normally faces south Asian rivals, some better sides in the Nehru Cup every two years or local club sides wherever they train. We need to play five/six friendlies over the year 2011 to maintain that momentum and the level of exposure. And maybe even think about having a marquee match once a year against tougher opposition from Asia or even from Europe and South America.


International experience

The Asian Cup was international exposure for Team India at a new, much higher then their usual level. It showed that we lacked that international experience, e.g. in the game against Bahrain where we got the equaliser and went all out to get the second goal, but somewhat forgot to defend. This is all part of the learning process, which will help the team progress in the future.


Importance of AFC Challenge Cup

Only due to the fact that India won the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup we were able to qualify for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. If we had to qualify through the qualifiers we would have never made it to these continental championships. So the focus of the AIFF and Team India needs to be on the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup, if we don't win it next year then we have another chance in 2014 to get to Australia.


Great fan support

India had great fan support in Doha! I would go on to say that we had the best fans in the Asian Cup with over 10,000 Indian fans coming to the three games on average. Especially delightful was to see our fans turn up in numbers for the last game against South Korea after the team was out and it was also raining heavily. This fan base which is there to support and watch Team India needs to be nurtured around the world.


International media exposure

Whatever Indian football does over the year it gets little to no international media coverage. At the Asian Cup we were one of the most covered national sides simply for the exotic factor and India developing so rapidly as an economic power. The global media genuinely wanted to know more about our football, which is a good sign even though the problems were touched on by Bob Houghton and the players. If it had been different then surely we would have been regularly playing Asian Cup.

2011 Asian Cup - My personal Review

I was in Doha for the whole duration of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup - Qatar and made my personal observations during course of the tournament. Asia's premier football tournament, which was held from January 7 to 29, showed that football in this part of the world is developing but there is still a long way to go before Asian football can challenge the best in the beautiful game though some nations are much closer then others.

The tournament also reaffirmed the fact that the Asian heavyweights from the East - Japan, South Korea, Australia - are moving fast ahead of their rivals from the rest of the continent. The best matches in this edition of the tournament where those, when these three sides faced each other.

Japan became fitting champions in the end after a 120 minute final battle royale against Australia on Saturday, January 29, through a great strike by substitute Tadanari Lee after the Samurai Blue had overcome archrivals South Korea in a penalty shootout in the semifinals.

While Australia came to Qatar under German coach Holger Osieck with an experienced squad with many of their key players above the age of 30, both Japan and South Korea came into the tournament with rather young and inexperienced squads. The coaches Alberto Zaccheroni (Japan) and Kwang Rae Cho (South Korea) both said before the start of the championship that their teams should gain valuable international experience and if possible bring home the title.

Japan continued their domination of Asian football with their fourth Asian Cup title in the last six editions, while South Korea failed once more as they remain without an Asian Cup title since 1960. And the Taeguk Warriors will have to wait until the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia to try and bring the title back to the Korean peninsula.

With the Asian Cup taking place in Qatar a lot of expectations had build in the Gulf that an Arabian side could be the surprise element in the tournament like Iraq had been in the 2007 edition. But the sides from West Asia did not really set the tournament on fire. There were the upset wins by Jordan and Syria against Saudi Arabia, but that had more to do with the Saudis, who aren't as strong as they used to be as a national team and Jordan holding Japan in their opening game, where the young Japanese hadn't settled as a team. By the quarterfinals all teams from the region where out of the tournament.

And then there are the most populous countries on the planet - China and India - who came into the tournament with contrasting expectations. China came to Qatar as the highest ranked team in Group A and with hopes of at least progressing to the knockout stages, but after an opening win against Kuwait, a loss to the hosts Qatar was followed by a draw against Uzbekistan to finish third in their group, which meant elimination.

India meanwhile were drawn in the toughest of all groups, in Group C. Little was expected from the Bhangra Boys, who suffered a 0-4 loss to Australia, a 2-5 defeat against Bahrain and lost 1-4 against South Korea. It was the expected last place finish for India, but acceptable defeats for a nation who returned to the top of Asian football after 27 long years. Still India's fans need to be complemented as they came out in numbers and supported the team in a very positive way.

Overall Asian football didn't take the leap which many had hoped for to show that Asian football has really arrived, but as the tournament progressed the quality of football got better. Overall an interesting tournament, but very few fans attending continues to be a problem for the Asian Cup and the Asian Football Confederation. And it is unlikely to be solved in the next edition as Australia is so far away from the rest of the continent.

To end on a personal note. I enjoyed being in Qatar for the whole duration of the Asian Cup. It has given me a much better insight of Asian football and also the strength and weaknesses of football across the continent plus one could watch nearly all games as the five venues across Doha where easily accessable. And I hope to be back for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia...

Asian Cup star Ja Cheol Koo joins Wolfsburg, but FIFA investigates

21 year old South Korean midfielder Ja Cheol Koo, one of the star performers for his nation in the recently held 2011 AFC Asian Cup, has signed a three and a half year contract with German Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg. Ja Cheol had made a mark in the tournament in Qatar by ending as its top scorer scoring five goals.

Ja Cheol said after the signing, "Now I will concentrate on playing well out there. Young Pyo Lee and many national team mates advised me to play in Europe."

And Ja Cheol Koo happens to be the second Asian footballer at the North German club after Japan captain Makoto Hasebe, who joined the club three years back.

But world football governing body FIFA is investigating Wolfsburg's signing of Ja Cheol Koo, after Swiss club Young Boys Berne thought it had a deal for the South Korea international. FIFA says the Switzerland Football Association is seeking clarification of Koo's international clearance to play in Germany.

The Swiss 'Axpo Super League' club Young Boys believed it had agreement with Koo's Korean club Jeju United before the start of the Asian Cup, but that is something which the player denies and he flew to Germany to sign a contract with Wolfsburg before returning to South Korea. FIFA says that the transfer to Wolfsburg was approved through its online transfer system which requires consent from both clubs - the selling and buying clubs.

India lose to strong South Koreans

India suffered their third defeat in as many matches as South Korea beat the Bhangra Boys 4-1 at a rain soaked Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday, but once more India were not embarrassed by a superior opponent though the South Koreans could have scored many more against a fighting India.

It was another entertaining match involving India, who have been involved in some of the most interesting games of the group stage though we went into the tournament as the big underdogs and surely one has to applaud the Indian fans who came out once more in big numbers with India out of the tournament and the weather being terrible with it raining throughout the game.

India had to make a very early substitution as Renedy Singh, who had an outstanding match against Bahrain, suffered a calf muscle injury and had to be substituted in only the 5th minute. A minute later India once more conceded their first early goal, while yesterday the boys were down two goals by the ninth minute, but both goals looked to be irregular. First young striker Dong Won Ji scored after a player played a handball which was overlooked by the referee and his assistant and then Ja Cheol Koo looked to be offside when he chipped over keeper Subrata Pal. Around the 10 minute mark one had to fear for a heavy defeat, but India recovered as Sunil Chhetri was brought down by Tae Hwi Kwak and India got a penalty. Chhetri himself stepped up and scored sending keeper Sung Ryong Jung the wrong way.

And for the first time the Indian fans got something to cheer about, but South Korea weren't shocked by the India fightback and soon again had control of the game with chances coming in by the minute as it was a lot of work for Subrata Pal and his defence. In the 23rd minute Dong Won Ji would finish of a great piece of attacking football to make it 3-1. India had to sustain a lot of pressure with the Koreans using all kind of combinations with the Indian defence often tested, but no more goals were conceded. 3-1 down at the half was India's best result so far and once more a better second half would follow.

South Korea continued to control proceedings after the break, missing numerous chances but also Subrata Pal along with defenders Surkumar Singh, Gouramangi Singh, Anwar and Syed Rahim Nabi throwing themselves into all balls coming towards the India goal. The Koreans would only add a fourth through Hamburg teenager Heung Min Son in the 81th minute, but only after Baichung Bhutia had come on for India under the cheers of our fans. And it seemed as if Baichung's introduction was giving the Indian players added confidence as in one attack India put 20 passes together.

It ended 4-1 for South Korea, who were a goal short of the Australians to finish second in the group, while India as expected finished bottom of the group without any points and three to 13 goals. It might sound awkward but before the tournament a goal difference of -10 would have been a success and India's over performance received compliments from many present here in Doha.

Bob Houghton and the boys saw the Asian Cup as a big learning process for Indian football, only now the lessons will have to be utilised to talk Indian football forward. And we need to ensure that we will be back in the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia. As the Aussies said, they would love to welcome India Down Under for that tournament.

The next assignment will be the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers from March 20 to 31, 2011. India would have to face Turkmenistan, Pakistan plus a qualifier between Chinese Taipei and Laos. The top two from each qualification tournament make it to the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup. Lets hope we get to host the matches to get home advantage.

VIDEO: South Korea vs. India highlights

Here are the highlights of the South Korea vs. India match at the Al Gharafa Stadium in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup:

India finish off against South Korea

India end their 2011 AFC Asian Cup campaign tomorrow against the best team of the tournament so far, South Korea. And it will be another tough task for the Bhangra Boys, who aim to end the tournament on a positive note which for would mean a low score defeat.

Bob Houghton is unlikely to change anything in the starting eleven and said at the pre-match press conference, "We're already eliminated but this third game is very important for us."

India returned after 27 years to the Asian Cup and Bob said about it, "It's a very high-profile tournament for us back in India and our performances here will make a big difference as to where football goes in the next 10 years."

And though some are saying that 2-9 goals from two matches is a bad piece of statistic, those who know Indian football are happy due to the performance and effort put in by the boys. Houghton added, "We're walking with our heads held high because although we've lost both games, we've given a good account of ourselves. We've shown the ability to keep going even when we've gone goals down, which is a good sign."

The big question if Baichung Bhutia would be given play time will have to be seen. Baichung is fitter then before, but Bob would only play him as per need and result. So one will have to wait and watch.

Asian Cup: India's opponents name their squad

India's opponents in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup - Australia, South Korea and Bahrain - have all named their 23 players squad for the tournament set to kick off on January 7 in Qatar. India face Australia in their opening match on January 10, while taking on Bahrain on January 14 before their final group game against South Korea on January 18.

The tougher opponents will be Australia and South Korea, who both will be missing their key strikers. The Aussies will be missing tall Joshua Kennedy, who plays for Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan; while the South Korean will miss AS Monaco's Chu-Young Park, one of their star performers in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.


AUSTRALIA

Goalkeepers: Mark Schwarzer (Fulham FC, England); Nathan Coe (Sønderjysk Elitesport, Denmark); Brad Jones (Liverpool FC, England)

Defenders: David Carney, (Blackpool FC, England); Jon McKain (Al Nasr, Saudi Arabia); Lucas Neill (Galatasaray Istanbul, Turkey); Jade North (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand); Sasa Ognenovski (Seongnam Ilhwa, South Korea); Matthew Spiranovic (Urawa Red Diamonds, Japan); Luke Wilkshire (FK Dinamo Moscow, Russia)

Midfielders: Jason Culina (Gold Cost United, Australia); Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers, England); Richard Garcia (Hull City AFC, England); Brett Holman (AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands); Mile Jedinak (Genclerbirligi SK, Turkey); Harry Kewell (Galatasaray Istanbul, Turkey), Neil Kilkenny (Leeds United, England); Matt McKay (Brisbane Roar, Australia); Carl Valeri (US Sassuolo Calcio, Italy)

Forwards: Nathan Burns (AEK Athens, Greece); Tim Cahill (Everton FC, England); Robbie Kruse (Melbourne Victory, Australia); Scott McDonald (Middlesbrough FC, England)

Coach: Hogler Osieck


SOUTH KOREA

Goalkeepers: Sung-Ryong Jung (Seongnam Ilhwa, South Korea), Yong-Dae Kim (FC Seoul, South Korea), Jin-Hyeon Kim (Cerezo Osaka, Japan)

Defenders: Hyo-Jin Choi (Sangju Sangmu, South Korea), Jae-Won Hwang (Suwon Bluewings, South Korea), Yong-Hyung Cho (Al-Rayyan, Qatar), Tae-Hwi Kwak (Kyoto Sanga, Japan), Yong-Rae Lee (Suwon Bluewings, South Korea), Young-Pyo Lee (Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Jung-Soo Lee (Al-Sadd, Qatar), Jeong-Ho Hong (Jeju United, South Korea), Du-Ri Cha (Celtic Glasgow, Scotland)

Midfielders: Ji-Sung Park (Captain; Manchester United, England), Bit-Garam Yoon (Gyeongnam FC, South Korea), Heung-Min Son (Hamburger SV, Germany), Ja-Cheol Koo (Jeju United, South Korea), Sung-Yueng Ki (Celtic Glasgow, Scotland), Chung-Yong Lee (Bolton Wanderers, England), Bo-Kyung Kim (Cerezo Osaka, Japan), Ki-Hun Yeom (Suwon Bluewings, South Korea)

Forwards: Byung-Soo Yoo (Incheon United, South Korea), Dong-Won Ji (Chunnam Dragons, South Korea), Shin-Wook Kim (Ulsan Hyundai, South Korea)

Coach: Kwang-Rae Cho


BAHRAIN

Goalkeepers: 1-Mahmood Mansoor Ali Abdulla, 21-Ahmed Ali Ahmed Ali Mushaima, 22-Abbas Ahmed Ali Khamis

Defenders: 2-Rashed Khalil Ebrahim Talha Khalil Alhooti, 3-Abdulla Abdurrahmn Mohammed Marzooq, 5-Saleh Abdulhameed Saleh Mohamed Mahmeedi, 6-Abbas Saeed Ali Mansoor Ayyad, 16-Dawood Saad Salman Mohamed Saad, 17-Husain Ali Hasan Ali Mohamed, 23-Ebrahim Ali Hasan Meshkhas

Midfielders: 4-Abdulla Bab Fatadi, 7-Hamad Rakea Humood Alanezi, 9-Abdulwahab A Rahman Hedaib Isa Ali Almalood, 10-Mohamed Ahmed Yusuf Salmeen, 12-Faouzi Mubarak Aaish, 13-Mahmood Abdulrahman Mohamed Noor Abdulrahman, 14-Salman Isa Ghuloom Ali, 15-Abdulla Ismaeel Omar, 18-Abdulwahab Ali Abdulwahab Husain Alsafi, 19-Mahmood Merza Mahdi Ahmed Alajmi

Forwards: 8-Jaycee John Okwunwanne, 11-Ismaeel Abdullatif Ismaeel Hasan, 20-Abdulla Adnan Saleh Salman Aldakeel

Coach: Salman Sharida

Ji-Sung Park to retire after Asian Cup

Some of our Indian national team players have told me over the last few months that it would be a dream come true for them to face Manchester United star Ji-Sung Park when India take on South Korea in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. And they should consider themselves lucky then Ji-Sung Park is said to end his international career at the tournament in Qatar next month.

Ji-Sung's father Sung-Jong Park told the AFC website, "Ji-Sung said before the FIFA World Cup in South Africa that the Asian Cup would be his last national tournament. Now, ahead of the Asian Cup, there is no reason for him to change his mind."

The reason behind this decision is relatively simple. The 29 year old Ji-Sung Park plays for one of the biggest clubs in world football and when there are international commitments for South Korea, he has to travel half the world and that upsets his rhytym at the club. And Ji-Sung Park believes that the younger generation of South Korean footballers can take over from him to continue the path taken by the Taegeuk Warriors.

Ji-Sung Park told the AFC website, "When I give way, players like Lee Chung-Yong will appear. They don't have to think I should be there."

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson will surely be a happy man if his South Korean star will not have to fly across to Asia once in a while, especially with Park playing a very strong season for the Red Devils who amongst other achievements scored the winner against FC Arsenal on Monday.

But Park is the captain of the South Koreans and his younger team mates have said that they would like to see him play longer for the Taegeuk Warriors. Maybe it also depends on the South Koreans do at the upcoming Asian Cup.

New Asians in the Bundesliga

A number of young Asian players from Japan, South Korea and China have been signed by different German Bundesliga clubs over the summer. And interestingly all of them before the 2010 FIFA World Cup in which Japan and South Korea showed their talent. But talent from the Far East isn't new to German football as Yasuhiko Okudera from Japan and South Korea's Bum Kun Cha played successfully in Germany in the 1970s and 80s, when professional leagues weren't even talked about in Asia.

Japan star Okudera played from 1977 to 1986 in Germany and won the league plus cup titles with 1.FC Cologne before playing for Hertha BSC Berlin and SV Werder Bremen. Cha was likewise a regular in his teams from 1978 to 1989 playing for SV Darmstadt 98, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Cha would go on to win the German Cup and the UEFA Cup twice. Even today football fans in Germany will remember these two names as they were the first to come and play in the Bundesliga from Asia plus they were also successful at their clubs.

Over the years a number of Japanese, Iranian, Chinese and South Korean players have come to Germany and have had mixed luck here. One of them was Bum Kun Cha's son Du Ri Cha, born in Germany, who left SC Freiburg for Celtic Glasgow this summer after playing the World Cup.

The latest trend of bringing in Asian talent started with current Japan captain Makoto Hasebe (26) who joined VfL Wolfsburg in January 2008. Many thought the defensive midfielder was being signed by then coach Felix Magath as a fringe player, but Hasebe was a key player for Wolfsburg when they won the German Bundesliga title in the 2008/09 season.

But the latest signings have been talented youngsters rather then established players, who all could play regularly for their respective club sides. But none of these players played any part in their national teams success in the World Cup.

First to mention is new Borussia Dortmund signing Shinji Kagawa (21, Japan). Kagawa was signed for 350,000 Euros from Cerezo Osaka. And he could be the real thing for Dortmund as the attacking midfielder can play on the wings as well as a No. 10. And in the pre-season he has been able to impress coach Juergen Klopp, playing an active part in BVB's good performances and even scoring some goals.

Dortmund's bitter rivals down the A40 motorway FC Schalke 04 have also signed two Asians. In January 2010 the royal blues surprisingly signed Junmin Hao (23, China) from Tianjin Teda on a free transfer and now have followed it up by signing Atsuto Uchida (22, Japan) from Kashima Antlers for 1,3 Million Euros. And coach Magath seems to trust Asian talent after having signed Hasebe while coach at Wolfsburg. Uchida is a classic right back with an urge to move forward, who is good in one-on-ones and can cross the ball. Chinese Hao is more of a utility player. He can play on both wings, but also as a back if needed and both players have been part of the starting eleven in pre-season. Magath expects a lot from his players and the same will be the case of Uchida and Hao, but both can also learn a lot from the experienced coach.

Last but not least there is new Hamburger SV teenage sensation Heung-Min Son (18, South Korea). The youngster impressed one and all with his displays in pre-season which reached its peek by scoring the winning 2-1 goal against FC Chelsea in a friendly, but only a minute later Son broke his foot and he will be out for a few weeks. But Son isn't new to Hamburg as he has been playing for the HSV Academy after joining them from FC Seoul's youth team and with his pre-season performances Son had come close to being part of the first team squad. For now he will have to recover and then see when coach Armin Veh gives him another chance.

And Asian talent has also made it into the 2.Bundesliga. The Wayne Rooney of Asia, North Korea's Chong Tese has signed a contract with VfL Bochum to help them regain their spot in the Bundesliga, while Japanese midfielder Takahito Soma, a former Asian Champions League winner, has joined FC Energie Cottbus from Portuguese side CS Marítimo Funchal on a free transfer.

Some might be surprised at the transfer of Tese, but the North Korean is born in Japan and has been playing his professional career at Kawasaki Frontale in the J-League. Tese has been signed by Bochum for 250,000 Euros and they have had good experiences with Asian players, so hope that Tese will score many goals for them.

And I sincerely hope that in the near future we will see an Indian playing in the Bundesliga. I know it won't happen tomorrow, but maybe in three to five years...

2010 World Cup: Has Asia arrived on the world stage?

Asian football has been making huge strides over the last decade and a half, but on the world stage our football still isn't taken seriously. Actually often we within Asia do not see our football on par with the game in the rest of the world with many Asians rather fans of European and especially South American football. But this could change after the good account that Asian teams gave of themselves at the ongoing 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The pick of the four Asian participants have to be Japan and South Korea, who impressed on their way into the pre-quarterfinals. And both sides had chances to make it into the last eight, but the lack of experience at this level plus some luck denied both East Asian sides a place in the quarterfinals. And for Asian football one quarterfinalist would have been good news. But the question remains, has Asia arrived on the world stage?

As a pleasant surprise came the performances of the Asian referee's. Uzbekistan's Ravshan Irmatov and Yuichi Nishimura from Japan were consistent performers amongst match officials from around the world who had numerous blunders to account for over the duration of the World Cup. But we will forget the name of the Saudi referee, who was heavily criticised for his performances.


Here an overview of the four teams performances.

South Korea

The best of the Asian sides on display. The Koreans were known to be physically fit, able to run for 90 minutes and more, but now with more and more South Koreans playing in Europe they have gained in international experience which is helping them as a team. Also the side was ably led by their captain and superstar Ji-Sung Park, but when it mattered against Argentina and Uruguay they couldn't get past the South American opposition. Still South Korea showed promise and hopefully will return stronger in 2014.


Japan

Coach Okada had said before the World Cup that his sides aim would be the semifinals. Many laughed about it, but after their pre-quarterfinal penalty shootout loss against Paraguay many said the Sons from the Land of the Rising Sun could have achieved more. Also Japan have a new star in Keisuke Honda and the CKSA Moscow player was a treat to watch. Normally an attacking midfielder for the national team he played as a striker and scored some crucial goals like the 1-0s against Cameroon and Denmark. As always Japan was well organised, but if they had someone more creative in midfield or a top striker, then they could have worried bigger opponents.


Australia

Their tournament was over before it had even started. Australia were the first victims of the young, talented Germans in a 4-0 defeat. An unlucky draw against Ghana followed where the Aussies played a long time with 10 men and they were the better side after the break, and in the end a 2-1 win against Serbia which wasn't enough to progress from the group. Some stars might retire now and the Socceroos will have to replace them with younger blood, but if the younger generation is ready will have to be seen.


North Korea

They were the surprise qualifiers from Asia and the lowest ranked nation in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. And the players from the communist state where the unknown quantity in the tournament. They held Brazil in their opening game goalless for 55 minutes and then only lost 2-1, which raised many eyebrows. Many hoped for further surprises but the North Koreans would be trashed 7-0 by Portugal and would then lose 0-3 against Ivory Coast. The World Cup was a great experience for the North Koreans, but it was a tournament too big for them.

PQF: Uruguay win, to meet Ghana now

The outsiders meet on the first day of the quarterfinals.

(to be updated after the second game)

Uruguay 2-1 (1-0) South Korea
Goals: 1-0,2-1 Luis Suarez (8',80'), 1-1 Chung-Yong Lee (68').

Uruguay overcame a fighting South Korea 2-1 at the Port Elizabeth Stadium to qualify for their first quarterfinals since the 1970 World Cup.

South Korea had the first chance of the day through a Chu-Young Park free kick in the 5th minute, but it hit the post before Uruguay took the lead in the 8th minute through a Luis Suarez goal. Diego Forlan on the left played the ball across the face of the goal with no defender or keeper Sung-Ryong Jung able to intercept with Suarez there to push the ball in from the far post. But South Korea couldn't play their usual running game, often static in their play not able to break down the Uruguay defence which so far hadn't conceded any goals in the tournament.

After the break things changed. Uruguay did have the first chance through Suarez in the 50th minute, but thereafter in the rain South Korea took control of the match in their quest for the equaliser. Referee Wolfgang Stark denied South Korea a penalty in the 64th minute when Sung-Yong Ki was brought down in the box. But only four minutes later the Asians would equalise. And it came off another dead ball situation. A Chu-Young Park free kick was not cleared properly by Mauricio Victorino with Chung-Yong Lee heading in past Fernando Muslera. South Korea looked on fire thereafter and could have taken the lead, but Uruguay came out of its passive phase and took part again in the game with chances for Suarez and Forlan. After a corner in the 80th minute the ball travelled to Suarez on the other side, who moved inwards and curled a beauty into the goal. But the match wasn't over yet with South Korea getting a last chance in the 87th minute through Dong-Gook Lee, he beat keeper Muslera but captain Diego Lugano cleared for the Celeste.


USA 1-2 (1-2) [1-1 (0-1)] Ghana [in extra time]
Goals: 0-1 Kevin Prince Boateng (5'), 1-1 Landon Donovan (62', penalty), 1-2 Asamoah Gyan (93').

Ghana remain the only African side in the tournament with an extra time 2-1 with against the USA at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

Ghana had the perfect start as they went ahead in the 5th minute. The US' Ricardo Clark lost the ball in midfield which was picked by Kevin Prince Boateng and the Ghanian midfielder went all the way with the ball before blasting it into the US net past keeper Tim Howard, who hadn't had the short corner covered. Ghana had more of the ball thereafter as the USA looked clueless on what to do to get the equaliser, but the Africans didn't push hard enough for a second goal though having chances through Boateng and Asamoah Gyan. The USA had their best chance of the half through Robbie Findley, but his shot couldn't beat Richard Kingson in the Ghana goal.

After the break the USA came to the party and started to play football looking for the equaliser while Ghana fell back under their pressure. And then the USA were awarded a penalty when Clint Dempsey was brought down by Jonathan Mensah. Landon Donovan scored of the resultant penalty in the 62nd minute to give the USA a deserving draw. And thereafter the Americans looked to be heading for a win, but the necessary goal didn't come their way. First Michael Bradley, then Jose Altidore missed good chances. It ended one-all and for the first time extra time was needed in this tournament to find a winner.

And at the start of extra time Ghana once more took an early lead. In the 93rd minute Asamoah Gyan was able to beat of the challenge from Carlos Bocanegra and Jay de Mit and shot the ball into the net over the head of Tim Howard. Once more the USA had to get an equaliser to take this game into penalties, but it wasn't to be as they looked tired towards the end and Ghana was able to defend their goal.

Group B: Argentina top, South Korea move on

Argentina are somewhat through from Group B, but who would join them in the knockout stages, will it be South Korea, Greece or can Nigeria spring a surprise.

(matches to kick off simultaneously)

Nigeria 2-2 (1-1) South Korea
Goals: 1:0 Kalu Uche (12'), 1-1 Jung-Soo Lee (38'), 1-2 Chu-Young Park (49'), 2-2 Yakubu Ayegbeni (69', penalty).

In a thrilling game at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban South Korea and Nigeria played out a two-all draw which resulted in the Asians moving on into the knockout stage as Greece was beaten in the other match.

But until the end anything was possible in an open game. After some exchanges Nigeria took the lead through a Kalu Uche goal in the 12th minute. Nigeria could have doubled their lead in the 36th minute when Uche's shot hit the post, but only two minutes later South Korea equalised. Once more defender Jung-Soo Lee scored of a free kick to give the Koreans a deserving draw at half time.

After the break South Korea took the lead through another dead ball situation. Chu-Young Park's free kick in the 49th minute beat the wall and surprised keeper Vincent Enyemea who had moved a step into the middle. Nigeria seemed shocked after losing their lead, but came back strong towards the end of the game. First Yakubu Ayegbeni missed a chance to score into an empty net, but he made amends a few minutes later by scoring of a penalty. Towards the end it was an even more open game with both sides looking for the winner. Nigeria had the best chance through Obafemi Martins, but the striker put the ball wide. In the end the South Koreans would celebrate their second place in the group, which earns them a pre-quarterfinal match against Uruguay.


Greece 0-2 (0-0) Argentina
Goals: 0-1 Martin Demichelis (77'), 0-2 Martin Palermo (89').

Argentina ended their Group B campaign with a 2-0 win against Greece at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. It meant Argentina have won all their three group matches, while the Greeks travel home.

Argentina coach Diego Armando Maradona left out some of his regular first eleven players to give some of the bench players playing time ahead of likelier tougher assignments in the knockout stages. Greece meanwhile new that they had to better South Korea's result to have any chance of moving on, but their defensive tactics wouldn't help in their quest.

Argentina were in control from the start with Greece having the odd chance in-between. The Greeks were able to hold the Argentinians to a goalless draw until the 77th minute when defender Martin Demichelis on his second attempt blasted the ball in. Greece was beaten and substitute Martin Palermo would be there to double the score a minute from time after Lionel Messi's attempt it blocked by the Greek keeper Alexandros Tzorvas.

Group B: Higuain wins it for Gauchos, Greece make history

Group B entered a decisive day with the winner of Argentina vs South Korea likely through while the loser in Greece vs Nigeria can plan their trip home.

(to be updated after the second game)

Greece 2-1 (1-1) Nigeria
Goals: 0-1 Kalu Uche (16'), 1-1 Dimitrios Salpingidis (44'), 2-1 Vassilis Torosidis (71').

It was a do or die match for both sides and they gave it everything they could to win this crucial tie. In the end Greece beat Nigeria 2-1 at the Free State Stadium and in the process scored their first ever World Cup goal and win.

It was a fast paced encounter, but with many mistakes on both sides. Nigeria took the lead in the 16th minute through a Kalu Uche free kick from the left which is wrongly judged by keeper Alexandros Tsorvas and with no contact flies into the Greek goal. Nigeria thereafter dictate the match, but don't get any further chances. They weaken themselves in the 33th minute after Sani Kaita hits out at Vassilis Torosidis and for this he gets a straight red card. Greece coach Otto Rehagel realises the chance and brings on Samara to strengthen his attack and thereafter Greece suddenly are the more dangerous side, but they miss numerous chances before they score in the 44th minute through a Dimitrios Salpingidis shot from outside the box.

Greece come out stronger after the break, but around the hour mark both sides go into attack looking for the winner, but Nigeria were hampered by the fact of being a man down. And Greece scored the winner in the 71st minute. Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama could only block a Alexandros Tziolis shot and Vassilis Torosidis is there to score of the rebound. Nigeria is beaten as they thereafter look to tired with a man down to get back into the game, while Greece has chances to score more.


Argentina 4-1 (2-1) South Korea
Goals: 1-0 Chu-Young Park (16', own goal), 2-0,3-1,4-1 Gonzalo Higuain (33',76',80'), 2-1 Chung-Yong Lee (45+1').

Argentina overcame a rather weak South Korea 4-1 in their second Group B match at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.

Argentina controlled the affair in the first session as South Korea couldn't play as well as against Greece as they seemed to have too much respect against their much more famed opponents. Initially Argentina played around the ball a lot, but chances were not coming their way. In the 16th minute Carlos Tevez earned them a free kick on the left close to the corner flag and the resultant Lionel Messi free kick went in off the shin of Chu-Young Park with no chance to the South Korean keeper Sung-Ryong Jung. South Korea didn't looked shocked as only a couple of minutes later a Sung-Yeong Ki shot just goes over the crossbar. But Argentina remained in charge and doubled their lead in the 33th minute when a Maxi Rodriguez free kick is headed on by Nicolas Burdisso to Gonzalo Higuain and the Real Madrid striker heads in, but the goal shouldn't have been given as he was offside. South Korea were now shocked and Argentina could have further enhanced their lead. First an Angel di Maria shot is parried away by Sung-Ryong Jung, before a brilliant Messi effort just misses the target. While everyone was ready for the break the South Koreans reduced the deficit as Martin Demichilis isn't careful on a back pass to him, Chung-Yong Lee steals the ball from him and chips it over Sergio Romero into the goal. Suddenly the Koreans were back in the game.

After the break Argentina continue were they left off, but after the first ten minutes the Koreans get back into the game. And Ki-Hun Yeon could have equalised in the 58th minute when his shot just misses the target. The game is now more open as the Koreans seem to believe that they have a chance here, but their defence would let them down. On a counter attack in the 76th minute they would concede a third. Messi combines with substitute Sergio Aguero and places the ball onto the post and Higuain scores of the rebound, but once again the Real Madrid striker scores from an offside position. The Argentinians sealed the win in the 80th minute when Aguero gets the ball to Higuain who scores his third of the afternoon. Aguero could have made it five before full time, while on the other side Korea star Ji-Sung Park tests Romero. In the end it is a deserving 4-1 win.

2010 World Cup: Asia is here

Four of the 32 participating nations are from Asia in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. And the continent is looking to gain more recognition on the international football stage. The Asian Football Confederation is fighting for more placed for Asian teams in future World Cup's, so our Asian representatives need to get as far as possible. First of all an Asian side needs to qualify for the pre-quarterfinals, which the Australians achieved last time around.

South Korea have been one of the strongest performing sides in the first round. And this has to be one of the positive surprises of the World Cup so far. The Koreans fluid 2-0 win against Greece was convincing and if the Koreans can maintain their game then they could be a real surprise. But they next face Argentina, which would show in what direction the tournament could take for them.

Japan beat Cameroon in an unconvincing game, but earned their first ever opening match win. Coach Okada had said before the tournament that he wants to reach the semifinals, but that is surely not a realistic goal. Surviving the group stage would be a great achievement for the men in blue.

Australia were a big disappointment. Losing 0-4 against Germany is something which can happen, but the way it happened the other night was unacceptable. The Germans just ran over the Aussies, who didn't seem to realise what hit them. One would at least have expected them to give the Germans a fight, but the team looked old and the longer the match lasted also tired.

North Korea, the surprise qualifier from Asia, gave a good account of themselves in their opening match against Brazil. The Asian minnows held the record world champions goalless for 55 minutes and wasn't it for a fluke goal from Maicon maybe even more would have been possible. Surely the Brazilians were the better and stronger side, but the North Koreans were resilient and looked to be fighting for their lives. And in the end they scored a consolation goal, which will surely boast their moral ahead of the tough assignments against Portugal and Ivory Coast.

Asia has left a first mark now the teams need to ensure it becomes more. Asian football needs it...

Group B: South Korea impress, Argentina win

In the opening day in Group B South Korea scored a convincing 2-0 win against Greece, while Argentina scored a lone goal victory against Nigeria.

(to be updated after the second game)

Argentina 1-0 (1-0) Nigeria
Goals: 1-0 Gabriel Heinze (6').

Argentina scored an unconvincing lone goal victory against Nigeria in a match which the Albiceleste could have won by a bigger margin, but the Nigerians could have also done some damage had their finishing been better.

Argentina made their intentions clear from the onset with early chances for Gonzalo Higuain and Lionel Messi, and they took an early 6th minute lead as Gabriel Heinze headed in a Juan Veron corner. But it wasn't one way traffic though Argentina was the better side on display. Nigeria had their moments as the Africans did combine well, but their shots were wayward especially Chinedu Obasi whose three good chances went wide of the goal. After around 25 minutes the Argentinians took the tempo out of the match, more intend on ball control making the Nigerians run. The world's currently best player Messi had his moments in the first half as he his two attempted shots were brilliantly cleared by the Nigerian keeper Vincent Enyeama. But the 1-0 lead for the Albiceleste is a dangerous one, then such a result just isn't enough to sleep easy.

The match made a slow start into the second half, but then Nigerian coach Lars Lagerbeck made some changes in his attack around the hour mark and Nigeria looked to get better into the game putting some pressure on the Argentinians, still their finishing was not up to the mark. On the other side with Nigeria having to do more for their attack it gave space to Argentina who had two good chances around the 65th minute first a Messi shot which went wide and then a Higuain shot which was blocked by an alert Enyeama. Nigeria had their best chance up to that point in the 70th minute when a shot from left back Taye Taiwo just about missed the goal. Towards the end it was an open game with chances on both sides. First Messi missed a sitter for Argentina, while Kalu Uche had a chance on the other side but put it once more over the Argentinian goal as did Aiyegbeni Yakubu a few minutes later. In the end Nigeria looked tired and didn't test the South Americans any more.


South Korea 2-0 (1-0) Greece
Goals: 1-0 Jung-Soo Lee (7'), 2-0 Ji-Sung Park (52').

South Korea score a convincing 2-0 opening win against Greece in Group B at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. But the Asians will need to confirm today's performance to have a chance against Nigeria and Argentina. For Otto Rehagel's Greece sadly played old fashion football and they were punished for this.

It was a strong performance by the South Koreans in the first half against a Greece who seemed surprised by their Asian opponents. South Korea have been known as a team to run miles during matches, but now they seem capable of combing well too, but only the last pass was often missing.

The Koreans took the lead through defender Jung-Soo Lee in the 7th minute when he scored of a freekick from nearly the corner spot as Angelos Charisteas didn't mark his man. South Korea were unlucky as a couple of decisions by the referee went against them, once a penalty wasn't given, while on another occasion Ji-Sung Park was through but a foul called against him.

And Korea continued where they left off before the break. Their captain and Manchester United star Ji-Sung Park doubled the lead in the 52nd minute after a blunder from Loukas Vyntra, which enabled Park to break free on the left and score past the Greek keeper Alexandros Tzorvas. After the hour South Korea looked willing to waste less energy, but the teams also looked to slow down giving the Greeks some space and chances to combine. Greece had their best chance in the 81st minute through Bundesliga striker Theofanis Gekas, who turns and shoots goal wards, but is palmed away by the Korean keeper Sung-Ryong Jung. And in the 86th minute Korea could have added a third as Chu-Young Park once more beat Loukas Vyntra, but is blocked still Chung-Yong Lee gets a shot on target which Tzorvas can clear for a corner.

India's tough continental comeback

India's return to the continental stage will be tough as the Indian national team has been drawn in Group C along with South Korea, Australia and Bahrain.

The draw for the final round of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup was held on Friday, April 23 at the impressive Aspire Dome in Doha, Qatar. The 16 teams who will take part were drawn in four groups of four teams each.

The 15th edition of the continental championships will be played from January 7 to 29, 2011. The schedule of matches will be announced on April 26.

India returns to the continental stage after a gap of 27 years. India last played in the 1984 Asian Cup in Singapore, but had then finished last in their group behind China, Iran, United Arab Emirates and Singapore.

India will face two World Cup playing sides in South Korea and Australia, who will be seen in action this summer, while Bahrain only missed out being in South Africa due a playoff loss to New Zealand.

One can also have a look at the latest Asian rankings. Australia are the number 1 team, South Korea are third, while Bahrain sixth and India are 22nd amongst 46 ranked nations.

Out of the four groups, Group C looks the toughest with onlookers expecting India to play no role at all in this group. And maybe this is India's chance to cause the one or the other upset.

For the further development of the game in India a good result in Qatar is crucial, but an impossible ask for captain Baichung Bhutia and his team. But losing all three matches, even by big margins will hamper the progress of the beautiful game in India.

Still home advantage away from home could help India. With many migrant workers in Qatar and neighbouring Gulf States India could be the second best supported side in the tournament, while a number of Indian football fans plan to travel to Qatar. And the two Nehru Cup victories plus the AFC Challenge Cup title have shown that the team can perform under pressure, but this type of competition will be much tougher then in the recent past.

Indian national coach Bob Houghton had said before the draw that India would have to face tough competition due to being the lowest ranked team in the competition, but he would have hoped for something a little easier.

"Australia and Korea are two teams any coach would want to avoid being drawn alongside his team. The ranking itself speaks about the difference in standards. Bahrain also are good. Still we'll try to put up the best effort," Houghton said after the draw.

Team India players after the draw have all said that it is a tough draw but the matches would have to be played first and they would give everything to get a positive result.

India's preparations for the tournament will continue in July with the national team staying together until the Asian Cup in January 2011.

Coach Bob Houghton will be taking the team to Portugal in July/August for a preparatory camp and exposure trip before continuing to prepare the team in India and the Gulf. Numerous friendly games are being planed to prepare the team for the tough tasks ahead.

With the groups now out, India will be looking to play friendly games against higher ranked Asian sides in the coming months. Matches against Bryan Robson coached Thailand are planed for September 4 and 8.


The Groups

Group A: Qatar, Kuwait, China, Uzbekistan

Group B: Saudi Arabia, Japan, Jordan, Syria

Group C: Korea Republic, India, Australia, Bahrain

Group D: Iraq, North Korea, United Arab Emirates, Iran