Kuala Lumpur: Following a dramatic opening round of games, Asia's final twelve teams are set to go again on Tuesday as they look to edge ever closer to a spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Group A
Upcoming Matches (September 6)
China v Iran (Shenyang Olympic Stadium, Shenyang)
FULL MATCH PREVIEW
Table-topping Iran will travel to Shenyang for what has the potential to be a tricky encounter against a Chinese side who came from three goals down to lose 3-2 to Korea Republic on Matchday One. Iran will, however, no doubt be boosted by their last gasp win over Qatar on the same day - late goals from Reza Ghoochannejhad and Alireza Jahanbaksh securing a 2-0 win.
China v Iran (Shenyang Olympic Stadium, Shenyang)
FULL MATCH PREVIEW
Table-topping Iran will travel to Shenyang for what has the potential to be a tricky encounter against a Chinese side who came from three goals down to lose 3-2 to Korea Republic on Matchday One. Iran will, however, no doubt be boosted by their last gasp win over Qatar on the same day - late goals from Reza Ghoochannejhad and Alireza Jahanbaksh securing a 2-0 win.
Syria v Korea Republic (Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi, Malaysia)
FULL MATCH PREVIEW
Malaysia is the venue for a Syria versus Korea Republic clash that will see the Taeguk Warriors looking to build on their opening Matchday success against China. The Taeguk Warriors haven’t missed a World Cup for over thirty years, and have appeared in eight successive tournaments since 1986. Syria, meanwhile, will be eager to make amends for a 1-0 loss in Uzbekistan as they seek to regain the fine form they displayed during the the first qualifying Group Stage.
FULL MATCH PREVIEW
Malaysia is the venue for a Syria versus Korea Republic clash that will see the Taeguk Warriors looking to build on their opening Matchday success against China. The Taeguk Warriors haven’t missed a World Cup for over thirty years, and have appeared in eight successive tournaments since 1986. Syria, meanwhile, will be eager to make amends for a 1-0 loss in Uzbekistan as they seek to regain the fine form they displayed during the the first qualifying Group Stage.
Qatar v Uzbekistan (Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha)
FULL MATCH PREVIEW
Rooted as they are to the foot of an embryonic Group A table, Qatar will be determined to register their first points in the final stage of qualifying for Russia 2018. Having lost 2-0 away in Tehran on Matchday One, Qatar will no doubt be hoping that home advantage can play a part against their opponents from Uzbekistan. The Uzbeks, by way of contrast, arrive in Doha with three points to their name thanks to Alexandr Geynrikh's winner against Syria. The White Wolves narrowly missed out on qualifying for their first ever FIFA World Cup four years ago.
FULL MATCH PREVIEW
Rooted as they are to the foot of an embryonic Group A table, Qatar will be determined to register their first points in the final stage of qualifying for Russia 2018. Having lost 2-0 away in Tehran on Matchday One, Qatar will no doubt be hoping that home advantage can play a part against their opponents from Uzbekistan. The Uzbeks, by way of contrast, arrive in Doha with three points to their name thanks to Alexandr Geynrikh's winner against Syria. The White Wolves narrowly missed out on qualifying for their first ever FIFA World Cup four years ago.
Group B
Upcoming Matches (September 6)
United Arab Emirates v Australia (Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi)
FULL MATCH PREVIEW
Having sensationally beaten Japan on Matchday One, the UAE are on the hunt for three more points when they entertain 2015 AFC Asian Cup champions Australia. Reigning AFC Player of the Year Ahmed Khalil looks set to be key again for Mahdi Ali's side after his brace helped secure the win in Saitama. Australia, meanwhile, overcame Iraq 2-0 to seal their first win of the final qualifying round and travel to Abu Dhabi knowing that avoiding defeat against the UAE would provide a major boost to their hopes of reaching Russia 2018.
United Arab Emirates v Australia (Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi)
FULL MATCH PREVIEW
Having sensationally beaten Japan on Matchday One, the UAE are on the hunt for three more points when they entertain 2015 AFC Asian Cup champions Australia. Reigning AFC Player of the Year Ahmed Khalil looks set to be key again for Mahdi Ali's side after his brace helped secure the win in Saitama. Australia, meanwhile, overcame Iraq 2-0 to seal their first win of the final qualifying round and travel to Abu Dhabi knowing that avoiding defeat against the UAE would provide a major boost to their hopes of reaching Russia 2018.
Iraq v Saudi Arabia (Shah Alam Stadium, Shah Alam, Malaysia)
FULL MATCH PREVIEW
Malaysia provides the backdrop for an encounter between two teams who enjoyed contrasting fortunes on Matchday One. Goals from Australia's Massimo Luongo and Tomi Juric proved the undoing of Iraq who are out to make amends against their regional rivals. With three points already on the board thanks to a 1-0 win over Thailand, Saudi Arabia could press home their early advantage with a win at the Shah Alam Stadium. Once regular qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia missed out of South Africa 2010 and were eliminated in the first Group Stage of qualifying four years later.
FULL MATCH PREVIEW
Malaysia provides the backdrop for an encounter between two teams who enjoyed contrasting fortunes on Matchday One. Goals from Australia's Massimo Luongo and Tomi Juric proved the undoing of Iraq who are out to make amends against their regional rivals. With three points already on the board thanks to a 1-0 win over Thailand, Saudi Arabia could press home their early advantage with a win at the Shah Alam Stadium. Once regular qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia missed out of South Africa 2010 and were eliminated in the first Group Stage of qualifying four years later.
Thailand v Japan (Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok)
FULL MATCH PREVIEW
After being beaten at home by the UAE, a tricky away trip to Bangkok looks set to test Japanese resolve yet again. The Samurai Blue will be acutely aware that a win in Thailand is almost a must, if they are to retain hopes of qualifying for a sixth successive World Cup. Thailand, on the other hand, approach the fixture buoyed by a superb performance in Riyadh where they garnered plaudits galore despite an eventual 1-0 loss. A passionate Thai crowd could well prove to be the host nation's twelth man.
FULL MATCH PREVIEW
After being beaten at home by the UAE, a tricky away trip to Bangkok looks set to test Japanese resolve yet again. The Samurai Blue will be acutely aware that a win in Thailand is almost a must, if they are to retain hopes of qualifying for a sixth successive World Cup. Thailand, on the other hand, approach the fixture buoyed by a superb performance in Riyadh where they garnered plaudits galore despite an eventual 1-0 loss. A passionate Thai crowd could well prove to be the host nation's twelth man.
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