Uzbekistan had tough draw in AFC Final Round Qualifying for Beijing Olympic Games
16 June 2007 08:10
The draw for the AFC Final Round Qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games has been made with Uzbekistan, handed a tough outing in Group B against the likes of Korea Republic, Bahrain, Syria.
Group A saw 2004 Olympics fourth-place finishers Iraq grouped with DPR Korea, Lebanon and Australia, while in Group B, Korea Republic will have Bahrain, Syria and Uzbekistan for company, UzA reported.
Twelve teams came out of the pots today at the AFC House here and were split into three groups of four each for the final round which will run through August 22 till November 21, with only the group toppers representing Asia at the Beijing Olympic Games next year. Hosts China qualify automatically.
Group B is also perhaps the most well balanced of the three groups with Group E toppers Iraq and runners-up DPR Korea, and Asian newcomers Australia all in with a chance. The Australians were pushed hard in Group D but eventually managed to book their berth.
Iraq have the most impeccable pedigree of this lot, having finished fourth in the 2004 Olympics after losing to Italy 1-0 in the bronze medal playoff. Iraq had defeated Australia 1-0 in the semifinals then.
Groups
Group A - Iraq, DPR Korea, Lebanon, Australia
Group B - Korea Republic, Bahrain, Syria, Uzbekistan
Group C- Japan, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Qatar
Match dates for AFC Final Round Qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympic are 22nd August,
8th September, 12th September, 17th October, 17th November, 21st November.
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