Asia's World Cup cast set to test themselves
Kuala Lumpur: Asia's hopefuls will all be in action over the next few days as they continue preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia.
Iran v Panama
Asia's top-ranked team Islamic Republic of Iran will be looking to maintain their good run of form when they take on Panama in a friendly later on Thursday.
Iran had an impressive FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign, finishing top of their group above Korea Republic with nine clean sheets in the process.
Team Melli will rely on their rock solid defence against Panama in Austria and given their current form, Carlos Queiroz’s charges should walk away the win.
Korea Republic v Colombia
Korea Republic will be aiming to put an end to their six-game winless streak when they face Colombia at the Suwon World Cup Stadium on Friday.
The Taegeuk Warriors are through to their ninth consecutive FIFA World Cup but will be hoping to shrug off their recent indifferent form, having lost to Russia (4-2) and Morocco (3-1) in friendly matches played in October.
Head coach Shin Tae-yong has made 13 changes to the squad for the friendlies against Colombia and Serbia on Tuesday.
Sagan Tosu’s Jung Seung-hyun could make his senior debut.
There are more new faces in the middle.
Lee Chang-min was selected again and is expected to debut at an A match. Ju Se-jong and Lee Myung-joo, midfielders from FC Seoul, could also make their debuts.
Japan v Brazil
Japan will face Brazil at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille in what is expected to be one of the most entertaining matches of Friday’s international friendlies.
Coach Vahid Halilhodzic is optimistic of their chances against Brazil despite the Blue Samurai having only managed two draws in 11 previous encounters against the five-time world champions.
“Brazil are so inspirational for all the players in the world,” said Halilhodzic
“They are arguably the best team in the world. It’s a great experience for us to improve ourselves and it will tell us where we stand just ahead of the World Cup.”
“I am happy that it is held in Lille, because the city has the club that I used to coach and I still have many friends there,” he added.
Japan will take on Belgium on Tuesday.
Portugal v Saudi Arabia
Fresh from their 2-0 victory over Latvia on Wednesday, Saudi Arabia’s focus will be on Portugal on Friday.
Edgardo Bauza’s men did well to beat the odds and qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2018 and European champions Portugal are just the opposition they need in the buildup to next summer's challenge in Russia.
Saudi Arabia will face Bulgaria in Lison on Monday.
Photos: Japan Football Association, AFC, AFP
Source: the-afc.com
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