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FIFA WC 2018: Know About Asian Countries and their Key Players

FIFA WC 2018: Know About Asian Countries and their Key Players

Five Asian teams – South Korea, Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Australia will once again try to brighten their luck in the FIFA World Cup tournament 2018. Indonesia was the first Asian team in 1938, who had played into the FIFA World Cup. After this, so many Asian teams entered the tournament, but could not reach the finale. Only South Korea has reached the semi-finals in 2002. In Russia, the FIFA World Cup tournament is being started from June 14 today and these five Asian teams are included in the best groups. In such a case, it can be difficult for anyone to reach the last 16 round for them.

Saudi Arabia

Currently ranked 67th Team Saudi Arabia is in Group-A along with host Russia (World number -66), Egypt (World number-46) and Uruguay (World number -17). They showed their most spectacular performance in 1994 World Cup when they seized their place to the knockout round. On June 14, the team will start their campaign against the host Russia. It will be interesting to see where the team can reach out under the guidance of new coach Juan Antonio Pizzi.

Australia

Australian team qualified for FIFA World Cup 2018 by defeating Syria and Honduras in the playoffs. Australia is 40th in the FIFA world rankings, and are consisted in Group C with companies such as Denmark (World Number-12), France (World No. -7) and Peru (World Number-11). In 2006, Australia had reached in the final-16 round. After this, in 2010 and 2014, it was eliminated in the league games. This time it is expected, that they could reach into the quarter-finals under the direction of New coach Bert van Marwijk, but for this, they have to defeat Peru, Denmark, and France. Their first encounter will be against France on June 16.

Iran

Iran, considered to be Asia’s strongest team, easily qualifies for the FIFA World Cup, but in Group-B team have to face strong opponents like Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. In such a case, it could be difficult for them to reach in the last 16 round. However, In friendly matches, they have defeated teams such as Algeria, Uzbeki, tan and Lithuania, but in World Cup, they need to cross the obstacle of group-level matches. Iran could defeat Morocco, but to defeat Portugal and Spain It will not be easy for them.

Japan

The powerhouse of Asian football, Team Japan has recently handed over the responsibility of the chief coach to Waheed Halilodic. In such a situation, they would like to change history with the coach. This team, popularly known as Blue Samurai, has not moved yet beyond the last -16 round. For team Japan, it is their sixth world cup. Japan, ranked 60th in the FIFA ranking, has been managed in Group-H with World No. 16 Columbia, World Number-10 Poland, and World Number-28 Senegal. Japan has to play their first game against Colombia on June 19.

South Korea

The most memorable year in the World Cup for the South Korean team, known as Teguk Warriors, was 2002 when they were enters to the semi-finals. He has been listed in Group-F with World No. 1 and defending champions Germany, World Number-15 Mexico, and World Number-23 Sweden. South Korea will play their must-win game against Sweden and Mexico. On June 18, they will start their world Cup campaign against Sweden.

 

 

About the author

Abhishek Lohia

Abhishek Lohia was a Sports and Political Writer working for Newsfolo and is no longer associated with the organization.

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