July 18, 2007	Wednesday	Rajab 02, 1428

BANGKOK, July 17: Seven countries are still in contention for the four remaining quarter-final spots heading into Wednesday’s final round of Asian Cup group matches. Australia, Japan, Iraq and Vietnam have already booked their places in the knockout rounds but the race for the other four places is wide open.

All four teams in Group D – Indonesia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain – have a chance of going through while China, Iran and Uzbekistan are battling for the two available places in Group C.

Malaysia, who have lost their two opening games, are the only team already out of the running.

China, Iran and Saudi Arabia only need a point from their final games to be assured of going through while Bahrain and Indonesia could also advance with a draw.

However, South Korea and Uzbekistan both need to win their final games to continue.

Iran appear to have the easiest path to the quarters with their final match against co-hosts Malaysia, who have conceded 10 goals in their two matches.

The former three-time champions came from behind to beat Uzbekistan 2-1 then drew 2-2 with China but will be hoping for a big win over Malaysia to improve their goal difference and boost their chances of winning the group and staying in Kuala Lumpur.

China lead the Group C standings on account of their 5-1 win over Malaysia but face a tricky final match against Uzbekistan, who rebounded from their loss to Iran to thrash Malaysia 5-0, and would leapfrog China if they won.

The Chinese, runners-up three years ago, will be without their suspended skipper Zheng Zhi and central defender Li Weifeng, but are still confident of getting the point they need to progress.

“We didn’t win our last match but I think that we are playing better and better each game and I expect that in our next game, we will play even better than before,” China coach Zhu Guanghu told reporters.

Saudi Arabia lead the Group D standings with four points yet could still miss out if they lose their final match against Bahrain in Palembang while South Korea, one of the pre-tournament favourites, will be relying on other results to stay in the competition.

They need to beat co-hosts Indonesia in Jakarta and hope that Saudi Arabia do not draw with Bahrain.—Reuters