With 2 games played, how do you rank the teams so far?!

[Kiarash]

Please not South Korea again, I'd rather have Germany in the Semi-Finals if that was possible in the Asian Cup...

[Sharkie]

I don't know why people are putting hype of Australia. Aside from Cahill, Australia is above-average at best. Their defense is weak as Kuwait scored against them. The only thing they have going for them is that they're playing at home.


1. Iran
1a. Japan
2. Australia
3. Uzbekistan
4. South Korea
5. UAE

[greatpersian]

lol at people who overrated Australia just by beating two weak Arabs.

[Bi-honar]

Well, we said Australia should be judged after they've played a decent opposition like S. Korea. What you guys think now?

[DireStraits]

Behrou jan now I think they are out. They can't win Chine and Japan both.

[Bi-honar]

North Korea is more than just happy to be in the tournament!
They were once an Asian Powerhouse, and before their neighbours S Korea, reached the semis at WC 2002, North Korea was the only Asian team, whoever reached the quarters at WC 1966!!!! they have a history!
Also not till late, they were always a candidate to qualify for world cups!
So, I dont accept the ranking: North Korea happy to be here!

Adessor jaan, you do know N. Korea's already eliminated from the tournament with just two games played, right? Two straight losses against 2nd and 3rd tier teams with 2.5 goals / game against and a third loss against China all but guaranteed.

I fail to see the relevance of what they did 50 years ago or even 5 years ago or who their neighbor is. They weren't even good enough to be included in the regular qualification for this tournament and took the same path Palestine did. But more importantly, what have they shown in this tournament?

[Bi-honar]

Behrou jan now I think they are out. They can't win Chine and Japan both.

I think so to Saeed joon. And if they do manage to dig themselves out of this BIG hole, they'll be exhausted and most likely short staffed (yellow cards) by the time they get to the final.

We just need to make sure we don't end up in the bottom bracket now, otherwise Korea's all but guarantee to be in the final, if not win the tournament!!!

[Damavand]

Korea did themselves and US a great favor by topping their group. Now If we top our group not only do we avoid Japan in the QF and the Aussies in semi but we will have the luxury of facing either Aussies or Japan on our road to the final. Not Both.

[Adesor Vafaseya]

Adessor jaan, you do know N. Korea's already eliminated from the tournament with just two games played, right? Two straight losses against 2nd and 3rd tier teams with 2.5 goals / game against and a third loss against China all but guaranteed.

I fail to see the relevance of what they did 50 years ago or even 5 years ago or who their neighbor is. They weren't even good enough to be included in the regular qualification for this tournament and took the same path Palestine did. But more importantly, what have they shown in this tournament?

Yes! But it doesnt mean they were happy to be here!
And it not just the last 50 years, but they have been consistantly strong!

its like saying Italy, england, Spain (who were all eliminated at group stage) were just happy to be at the world cup!?!

in case of North Korea, they wanted more than just participate at Asian Cup, but failled to do so, it doesnt mean "they were happy to be here"
For me they are not a low ranked tier team in Asia, I rate them much more higher!


likewise, i rate Italy and Spain higher than Iran, although all were eliminated at group stage!



i dont want to argue with your logic, I am fine with the way you think. And dont mind, if you dont see my point! thats just my oppinion. and dont want to argue over such rankings, cause for me rankings are meaningless in general, not only here!

[Oz1]

Yes! But it doesnt mean they were happy to be here!
And it not just the last 50 years, but they have been consistantly strong!

its like saying Italy, england, Spain (who were all eliminated at group stage) were just happy to be at the world cup!?!

in case of North Korea, they wanted more than just participate at Asian Cup, but failled to do so, it doesnt mean "they were happy to be here"
For me they are not a low ranked tier team in Asia, I rate them much more higher!


likewise, i rate Italy and Spain higher than Iran, although all were eliminated at group stage!



i dont want to argue with your logic, I am fine with the way you think. And dont mind, if you dont see my point! thats just my oppinion. and dont want to argue over such rankings, cause for me rankings are meaningless in general, not only here!

North Korea has an upper limit to what they can achieve due their political situation. You cant progress when you aren't part of the international community to be able to expose yourself to other ideas to take on board and possibly improve to your benefit. National football Teams performances and development mirror the political situation of ones country its almost remarkable in this respect.

[TheBoss]

Let's not forget Australia, Japan and South Korea have all just defeat two terrible arab teams each, it's too soon to call them fav. Iran on the other hand is ranked first in asia and has played two games against the best teams from arab countries and has won both. sure there are areas we can improve but let's not doubt ourselves.

[parisian homie]

To be short Iran's performance hasn't been great, but it's good enough to have won the two games without much drama. It really is reassuring not to concede goals, I think that pull lots of pressure out from players.

Australia, Japan and Iran are favorites but it seems almost any team can beat any other (except whichever Iraq/Jordan will make it to the quarters). But China is much able to beat Australia, and so is Uzb/KSA to beat SK...

Also, I believe that even if Iran is not impressive at all (at least offensively), they're pretty much the most difficult team to play and I believe no one would like to face us at the moment because they know they'll face a hard time scoring. However, if one succeeds in scoring against us and we have to trail for the score, we'll be the ones facing very very hard times!

[04041374]

With 2 games played, how do you rank the teams so far?!

Our road to the final

As group winners

QF vs. Iraq/Jordan
SF vs. Korea (Saudi/Uzb)
Final vs. Japan/Australia (or China/UAE)

As runners-up

QF vs. Japan
SF vs. Australia/China
Final vs. Korea (UAE/Saudi/Uzb/Iraq/Jordan)

[yashar_fasihnia]

i think japan and australia are clear favorites with korea and iran capable of stopping them. UAE are the dark horses.

rest are just filling up the numbers

[PSGman#19]

I feel China will be near the final this time. 14 wins (or 14 games unbeaten) in a row.