By Paul Nicholson
June 7 – It is a huge night of Asian Qualifier action for both the Qatar 2022 World Cup and Asian Cup 2023 with potentially two of the eight qualifying groups being decided tonight.
In Group A, that was moved to Sharjah in the UAE from China at short notice last week, Syria are on course to maintain their eight point lead over China if they complete their win over Guam (they currently lead 2-0). China have a game in hand with three to play. Assuming they win their outstanding matches the final group game against Syria could be a winner takes all match-up.
In Group B Australia could confirm their qualification to the next round if they beat Chinese Taipei. That would put them eight points ahead of Kuwait with two matches to play though Jordan will keep the gap to five points if they beat Nepal.
Group C could likely see a new leader by the end of the night. Iraq will take the lead of the group by two points over Bahrain if they complete a win against Cambodia (currently 1-0 up). Bahrain face Iran in a game which would see the Iranians draw level on points if they win. Iran and Iraq face each other on Friday.
Group D is clearer cut with hosts Saudi Arabia needing a win over Singapore tonight to guarantee their qualification with a game to play.
In Group G, Vietnam will reinforce their position at the top of the group with a win over bottom placed Indonesia. They lead the UAE by two points but the two countroes face each other in the final group match on June 15.
In Group H, Korea and Lebanon are level on points with the group likely to be decided when these they face each other June 13.
Japan and Qatar head groups E and F and have already qualified as group winners, though Oman, in second place behind Qatar, will go to the next round of World Cup 2022 qualifying as Qatar are already pre-qualified as hosts.
Only the eight group winners are guaranteed to the next round of Qatar 2022 qualifying, plus the four best second place teams. They will then split into two groups of six for final qualifying. The same 12 teams qualify automatically for the China 2023 Asian Cup.
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