Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed Bin Hammam is tipping at least two teams from the region to make the World Cup round of 16
The Qatari did not say which teams he favoured, but was upbeat about their chances.
“Our best wishes for a successful competition go to Asia’s four representatives. Our hearts will follow their performances as they fly the Asian flag in this World Cup,” he said.
“I expect at least two Asian teams to reach the round of 16.”
FIFA and AFC Executive Committee member Junji Ogura expressed similar hopes.
“At least two should reach the second round,” said the Japanese power-broker.
“This is our dream and we hope they will do well. I expect all the teams to do well and show Asian football to the rest of the world.”
Australia, Japan, South Korea and North Korea are the Asian Football Confederation teams that qualified, but none was handed an easy draw and they have their work cut out.
The Socceroos, who made the last 16 at Germany 2006, are seen as Asia’s best hope here, but go into the tournament on a defeat, having lost 3-1 to the United States on Saturday.
They are pitted with Ghana and Serbia, with their opening Group D game against three-time champions Germany in Durban on June 13.
South Korea, in their eighth World Cup finals, made it to the semi-finals in 2002 on home turf but struggled in Germany four years ago where they failed to get beyond the group stages.
They face Argentina, Greece and Nigeria in Group B, while Japan, who have lost their last four internationals, play Cameroon, the Netherlands and Denmark in Group E.
North Korea, 2,000-1 rank outsiders, are Asia’s wild card. They are drawn in the same group as Brazil, Ivory Coast and Portugal. - AFP
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