Football: AFC Asian Cup

original article
www.fifa.com...


Iran overcomes Thailand 3-0
(Goal Scorers: Gholamreza Enyati, Javad Nakounam and Ali Daei)

With Croatian Branko Ivankovic as the Iranian coach, and a helathy team Iran seem to be a major favorite in winnning the AFC Asian Cup.

On a different note China cruised to a 4-0 victory at the end of 60 minutes in a different group. The Chinese just had the better chances in the game. Most of the goals were scored in the second half.

On some of the games i have seen in the past, China isn't that bad a side in the Asian Cup.

In this mornings game Iran tied Oman 2-2. Oman scored the first 2 goals of the game in the first half. Iran scored in the second half, followed by another in injury time. An Oman player, Ali, was stomped on by an Iranian, number 20; but the ref didn't see it so it was let go and they played on.

Iran 2 - 2 Oman

In a different group China defeated Quatar by a score of 1 to nill. The goal was scored late in the second half, when the Chinese got a lucky break and took all three points.

China 1 - 0 Quatar



[Edited on 7/25/04 by websurfer]

Bahrain edge Uzbekistine in penalties in what was not the prettiest of matches. Elbows were flying around, stomping from the ground and hard tackles flying in from all directions. The goals were plentiful as in it was 2-2 at the end of extra time going into penalties.

The Uzbeks were reduced to tears at the end, when one of their players sent a shot wide of the target in the penalty shootout.
6-5 in penalties in favor of Bahrain.

In another game China edge Iraq 1-0, which sent them through to the next round.

In the quaterfinals Iran face off against South Korea and Japan play Jordan. The games are tomorrow at 6am on tv, in Ontario. Should be interesting.

Iran shattered South Koreas hopes today when the koreans were defeated 4-3 at the end of full time. 2-2 was the score going into the second half, other 3 goals were scored in the second half.

Iran 4 - 3 South Korea

Iran go on to face China in the semi-finals

In othere games Japan defeated Jordon in penalty kicks to advance to semis.

Japan 1 - 1 Jordan (Japan advances by winning PKs)

Japan are set to take on Bahrain, who upset Uzbekistan earlier in the week.





[Edited on 8/2/04 by websurfer]

Iran lost to China in penalty kick shootout. The score was tied at 1-1 going into PK.

Ali karimi from Iran was voted the player of the tournament 80.7% of the votes.


As of Aug 3,04
3rd place: Iran
4th place: Bahrain

Final game will be played today Aug 7/04
Japan Vs. China

for more info

www.asiancup2004.com

Japan 3 - 1 China

Final Standings for the www.asiancup2004.com
1. Japan
2. China
3. Iran
4. Bahrain

My pick China made it through the the final so that wasn't bad.