Everything you need to know about each of the Group A, including the key fixture.
When the teams were drawn into groups in December, one of the tournament’s favourites, Australia, managed to avoid some of the more awkward unseeded teams such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Bangkok, with a strong tourist market and its modern amenities, was also arguably the least intimidating of the host cities.
“I’m quite happy with the pool we are in,” coach Graham Arnold said. “Thailand are the highest ranked of the host countries, at 125. Oman are a bit of an unknown quantity for us but we know a lot about Iraq. We played them in Australia two years ago and also at the Athens Olympics.”
Whatever anyone might say about alien surroundings, humid climates and sub-par facilities, Australia has no excuses in this group. As long as Dukes and co stay away from Thailand’s nocturnal attractions the real challenge will not come until the knockout rounds.
Thailand will be hoping they can spring a surprise against the under-prepared Iraqis on matchday one to open the competition. A result there would set an example for the other host nations, who, as automatic qualifiers, threaten to be overpowered by their higher-ranked guests. The AFC has already taken hits to its image over ticketing and organisation around the four-way co-hosting. Hosts as cannon fodder would not be a good look.
In all likelihood though, Iraq will prove too strong in the match, and along with Oman will be vying for that second qualification spot. The Iraq/Oman clash looms as the decider. Whoever goes through will likely come face to face with Japan in the next round. With Iraq’s domestic problems, it will enjoy plenty of support from the neutrals, and an extended run in the competition would give a massive boost for the turmoil-ridden nation.
THE BIG MATCH
Thailand vs Australia
With the Premiership extremely popular in Thailand, the number of Australians playing in England will ensure a great atmosphere for Thailand’s match against Australia. By this stage the match may be meaningless in terms of standings, but the occasion will mark the highlight of many of the Thai players’ careers. If Graham Arnold chooses to rest some of his bigger names, the match may also be a chance to see how Australia’s next generation is coming along.
“I’m quite happy with the pool we are in,” coach Graham Arnold said. “Thailand are the highest ranked of the host countries, at 125. Oman are a bit of an unknown quantity for us but we know a lot about Iraq. We played them in Australia two years ago and also at the Athens Olympics.”
Whatever anyone might say about alien surroundings, humid climates and sub-par facilities, Australia has no excuses in this group. As long as Dukes and co stay away from Thailand’s nocturnal attractions the real challenge will not come until the knockout rounds.
Thailand will be hoping they can spring a surprise against the under-prepared Iraqis on matchday one to open the competition. A result there would set an example for the other host nations, who, as automatic qualifiers, threaten to be overpowered by their higher-ranked guests. The AFC has already taken hits to its image over ticketing and organisation around the four-way co-hosting. Hosts as cannon fodder would not be a good look.
In all likelihood though, Iraq will prove too strong in the match, and along with Oman will be vying for that second qualification spot. The Iraq/Oman clash looms as the decider. Whoever goes through will likely come face to face with Japan in the next round. With Iraq’s domestic problems, it will enjoy plenty of support from the neutrals, and an extended run in the competition would give a massive boost for the turmoil-ridden nation.
THE BIG MATCH
Thailand vs Australia
With the Premiership extremely popular in Thailand, the number of Australians playing in England will ensure a great atmosphere for Thailand’s match against Australia. By this stage the match may be meaningless in terms of standings, but the occasion will mark the highlight of many of the Thai players’ careers. If Graham Arnold chooses to rest some of his bigger names, the match may also be a chance to see how Australia’s next generation is coming along.
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