If you haven’t noticed savages, Manchester United’s pre-season football tour is not the only soccer being played in Asia. Real World Football is being played in the Far East as the AFC Asian Cup reaches its quarterfinal stage.

Stagnate giants of Group A and B, Australia and Japan will face off in the first quarterfinal match on Saturday followed by a surprise match-up between Iraq and Vietnam in the other quarterfinal.

Both Japan and Australia staggered through the opening round games with inconsistent form, receiving heavy criticism from every possible angle. Still 2-time Defending Champions, Japan finished top of Group B while the surprise form of Iraq bested Australia in Group A. Now all 3 have a chance at glory.

The pressure for the Japanese actually seems to be mounting as they will face a tough test against Australia and as defending champions have everything to lose. Iraq should have no real problems with Vietnam and seems to have one foot already in the semis.

On Sunday, Iran will play South Korea. Iran topped Group C while the Koreans, teetering on elimination, had to pull out a 1-0 victory against Indonesia in their final group match to sneak by in Group D.

Saudi Arabia will play surprise newcomers Uzbekistan in the final quarterfinal match. Uzbekistan trounced China 3-0 in a critical final Group C match for the opportunity to confront Saudi Arabia, who came through winners of Group D.

As for semifinal predictions, 1st time participants Australia will sink the Japanese and meet up with Iraq, easy winners over Vietnam. The other match will see Iran, just edging out South Korea, play the Saudis, who will end Uzbekistan’s wildest dreams.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 20th, 2007 at 11:45 am and is filed under Soccer World, Asian Cup 2007. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.