The Asian Confederation has finalized its automatic places for South Africa 2010 and it took some fantastic last match drama to fill the last automatic spot. The drama centered around the match between Saudi Arabia and Korea DPR. The winner would advance and the loser was in jeopardy of missing out on the playoff with 3rd place of Group 1.
The game in the Saudi capital of Riyadh was controlled by the home side. Saudi forward Naif Hazazi constantly threatened the North Korean defense but keeper Ri Myong-Guk was great in between the sticks including a great save on a spectacular chilena attempt from Hazazi in the 29th minute. The Korea DPR keeper was the unquestioned Man Of The Match making some massive saves to keep The Green Falcons scoreless. For a 0-0 score it was a thrilling match, check out the highlights. The draw was enough for Korea DPR to finish 2nd in Group 2 and advance to its first World Cup since 1966.
The 0-0 draw in Riyadh was the result Iran needed to leapfrog into South Africa 2010. Team Melli looked primed to make plans for The Great Tournament when they led Korea Republic 1-0 on the strength of Osasuna midfielder Masoud Shojaei’s goal in the 51st minute in Seoul. However, Manchester United midfielder Park Ji Sung scored 9 minutes from the final whistle to end Iran’s hopes of qualifying for a 3rd World Cup in the last 4 tournaments.
Here are the results and final standings from Asia:
GROUP 1 FINAL STANDINGS
Bahrain 1 -0 Uzbekistan
BAH: Mahmood Abdul-Rahman (74′)
Australia 2 – 1 Japan
AUS: Tim Cahill (59′, 77′)
JAP: Marcos Tulio Tanaka (40′)
GROUP 2 FINAL STANDINGS
Saudi Arabia 0 – 0 Korea DPR
Korea Republic 1 – 1 Iran
KOR: Park Ji Sung (81′)
IRN: Masoud Shojaei (51′)
Australia, Japan, Korea Republic, Korea DPR qualify for South Africa 2010
AFC playoff = Saudi Arabia vs Bahrain
The playoff winner of New Zealand v AFC playoff winner will go to South Africa 2010
