We Are The Reds

I can live with that. So many mouthwatering fixtures there, though. DPRK v UAE really stands out for me.

A part of me wants us to face Japan at some point in one of these tiers - mostly so I can see a game - but almost every inch of my body is too worried about us being knocked out by anybody we face, so I also want us to just face those with the worst chances against us.

There are some interesting matches for the World Cup qualifiers. Cambodia may be able to get past Laos in round 1 but then the winner faces China so they are royally screwed. Malaysia should get past Taiwan and then face Singapore who they'd have to fancy their chances against after the AFF Cup. Vietnam will breeze past Macau and then will face Qatar which could be interesting if they learn to defend on the road. The likely round 2 clash of Thailand v Palestine could be interesting also following their recent battle at the u23 level (went to penalties). Probably the best clash in that lot will be the round 2 match up of Iraq and Yemen. I think the Maldives are in trouble with a very tough match up with Iran.

In all it is primarily speculative interest until round 3 when Australia feature.

2014 World Cup AFC Qualifiers

Round 1
1: Malaysia v Chinese Taipei
2: Bangladesh v Pakistan
3: Cambodia v Laos
4: Sri Lanka v Phillipines
5: Afghanistan v Palestine
6: Vietnam v Macau
7: Nepal v Timor Leste
8: Mongolia v Myanmar

Round 2
1: Thailand v R1 W5
2: Lebanon v R1 W2
3: China PR v R1 W3
4: Turkmenistan v Indonesia
5: Kuwait v R1 W4
6: Oman v R1 W8
7: Saudi Arabia v Hong Kong
8: Iran v Maldives
9: Syria v Tajikistan
10: Qatar v R1 W8
11: Iraq v Yemen
12: Singapore v R1 W1
13: Uzbekistan v Kyrgyzstan
14: U.A.E. v India
15: Jordan v R1 W7

... Is it weird that I'm hoping Hong Kong make it through to the third round?

Most of the Round 1 teams will obviously find it tough, but Malaysia/Chinese Taipei have a chance against Singapore, so that one could very much be the one to watch.

I wonder if there is anyone dept of the government we could talk to to see if getting this game played at Hindmarsh is an option?

The venue is yet to be decided.

Well, it'd ultimately be down to the FA to work it all out, so getting in touch with both the Office of Recreation and Sport AND the FFA to initiate communication between the two would be the best bet.

Also, I JUST realised that I leave the Maldives three days before they play at home to Iran in the WQC. DAMN IT. Angry, so very angry. I could crush a teddy bear.

Also, I JUST realised that I leave the Maldives three days before they play at home to Iran in the WQC. DAMN IT. Angry, so very angry. I could crush a teddy bear.

Bad luck indeed.

I'm hoping that Cambodia get past Laos so I can see China in action in sunny Phnom Penh.

Well, it'd ultimately be down to the FA to work it all out, so getting in touch with both the Office of Recreation and Sport AND the FFA to initiate communication between the two would be the best bet.

Also, I JUST realised that I leave the Maldives three days before they play at home to Iran in the WQC. DAMN IT. Angry, so very angry. I could crush a teddy bear.

I send Office of Rec an email. Haven't heard anything back.

Well, good luck with that. I can't say I have hope that you'll get a response (or at least anything beyond something generic), but it'd be great if you do.

They need a real kick up the backside to have some real initiative in this area.