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WC & Asian Cup qualification shake-up

Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2014 8:10 am
by blahblah
It seems times they are a changing:

(i) 2019 Asian Cup is to increase from 16 to 24 teams
(ii) Challenge Cup is to be abolished
(iii) WC & Asian Cup qualifiers are to be combined
Teams will be divided into eight groups with the pool winners and four best-placed second sides reaching both the Asian Cup and the final World Cup qualifiers.

The next 24 best teams will be split into six groups of four to battle it out for the remaining Asian Cup spots
http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/asian-cu ... o-24-teams

This should add a bit more spice to the Asian Cup qualifiers! It will be interesting to see how they resolve the issue of the host.

Re: WC & Asian Cup qualification shake-up

Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2014 11:24 am
by Stuckey
Yeah the host situation is an interesting one. Makes sense though. Its tough enough to get the players for NTs as is. I wonder if though this will allow more of a focus on the regional Asia cups like the EAFF?
Not too sure on the need for an increase of sides in the Asian Cup. I guess its most likely to reduce the likelihood of big money nations like China and some from the middle east that are important to involve in tournaments but are a chance to stuff it up for themselves.

Re: WC & Asian Cup qualification shake-up

Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2014 5:12 pm
by blahblah
Not too sure on the need for an increase of sides in the Asian Cup. I guess its most likely to reduce the likelihood of big money nations like China and some from the middle east that are important to involve in tournaments but are a chance to stuff it up for themselves.
I think that would be a part of the rationale. I suspect it is also to allow nations like Indonesia and Thailand, who have very good support for their domestic football, a chance to play. Certainly sides like this will add to the pageantry.