Uzbekistan in sept
This will be really interesting to see where we stand against the top Asian sides.
Uzbekistan only marginally lost out on direct qualification to the World Cup after finishing level on points with South Korea but one inferior on goal difference in the final round group.
Uzbekistan then lost the play-off to decide fifth in Asian World Cup qualifying last year to Jordan who then progressed to the continental play-off vs. Uruguay. But they were only separated by penalties after two legs.
Uzbekistan were clearly superior to Japan in the earlier round of qualifying.
NZ's chances of qualifying for Russia 2018 depend entirely on who we get in the continental play-off - decision no doubt to be made soon.
FIFA seem to rotate Oceania's play-off opponent between Asia and CONCACAF.
A play-off against the fifth best side in Asian qualifying (Jordan last year) is not insurmountable.
Uzbekistan in 2014 World Cup Qualifying:
THIRD ROUNDGroup C P W D L F A GD Pts Results
|
|
________________________________________________________________________________________________
FOURTH ROUND (TOP TWO TEAMS FROM THE TWO GROUPS QUALIFIED; THIRD-PLACED TEAMS ENTERED PLAY-OFF)
Group ATeam
-
5 1 2 8 2 +6 16
South Korea
8 4 2 2 13 7 +6 14
Uzbekistan
8 4 2 2 11 6 +5 14
Qatar
8 2 1 5 5 13 −8 7
Lebanon
8 1 2 5 3 12 −9 5
|
Iran |
— | 4–0 | 0–0 | 1–0 | 0–1 |
|
Lebanon |
1–0 | — | 0–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 |
|
Qatar |
0–1 | 1–0 | — | 1–4 | 0–1 |
|
South Korea |
0–1 | 3–0 | 2–1 | — | 1–0 |
|
Uzbekistan |
0–1 | 1–0 | 5–1 | 2–2 | — |
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
FIFTH ROUND PLAY-OFF:
Jordan
2–2 (9–8p)
Uzbekistan aggregate after two legs 1–1 1–1 (a.e.t.)