North Korea can't reach East Asian Cup finals

North Korea can't reach East Asian Cup finals

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Asian_Football_Championship_2010



Hong Kong  0 � 0  Korea DPR
 Hong Kong 3 2 1 0 16 0 +16 7  Korea DPR 3 2 1 0 11 3 +8 7  Chinese Taipei 3 1 0 2 5 8 ?3 3  Guam 3 0 0 3 4 25 ?21 0

I am a bit disappointed with Guam's performance.

It wouldn't be much difference. The final stage is hosted by Japan in Feb. The obvious favourite is Japan, with Korea Republic on even par and then China and Hong Kong is last. HK may nab a draw or even a lucky win against China but have no chance against the the World Cup Qualifiers in the World Cup Finals year. Just a wee warm up for those teams.

Korea FTW!

China is 3rd seeded as well as being historically strong in the predecessor tournament. The top three teams have automatic placing in the final group (third) stage. The fourth team are by way of the preliminary stage with the winner (Guam) entering into the second stage and then the second stage winner (Hong Kong) enters final groups stage.

The difference between the groups levels are huge. Guam literally thrashed the others in the preliminary stage and they themselves got spank in the second stage.

Hong Kong might do OK but they are an one club national team (i.e. South China AA club) with the same Korean Coach of that Club doing national duties. I would be highly annoyed as a player from the other HK clubs for not getting a chance to play. As a one club national team they cannot seriously hope to challeage Japan, Korea or even China unless they change their team selections. The other HK clubs are doing better than South China AA in the local league so I imagine there would complaints.

Well, being true to my heritage I do support China.  But it's just such a crap underperforming team.