Japan and Iran lead Asian Confederation defeats clean sweep
Published:The 2014 World Cup has already been a memorable one for African nations with Ghana holding Germany to a 2-2 draw, Nigeria picking up a first win since 1998 and Algeria becoming the first team from the continent to score four goals in a finals match.
It’s been a different story for the Asian representatives at the finals though with Japan, Korea Republic, Iran and Australia yet to pick up a win in Brazil, amassing a collective total of just two points from the 24 available to them.
First up is Australia, who head into their dead-rubber final group fixture against Spain with pride intact but no points on the board.
The Socceroos will be without the suspended Tim Cahill for this game and in the absence of their best player, a Spain team out to restore some dignity will most likely put them to the sword.
Next up is Japan who face group leaders Colombia in a game Los Cafeteros will be keen to win in order to secure top spot in the standings. With the Blue Samurai failing to impress against either Ivory Coast or Greece, defeat looks assured.
Then it’s on to Iran, a side whose spirit seemed broken after Lionel Messi’s late winner against Carlos Queiroz’s team. With the former Manchester United assistant manager set to leave his post and opponents Bosnia-Herzegovina out to end their World Cup on a high, another loss looks likely.
Korea Republic round things off with memories of their 4-2 hammering at the hands of Algeria still fresh in the mind. They meet a Belgium team gunning to avoid a second round meeting with Germany and aware that another big win for Algeria could leave the Red Devils in second place.
Without a clean sheet in four games, the South Koreans could bow out of the tournament with another loss here, completing a World Cup of misery for the fans, but one that could see you seriously cash in.
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