Asia’s Group B ‘hard and interesting’
9 December 2004
by FIFAworldcup.com



Representatives from each of the eight nations involved in the final round of Asian Zone qualifying speak about the draw and the drama to come. Join FIFAworldcup.com for a trip around Group B.

Coach Zico (JPN)
We are a team looking to make an impression in the World Cup finals, so we shouldn't be fussy about our opponents. We'd like to prepare well next year, as we did this year, to make sure we can win each game. We know Iran and Bahrain after our games against them in the Asian Cup. But that means they also know us well. Iran play attacking football and they have some experienced players such as Ali Daei.

Bahrain's attack was outstanding, although their defence had problems in the Asian Cup. But I'm sure they will have improved their game. We should make sure we are ready for the game against them. Korea DPR weren’t in the Asian Cup but are strong enough to advance to the final round of the qualifiers. We will study them, but it's important for us to focus on our game.

None of the games will be easy. It will be crucial for us to win at home in order to qualify. But if we can use all our abilities without becoming overconfident and show our determination to win, I am sure we can reach the finals.

Vice President Football Association Junji Ogura (JPN)
It is apparent that we have been drawn into a very hard group. Iran, arguably one of the most powerful teams in Asia, will cause us problems. Bahrain are an emerging Asian team, who have shown their progress and talents in this year’s Asian Cup. We played them in the quarter-final of this Asian Cup, where we went through in a close 4-3.

We don’t know too much about Korea DPR as we haven’t met them in recent years. We are concerned as to whether our fans and reporters would have problems with their visas travelling to Pyongyang with our team. And, as far as I know often the matches are staged in daytime in Pyongyang, but given that we need a better time to do the broadcasting, we will discuss with them about staging the match in the evening.


Vice President of Football Association Hassan Ghaffari (IRN)
It is a hard group as well as an interesting one. Japan are Asian champions and one of the most technically and tactically accomplished teams in this continent, so we expect difficult meetings with them, as shown in our latest Asian Cup group match where the two sides drew 0-0. Bahrain and Korea DPR are also good teams who can’t be underestimated.
However, our team have made improvements in both our FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign and the Asian Cup of this year. We beat a rising Jordan side under pressure to advance to the qualifying finals, proof that the team are in their best form. To sum up, we believe we can do it.

Coach Srecko Juricic (BHR)
No opponents will be easy in this FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, particularly in this decisive final round. Both Japan and Iran are among Asia’s best teams and we respect them.

But we are a good team with a number of talented players, who can match any rivals in Asia. We played Japan, the eventual champions, in this year’s Asian Cup, and we were only edged out 4-3 when they scored the winner in extra time. Iran are an attacking-minded team, but we know them well. About Korea DPR we know little, but I believe we are better team than them.

Deputy President of Football Association Jong In-Chol (PRK)
Generally speaking all the eight teams are very strong so there is no team that could be called the favourite. We are glad that we have been placed into Group B with Japan, Iran and Bahrain and we are very optimistic about our chances to qualify.

Group seeds Japan are very tough and experienced opponents who won this year’s Asian Cup. But our young team have been making progress over the past few years and we are confident about playing against any Asian powers. And we can win any tight matches as long as we are in form and play with good spirit. We will host Japan in Pyongyang in the second leg game. Of course, Japanese fans and journalists will be most welcome.

Team Manager Lee Sung-kun (PRK)
I have to admit that all our group opponents are very strong and every team has hopes to qualify from Group B. Our advantage is that our team have been training together all the time so we can produce good teamwork. This is a good chance for us to return to a FIFA World Cup finals after 40 years, and we will definitely work hard to achieve that goal.