I think now we should do a bit of a recap. 3 years have passed since the 2006 fifa world cup in Germany, with one world cup gone, a four year campaign begins to qualify for the next. Last week we saw some what of a conclusion with all 32 spots for the finals.
The qualifiers were intense, brilliant and full of controversy. We shall look over the Asian teams:
Australia: Cruising through the group stages, Australia was put in the final stages against Japan, Bahrain, Qatar and Uzbekistan. Dominating most matches and doing enough in the others Australia was the only side from this group to go through undefeated.
Japan: Matched in the same group as Australia, Japan was clearly the second best team. Having only lost one of its matches (to Australia) Japan finished 5 points clear of the next challenger bahrain.
Korea Republic: This country has excelled during the fifa world cup in the past, and qualifying was no different this time. Topping group 2 and finishing undefeated, Korea republic are looking to progress past the group stages at next years world cup.
Korea DPR: Finished second to Korea republic, DPR, whom hosted the world cup in 2002 are ready for the 2010 fifa world cup
New Zealand: Topping the oceania region, New Zealand had the change to play off against Bahrain. Beating them 1-0 at home New Zealand qualified for the world cup for the first time in two decades.