Match Schedule: October 2011

October 2011 features the long awaited debut of the South American teams in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Four of the nine CONMEBOL sides will qualify directly to the FIFA World Cup finals hosted by their brothers in Brasil. A fifth will advance to the playoffs against an AFC side. Speaking of the AFC, their third matchday of their Third Round takes place in October. CONCACAF will play two matchdays in their Second Round, and a wave of eliminations will hit the Caribbean basin this month.

All times are given in Central Time (GMT-5).

7 October 2011 (CONCACAF Second Round Matchday Three)

El Salvador at Dominican Republic 14:00 San Cristobal

Guatemala at St. Vincent and the Grenadines 14:00 Kingstown

Guyana at Barbados 15:00 Bridgetown

Haiti at U.S. Virgin Islands 15:00 Frederiksted

Grenada at Belize 16:30 Belmopan

Panama at Dominica 17:00 Roseau

Canada at St. Lucia 17:00 Gros Islet

Trinidad and Tobago at Bermuda 18:00 Prospect

St. Kitts and Nevis at Puerto Rico 19:00 Bayamon

Antigua and Barbuda at Curacao 19:00 Willemstad

Suriname at Cayman Islands 19:30 Georgetown

7 October 2011 (CONMEBOL Matchday One)

Bolivia at Uruguay 14:00 Montevideo

Venezuela at Ecuador 16:05 Quito

Chile at Argentina 18:10 Buenos Aires

Paraguay at Peru 20:15 Lima

11 October 2011 (AFC Third Round Matchday Three)

Uzbekistan at North Korea 2:00 Pyongyang

Oman at Australia 4:30 Sydney

Tajikistan at Japan 5:45 Osaka

Saudi Arabia at Thailand 6:00 Bangkok

United Arab Emirates at South Korea 6:00 Suwon

Jordan at Singapore 6:30 Singapore

Qatar at Indonesia 7:00 Jakarta

Iraq at China 7:15 Shenzhen

Kuwait at Lebanon 9:00 Beirut

Bahrain at Iran 9:00 Tehran

11 October 2011 (CONCACAF Second Round Matchday Four)

Curacao at Haiti 15:00 Port-au-Prince

Barbados at Trinidad and Tobago 16:00 Port of Spain

Dominican Republic at Suriname 16:00 Paramaribo

Puerto Rico at Canada 18:00 Toronto

U.S. Virgin Islands at Antigua and Barbuda 18:00 North Sound

Guyana at Bermuda 18:00 Prospect

St. Lucia at St. Kitts and Nevis 19:00 Basseterre

Nicaragua at Panama 20:00 Panama City

Cayman Islands at El Salvador 20:30 San Salvador

Belize at Guatemala 21:00 Guatemala

11 October 2011 (CONMEBOL Matchday Two)

Colombia at Bolivia 15:00 La Paz

Peru at Chile 17:45 Santiago

Uruguay at Paraguay 17:45 Asuncion

Argentina at Venezuela 19:50 Puerto La Cruz

15 October 2011 (CONCACAF Second Round Matchday Four)

St. Vincent and the Grenadines at Grenada 14:00 St. George's

UEFA Group I Fixtures

The fixture list was decided upon at a meeting in Paris on 23 September 2011. Group I consists of five teams, and they are listed from highest seed to lowest seed: Spain, France, Belarus, Georgia, and Finland.

7 September 2012

Belarus at Georgia

France at Finland

11 September 2012

Belarus at France

Spain at Georgia

12 October 2012

Spain at Belarus

Georgia at Finland

16 October 2012

France at Spain

Georgia at Belarus

22 March 2013

Georgia at France

Finland at Spain

26 March 2013

Spain at France

7 June 2013

Belarus at Finland

11 June 2013

Finland at Belarus

6 September 2013

France at Georgia

Spain at Finland

10 September 2013

France at Belarus

Finland at Georgia

11 October 2013

Belarus at Spain

15 October 2013

Georgia at Spain

Finland at France

St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2 - Grenada 1

St. Vincent and the Grenadines hosted Grenada, the top seed of Group E, in Kingstown. Both teams needed a win to keep up with group leaders Guatemala after neither team picked up a point in their group openers. Not all was well in the pregame camp of St. Vincent, however. The St. Vincent players were on the verge of striking for higher wages, but luckily the stoppage was averted. The Vincy Heat, after having their demands met, made their supporters happy today with their performance against the fancied Spice Boyz. St. Vincent took a lead off a Myron Samuel (pictured, yellow) goal in the twenty-seventh minutes. St. Vincent held on for a 1-0 lead at the half.

In the second half, St. Vincent maintained its precarious lead for twenty-five minutes, but they had enough of the one-goal leaded and added a second, leaving Grenada looking at a surprise last-place position in the group following what would be two shock losses: the first at home to Belize, the second today against St. Vincent. Goalscorer Cornelius Stewart removed his jersey and ran to greet his adoring fans in the grandstand. Grenada pulled back a goal five minutes after going down 2-0, but despite fifteen minutes to equalize, Grenada ultimately fell 2-1 to St. Vincent. Grenada must surely be disappointed that their star player Shalrie Joseph has once again not come to play for the national side, a side he deserted during both the 2009 and 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup finals tournaments. Grenada fall to the group cellar while St. Vincent move into third as the curtain closes on matchday two of round two of CONCACAF qualifying.

Guatemala 6 pts +5

Belize 3 pts +2

St. Vincent 3 pts -3

Grenada 0 pts -4

Goals:

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Myron Samuel 27

Cornelius Stewart 71

Grenada

Cassim Langaigne 76

Match Reports:

http://i-witness-news.com/2011/09/19/st-vincent-beat-grenada-amidst-players%E2%80%99-strike-talks/

http://www.tropigol.com/2011/09/19/st-vincent-nips-grenada-in-wcq-2-1/

http://www.gfa.gd/grenada-football-association/148-spice-boys-melted-to-the-vincy-heat

Schedule for OFC Second Round

The schedule for the OFC Nations Cup 2012 in Fiji has been released. Why is this relevant to this blog? The OFC Nations Cup group stage doubles as the second round of OFC qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brasil.

Group A features Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Tahiti, and the OFC Round One winner. Group B features hosts Fiji, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea. The top two finishers in each group advance to the OFC Third Round.

(Times are given in Central Time GMT-5)

3 June 2012

Vanuatu vs. New Caledonia 20:00 (2 June)

New Zealand at Fiji 20:00 (2 June)

Round One Winner vs. Tahiti 23:00 (2 June)

Solomon Islands vs. Papua New Guinea 23:00 (2 June)

5 June 2012

Vanuatu vs. Round One Winner 20:00 (4 June)

Solomon Islands at Fiji 20:00 (4 June)

Tahiti vs. New Caledonia 23:00 (4 June)

Papua New Guinea vs. New Zealand 23:00 (4 June)

7 June 2012

Tahiti vs. Vanuatu 23:00 (6 June)

New Caledonia vs. Round One Winner 23:00 (6 June)

Papua New Guinea at Fiji 23:00 (6 June)

New Zealand vs. Solomon Islands 23:00 (6 June)

Panama 2 - Nicaragua 1

Panama, the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinalists, made their long-awaited debut in the tournament at the Nicaraguan capital city Managua. The two-headed striking monster of Luis Tejada and Blas Perez that hounded so many opponents in the Gold Cup was on its game tonight. Tejada scored the first of what promise to be many Panama goals in the 2014 FIFA World Cup with a header in the eighth minute. Panama got unlucky to relinquish the lead after an own goal just over ten minutes after grabbing the lead, and the 1-1 scoreline would persist into halftime.

Five minutes into the second period, Perez latched onto a ball in the area off a header from Tejada. Perez pop the ball up with his right foot, spun and swung on a volley with his left foot, and drove the ball into the net, leaving the crowd dissatisfied. Nicaragua would respond to the 2-1 deficit by putting two balls into the back of the Panamanian net, but both were disallowed for offsides. The Canaleros held on for a 2-1 victory in what would appear to be the most difficult of their four fixtures in Group C. Panama are level on points with Nicaragua with a game in hand.

Nicaragua 3 pts +1

Panama 3 pts +1

Dominica 0 pts -2

Goals:

Panama

Luis Tejada 7

Blas Perez 50

Nicaragua

Roman Anibal Torres 19 OG

Match Reports:

http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/futbol/cronica?id=330054

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLIe0hrafys

Due to the withdrawal of the Bahamas and the imbalanced schedule of CONCACAF that would have had Nicaragua play Bahamas on Matchdays Five and Six, the fixtures for Group C have been altered.

7 October 2011

Panama at Dominica

11 October 2011

Nicaragua at Panama

11 November 2011

Dominica at Nicaragua

15 November 2011

Dominica at Panama

Dominican Republic 1 - Suriname 1; El Salvador 4 - Cayman Islands 1

The Dominican Republic, off an unexpectedly decent performance at El Salvador, returned to San Cristobal to take on visiting Suriname. Suriname were able to quiet the crowd with a penalty midway through the first period. Friso Mando converted the kick as he had done in Suriname's opening 1-0 win against the Cayman Islands.

The Dominican Republic were clearly the better side in the second half, and their higher level of play netted them an equalizer through a goal midway through the second period. The Dominicans tried desperately to find a winner, but to no avail. The points were split after a 1-1 draw.

El Salvador, after a scoreless first half in their first match and an underwhelming performance against the Dominican Republic, visited the Cayman Islands in Georgetown. Again, the group favorites gave an underwhelming first half performance that led to a 0-0 halftime score and increased confidence for the home side.

El Salvador finally came alive somewhat in the second period. The first goal arrived after five minutes of play. Defender Luis Anaya scored midway through the period for a 2-0. Again, as in their previous game, El Salvador's defense suffered a letdown, and the Cayman Islands pulled to within 2-1 after a successful penalty kick. Anaya scored with ten minutes left to give El Salvador breathing room at 3-1. After El Salvador's fourth found the net deep into second half stoppage time, the referee blew time. El Salvador wins 4-1 to lead the group with 6 points.

El Salvador 6 pts +4

Suriname 4 pts +1

Dominican Republic 1 pts -1

Cayman Islands 0 pts -4

Goals:

Suriname

Friso Mando 25 PK

Dominican Republic

Erick Ozuna 68

El Salvador

Cristian Bautista 50

Luis Anaya 63, 80

Xavier Garcia 90+3

Cayman Islands

Mark Ebanks 74 PK

Match Reports:

http://www.compasscayman.com/caycompass/2011/09/09/El-Salvador-have-sights-set-on-Dominican-Republic-showdown/

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2peSHCnMFcA (Dominican Republic v. Suriname)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV0m4S1nLeo (El Salvador v. Cayman Islands)

Canada 3 - Puerto Rico 0; St. Kitts and Nevis 4 - St. Lucia 2

St. Kitts and Nevis paid a visit to fellow islanders St. Lucia at Gros Islet. St. Lucia were looking to add other saints to their name because Lucia just was not enough to put up a fight against visiting St. Kitts. The goals came early and often for St. Kitts, with three goals coming in the first quarter hour of the match, effectively ending St. Lucia's hopes of a result before the home side could find a rhythm. St. Kitts added a fourth one minute before halftime, giving themselves a 4-0 lead.

St. Lucia, to their credit, did not give up on the match, and they were able to pull back two goals before the final whistle sounded to come up with a less disastrous scoreline than their previous 4-1 defeat in Canada. St. Kitts and Nevis jump to second place in the group ahead of Puerto Rico.

Group favorites Canada visited the side pegged as being their greatest challengers for the Group D title, Puerto Rico. However, the Canadians found that to them, their biggest challenger was the humid weather of Bayamon. The big question was weather the Canadians were in good enough physical condition to conquer both the weather and Puerto Rico. Canada absorbed Puerto Rico's early pressure, with Lars Hirschfeld coming up with two good saves. The tide began turning in favor of the northerners soon after. An opportunistic goal four minutes from the end of the half sent Canada to the locker room up 1-0.

In the second half, it was Puerto Rico who surprisingly became the team that was slowed down by the weather. Canada were alert to this, and intelligently substituted two speedy offensive players into the mix, with great dividends being paid in the final six minutes of the match. Canada's substitutes scored two goals in this period to seal the victory and paint a glossier picture of the match through the final scoreline of 3-0 than perhaps was merited by their performance. Canada assume control of the top of the table with the victory.

Canada 6 pts +6

St. Kitts 4 pts +2

Puerto Rico 1 pts -3

St. Lucia 0 pts -5

Goals:

St. Kitts and Nevis

Ian Lake 6

Mudassa Howe 12

Joel Jeffers 14

Devaughn Elliot 44

St. Lucia

Zaine Pierre 65

Cliff Vaclin 84

Canada

Iain Hume 41

Simeon Jackson 84

Tosaint Ricketts 89

Match Reports:

http://sknfa.com/?p=969

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/story/2011/09/06/sp-canada-puertorico.html

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/sports/canada-gets-big-road-win-in-puerto-rico-61303.html

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgHHs6pFjuM (Canada v. Puerto Rico)

Haiti 4 - Curacao 2; Antigua and Barbuda 8 - U.S. Virgin Islands 1

Antigua and Barbuda visited the U.S. Virgin Islands in what is quickly becoming the highest-scoring group in CONCACAF. The small crowd at Frederiksted would be delighted by the number of goals they would see during this contest, but not by the final outcome. The U.S. Virgin Islands hung tough in the first half, surrendering the first goal to Antigua only after more than a quarter hour had elapsed and were only subjected to a second goal against via a penalty conversion by Peter Byers, the very man who had drawn the penalty. Antigua took their 2-0 lead into the locker room.

Apparently, the U.S. Virgin Islands left their belief, heart and desire in the locker room. Antigua scored on their first three shots of the half and had added another four goals within a dozen minutes of the restart, including the final two of Byers's hat trick. Antigua had added its third goal two minutes into the half to take a 3-0 lead. The U.S. Virgin Islands pulled one back a minute later, but Byers struck a minute after that to make the score 4-1. At the hour mark, the game was 6-1. At full time, the match was 8-1, a merciless thrashing by Antigua that places them in great position to win the group with continued good performances.

Curacao hosted group favorites Haiti in Curacao's first home FIFA World Cup qualifier under their new team name. The fans at Willemstad certainly expected a good result from a team that in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers drew at Haiti 0-0 and only lost 1-0 at home to Haiti after suffering an own goal. Just before the half hour mark, Curacao were able to get a goal against Haiti, something they had not accomplished in the 2010 tournament, and they did so to the tune of a 1-0 lead. However, Haiti knotted the score at one-apiece ten minutes later. However, Curacao drew a penalty kick and converted from the spot to give themselves a 2-1 lead just a couple minutes before the first-half whistle was blown.

The second half marked the end of the party for Curacao. Haiti took thirteen minutes to find the equalizer yet again, but then the Haitians struck again at two minutes later to claim a 3-2 lead. Ten minutes from time, Haiti found a fourth to comfortably see out the remainder of the match and escape with a 4-2 victory and keep pace with Antigua and Barbuda.

Antigua 6 pts +10

Haiti 6 pts +8

Curacao 0 pts -5

U.S.V.I. 0 pts -13

Goals:

Antigua and Barbuda

Ranja Christian 18

Peter Byers 38 PK, 49, 57

Justin Cochrane 47

George Dublin 54

Randolph Burton 68, 82

U.S. Virgin Islands

Jaime Brown 48

Haiti

Kevin Lafrance 37

Charles Herold 58

Kervens Belfort 60, 80

Curacao

Mirco Colina 28

Angelo Zimmerman 43 PK

Match Reports:

http://www.antiguaobserver.com/?p=64192

http://virginislandsdailynews.com/sports/antigua-defeats-usvi-in-qualifier-1.1199011#axzz1YAAH6faU

http://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-3753-haiti-football-second-victory-for-haiti.html

Trinidad and Tobago 2 - Barbados 0; Guyana 2 - Bermuda 1

Trinidad and Tobago paid a visit to Barbados in Bridgeport for the second matchday of the CONCACAF Second Round. Trinidad were completely dominant throughout the first half, not even allowing Barbados to attempt a single shot. However, Trinidad suffered from a case of finishing disease. Kenwyne Jones blew at least three simple chances at goal. Luckily for him, Trinidad did manage to put one goal in the net in the first half.

In the second half, Trinidad continued to dominate without any reward in the form of a goal. It took twenty minutes for Trinidad to finally extend their lead to two goals. Barbados forced a great save from Trinidad's keeper with two minutes left in the match. Trinidad wins the match 2-0 after winning the possession battle for the match 65% to 35%.

The encounter between visiting Bermuda and hosts Guyana in Georgetown was about the most even affair one could imagine. The teams split possession 51%-49% (Guyana listed first), the teams took the same number of shots (12), the teams earned a similar number of corners (8-7) and committed a similar number of fouls (11-9). The game would come down to finishing and execution. No goals were to be had in the opening forty-five minutes.

Guyana took a 2-0 lead off a brace from 20-year-old Vurlon Mills, who made his international debut just this year. Mills scored five minutes into the half and then again just nine minutes later. Bermuda could not get the scoreboard to reflect the parity of the match. A last minute strike prevented Guyana from recording a shutout, but the 2-1 win allows Guyana to keep pace with Trinidad atop the group standings.

Guyana 6 pts +3

Trinidad 6 pts +3

Bermuda 0 pts -2

Barbados 0 pts -4

Goals:

Trinidad and Tobago

Keon Daniel 20

Darryl Roberts 69

Guyana

Vurlon Mills 50, 59

Bermuda

Khano Smith 90

Match Reports:

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/T_T_BEAT_BARBADOS-129352663.html

http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=sports&NewsID=19694

http://www.bermudafa.com/home/560166.html

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbXeeoezT80 (Trinidad and Tobago v. Barbados)

Guatemala 2 - Belize 1

Guatemala visited neighbors Belize at their national stadium in Belmopan, the first home qualifier played by Belize since the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification cycle. The field was built as built of the FIFA Goal Programme. Guatemala gave their throngs of road supporters much to cheer after an expert corner kick from key midfielder Marco Pappa found the head of an onrushing teammate for the opening goal before the match was even five minutes old. Guatemala had the majority of chances, but Belize goalkeeper Shane Orio (pictured, in blue) denied the Guatemalans a second goal. The half closed with Guatemala leading 1-0.

The second half featured open play, but no goals were found in the thirty minutes following the restart. However, a flurry came with fifteen minutes left to play. Guatemala's goalkeeper Ricardo Jerez booted a punt into Orio's box. The punt landed at the feet of a Guatemalan player, who tapped it off the bounce to substitute Mynor Lopez (pictured, standing in white), who volleyed the ball past an outstretched Orio for a 2-0. After the ensuing kickoff, Belize made its way down the right flank. A ball crossed just below the half-circle was adeptly played by Deon McCaulay, who then shooked a defender and curled a ball past Jerez to make the score 2-1. The goal was McCaulay's sixth in qualifying thus far. Belize scrambled for an equalizer for the remainder of the match, but Guatemala held on for the 2-1 victory. The loss ends Belize's three-match winning streak in the qualifiers.

Guatemala 6 pts +5

Belize 3 pts +2

Grenada 0 pts -3

St. Vincent 0 pts -4

Goals:

Guatemala

Gustavo Cabrera 4

Mynor Lopez 75

Belize

Deon McCaulay 76

Match Reports:

http://www.belizetimes.bz/2011/09/09/belize-falls-to-guatemala-1-2/

http://www.reporter.bz/index.php?mod=article&cat=Sports&article=5261

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUVhsjKPJsk

Australia 3 - Saudi Arabia 1; Thailand 3 - Oman 0

Thailand played host to Oman in Bangkok looking to remove themselves from the group cellar. That they did, and with conviction and style to boot. Thailand never let Oman get a footing in the match. Although Oman were wandering the pitch looking lost, it was not until but ten minutes remained in the opening half that Thailand were about the sound the alarms of panic for Oman. The strike gave the home side a 1-0 lead and lots of confidence to continue their great play, which they did to find the second goal through star striker Teerasil Dangda a mere five minutes later, allowing Thailand to take a 2-0 into the second period. It was Dangda's second goal in as many qualifiers.

Dangda continued to search for goal-scoring immortality but was denied by a post ten minutes into the second half. Thailand looked deserving of a goal third to polish off the final score, though certainly they did not expect to achieve the final score of 3-0 in the manner they did. A ball headed off frame on a Thailand attack connected with an unlucky Oman defender, ending the match in second-half stoppage time with an own goal.

Australia visited Dammam to take on Saudi Arabia in the day's final Asian qualifier. Saudi Arabia, the former superpower of Asia looking to regain its stature, hosted Australia, one of the current Asian superpowers along with Japan and South Korea. Aussie striker Josh Kennedy is making fans forget about Harry Kewell rather quickly with his play in qualifying thus far. Kennedy kicked the Socceroos into the lead five minutes before the break to spot the visitors a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Kennedy then finished his brace about ten minutes after the restart to stake Australia to a 2-0 lead. Kennedy leads Australia with three goals after two matches. Saudi Arabia's only goal came ten minutes later after a phantom foul was called in the Australian box, giving the home team an undeserved spot kick. Mark Schwarzer made the initial save, but the rebound was tucked home to cut the lead to 2-1. Later, the Socceroos were awarded a penalty kick a dozen minutes after facing one. The ball was slotted home, and Australia saw out the remainder of the game to deservedly win 3-1 and prove that they are having no worries about winning Group D. Australia ended the night as the only top seed in Asia to win on matchday two of the AFC Third Round.

Australia 6 pts +3

Thailand 3 pts +2

Saudi Arabia 1 pts -2

Oman 1 pts -3

Goals:

Thailand

Sompong Soleb 35

Teerasil Dangda 41

Rashid Al Farsi 90+1 OG

Australia

Joshua Kennedy 40, 56

Luke Wilshire 77 PK

Saudi Arabia

Nassir Al Shamrani 65

Match Reports:

http://bkkfootballblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/thailand-3-0-oman.html

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1505991/index.html

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v81ZoQ7Ye0 (Thailand v. Oman)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h7PlUDEmm4&feature=related (Australia v. Saudi Arabia)

Full Match Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM1jLX-ewJY (Thailand v. Oman)

Lebanon 3 - United Arab Emirates 1; South Korea 1 - Kuwait 1

Group B kicked off play with a shocker in Beirut. The United Arab Emirates faced off against Lebanon, a team UAE had beaten 6-2 in a July friendly. UAE, heavy favorites to defeat the home side Lebanon, got off to a great first twenty-five minutes. A goal came at the quarter hour mark, but then UAE began to pay a heavy price for its poor conditioning, which their coach blamed on the players becoming lazy during Ramadan. Lebanon were able to equalize with a penalty goal with eight minutes left in the period, making the halftime score 1-1.

From then on, the superior will and desire of Lebanon came through with an unexpected win. A counterattack led to the winning goal seven minutes into the half, and an insurance tally was notched seven minutes from time. Lebanon made it two home wins in two home games in qualifying thus far with a 3-1 result over UAE, which led UAE to fire its coach a mere ninety minutes after the match concluded.

South Korea paid a visit to Kuwait in Kuwait City. South Korea have much reason to thank goalkeeper Jung Sung-Ryong for preventing a poor result. Kuwait fired the first shot of the match, but Jung parried it away to safety. Then, only eight minutes into the match, hat-trick hero from the first matchday Park Chu-Young scored his fourth goal of qualifying. From then on, the match heavily tilted in Kuwait's favor. To make matters worse for South Korea, star right back (and son of legend Cha Bum-Kun) Cha Du-Ri of Glasgow Celtic was lost to injury. Two more Kuwait chances went begging, and the half closed 1-0 in favor of the visitors.

Kuwait would make their superiority pay off in the second half with a goal eight minutes in, mirroring the start South Korea had to the first half. Kuwait would press and press, but no second goal came, and the Taegeuk Warriors escaped with a 1-1 draw that was a bit generous given the dominant play of the Kuwaitis.

South Korea 4 pts +6

Kuwait 4 pts +1

Lebanon 3 pts -4

United Arab Emirates 0 pts -3

Goals:

Lebanon

Mohamed Ghadar 37 PK

Akram Moghrabi 52

Roda Antar 83

United Arab Emirates

Mahmoud Al Hammadi 15

South Korea

Park Chu Young 8

Kuwait

Hussain Ali 53

Match Reports:

http://www.oberjuerge.com/http:/www.oberjuerge.com/lebanon-3-uae-1/

http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/unfit-uae-shocked-in-beirut

http://www.goal.com/en/match/64317/kuwait-vs-south-korea/report

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b50ddjHLCPY (Lebanon v. UAE)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iF0YnMWLGU (Kuwait v. South Korea)

Qatar 1 - Iran 1; Bahrain 2 - Indonesia 0

Bahrain went to Jakarta in the first match of Group E today to face Indonesia. Bahrain had earned a creditable draw at home to Qatar in spite of various suspensions of Shia Muslim players in the national side. Indonesia, the fourth most populous country in the world, packed 85,000 into its national stadium. However, Indonesia still have much to learn against their much less populous but highly-skilled Asian foes. Bahrain took a 1-0 lead in first half stoppage time with a strike from teenage midfielder Sayed Dhiya Saeed.

In the second half, Bahrain were able to extend the lead to 2-0 with twenty minutes remaining. Fireworks were set off in the stands by the unhappy spectators, causing a delay of a quarter hour, but the match eventually restarted. Bahrain held on for a 2-0 win to regain footing in the group table. Indonesia are considering using an under-23 side for the rest of FIFA World Cup qualifying. Here's to hoping that this does not occur but such a move would deny many players who earned the right to wear their national team colors a chance to prove that they do belong among the Asian power.

Qatar hosted Iran in the marquee matchup of the day in Group E. The match was a slow-starter, but the fans in Doha had plenty of tantalizing free kicks to witness in the first half, none of which led to any goals. Iran's captain Javad Nekounam had to be substituted due to an injury, but Iran did not seem any worse off without his presence. Iran took control of the match from then on, but they would have to wait until after the half to gain an advantage on the scoreboard.

One minute after returning, Iran blasted home the opener. Qatar, to their credit, pressed for the equalizer, which they found ten minutes after the opener. Iran continued to look the better side, however, but were unable to capitalize on two very good chances, and Qatar escaped their own building with a 1-1 draw to remain close to the top of a very tight group.

Iran 4 pts +3

Bahrain 4 pts +2

Qatar 2 pts 0

Indonesia 0 pts -5

Goals:

Bahrain

Sayed Dhiya Saeed 45+1

Ismaeel Abdullatif 71

Iran

Hadi Aghili 46

Qatar

Mohamed El Sayed 55

Match Reports:

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/football/pssi-ponders-putting-u-23-squad-in-for-rest-of-qualifiers/464002

http://english.cntv.cn/program/sportsscene/20110907/111038.shtml

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/soccer/wires/09/06/2080.ap.soc.qatar.iran.1st.ld.writethru.0509/index.html

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ruFZswmRM0 (Bahrain v. Indonesia)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84IQ_szlhHs (Qatar v. Iran)

Jordan 2 - China 1; Iraq 2 - Singapore 0

Singapore headed home to play Iraq in Singapore. However, it was Iraq who were more keen to right their wrong of losing their group opener. Iraq pounded through Singapore's defense and applied physical challenges throughout the match, but nothing came of their determination in the first period, which ended scoreless.

In the second period, Iraq took a well-deserved lead within five minutes of the restart. Singapore, in the search for an equalizer, felt they had a legitimate appeal for a penalty, but were turned down as they had been four days prior in China. Iraq continued to apply offensive pressure and fouling tactics, leading to three separate dust-ups with Singapore, including one in stoppage time just five minutes after star striker Younis Mahmoud had clinched the match with a chip goal. Iraq wins 2-0 to put Singapore's back firmly against the proverbial wall.

Jordan looked to grab the group lead with a positive result at home to China in Amman. However, it was China that began the match on the right foot. China earned 70% of the possession in the first half, but were fruitless in front of the net, allowing Jordan to escape to the break scoreless.

Jordan kindly repaid the kindness of their visitors by scoring twice within the first ten minutes of the restart. China did not fold, and responded with a goal kicked through a defensive wall just two minutes after Jordan had found their second. With more than a half hour remaining, Jordan were not in any mood to declare the match won. However, a fine final third of the match allowed Jordan to win the match 2-1 and take control of a hotly contested Group A.

Jordan 6 pts +3

China 3 pts 0

Iraq 3 pts 0

Singapore 0 pts -3

Goals:

Iraq

Alaa Abdul Zahra 49

Younis Mahmoud 86

Jordan

Baha Suleiman 49

Amer Deeb 54

China

Hao Junmin 56

Match Reports:

http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Sports/Story/A1Story20110906-298073.html

http://www.espnstar.com/football/world-cup/news/detail/item668724/Singapore-downcast-after-Iraq-defeat/

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1505968/index.html

http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=ap-jordan-china

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kdWuFQCPqg (Iraq v. Singapore)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxL1CBo6XSs (Jordan v. China)

Japan 1 - Uzbekistan 1; North Korea 1 - Tajikistan 0

North Korea played its first home qualifier of the tournament in Pyongyang today against Tajikistan. In spite of playing in front of a their traditionally very subdued audience, North Korea took control of the match early. A goal came in the first quarter hour, and the stout North Korea defense never looked like giving in. The first half ended 1-0.

North Korea again exhibited resolute defending in the second half and avoided a second-half stoppage-time goal like the one that cost them a draw in Japan four days ago. North Korea wins 1-0.

Uzbekistan hosted Japan in Tashkent in the day's most anticipated qualifier. For such an important match, both teams were remarkably well behaved, and the referee never once had to produce a card. Uzbekistan had the better of the visitors early. Timur Kapadze hit the post in the seventh minute, but only one minute later captain Server Djeparov scored and did his trademark front-flip celebration. More pressure was applied to Eiji Kawashima's goal, including a sparkling run down the left sideline by Odil Ahmedov (pictured, white) that left multiple defenders in his wake on route to a missed shot, but Uzbekistan were not able to find the net again and the first half closed 1-0.

The second half was markedly different. Japan took the game to Uzbekistan and pressed for the equalizer. Tadanari Lee, scorer of the AFC Asian Cup final matchwinner, rattled a post for Japan, but the game was eventually equalized by Shinji Okazaki. Japan held on for the 1-1 draw to share the spoils and the Group C lead.

Japan 4 pts +1

Uzbekistan 4 pts +1

North Korea 3 pts 0

Tajikistan 0 pts -2

Goals:

North Korea

Pak Nam Chol (midfielder) 14

Uzbekistan

Server Djeparov 8

Japan

Shinji Okazaki 65

Match Reports:

http://news.tj/en/news/tajikistan-loses-game-against-north-korea-world-cup-qualifier

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1506150/index.html

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCZ2OI3QnP0 (North Korea v. Tajikistan)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px5JJcZSdyM (Uzbekistan v. Japan)

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFnakv6nFaw (Uzbekistan v. Japan)

Belize 3 - Grenada 0; Guatemala 4 - St. Vincent and the Grenadines 0

Belize pulled off the upset of the day when they visited the Spice Boyz of Grenada. Grenada were widely known as the weakest of the top seeds in round two of CONCACAF qualifying, but they were expected to fall at this hurdle due to defeats inflicted by Guatemala, not by upstart Belize. However, Belize were boosted by the news that they would be allowed to play games at home in this round of the competition, so they wanted to come home on a high note. Deon McCaulay scored his fourth goal of the tournament barely more than ten minutes in to put Belize up 1-0. A second goal followed with ten minutes left in the half, and the stunned crowd at St. George's were left shocked by the 2-0 halftime score.

As it to prove that the lead was no fluke, Honduras-based Elroy Smith knotched Belize's third with little more than ten minutes to play, announcing to Guatemala that the group's toughest challenge would be their neighbors to the east. Belize won 3-0.

Guatemala were probably suprised by the result of the first match, but they had business to attend to in the final qualifier of the day. The crowd in Guatemala City would not be let down by their Chapines against St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Star midfielder and Chicago Fire player Marco Pappa scored after a quarter hour, and another goal came a quarter hour later off an egregious dropped cross by St. Vincent's goalie to spring the Chapines to a 2-0 lead at the half.

After the restart, it took Guatemala six minutes to seal the victory at 3-0, the second consecutive Guatemala goal scored off a rebound. An insurance goal was scored twenty minutes later for a 4-0 lead. Halftime substitute Mario Rodriguez proved a force by scoring the third goal and assisting on the fourth. A frustrated Devon Browne was sent off for St. Vincent for a straight red card, leaving his underdog side down a man against group favorites Guatemala for the final two minutes. No other goals were scored, however, so Guatemala left with a 4-0 victory and a mouth-watering matchup at Belize next Tuesday for group supremacy. Grenada travel to St. Vincent on 18 September 2011.

Goals:

Belize

Deon McCaulay 11

Harrison Roches 35

Elroy Smith 79

Guatemala

Marco Pappa 14

Yony Flores 30

Mario Rodriguez 52

Freddy Garcia 71

Match Reports:

http://www.ctv3belizenews.com/featured-news/731-belizes-national-football-team-travels-to-grenada-.html

http://www.belizefootball.bz/index.php/news/146-belize-2014-fifa-world-cup-brazil

http://fedefutguate.org/index.php?news=1308

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ba1Rj74pPp0 (Guatemala v. St. Vincent)

El Salvador 3 - Dominican Republic 2; Suriname 1 - Cayman Islands 0

Suriname began its qualifying campaign at home to Cayman Islands. The fans in Paramaribo were surely delighted when the home side drew a penalty in the tenth minute and converted for a 1-0 lead. That was the score heading into the half as well.

Suriname surely spent the second half nervously clinging to its one-goal lead as the second goal never came. However, the home side won this matchup of Caribbean Football Union members by a final score of 1-0.

El Salvador and its rowdy fans in San Salvador were eagerly welcoming the start of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying. However, the team that finished in fifth place in CONCACAF qualifying for the 2010 edition of the tournament looked less than stellar against the lowest seed in Group A. No goals were scored in the first half, and it looked as though the Dominican Republic were in good position for a surprise draw or victory.

Salvadoran start player Rodolfo Zelaya, a striker in the second tier of Russian football, provided a goal not yet ten minutes after the restart for the long-awaited opening goal. Francisco Ubiera was sent off in the 57th minute for a second yellow card, leaving the Dominican Republic down a man for the final third of the match. With the numerical advantage, El Salvador were clearly favored, but they merely played the rest of the match to a 2-2 draw. El Salvador scored for 2-0 seven minutes after the expulsion, but the shorthanded Dominicans answered two minutes later for 2-1. Zelaya converted from the spot with a dozen minutes left for 3-2 after Osael Romero had been chopped down in the box, but the Dominican Republic put in a second goal in the final minute of regulation. El Salvador held on for a disappointing 3-2 victory, but a victory nonetheless. El Salvador will look to be stronger at Cayman Islands on Tuesday, whereas the Dominican Republic will look to defeat Suriname on home soil.

Goals:

Suriname

Friso Mando 11 PK

El Salvador

Rodolfo Zelaya 54, 78 PK

Cristian Bautista 64

Dominican Republic

Jhoan Cruz 66

Domingo Peralta 90

Match Reports:

http://www.cayman27.com.ky/2011/09/02/national-team-world-cup-journey-starts

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neSoUCQ_MY4 (El Salvador v. Dominican Republic)

Full Match Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AILvJu2Q6T0 (first half Suriname v. Cayman Islands)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2nw9GDsTxg (second half Suriname v. Cayman Islands)

Canada 4 - St. Lucia 1; Puerto Rico 0 - St. Kitts and Nevis 0

If ever there were a team favored to win its group, it would be Canada. They played host to St. Lucia in their opening match of Group D play in Toronto. However, the Canucks were not on top of their game. Turkey-based Josh Simpson found a way to sloppily finish a goal six minutes into the match, but St. Lucia punished lax defending to equalize with a low strike from distance one measly minute later. The 1-1 halftime result was surely a shock to the fans in attendance.

In the second half, Canada drew a penalty on a hand ball in the box five minutes after the restart. Star midfielder Dwayne De Rosario calmly slotted home for 2-1. Simpson scored on a through ball after the hour mark. Pernal Williams was sent off for a second yellow card, leaving St. Lucia with ten men for the final three minutes plus stoppage time. Will Johnson scored his first international goal in stoppage time, giving Canada a 4-1 win to top the group.

St. Kitts and Nevis hosted Puerto Rico before its crowd in Basseterre. The first half featured lots of open play, but too many turnovers lead to few shots on goal and a scoreless first forty-five minutes.

The second half of play opened up nicely for the hosts, but they were never able to convert their superiority into a goal, so the game ended as it had begun, 0-0. St. Kitts and Nevis travel to play at St. Lucia on Tuesday. Puerto Rico go home to host Canada, also on Tuesday.

Goals:

Canada

Josh Simpson 6, 61

Dwayne De Rosario 51 PK

Will Johnson 90+1

St. Lucia

Tremain Paul 7

Match Reports:

http://www.tsn.ca/blogs/luke_wileman/?id=375070

http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2011/09/03/dobson_awkward_affair/

http://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/40401

http://www.fedefutbolpr.com/noticias/sep11.htm

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daL2oINNjm0 (Canada v. St. Lucia)

Haiti 6 - U.S. Virgin Islands 0; Antigua and Barbuda 5 - Curacao 2

Haiti was playing its first home international since the earthquake that devastated the country in January 2010. 15,000 spectators came to support Haiti in Port-au-Prince, the hard-struck capital of the country. Haiti scored not once, not twice, but thrice in each half.

After securing a 3-0 lead at the break, Haiti added another triple set of goals, including two from Real Salt Lake player Jean Alexandre. The 6-0 victory should send a message to Antigua and Barbuda that Haiti are serious contenders to run away with the group. To add injury to insult, the U.S. Virgin Islands lost Jaymi Brown and Reid Klopp to injuries.

Antigua and Barbuda seemed to take note of Haiti's message earlier in the day as they hosted Curacao in North Sound. This was Curacao's first international match under their new moniker, having replaced the Netherlands Antilles tag after a change of status within the government of the Netherlands. Antigua trotted out England-based defender Marc Joseph and midfielder Justin Cochrane for this matchup, but Curacao grabbed a lead after just ten minutes of play. However, it was Joseph who opened the scoring for the home side, equalizing with ten minutes to go in the half. Antigua struck again five minutes later to go into halftime up 2-1.

The second half continued to favor the home side. After ten minutes, Antigua went up 3-1. An answer by Curacao with under twenty minutes to play was immediately countered by an Antigua goal, leaving the scoreline at 4-2. Peter Byers completed a brace for Antigua five minutes from time, and Antigua and Barbuda won 5-2. Next up for Antigua is a visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands, whereas Curacao play at home to Haiti in four days' time.

Goals:

Haiti

James Marcelin 19

Jean-Eudes Maurice 34

Kennel Pierre-Louis 45

Jean Monuma 62

Jean Alexandre 65, 77

Antigua and Barbuda

Marc Joseph 35

Quinton Griffith 40

Tamarley Thomas 55

Peter Byers 72, 85

Curacao

Rihairo Meulens 10

Richmar Siberie 71

Match Reports:

http://virginislandsdailynews.com/sports/haiti-shuts-out-the-usvi-6-0-in-cup-prelim-1.1197577#axzz1Wx9QZRs1

http://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-3725-haiti-football-a-crushing-victory.html

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/football/09/06/football.haiti.world.cup/index.html?hpt=ila_r1

http://www.antiguaobserver.com/?p=63893

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsgLRw4iK70&feature=related (Haiti v. U.S. Virgin Islands)

Trinidad and Tobago 1 - Bermuda 0; Guyana 2- Barbados 0

Trinidad and Tobago were looking to make amends for their shocking home loss to Bermuda in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Soca Warriors failed to take the majority of their chances, however, and the Bermuda defense held tough. Kenwyne Jones (pictured, red) rose up for a decisive headed goal to bring the first half to its close at 1-0.

In the second half, the teams played with equal possession but without creating many opportunities. Trinidad and Tobago held to its 1-0 lead for the win and the full three points at home in Port of Spain.

Guyana are the only team in CONCACAF to play their first two matches at home during to swapping home legs with Bermuda, so they were looking to take advantage of the full six points available to them this week to put pressure on group favorites Trinidad and Tobago. Barbados visited Georgetown riding high after a 4-0 friendly win over St. Lucia in late August. However, the higher-ranked home side snatched the lead midway through the first period, an advantage that held into the half.

The Jaguars of Guyana continued to apply pressure to the visitors in the second half, and the second goal was found with fifteen minutes left to play. Guyana won the match 2-0 and now lead the group on goal differential. Guyana next host Bermuda on Tuesday, and Barbados host Trinidad and Tobago that same afternoon.

Goals:

Trinidad and Tobago

Kenwyne Jones 45

Guyana

Shawn Beveney 25

Charles Pollard 75

Match Reports:

http://www.bermudafa.com/home/558876.html

http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=sports&NewsID=19643

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8KYh7Pqqd4 (Trinidad v. Bermuda)

Nicaragua 2 - Dominica 0

With the withdrawal of Bahamas, Group C action consists of only one match per matchday. The first match of the group featured third seed Nicaragua visiting second seed Dominica. Nicaragua wasted little time establishing that they would be the biggest threats to Panama while playing before the Dominica fans in Roseau. Twenty seconds after the opening whistle, the home side was down 1-0. Raul Leguias scored the fastest goal so far in the 2014 World Cup.

Nicaragua added a second with ten minutes to play in the first half. The visitors saw out the game for the 2-0 victory and the early lead in Group C. Nicaragua next play at home versus Panama on 6 September 2011. Dominica next play at Nicaragua on 7 October 2011.

Goals:

Nicaragua

Raul Leguias 1

Felix Dorian Rodriguez (pictured) 36

Match Reports:

http://www.fenifut.org.ni/noticias/triiunfo-historico-contra-dominica-.aspx

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3t6rsdTaEU

Bahrain 0 - Qatar 0; Iran 3 - Indonesia 0

Iran opened up Group E of the AFC Third Round at home in Tehran against Indonesia. However, just as against Maldives in the previous round, Iran were made to work. Indonesia had a harmonized back line which stifled Iran's attack for the first forty-five minutes.

After the scoreless first half, the pressure was on the host side. However, two set pieces led to the demise of Indonesia. Javad Nekounam expertly headed away two goals off set piece deliveries, including a back-to-the-goal flicked off shot for his second tally. Iran added a third three minutes from time to take away a deserved victory by a score of 3-0.

Qatar visited Manama to face hosts and Gulf neighbors Bahrain in what is considered by many as the fight for second-place in the group behind powerhouse Iran. Authorities were hoping "fight" did not apply to fan behavior after a Qatari television network aired a less-than-flattering documentary on the political unrest in Bahrain just two weeks before the match, a documentary so divisive that the workers of the that channels have been denied entry into Bahrain. Bahrain was also missing many Shia Muslim national team players.

Amidst this external drama, an incredibly forgettable football match was held. Nothing seemed to happen in this match, and surely the fans were relieved to hear the final whistle mercifully end the scoreless snoozefest. The 0-0 result does nothing to separate the two teams in their race for the fourth round of qualifying.

After Qatar's draw at Bahrain finished the day's slate of Asian qualifiers, not a single number one or two seed in any group suffered a defeat. Next up in Group E are two matches on Tuesday: Iran at Qatar and Bahrain at Indonesia. Iran's captain Nekounam claims that all Asian teams are afraid of Iran and that Iran should take the victory on the road, so Qatar will not lack for motivation come game time.

Goals:

Iran

Javad Nekounam 53, 74

Andranik Teymourian 87

Match Reports:

http://www.irna.ir/ENNewsShow.aspx?NID=30545656&SRCH=1

http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=1696682

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mTkjXIFsa4 (Iran v. Indonesia)

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2nNt2kuiaA (Iran v. Indonesia)

Kuwait 3 - United Arab Emirates 2; South Korea 6 - Lebanon 0

South Korea opened its 2014 FIFA World Cup tournament at home to Lebanon. New Arsenal (England) signing and newly minted captain of the Taegeuk Warriors Park Chu Young made quite a statement to celebrate his two new achievements. The captain rocked Lebanon's goal with a hat trick, with the first two providing for the only goals of the first half.

South Korea continued to steamroll an overmatched Lebanon side that had lost its previous qualifier at Bangladesh in July. Four more goals rained in, including the Park Chu Young's third, as the South Koreans took care of business in convincing fashion 6-0.

Kuwait had eliminated emerging force Philippines in the second round, but now faced fellow Arab foes United Arab Emirates as visitors to open their Group C account. The foreign scenery did not face the Kuwaitis in the slightest, and they grabbed their opening goal before the ten-minute mark. The 1-0 lead was safe through the completion of the first period.

Kuwait's second goal came six minutes after the restart off a monstrous thirty-yard redirect off a free kick that was struck marvelously into the upper ninety by Bader Al Mutwa to further silence the crowd at Al Ain. The shot was perhaps the goal of the day in the FIFA World Cup. Yousef Al Suleiman completed his brace fifteen minutes later, and the socreboard read 3-0. UAE stormed back in the final ten minutes to make things interesting, but neither goal was fully enjoyed by either the players or the crowd because the dismal reality of a home loss remained after both strikes. Time ran out on the Emiratis, and Kuwait won 3-2.

UAE's coach Srecko Katanec was blamed for poor tactics. Kuwait torched the left side of the Emirati defense on all three goals, a weakness that should have been known to Katanec after UAE hemorrhaged two late goals to India to end up with a 2-2 tie in UAE's previous qualifier. In addition, Katanec trotted out a one-striker line up at home, an unexpected defensive posture from a team with aspirations of advancing to the AFC Fourth Round. This loss was UAE's first to Kuwait in their last nine encounters.

Kuwait next host group leaders South Korea on Tuesday, the same day that UAE travel to cellar-dwellers Lebanon.

Goals:

South Korea

Park Chu Young 7, 45+1, 67

Ji Dong-Won 66, 85

Kim Jung Woo 82

Kuwait

Yousef Al Sulaiman 7, 65

Bader Al Mutwa 51

United Arab Emirates

Ismail Al Hammadi 84

Ahmad Khalil 89

Match Reports:

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Sports/Football/2011/Sep-03/147746-lebanon-thumped-6-0-by-south-korea-in-asian-qualifying-match.ashx#axzz1WxaweNPR

http://gulfnews.com/sport/football/fa-chairman-defends-uae-coach-blaming-players-for-kuwait-defeat-1.860937

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qifCmZ0LFa0 (South Korea v. Lebanon)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSVvs9S0dXc (Kuwait v. UAE)

Full Match Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mik1WJxKOII (first half South Korea v. Lebanon)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uomjohcPMDM (second half)

Australia 2 - Thailand 1; Oman 0 - Saudi Arabia 0

Thailand visited Brisbane with huge incentives to perform well against Australia. A draw would bring bonuses of one million baht and a win would lead to a bonus of two million baht. The motivated Thais secured a lead through a goal at the quarter hour mark tapped in off a beautiful cross by Jakkraphan Kewprom that evaded the head of Australian captain Lucas Neill. Thailand took their 1-0 lead into the locker room.

When Australia emerged from the break, they had recaptured their mojo. A stinging shot from Matt McKay lead to a rebound quickly tapped in by Josh Kennedy (pictured, yellow). The Socceroos appeared to have taken the lead off a Tim Cahill header four minutes later, but the goal was ruled back for a foul on the goalkeeper. Australia scored the winner after their first goalscorer Josh Kennedy committed an apparent unintentional handball off a cross that led to the ball bouncing perfectly for Alex Brosque to score his first international goal and give Australia the 2-1 victory.

Oman took the game to their favored opponents at home in Muscat. Oman had at least four clear chances to score in the first half of play but failed to put Saudi Arabia behind on the scoreboard. Saudi Arabia knocked one ball of the post before the half concluded.

The second half continued to be a display of defensive integrity from both sides, with neither team breaking the deadlock. The scoreless draw means the two teams are joint second in the group with five matches to go. Oman head to Thailand in four days and Saudi Arabia host Australia in what may be the match of the day.

Goals:

Australia

Joshua Kennedy 58

Alex Brosque 86

Thailand

Teerasil Dangda 14

Match Reports:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1503529/index.html

http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/socceroos/socceroos-v-thailand-australias-opening-2014-fifa-world-cup-qualifier-at-suncorp-stadium/story-e6frf4l3-1226128374453

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Saudi-Arabia-and-Oman-play-out-scoreless-draw/articleshow/9844182.cms

http://www.omantribune.com/index.php?page=editorial_details&id=2067&heading=EDITORIAL

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFmLQQyh7vg (Australia v. Thailand)

Full Match Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IV5UR1Gxgc (Australia v. Thailand)

Jordan 2 - Iraq 0; China 2 - Singapore 1

China opened up Group A play the same way it opened up its second round series against Laos: down a goal at home at halftime. Though the Chinese dominated the scoring chances in Kunming, visiting Singapore's ageless wonder Aleksandar Duric popped up on a two-man counterattack to overcome the Chinese defense and grab a one-goal lead.

China saved its graces after being granted a couple of highly questionable decisions by the referee. Qu Bo had a penalty saved by Singapore's goalkeeper Lionel Lewis in the 59th minute as Singapore preserved their 1-0 lead. However, ten minutes later China were awarded a penalty that never was. The shot was slotted home this time, equalizing the score at one goal apiece. China then took its first lead four minutes later on a rebound tap-in. However, Duric appeared to be taken down in the Chinese box late in the half but appeals for a Singapore penalty kick were waved away. Singapore's coach Radojko Abramovic was so incensed that he was sent off the pitch. China won 2-1 and take the full compliment of three points.

Jordan, underdogs in their road encounter with Iraq in spite of their higher seeding, were looking to spring the upset in this matchup of Arab teams. Jordan continued their excellent form from their series against Nepal with a goal just before the half, leading to a bench-to-touchline celebration for the Jordanians.

Barely two minutes out from the break, Jordan struck again, further silencing the crowd at Arbil and placing Jordan in an excellent position to see out the match and claim top spot in the group. They were able to do just that, sending the Iraqi fans home disappointed by their team's 2-0 defeat. Jordan look to take command of the group at home to China on Tuesday while an incensed Singapore side look to vent their frustrations at home to Iraq that same day.

Goals:

China

Zheng Zhi 69 PK

Yu Hai 73

Singapore

Aleksandar Duric 33

Jordan

Hasan Mahmoud 43

Abd Allah Deeb 47

Match Reports:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1503623/index.html

http://www.espnstar.com/football/world-cup/news/detail/item667240/Singapore-enraged-by-China-defeat/

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-03/top-stories/30110089_1_world-cup-qualifier-kurdish-controlled-territory-zico

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO1-O4jSo-Y (China v. Singapore)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGjFezfs2k8 (Jordan v. Iraq)

Full Match Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfYmVph2SF8 (first half of China v. Singapore)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF86GMofaZI (second half)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_wneSi5uzM *(Jordan v. Iraq)

Japan 1 - North Korea 0; Uzbekistan 1 - Tajikistan 0

The Blue Samurai debut in the 2014 FIFA World Cup was at home against fellow 2010 FIFA World Cup finalists North Korea in Saitama. Japan were the aggressors throughout the match and merited all three points despite the absences of Keisuke Honda, Yuto Nagatomo and Kengo Nakamura. Japan dominated the game, garnering more than three-fifths of the possession and outshooting their opponents 20-5. However, the game went to the half scoreless.

In the second half, Japan continued to be more dangerous than their passive opponents. Japan hit two crossbars late in the second half, including one hit by subsitute Mike Havenaar in his national team debut. The rain and the defensive stance adopted by notorious scoreless draw connoisseurs North Korea almost earned the road side a draw, but Maya Yoshida buried a header deep in stoppage time to seal a well-deserved 1-0 win.

Later in the day, Uzbekistan visited neighboring Tajikistan, though we assume they did not get their by walking across their mine-infested border. Tajikistan, a last minute replacement for the disqualified Syria, did not televise their home match because an important political summit in the country preempted any coverage of the match. The first half went by scoreless.

The second half threatened to be devoid of scoring as well until Alexander Geynrikh was brought down in the box, leading to an Uzbekistan penalty kick. Maksim Shatskikh had his effort blocked, but pounced on the rebound to slot home the winner with under twenty minutes to play. Tajikistan nearly equalized two mintues from time but had their shot cleared off the line by Uzbekistan's goalie Ignatiy Nesterov. The 1-0 result held for the visitors, who moved to the joint top of the group before hosting Japan on Tuesday. Tajikistan will travel to North Korea on Tuesday.

Goals:

Japan

Maya Yoshida 90+4

Uzbekistan

Maksim Shatskikh 72

Match Reports:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1504209/index.html

http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=1697265

http://www.chron.com/sports/article/Uzbeks-win-1-0-at-Tajikistan-in-WCup-qualifier-2152546.php

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QO4g-g8YPA (Japan v. North Korea)