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