Asian heavyweights Japan and Iran kicked off their 2018 World Cup bids with surprise draws against Singapore and Turkmenistan on Tuesday as the region’s minnows continued to justify the decision for a qualifying revamp.
Singapore owed much to goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud after their goalless draw at the Saitama Stadium, while Turkmenistan’s Ruslan Mingazow scored just before half time in Dashoguz as Iran were held 1-1.
Despite their stuttering starts, neither Japan nor Iran should have problems advancing to the next stage as pool winners in the joint World Cup and Asian Cup qualifying second round.
Asian champions Australia also looked close to a surprise draw, but they escaped Bishkek with a 2-1 win over Kyrgyzstan.
The Socceroos made a dream start as Mile Jedinak’s free kick in the second minute bounced into the corner of the net, with the hosts’ goalkeeper at fault.
But the visitors were on the back foot thereafter as Kyrgyzstan, ranked 177th in the world by Fifa, pushed and probed impressively.
Tommy Oar eventually added a 67th-minute second for Australia, who endured a nervy finale after a 92nd-minute goal for the hosts was allowed to stand despite Australian claims Almazbek Mirzaliev had handled the ball into the net.
South Korea, who lost the Asian Cup final to Australia in January, had no such trouble in seeing off Myanmar 2-0 away in Bangkok.
Son Heung-min’s second-half pile-driver and Lee Jae-sung’s first-half opener gave the Koreans a solid start to Group G.
Arch rivals North Korea recorded an impressive 4-2 win over Uzbekistan in Pyongyang for their second win in Group H. The hosts were 4-0 up in 36 minutes.
Elsewhere, the other groups have unfamiliar leaders.
Tiny Guam, in Group D with Iran, continued their dream start to the campaign with a 2-1 win over India which left them top of the pool after they recorded their first World Cup qualifying victory against Turkmenistan on Thursday.
Lowly Hong Kong top Group C after they overcame Maldives 2-0 at home for their second win in the pool.
Teerasil Dangda scored both goals as Thailand beat Taiwan 2-0 away to make it two wins from two to lead Group F.
Their South East Asian rivals Malaysia endured more misery, however, as they were thumped 6-0 at home by Palestine, the same victory margin China enjoyed in Bhutan.
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