Iraq, Saudis drawn in same Asian Cup group Three-time champions Saudi Arabia and 2007 winners Iraq will face off as the two former continental champions seek to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 following Tuesday’s preliminary round draw in Melbourne. The other teams in this group are, China and Indonesia
With only two teams from each of the five groups guaranteed qualification for the finals, which will take place in Australia in January 2015, former finalists China as well as Indonesia make-up an intriguing Group C alongside 1984, 1988 and 1996 champions Saudi Arabia and Iraq, who claimed a historic win in 2007 after beating the Green Falcons 1-0 in the final. Jordan will meet neighbors Syria as well as Oman and Singapore in Group A once the qualifying campaign begins in February 2013, while three-time champions Iran head Group B alongside Kuwait, Thailand and Lebanon.
Uzbekistan, who reached the semi-finals in 2011, will face the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and Hong Kong in Group E, while Group D contains 2011 hosts Qatar, Bahrain, Yemen and Malaysia.
Defending champions Japan, hosts Australia and Korea Republic – who finished third in the 2011 edition of the tournament – have all qualified automatically for the finals.
DPR Korea, winners of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup, and the champions in the 2014 edition of the same competition will also feature at the finals.
“The preliminary draw has thrown up some great contests, and we are sure to see some exciting matches over the next 18 months,” said AFC Acting President Zhang Jilong.
The AFC Asian Cup will be held in January 2015 with matches played in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane while the qualifying tournament will begin in February 2013 and will run through to March the following year.
Meanwhile, the finals of the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 moved a step closer to reality as the official tournament logo was launched prior to the draw.
Preliminary Draw
Group A: Jordan, Syria, Oman, Singapore
Group B: IR Iran, Kuwait, Thailand, Lebanon
Group C: Iraq, China PR, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia
Group D: Qatar, Bahrain, Yemen, Malaysia
Group E: Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Hong Kong.