ASIAN CUP 2014
14 January 2015
After 1-nil wins to both Uzbekistan and China respectively in the first round of matches for Group B, tonight's fixtures shape as make-or-break affairs.
North Korea, forever the enigma, face Saudi Arabia at 6.00pm AEDST at the stadium formerly known as (and soon to be known as again) AAMI Park. Both sides were on the receiving end of the aforementioned 1-nil defeats and will look to atone tonight. Saudi Arabia have the talent and pedigree to claim all three points, but do they have the mindset? North Korea are still largely an unknown quantity. They were battered by Uzbekistan and, if not for wasteful finishing, the margin would've been larger than the solitary goal.
I can't see Saudi Arabia going out in straight sets, and although I expect an improved performance from North Korea they're still likely to ship a few goals.
Suggested bet: Saudi Arabia to score two or more goals @ $2.90 (Sportsbet)
Uzbekistan, quarter finalists at the last Asian Cup, got their tournament off to a solid yet unspectacular start against North Korea. They played some great football and created plenty of chances, but were wasteful and often showed a lack of patience. China were somewhat fortunate to defeat the Saudis, saving a penalty in the process and leaving it late to find the winner. That said, they got the all-important three points which, in a group that lacks any real standout, will go a long way to securing their place in the knockout stages.
I expect China to sit back and absorb the Uzbeki pressure tonight and hope to strike on the counter, however they will be fighting a losing battle. Uzbekistan, along with the UAE, were my dark horses to win it all and I expect them to secure their place in the next round with a win tonight.
Suggested bet: Uzbekistan to score two or more goals @ $3.08 (Sportsbet)
I can't see Saudi Arabia going out in straight sets, and although I expect an improved performance from North Korea they're still likely to ship a few goals.
Suggested bet: Saudi Arabia to score two or more goals @ $2.90 (Sportsbet)
Uzbekistan, quarter finalists at the last Asian Cup, got their tournament off to a solid yet unspectacular start against North Korea. They played some great football and created plenty of chances, but were wasteful and often showed a lack of patience. China were somewhat fortunate to defeat the Saudis, saving a penalty in the process and leaving it late to find the winner. That said, they got the all-important three points which, in a group that lacks any real standout, will go a long way to securing their place in the knockout stages.
I expect China to sit back and absorb the Uzbeki pressure tonight and hope to strike on the counter, however they will be fighting a losing battle. Uzbekistan, along with the UAE, were my dark horses to win it all and I expect them to secure their place in the next round with a win tonight.
Suggested bet: Uzbekistan to score two or more goals @ $3.08 (Sportsbet)
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