Impressive | Good | What We Expected | Disappointing

GROUP A

1^st – Uzbekistan

Rating: 7.5/10

Flipping Out... Server Djeparov has inspired the Uzbek's.

Analysis: So far the surprise package of the tournament. Playing an attractive brand of European like football, the Uzbek’s have again conveyed that they are a force in Asia, just as they were last time around.

Standout: Captain Server Djeparov has been inspirational for his side while in Alexander Geynrikh, Uzbekistan have a genuine target man up front who can score goals.

Looking Forward: Will be favourites again Jordan and face a likely challenge from the number one ranked Australia if they can make the semis.

2^nd – Qatar

Rating: 6/10
Analysis: Are just starting to hit their straps after a slow start. They’ve never made it past the quarter final stage but will have a buoyant home crowd to help achieve a first ever semi final.

Standout: Yusef Ahmed rose to prominence with quite a wonderful brace against China. His finishing is quite something and will hopefully ease the pressure on main man Quintana.

Looking Forward: Face a red hot Japan who also had a slow start but whipped Saudi Arabia 5-0. Anything but superb performances from every player plus crowd support will not be enough.

3^rd – China

Rating: 5/10

Analysis: Not bad, but not great. To their credit they battled hard in all their games, and with quite a youthful team, signs are looking decent. But after the early win, they’ll be disappointed.

Standout: Schalke man Hao Junmin did provide moments of class, rounded off with a wonderful free kick strike against the Uzbeks.

Looking Forward: They have something to build on now the Chinese, but the crucial factor will be if the players have enough pride and belief in the jersey to go on with things in 2011.

4^th – Kuwait

Rating: 4.5/10

Analysis: Gave their all, but simply didn’t have enough talent to go through, only scoring the one goal in their three games.

Standout: Not many for Kuwait, the talismanic Bader Al Mutwa was always lively though, but there are too many hopes lying on his shoulders.

Looking Forward: After a Gulf Cup win, Kuwait have been brought down to earth quite hard. They’ll need to go away and work on their finishing and ability to create chances.

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GROUP B

1^st – Japan

Rating: 7/10

Analysis: After an injury time embarrassment-saver against Jordan and a close game against Syria, Japan shock off the cobwebs against the Saudis and now look like the real deal.

Standout: He may have only started the one match, but Shinji Okazaki took full advantage of Keisuke Honda’s absence scoring a hattrick against Saudi Arabia, putting pressure on Honda’s spot.

Looking Forward: With a confidence boosting win over Saudi Arabia, Japan is finally looking like themselves again. If guys like Honda and Endo find form as well it looks very promising.

2^nd – Jordan

Rating: 8.5/10

Dreaming... Jordan have shocked everyone, including themselves.

Analysis: Not given a chance by anyone before this tournament, Jordan has played with no handbrake. That has paid major dividends and resulted in an undefeated group stage.

Standout: Goalkeeper Amer Shafi has been instrumental thus far in the Cup for Jordan as has Captain courageous Odai Al Saify, but news of a hamstring injury that will rule out the later comes as a huge blow.

Looking Forward: Jordan have already performed above expectations so if they can overcome Uzbekistan without Saify, they could well be writing a fairytale.

3^rd – Syria

Rating: 7.5/10

Analysis: Very unlucky to miss out on the quarters, it was their poor defending at critical stages and predictable offence during the Jordan game which ultimately cost them.

Standout: Sanharib Al Maliki was a persistent force for Syria and publically noted his devastation at being eliminated in the group stages.

Looking Forward: Much like Jordan, Syria played above their expectations in the Cup. They’ve shown class and it will be up to them to build on their results for the future.

4^th – Saudi Arabia

Rating: 1/10

Analysis: Embarrassing, poor, lacklustre, disastrous. You won’t see many more national teams play so badly or put such little effort in. Two sacked coaches within a week is testament.

Standout: Literally no one was worthy of being a standout, prompting apologies from players to the Saudi fans.

Looking Forward: Never has Saudi football looked so bleak. They were among the favourites for the Cup and the whole organization needs a fresh start to avoid this situation from expanding into something dreadful (if it isn’t already).

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GROUP C

1^st – Australia

Rating: 7/10

Analysis: The Socceroos have shown signs of their best, but haven’t been consistent in doing so. They should have scored a lot more goals, as creating chances is not a problem for the top ranked team in Asia.

Standout: Evergreen goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer saved Australia numerous times against Bahrain and South Korea, whilst Mile Jedinak is proving to be a crucial midfielder with strength and power.

Looking Forward: Will face off with rivals Iraq who beat the Aussies 3-1 in the last Asian Cup. Expectations are big for Australia, so nothing less than a semi or even grand final appearance will be enough.

2^nd – South Korea

Rating: 7.5/10

Analysis: The Koreans probably play the best possession football in Asia and they showed that in the group stage. They look the goods but could well regret finishing second with Iran waiting in the quarters.

Standout: Cha Du-Ri has been one of the players of the tournament, oozing class and a physical presence which has provided a much needed bulk to the Koreans defence. Koo Ja-Cheol has also been very impressive up front.

Looking Forward: Iran awaits South Korea now, so whilst it will be a tough match, South Korea have arguably been the pick of the teams in the Cup so far.

3^rd – Bahrain

Flying High... Subrata Paul conveyed the Indians fighting spirit.

Rating: 6.5/10

Analysis: Gave both Australia and South Korea a run for their money and put five goals on India. Will leave the tournament with nothing but respect.

Standout: Hard to go past Ismaeel Abdullatif, his lively runs and finishing was impressive. But his miss against Australia arguably undid all the previously good work.

Looking Forward: Bahrain proved that they are a hard team to beat in the Cup. They are probably the closest of the fringe nations to matching it with the big boys.

4^th – India

Rating: 5.5/10

Analysis: Every player gave their absolute all, and whilst conceding 13 goals in three games, they shut up the sceptics claiming it would be a lot worse.

Standout: Subrata Paul was quite amazing in goal for the Indians. Producing an array of stunning saves he ensured India were never completely embarrassed. Don’t be surprised to see him signed by an overseas club soon.

Looking Forward: Indian football still need to do a lot to come close to matching it with Asia’s best. Their defence especially needs mountains of work. However, this will have been a good experience and will ensure they head in the right direction.

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GROUP D

1^st – Iran

Rating: 8/10

Emphatic... Iran only knew how to win in the group stages.

Analysis: The only team with a perfect record, Iran are looking to consolidate for a missed World Cup appearance with Asian Cup Victory. Will also take heart from the fact their reserve squad are now in form too.

Standout: Gholamreza Rezaei’s bursting runs and general play down the right side of the Iranian midfield was special, capped with a nice goal against Iraq in their opening game.

Looking Forward: Iran’s dominance has brought them the unfortunate fate of facing an ever-improving South Korean team. Arguably the two form teams, Iran will have the bonus of a near 100% fit first team.

2^nd – Iraq

Rating: 6/10

Analysis: Holders Iraq hasn’t yet reached the heights of their dream run in 2007.Their general play has been decent, however, they need to create and finish better.

Standout: The centre-half Muttairi was very impressive, especially against North Korea. He’s doing the work of two men though as Abbas tends to slack off at times.

Looking Forward: The Iraqi’s claim their lack of goals means nothing now that they’ve qualified. But coming up against an Australian side hungry for revenge, one gets the feeling Iraq will need to score more than one goal to win. Something they’re yet to do in this Cup.

3^rd – North Korea

Rating: 3/10

Analysis: After a 2010 World Cup, zero goals in the group will be put down as a failure, as hard as the group was. Simply looked like they lacked motivation on the field and had no penetration in any position whatsoever.

Standout: Jong Tae-Se looked lively at times, but really aside from the Iran game, none of the players really looked up to it too much.

Looking Forward: Hard to imagine how North Korea made the World Cup and Iran didn’t, but that’s football. North Korea must now look at how to rebuild their squad, especially up front.

4^th – UAE

Rating: 4/10

Analysis: Tough group will be an excuse, but the fact is, like North Korea, they failed to score a goal, unless you count their two own goals. Played nicely at periods, but sometimes lacked composure in defence.

Standout: Subait Khater’s set piece delivery through all the games were quite good, his control and flight were good, if only some of his teammates were able to get on the end of it.

Looking Forward: Coach Srecko Katanec said he was not disappointed with his team’s effort, lamenting the quality of opposition. However, to become a stronger footballing nation, you can’t always blame the opposition.

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So as we enter the business stage of the competition these are the how the quarter finals look:

Uzbekistan vs Jordan

Australia vs Iraq

Japan vs Qatar

Iran vs South Korea

As for our picks, we’ve gone for Uzbekistan to overcome Jordan, Australia to get revenge over Iraq, Qatar as our shock winner over Japan and South Korea to be too good for Iran.

BRAZIL

Formation: 4-4-2

TAB Sportsbet: $5.50

The Coach: Dunga

He never held a coaching position before this one, and what a role to take. Early critics seemed fazed and shocked by his appointment but he seems to have won them and the fans over.  He brings a controversial strategy but one that gets results, and for the first time in years, this Brazil side doesn’t rely on one or two players.

The Captain: Lucio

The coach is hero, is that why he’s captain? No, but we’re sure it helps! In all honesty though, Lucio has toughened up of recent times and is a stalwart in Brazil’s defence. He’s become famous for those trademark deep runs from defence for Inter and he’ll be looking to add to his one World Cup winner’s medal.

Leader... Can Lucio bring another overseas trumph to Brazil?

The X-Factor: Kaka

They say you can only keep a giant sleeping for so long before he goes awakens. Kaka has been on one long nap for Real Madrid and one gets the feeling he can really dominate for Brazil. His pace and dribbling skills will be invaluable; however the only thing is if he doesn’t perform, Dunga won’t be afraid to bench him.

The Flaw: Big Name Form

As mentioned, big name players like Kaka and Robinho haven’t had great season at their respective clubs. They’re lacking a bit of confidence one would think and if they bring club form to the national team, Dunga might have to be courageous and bench one or two of them. We know what those types of decisions can do with the likes of Robinho too.

The Verdict: Semi Finals

For once Brazil comes into the World Cup boasting great form and a team of great players. They don’t rely on a Ronaldo, Rivaldo or Ronaldinho, rather they play as a team. The defence, which in the past has been considered as the weakest part of the team, has strengthened into one to be reckoned with and they have an abundance of attacking weapons on show. Anything less than the semis or even the final would be considered a failure.

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NORTH KOREA

Formation: 3-5-2

TAB Sportsbet: $751

The Coach: Kim Jong-hun

Jong-hun has done a fantastic job with the calibre of players he has had on hand to get North Korea to the finals. Their only other appearance in the Cup saw them reach the quarters, but this time around a single point in the group would be some achievement.

The Captain: Hong Yong-jo

By no means a prolific striker, Yong-jo averages a goal every four games for his national team. He’ll start up front for his side and if he can find the goal at all in the Cup he’ll be happy.

Tae-se will look to surprise defences.

The X-Factor: Jong Tae-se

Undoubtedly the star of the North Korean side, Tae-se will be a whirlwind for defences. His pace and willingness to chase anything and everything down will see him ensure that no defenders have an easy day at work.

The Flaw: Cultural Differences

In the squad itself is a mix of players from the homeland and players from Zainichi Korea who grew up in Japan, live in Japan but have Korean roots. Tensions could arise, especially in this group if they cop some big defeats and if it’s not maintained their could be fierce battles within the team.

The Verdict: Group Stage

It’s hard to see them go further than the first round. In fact, it’s almost harder to see how they will pick up any points in the group. However, the very underdog status they will be carrying ensures they will be no easy-beats.

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PORTUGAL

Formation: 4-3-3

TAB Sportsbet: $21