Qatar victory can’t mask Asian soccer problems

DOHA—Qatar’s Asian Games football triumph shattered Iraq’s dream of a fairytale return to the tournament after 20 years but it couldn’t mask the problems faced by the sport on the continent. The hosts’ 1-0 win was only the second for an Arab country in the Games since Iraq beat Kuwait in 1982.
But it posed the question that had the likes of traditional powerhouses Japan, South Korea and Iran been able to bring first-choice squads, would the result had been different? Saudi Arabia, who are a regular feature at the World Cup, didn’t even bother entering a team. Iran, the defending champions, as well as South Korea were losing semi-finalists and both complained of having to field weakened sides, a legacy of national demands clashing with the desires of clubs. It was also a factor in Japan’s failure to reach the knockout stage. Japan were runners-up to Iran four years ago but this time were restricted by being allowed to only bring one player per club to the Asian Games, and none from those involved in J-League promotion and relegation issues.
Iran’s campaign certainly wasn’t helped by initially being banned by FIFA, for the Tehran government’s meddling in the game, before the suspension was lifted on the eve of the tournament. They eventually finished third. Veteran coach Rene Simoes bemoaned his missing players and hinted that he may stand down after learning his daughter had fallen ill in his native Brazil. “Iran want to renew my contract so I am pleased,” said Simoes.
“But I can’t renew it straight away because my family are always following me around wherever I go, but I can’t do this to them anymore. “I must go to Brazil, sit down and talk about it with them.” Meanwhile, Kuwait failed to get out of the group stage and spent the aftermath complaining about the presence of Australia in the Asian Football Confederation after the Socceroos had knocked their senior side out of the Asian Cup qualifiers.
The women’s event saw North Korea defend their title with a penalty shoot-out win over Japan and confirm their place as Asia’s number one team. North Korea goalkeeper Jon Myong Hui, who saved two spotkicks in the shootout, said she was inspired by her country’s leader Kim Jung Il. “I thought of our Great Leader and I knew with his encouragement and trust in us we would get the victory,” said the 20-year-old after the 4-2 win. China grabbed the bronze medal with a 2-0 win against South Korea thanks to two goals from Wang Kun.—Agencies