Asian Under 19 Championships - Saudi Arabia

[Napoleon Solo]

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02/11/08 13:15 Syria U19 v Iraq U19 1.80 3.30 3.60
02/11/08 13:15 Iran U19 v Japan U19 4.50 3.75 1.55
02/11/08 15:45 Yemen U19 v Saudi Arabia U19 7.00 3.75 1.40
02/11/08 15:45 UAE U19 v Korea Republic U19 3.40 3.20 1.90

[Napoleon Solo]

Syria U19 v Iraq U19
UAE U19 v Korea Republic U19 3.40 3.20 1.90

Syria were set up quite defensively in their first match against Korea in order to stifle the Korean attack. The Koreans dominated the possession and had numerous chances to score, but it took a goal in stoppage time to finally break the deadlock.

Iraq were beaten in their first game by the UAE after having two players sent off, the first in the 13th minute. They did keep it goalless until the 63rd minute before conceding two goals. They weren't afraid to attack though and did have their chances, finally pulling a goal back in the 83rd minute before the second defender was sent off.

Syria are likely to be set up in a more attacking formation for this game as they look to get a win to keep their qualification hopes alive. This may well play into the hands of the Iraqis who will thrive on the open more open space. Iraq @ 3.60 - 1 point

The UAE are likely to find the game against Korea Republic much harder going than their game against Iraq, especially if the Koreans can keep 11 men on the field. No bet is really standing out though as the UAE aren't going to be easy to break down either.


Iran U19 v Japan U19 4.50 3.75 1.55
Yemen U19 v Saudi Arabia U19 7.00 3.75 1.40

Japan had a comfortable win in their first game against Yemen, though the Yemenese did expose a few worrying chincks in the Japanese backline (so to speak).

The hosts got their tournament off to the best possible start with a late winner against Iran, but the Iranians, who are well organised and very physical, pushed them all the way and created plenty of chances of their own.

Japan aren't going to have the game against Iran all their own way and the intense heat and high humidity in Saudi Arabia could work against the Japanese, who are used to slightly cooler climes. Iran threatened Saudi Arabia enough to suggest they'll do the same against Japan. Iran @ 4.50 - 2 points

Saudi Arabia should really have too much for Yemen, the odds reflecting that.

In Summary:
Iraq @ 3.60 - 1 point
Iran @ 4.50 - 2 points