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© Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.Expectation high for Asian teams ahead of World Cup draw
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yabusama
I don't think it's just Asia eagerly awaiting the results of the draw. I think everyone is.
I like the attitude of the Asian coaches though except for that line about Japan not looking brilliant but having more stable strength. Unfortunately when you get to the WC level stable strength will only get you to the round-robin stage. You have to be brilliant if you're going to win or at least compete with the best of the rest.
And a bit off topic...hopefully the French repeat their performance of 2002. They don't deserve to be there. Slante!
BurakuminDes
Go the Socceroos! We're all hoping we draw England - what a dream that'd be. Good luck to our Kiwi brothers too, it's gonna be tough for them whoever they draw, but fingers crossed for a nice draw.
smithinjapan
"the rest of Asian football is also on tenterhooks."
What's a tenterhook? haha.
Seriously, I hate it when people say, "We're going to go to the semis", or, "so and so is expected to do their best". It's a sporting event, and there are always upsets. Everyone is expected to do their best, or they should not be playing. The true soccer powerhouses like Brazil, France, Germany, etc. leave us SHOCKED when they bow out in the first round, and others impress us when they last, but to say it's decided based on expectations is silly.
I am keen to see who will be grouped with whom; it's always exciting. But more than that I'm looking forward to the games (hope Japan airs more than just the Japan games!), and if there's an upset here or there it makes it even more fun.