Saudi, Japan in same group

They will somehow have to fashion a draw against one of the giants of Asian football and make sure that there is a winner in their own encounter if one of them is to reach the next stage.

Iran, winners of the Asian Cup in 1968, 1972 and 1976 were the nation with most to smile about after avoiding any of the big sides. They were drawn in Group A along with the hosts Lebanon and two sides they faced in the last Asian Cup, Iraq and Thailand.

Talebi’s caution is understandable as Iraq beat them 2-1 in a memorable match in Dubai in the 1996 edition of the competition. Inevitably, their meeting, scheduled for the 50,000 capacity City Sportive in Beirut, drew attention for it’s political connotations although these were quickly played down by the Iranian coach.

Lebanon, although they don’t have a great tradition in Asian football, also concerned Talebi, who coached Iran at the 1998 World Cup.

The two sides will meet straight after the opening ceremony in front of what is certain to be a passionate capacity crowd in the City Sportive. With the top two from each group and the two best third-placed teams all going through to the quarter-finals, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Japan should have few problems reaching the second phase.

The toughest group of all may well be Group B, where World Cup regulars and 1980 Asian champions Korea Republic and Kuwait will be a serious obstacle to China’s ambition to finally realise some of their potential at international level.