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The final league games in Group D of the AFC Asia Cup 2019 gets underway on the 17th of January 2019. Japan and Uzbekistan have already confirmed their spots in the last sixteen. Let’s consider the possible scenarios down below.
Scenario 1 - If Japan and Turkmenistan win?
The Blue Samurais would finish on top with Uzbekistan qualifying from the second spot. Turkmenistan would keep their qualifying hopes alive if they manage a victory by over four goals against Oman. Oman would end up without a single point to their account exiting the competition.
Position: Japan 9 points, Uzbekistan 6, Turkmenistan 3, Oman 0.
Scenario 2 - If both the games in group F, ends in a stalemate?
The White Wolves will edge out Japan as group leaders if they hold them for a draw. Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu may try new players and combinations ahead of the knockouts after securing their qualification into the knockouts. A draw would prove detrimental to the qualification hopes of both Oman and Turkmenistan knocking them out of the tournament.
Position: Uzbekistan 7 points, Japan 7, Oman 1, Turkmenistan 1.
Scenario 3 - If Uzbekistan and Oman win?
Uzbekistan would love to secure a win against title favorites Japan and finish the group as winners. Japan also qualifies into the round of sixteen by finishing in the second spot. Oman’s victory would ideally put them in the prime spot for a qualification berth as the third best team from the tournament. Turkmenistan would head home without recording a single point from their three matches.
Position: Uzbekistan 9 points, Japan 6, Oman 3, Turkmenistan 0.
Scenario 4 - If Japan win and Oman and Turkmenistan settle for a draw?
Japan would finish as group winners and are likely to face either Qatar or Saudi Arabia in the round of sixteen. Uzbekistan will face defending Champions Australia in the next round. The Reds would wind up their campaign and would begin preparations for their AFC 2023 qualifiers. Turkmenistan would aim to perform much better during the next Asia Cup.
Position: Japan 9 points, Uzbekistan 6, Oman 1, Turkmenistan 1.
Scenario 5 - If Japan and Oman win?
The Blue Samurai would ideally like to finish with a win and asserting their status as title contenders. Uzbekistan would fancy their chances against the Socceroos with their attacking brand of football. If Oman qualifies, they will face a daunting task of overcoming South Korea in the round of sixteen. Turkmenistan would return home empty handed without a single point to their name.
Position: Japan 9 points, Uzbekistan 6, Oman 3, Turkmenistan 0.
Scenario 6 - If Japan and Uzbekistan settle for a draw and Turkmenistan wins?
Uzbekistan would ideally go into the match seeking a draw which would thrust them in front of Japan on goal difference. Japan would want their attackers to find the back of the net more often having now come to the business end of the tournament. Turkmenistan’s chances of qualification appear slim with their hefty negative goal difference. Oman would return home empty-handed without a point.
Position: Uzbekistan 7 points, Japan 7, Turkmenistan 3, Oman 0.
Scenario 7 - If Japan and Uzbekistan settle for a draw and Oman wins?
Uzbekistan would emerge as group toppers and would meet either Saudi Arabia or Qatar in their next round. Japan would set up a title clash with defending champions Australia while Oman would meet either Iran or South Korea in their next round. Turkmenistan would feel disappointed in not securing a point from their three games, but they have already proved they belong here after running Japan close in their first match at these Championships.
Position: Uzbekistan 7 points, Japan 7, Oman 3, Turkmenistan 0.
Scenario 8 - If Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan win?
A win against Japan would come as a massive boost to their squad ahead of their knockout round matches. Japan would ideally not be looking at a second place finish, but they would be thoroughly prepared to take on any opposition in the round of sixteen. Turkmenistan’s chances appear slim unless they secure a victory over Oman by two goals or more. Oman’s campaign would end without a single point to their name.
Position: Uzbekistan 9 points, Japan 6, Turkmenistan 3, Oman 0.
Scenario 9 - If Uzbekistan wins and Turkmenistan and Oman draw their game?
Uzbekistan‘s victory over Japan would ideally push them to achieve their fourth-place finish they secured during the 2011 Asia Cup. Japan would encounter the mighty Australians to set up a thrilling match in the round of sixteen. Oman and Turkmenistan bow out of the competition if they end their game with a draw.
Position: Uzbekistan 9 points, Japan 6, Oman 1, Turkmenistan 1.
The White Wolves would finish on top of Group F if they win or secure a draw in their final group game. A loss would, however, allow them to qualify as the second-placed side in the competition.
The Blue Samurai need a victory against the Uzbeks if they intend to finish on top of Group F. A defeat or a draw would push them down to the second spot.
The Reds need a victory over Turkmenistan to keep their qualification hopes alive as the best third-placed team. A draw or a defeat would knock them out of the competition.
The Emeralds would need a victory by over two goals against Oman to stand any chance of qualifying to the next stage. Their competition would end if manage a draw or suffer a defeat at the hands of Oman.
