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© 2023 AFPJapan, Australia, South Korea begin World Cup qualifying this week
By Andrew McKIRDY TOKYO©2025 GPlusMedia Inc.
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© 2023 AFP
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Martimurano
Japan should cruise through their Group games, against Myanmar, Syria, and North Korea.
Should be interesting to see how many NK players try to defect after their match against Syria in Saudi - not a very welcoming country to slip away and hide in.....
Peter14
With a doubling of spots open for Asia, the main three should have an easy time of qualification. Some new qualifiers will emerge and get to play in a world cup for the first time, which is great for fans.
Gozar
Something tells me you can find that info in about 10 seconds.
Fighto!
Honestly, I cannot imagine any NK players attempting to defect in Saudi Arabia.
Doing so in Japan would be ideal - but each squad member will likely have 3 bodyguards with them 24/7 to prevent this. Plus, it would be a horrible fate for their wives and children back home who would be seen as enemies of the state.
Anyway, I echo Peter14s opinion : Japan, Aus and SK should ease through qualifying now with 8 (plus 1) Asian teams in the WC.
Samit Basu
@Martimurano
Myanmar, yes.
Syria and North Korea, no.
smithinjapan
In the easiest group there is. They will all get through.