From Turkmenistan, across Kyrgyzstan & Tajikistan, to powerhouse Uzbekistan - we have a look at the Central Asian region and the current situation of their local football.
Coronavirus Times: The View from Central Asia
Central Asia sits in a unique situation at the moment; an isolated, unaffected island of calm amid a global pandemic. Only one COVID-19 case has been reported so far in the region, and the leagues are running regularly—Asian football expert, Martin Lowe, with a unique coverage on football away of the virus panic.
Japan and Australia qualified, Kyrgyzstan almost made an upset
Japan and Australia qualified to the next stage, but they will need to rise their playing level if they want to be title contenders. Kyrgyzstan played well and almost shocked the host nation, UAE.
Son Heung-Min leads South Korea to the next stage
South Korea defeated China and finished at the top of Group C. Now they can concentrate on their mission, winning their first continental trophy since 1960, as Son Heung-Min joined them right on time.
Rethinking Expectations
Australia lost their first match, won the second and didn’t qualify yet to the next stage. China and South Korea won twice and qualified. So how is it possible that Australia can be calm and the two others can’t?