Japan face tough time in Asia Cup
TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) -- Holders Japan face a stern test from Iran, Oman and Thailand in the group stage of the 2004 Asian Cup in China after the draw was made in Chongqing on Thursday.
Japan, who won the Asian title in Lebanon in 2000, will play their Group D matches in the western city, one of four venues being used at the 16-team event from July 17 to August 7.
China, South Korea and Saudi Arabia join Japan among the top four seeds.
"There will be no easy games," said Japan's Brazilian coach Zico. "Iran have experience of playing at World Cup finals and Carlos Roberto (Carvalho) has done a good job as coach of Thailand."
Japan will still expect to beat Thailand but Oman could spring an upset in their opening match on July 20 after beating South Korea during the qualifying tournament.
However, three-times winners Iran will pose the biggest threat to Japan when the two teams meet in their final Group D match on July 28.
South Korea were drawn alongside Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan in Group B in what appears a slightly easier assignment.
The 2002 World Cup semifinalists should receive some local support as they will play in Jinan, which has a sizeable South Korean population.
Hosts China will face Qatar, Indonesia and Bahrain in Group A and will be helped by playing their first-round matches in Beijing.
Gulf Cup winners Saudi Arabia, runners-up to Japan four years ago, will play Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and resurgent Iraq in Group C, to be contested in Chengdu.
The top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament.
