Sports: Soccer: Japan and South Korea seen as competitive in what world calls 'football' 2022

Japan and South Korea lead way for Asian soccer 

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

DOHA, Qatar - The Associated Press

South Korea's defender Cha Du-Ri (L) fouls Japan's forward Shinji Okazaki during their 2011 Asian Cup semifinal match. AFP photo

Qatar will host Asia's second World Cup in 2022, but only two teams from the region have any chance of winning it, according to Asian Football Confederation President Mohammed bin Hammam.

"We have two very good teams or, let me say, good practices in Asia: Japan and South Korea," Bin Hammam told The Associated Press. "If there will be any, I believe Japan or Korea can be our team which lifts the World Cup."

Many felt the quality of Japan's Asian Cup semifinal win over South Korea on Tuesday was worthy of a final, and the two countries continue to reap the benefits of co-hosting the 2002 World Cup.

-- AP via Hurriyet intro posted by Sportikos