2024-01-25T17:06:06+00:00
A-
A
A+
/ The matches of the third round of the fifth and sixth groups of the Asian Cup, which took place on Thursday, sparked widespread controversy due to the results witnessed in these matches, and allegations that the teams deliberately obtained these results for calculations related to the matches of the round of sixteen of the tournament.
In the fifth group, its teams refused to take the lead in order to avoid facing Japan in the quarter-finals. Bahrain took first place by defeating Jordan 1-0, while surprisingly strong South Korea tied in the final seconds with humble Malaysia 3-3.
Bahrain raised its score to 6 points in the fifth group to set up a match with the “Blue Samurai”, compared to 5 points for South Korea and 4 for Jordan, which previously secured qualification.
The surprise in the match between Jordan and Bahrain was that the star of the “Nashama” team and Montpellier’s French winger, Moussa Al-Taamari, did not participate in the starting lineup, as he had excelled in his country’s first two matches against Malaysia (4-0) and against South Korea (2-2). While midfielder Nour Al-Rawabdeh was absent due to a broken rib, ending his career in the tournament.
Regarding whether he deliberately lost the match, Moroccan Jordanian coach Hussein Amouta said in television statements: “Choosing this squad was necessary as long as we guaranteed qualification… It was an adventure to enter with all the main players. There was a mild injury to Mahmoud Al-Mardi.”
Regarding the events of Group Six, the Saudi fans attacked the South Korean coach, the German Jurgen Klinsmann, after he appeared smiling after his team conceded the equalizer against Malaysia in the Asian Cup.
With this draw, South Korea avoided facing Japan, the first candidate for the title, in the quarter-finals, and will likely face Saudi Arabia if it tops its group.
Social media pioneers in Saudi Arabia published a composite picture of Klinsmann, where he appeared in the first picture frowning after Korean star Heung-Min Son scored the goal to lead his country against Malaysia 3-2 in the third minute of stoppage time, while signs of relief and happiness appeared. On the German coach’s face when his team conceded the 3-3 equalizer in the 14th minute of stoppage time.