Round six of the Asian qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa begins March 28. In Group One, Bahrain will play in Tokyo against Japan in what is expected to be a difficult contest which they hope will wind up with nothing worse than a draw.

Also in Group one, Uzbekistan will host Qatar in Tashkent where Qatar will be trying for a repeat victory over the hosts. Qatar beat Uzbekistan 3-0 at their home game in Doha.

Qatar are well prepared, having recently won two friendlies, defeating Kuwait 1-0 in Doha and Syria 2-1 in Aleppo. Group One standings prior to Round 6 (each team played four games):

1. Australia 10 points

2. Japan 8 “

3. Bahrain 4 “

4. Qatar 4 “

5. Uzbekistan 1 “

In Group Two, North Korea hosts the UAE in Pyongyang. The UAE are currently at the bottom of the Asian zone, but still hope to qualify after squandering vital points early.

All eyes will be on the critical faceoff between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with the Saudi team hoping to regain its footing with a victory in Teheran.

Group Two standings prior to Round 6 (each team played four games):

1. South Korea 8 points

2. North Korea 7 “

3. Iran 6 “

4. Saudi Arabia 4 “

5. UAE 1 “

Round 7 matches kick off on April 1. Australia will host Uzbekistan and Bahrain will be at home to Qatar in Group One games. In Group Two, South Korea will play North Korea and Saudi Arabia will play the UAE in a home game.

[Agencies]