The opening round of Asian Zones qualifying finals for FIFA World Cup? Germany ended with the eastern Asian powers on top. 2002 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists Korea Republic defeated the visiting Kuwait side 2-0 with Lee Dong-gook and Lee Young-pyo scoring in either half. In an earlier game, two lapses by the hesitant Korea DPR goalkeeper Sim Sung-Chol handed home team Japan a crucial, hard-fought victory. The star-studded travelling Iran side failed to avenge their 3-1 defeat to Bahrain in the all-important FIFA World Cup qualifier four years ago after a goalless 90 minutes, while three-time Asian champions Saudi Arabia had to settle for a point against Uzbekistan.

Despite the opening wins, nothing is settled for the two triumphant Eastern Asian sides with five rounds still to play.

Group A: Korea Republic 2-0 Kuwait

After thrashing Kuwait 4-0 in last year?s Asian Cup, Korea Republic continued their winning form over the Gulf side with a 2-0 home victory. The Taeguk Warriors, under new Dutch boss Jo Bonfrere, had been winless in their last four warm-ups after thumping Germany 3-1 in a friendly last December. The opening win saw Bonfrere?s side back on track in their search for a sixth consecutive appearance in the FIFA World Cup finals since 1986.

Lee Dong-gook put the home side ahead on 24 minutes after his powerful volley flew past Kuwait goalkeeper Khalid Al Fadhli. Kuwait pressed hard on the counter but the home team defended well. PSV Eindhoven midfielder Lee Young-Pyo sealed the victory with a 81st minute goal.

On 25 March the Taeguk Warriors will travel to Saudi Arabia in their next game which is expected to be a stiff test for both sides.

Uzbekistan 1-1 Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia?s 2002 FIFA World Cup nightmares appear to be continuing as they only managed to grab one away point against Central Asian powerhouses Uzbekistan. Two second half substitutes scored to salvage one point for their respective newly-appointed bosses.

Since their 8-0 thumping at the hands of eventual World Cup runners-up Germany three years ago, Saudi Arabia have enjoyed an injection of new blood. However, their transitional team suffered an early exit at the group stage of last year?s Asian Cup, where they lost to Uzbekistan 1-0. Showing confidence in their search of their first-ever qualification for FIFA World Cup, former Soviet Republic Uzbekistan made full use of their home advantage and had the upper hand in the opening stages, but it was the visitors who took the lead courtesy of veteran Al Jaber?s goal on 76 minutes. The 32-year-old, who retired after 2002 FIFA World Cup and was only called up recently, repaid the faith shown in him by new Argentine boss Gabriel Calderon after he had come on as substitute.

But Saudi Arabia?s lead didn?t last long as Pakhtakor midfielder Anvarjon Soliev?s last-gasp goal pulled the sides level. The next round will see Saudi Arabia play host to Korea Republic while the Uzbeks travel to Kuwait on March 25.

Group B: Japan 2-1 Korea DPR

Japan?s Brazilian coach Zico?s policy of using home-based players paid off again as two J-league players, Kashima Antlers midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara and Kashiwa Reysol forward Masahi Oguro scored either side of half-time to secure the home team a hard-won opening victory.

With a backdrop of blue-cladded home supporters, dotted with small patches of Japan-born Korean citizens with their national flags, Asia?s top ranked team got off with a dream start. Japan were awarded a free-kick from the left for a foul on Alessandro Santos by Korea DPR captain Ri Myong-sam, Ogasawara?s curling kick flew past the defending wall before nestling in the bottom left of the Korean goal.

Despite the early blow, coach Yun Jong-Su?s young team hit back hard in the opening 24 minutes. Japan keeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi was quickly forced into action when An Yong-hak fired in a low drive. But only three minutes later, Japan nearly made it 2-0 when Keiji Tamada was only inches away from tapping in a loose ball from close range.

The experienced Japan side continued to push forward in their quest to double their lead in the second half, while their rivals gradually found their feet with speedy counter-attacks. Nam Song-chol hit a left-footed equalizer from a tight angle on 61 minutes. The goal triggered an instant celebration and sparked attacking waves from Korean side. With time ticking towards the end, Masahi Oguro rose to score the winner that saved both Zico and his team?s blushes.

Bahrain 0-0 Iran

The thick humidity at Bahrain National Stadium at Manama didn?t prevent the two sides putting on a relentless show, though it was a hard-fought rather than entertaining game. Despite the absence of Aala Hubail, top scorer with five goals in last year?s Asian Cup, host team Bahrain again proved they were equal to a star-studded Iran after holding the Persians to a goalless draw.

This draw left group top seeds Japan sitting on top of group B after the opening round, while coach Branko Ivankovic?s much fancied side will have a more difficult assignment when they host Japan in Teheran on March 25th. With the talismanic Ali Daei, mercurial Ali Karimi and Bayern Munich forward, Vahid ?Helicopter? Hashemian up front, Iran had best of the early play and attacked from start to finish. But always keeping five players behind the ball, well-organized Bahrain defended gallantly, and occasionally threatened Ebrahim Mirzapour?s goal when they broke.

After the early exchanges though Iran took the initiative, while Bahrain were reduced to long balls and shots from distance. Karimi?s dizzying dribbling beat two Bahrain defenders before he was fouled by Mahmood Jalal, but the resulting free kick was deflected over. Ebrahim Mirzapour was called into action on 28 minutes to display his reflexes. When a sudden rebound landed dangerously in Iran?s final third, Mirzapour flew out to snatch the loose ball. Two minutes before the break, Javad Nekounam unleashed a powerful drive that flew just wide.

Both sides upped the pace in the second half in search of the opener, but produced few good chances. Bahrain looked like they might have scored the only goal after 81 minutes, but Mohamed Hubail, brother of the absent Aala, fired a blistering shot into the side-netting.
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