North Korea, Bahrain, Uzbekistan win 1-0; United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia win 2-0

Jordan hosted the North Koreans today but were unable to secure even one point as the North Koreans moved into a tie atop the group standings with rivals South Korea. On a pitch devoid of grass, the North Koreans had trouble making headway toward the Jordanian goal, but neither side could net a goal in the opening half until it was almost over. A strike in the forty-fourth minute was all the visitors needed to gain three points and a one-goal shutout.

Oman played host to Bahrain in Muscat. Unfortunately, they played their role too graciously and watch as 2006's fifth-place Asian squad took all of the points on the road. The match started off with a Bahraini goal in the fourteenth minute but was thereafter devoid of scoring. It did, however, feature six yellow cards, including four to the victors.

In Beirut today, the home fans went away from the stadium dissatisfied. Their Lebanon squad failed to produce a goal or a shutout, and paid the consequences with a 1-0 loss. “Lebanon are a well organised and strong team as they proved by progressing to the third round of the qualifying campaign. However, we will win the game as long as we perform properly." These words spoken by the Uzbeki coach, Rauf Ilileyev, were backed up by a goal to end the first half. The defense held in the second period, and Uzbekistan exacted revenge for the replayed match of the 2006 cycle.

The United Arab Emirates wanted to show that their demolition of Vietnam in Round One proved that they are a strong team. Kuwait would have to agree after the 2-0 win by the home side in Abu Dhabi. The scoring was balanced for the United Arab Emirates, with one coming early in the first half, the other early in the second half. They now sit alone atop their group with three points.

Saudi Arabia began its campaign against the surprise team of qualifying so far, Singapore. Reigning Asian player of the year Al Qahtani began the scoring for the Saudis with a first half goal. The match was put out of reach with ten minutes to go with a second mark and Saudi Arabia completed a two-goal shutout. The match was not the cleanest one on record, with seven yellows in total handed out, including a whopping five to Singapore.

Goal scorers:
North Korea: Hong Y.J. 44

Bahrain: Hubail 14

Uzbekistan: Ahmedov 44

United Arab Emirates: Al Shehhi 14; Khalel 53

Saudi Arabia: Al Qahtani 38; Al Hawsawi 81