Make or break match for Saudi Arabia and North Korea

It’s a make or break game for host Saudi Arabia and North Korea when they meet in their final 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifying match at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh Wednesday.
However, Saudi Arabia coach Jose Peseiro sounded optimistic and confident when he said that his team is on the right track to clinch a ticket to South Africa and cap its run with a perfect end.
In any way, a battle royal is in the cards as Saudis are seeking their fifth successive World Cup appearance, while North Koreans are battling to appear in the Finals again since their memorable debut in England in 1966.
Chances also vary and as the Group B unexpected results may contribute to decide the second qualifier alongside South Korea which has already secured a seat for the Finals.
Saudi Arabia and North Korea need all three points to get an automatic spot.
A draw may end Saudi hopes if Iran could beat South Korea in another Wednesday’s final group game in Seoul.
Saudi Arabia and North Korea both have 11 points from seven games but Pyongyang side comes second on goal difference while Iran is fourth on 10 points.
Saudi Arabia’s goalless draw with South Korea on June 10 and the same result of Iran clash with North Korea four days earlier opened the doors for the three teams.
Peseiro who was delighted with the one point at Seoul believes that the last fixture will be different in terms of his players spirits.
“We all know that it is our responsibility to end this campaign on a bright note. My players are ready and I can feel their desire to win this match,” Peseiro said.
Saudi Arabia will be without two of its key players, but the coach said that he has the alternative choices.
Al-Shabab midfielders Abdoh Ateef will miss the match following a knee injury during South Korea match while his brother Ahmed is suspended after he was sent off in the last 20 minutes of the same match.
“For me, it was a great shock to lose their services but I plan my tactics depending on the players available. However, we will miss them for his crucial game but I ban on others’ abilities and experience,” he added.
Peseiro knows that his rivals on Wednesday are one of the strongest teams in Group B especially when it defend its advantage. He also stressed that Pyongyang squad will aim for a draw.
“North Korea’s net received only a few goals, they have a strong defense and I think they will start the match in a defending format as they only need the draw.
“ I am sure that my players will be in their right form and they need to be patient to achieve their goal. It won’t be an easy clash,” Peseiro said.
The third-place teams in each of the Asian qualifying groups will play off for the right to meet Oceania confederation champion New Zealand for a spot at next year’s World Cup.
Ealsewhere, Australia and Japan, which have already qualified, will resume a burgeoning regional rivalry in what would otherwise be a meaningless Group 1 match for both teams.
In that group, Bahrain’s loss to Australia last week means it has to avoid defeat against Uzbekistan to secure third place. Uzbekistan is out of *******ion unless it wins.
A crowd of more than 70,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is expected to watch the match between Australia and Japan which will determine who finishes atop Group 1. The host leads the group with 17 points, two clear of Japan, and has not conceded a goal in seven matches in this round.