BADEN-BADEN:

Rarely has the Asia-Pacific had a bigger day in football than on Sunday when three of its teams play crunch ties at the World Cup that will draw the attention of millions of soccer fans.

Countless supporters are in Germany to cheer their heroes on and many more across the Asian region will be at home, at bars or in front of giant screen televisions, offering moral support from the other side of the world.

While Asia is rightly regarded as an emerging footballing continent, it still has plenty to prove and nowhere will that be more appropriate than on Sunday against some of the top teams in the world. The biggest tie of the day comes when Australia take on mighty Brazil in Munich, but no less engrossing will be South Korea’s attempt to upstage France in Leipzig.

Japan, meanwhile, has everything to play for against Croatia in Nuremberg, where only three points will be enough to maintain a realistic chance of moving into the round of 16 after their morale-sapping 3-1 loss to the Aussies.

Australia coach Guus Hiddink has four players on yellow cards, meaning they will miss what could be a crucial game against Croatia later in the week if they pick up another booking against Brazil. “I have my concern with the yellow cards, it’s a big concern for the next game because two tough games, two world-class teams, not just Brazil, but Croatia, so it makes a huge problem.”

He has yet to show his hand although one of those on a yellow, Tim Cahill, the two-goal hero against Japan, is adament that he wants to play against Brazil. “I’d take the opportunity to start against Brazil with both hands,” he said. Asian champions Japan know they must beat Croatia to put themselves back in the hunt, and coach Zico is likely to switch to a more attacking 4-4-2 formation. “We must score against Croatia and concede none. That’s all,” said Zico.

South Korea find themselves sitting on top of their table after one match but know France will be desperate for victory following their 0-0 draw with Switzerland.

With Thierry Henry up front and capable of weaving his magic in an instant, Korean coach Dick Advocaat is aware they have a major fight on their hands, but has urged his team not to be overawed.

“It is quite simple — everybody expects that France will win, so there is no reason for us to be nervous. They just have to go out and play their game,” he said.

The Asian Football Confederation’s other representatives in Germany, Saudi Arabia and Iran, have their own burdens to bear.

The Saudis, with one point after drawing with Tunisia, face Ukraine on Monday and will fancy their chances after witnessing the central European side’s 4-0 capitulation to Spain in their opening match. Iran look likely to be Asia’s first casualty following their lame thrashing by Mexico in their first match.

Asia had its best World Cup ever in 2002 when it was co-hosted by Japan and South Korea, with Japan making the round of 16 and South Korea shocking everyone with their passage to the semi-finals. — AFP