Tough draw for hosts Vietnam

HO CHI MINH CITY: Hosts Vietnam were handed a tough test when they were grouped with eight-time winners China and two-time winners DPR Korea in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2008 here on Friday. 

The Asian women’s showpiece will be staged between May 28 and June 8 in this southern Vietnamese city. 

China, who won the last edition of the tournament beating Australia 4-2 on penalties in Adelaide, will be eyeing another shot at glory while DPR Korea would be aiming to emulate their success in the 2001 and 2003 editions. 

Vietnam, who made it to the tournament proper after winning their qualifying group which also had Chinese Taipei, Myanmar and Iran, would also face a tough challenge from SEA Games champions Thailand. 

Japan, who defeated fancied China, DPR Korea and Korea Republic to clinch the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) Championship title this year, could pose a serious threat to Australia in Group B. This group also includes qualifiers Korea Republic and Chinese Taipei. 

The matches will be played at the Thong Nhat Stadium while the simultaneous kick-off game will take place at the Army Stadium, which also hosted an AFC Asian Cup 2007 game between Qatar and the UAE. 

The top two teams from each group will make it to the semi-finals. 

GROUPINGS

Group A 
1. China 
2. DPR Korea 
3. Thailand 
4. Vietnam 

Group B
1. Australia 
2. Japan 
3. Korea Republic 
4. Chinese Taipei