I made a mistake in this Asian World Cup seeding post, as jonny pointed out in this comment. I assumed the qualifiers will start in October 2011 with the draw taking place in August 2011 - using the same time table as last time.
Actually, the first round will take place this year in October. Probably the draw will take place in August.
I managed to find the 2014 World Cup Asian qualifying format (sort of), by checking the AFC calendar of competitions for 2010 - 2014.
AFC seem pretty sure of keeping their 4.5 spots - or at least that's how I see it - with round 5 and 6 used for play-off purposes.
10 match days in round 4 - possible groups of 6 teams, but I think it will be groups of 5 teams, as amir pointed out.
Round 1 and 2 are a bit tricky - round 1 in particular. Will teams qualified for Qatar 2011 be involved in the first round?
Most likely format:
Round 1
MD1 - 8 October 2010
MD2 - 12 October 2010
Round 2
MD1 - 25 March 2011
MD2 - 29 March 2011
Round 3
Most likely there will be a draw in April or May 2011.
5 groups of 4 teams - winners and runner-ups go to the next round.
MD1 - 7 June 2011
MD2 - 6 September 2011
MD3 - 11 October 2011
MD4 - 11 November 2011
MD5 - 15 November 2011
MD6 - 29 February 2012
Round 4
A draw for this round will take place sometime before May 2012.
2 groups of 5 teams. Winners and runner-ups qualify for Brazil 2014.
MD1 - 9 June 2012
MD2 - 13 June 2012
MD3 - 11 September 2012
MD4 - 16 October 2012
MD5 - 14 November 2012
MD6 - 22 March 2013
MD7 - 26 March 2013
MD8 - 4 June 2013
MD9 - 11 June 2013
MD10 - 18 June 2013
Round 5
AFC play-off (third placed teams)
MD1 - 6 September 2013
MD2 - 10 September 2013
Round 6
Intercontinental play-off
MD1 - 15 October 2013
MD2 - 15 November 2013
For those interested, these are the 2015 Asian Cup qualifying dates:
Asian Cup
Round 1
MD1 - 1 September 2012
MD2 - 5 September 2012
Round 2
MD1 - 2 February 2013
MD2 - 6 February 2013
MD3 - 15 October 2013
MD4 - 15 November 2013
MD5 - 19 November 2013
MD6 - 5 March 2014
I think AMD stands for Alternative Match Day - 11, 18 and 25 January 2014.
actually, a group of 5 teams also needs 10 rounds...
ReplyDeleteGood point amir. Thanks! Will fix it.
ReplyDeleteIt seems South America would keep its 4,5 spots besides Brazil being qualified as hosts. That's, if confirmed, good news!
ReplyDelete