AFC Asian Cup 2019, Group D: Qualification Permutations and Combinations

The last group games in Group D of the AFC Asia Cup 2019 get underway on the 16th of January 2019.

Iran has been in top form in their first two matches and their rivals Iraq have also fared better setting up a top of the table clash in their final group game. Let's discuss the possible scenarios and outcomes of the group below.

Scenario 1 - If Vietnam and Iraq win?

Iraq should be at their best to topple Iran in their final game in Group D and secure their third victory.

Iran would still qualify as the second-best team. It would be the end of the road for Yemen while Vietnam would still have their hopes alive in the competition if they win over Yemen.

Position: Iraq 9 points, Iran 6, Vietnam 3, Yemen 0

Scenario 2 - If both the finals games in group D end in a draw?

The Persian Stars would head the group on a positive goal difference above Iraq as both teams have already qualified for the round of sixteen. With both Yemen and Vietnam ending with one point, it could mark the end of the road for both teams from the tournament.

Position: Iran 7 points, Iraq 7, Vietnam 1, Yemen 1

Iraq's Ali Adnan would play a crucial role in their match against Iran

Scenario 3 - If Yemen and Iran win?

Iran would remain a potent force in the tournament after getting the better of their neighboring country as Iraq would settle for the second place.

Yemen’s qualification chances will gain a massive boost if they get past Vietnam with the latter exiting the tournament in the group stages.

Position: Iran 9 points, Iraq 6, Yemen 3, Vietnam 0

Scenario 4 - If Vietnam win and Iran and Iraq settle for a draw?

Iran and Iraq would remain on seven points each from their three games as Iran edge their neighbors out on top with a superior goal difference.

Vietnam would look to qualify for the knockouts with a victory over Yemen. Debutants Yemen will focus on the 2023 Asia Cup qualifiers if they lose to Vietnam.

Position: Iran 7 points, Iraq 7, Vietnam 3, Yemen 0

Vietnam v Iran - AFC Asian Cup Group D

Scenario 5 - If Vietnam and Iran win?

The Persian Lions will enter the knockout stages securing nine points from three matches. Iraq would still qualify as the second placed team from the group.

Vietnam would knock The Qahtani Arabs out of the tournament and would need to wait for the other games to complete which would reveal their qualification status.

Position: Iran 9 points, Iraq 6, Vietnam 3, Yemen 0

Scenario 6 - If Vietnam and Yemen settle for a draw and Iraq wins?

It would thrill Slovenian coach Srečko Katanec if Iraq could pull off a victory over Iran pushing the latter down to the second spot.

If Vietnam and Yemen settle for a draw, it will mean the end of the road for both the teams from the Emirates Asia Cup.

Position: Iraq 9 points, Iran 6, Vietnam 1, Yemen 1

Scenario 7 - If Vietnam and Yemen settle for a draw and Iran wins?

The Lions of Persia would roar on top of group D with Iraq settling to the second spot. The competition would end for both Vietnam and debutants Yemen who would focus for the 2023 qualifiers.

Position: Iran 9 points, Iraq 6, Vietnam 1, Yemen 1

Scenario 8 - If Yemen and Iraq win?

Iraq would end their group matches with three victories and qualify to the knockouts as group winners. Team Melli would qualify as the second placed team in the group.

Debutants Yemen’s chances of qualification stands increased if they manage a victory against the youthful Vietnam squad.

Position: Iraq 9 points, Iran 6, Yemen 3, Vietnam 0

Yemen (Image Courtesy: Foxsportsasia)

Scenario 9 - If Yemen wins and Iran and Iraq draw their game?

Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz would be on cloud nine with his team‘s performance in the group stages after they presented a fluid display of football in all their three matches.

Iraq will settle for the second place while Yemen would restore their hopes of qualification after gaining three points by knocking out Vietnam from the tournament.

Position: Iran 9 points, Iraq 6, Yemen 3, Vietnam 0

Team Melli would require a draw to occupy the prime spot in group D, and a victory will assert their dominance in the group. If they lose to Iraq, they have to settle for the second spot.

The Lions of Mesopotamia qualifies in the second spot if they lose to Iran or hold them to a draw. If they get past their neighbors, then they would command the group.

Both The Golden Dragons and The Qahtani Arabs would need a victory to stand a chance to qualify as the third best team in the competition. A defeat or a draw would conclude their campaign at the 2019 Asia Cup in Emirates.

Wednesday, 16 January 2019: Iraq (88) vs Iran (29) - Al-Maktoum Stadium, Dubai at 21:30 IST.

Wednesday, 16 January 2019: Yemen (135) vs Vietnam (100) - Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain at 21:30 IST.