Vietnam vs. Uzbekistan AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers 2015: Live Score, Preview, Predictions, Schedule 7 a.m. EST
Uzbekistan and Vietnam will face off in Group E of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers Friday.
Uzbekistan currently sits in second place in the group with four points in three matches but it is tied for the second spot with Hong Kong. In first place is the United Arab Emirates, which has won every single match of the qualifiers thus far.
Uzbekistan tied Hong Kong 0-0 in its opener before losing 2-1 at the United Arab Emirates in March 2013. In its most recent game against Vietnam, the team got goals from Sardor Rashidov, Igor Sergeev and an own goal from Au Van Hoan in a 3-1 win.
Meanwhile, Vietnam has lost all three games thus far and sits in last place with zero points. The team started the tournament with a 2-1 against the United Arab Emirates and was subsequently defeated 1-0 by Hong Kong before losing 3-1 at Uzbekistan.
A win for Uzbekistan keeps it in second place and potentially puts it just two points back of United Arab Emirates, if Hong Kong manages a win in the other game. A draw would potentially push the team into third place if Hong Kong won, and a loss would have an identical effect; a loss would also push Vietnam just one point behind Uzbekistan for a qualifying position.
Vietnam will be completely eliminated from contention if it loses and Hong Kong is defeated by the United Arab Emirates.
Prediction: Vietnam has been a weak side thus far and it is unlikely that that will change on Friday. Expect a win from Uzbekistan.
Start Time: Kick-off gets underway at 7 a.m. EST.
The match will not be broadcast in the United States or online.