Asian Cup update

Wednesday July 25, 07
Iraq P 0 - 0 P Korea Republic
Japan 2 - 3 Saudi Arabia
Iraq squeaks through on PK's (resulting in euphoria in the streets of Baghdad, unfortunately quickly turning to panic). Saudi Arabia comes with the big offense to knock off Japan. Saudi Arabia-Iraq in the finals.

Sunday July 29, 07
Iraq 14 : 35 Saudi Arabia
I've got to go with Saudi Arabia here, these are neighboring countries whose soccer histories go back a long way--and Saudi Arabia is generally the better team. I might've taken Iraq over Japan even though I think Japan is the better team simply because when shocking competitors like Iraq make it this far they usually ride the luck all the way to the end. But only if they're playing an unexpected opponent, not a neighbor. Go with Saudi Arabia over Iraq in the finals.