The Road to Brazil 2014

World Cup qualification continued in the Asian zone yesterday with the first leg of several home-and-away playoffs taking place between a whole bunch of nations that have virtually no chance of making the finals.

Most of the matches were fairly close with Malaysia and Nepal earning 2-1 victories over Chinese Taipei and Timor-Leste, respectively.

Palestine defeated Afghanistan 2-0 away, giving them an excellent chance to advance to the second round.

The Philippines only managed a 1-1 draw against Sri Lanka, who struck first in the 43rd minute. The equalizer was scored by American Nate Burkey early in the second half.

Vietnam exacted a punishing 6-0 victory over lowly Macau.

Pakistan lost 0-3 to Bangladesh and Cambodia won 4-2 over Laos.

Finally, Mongolia edged Myanmar 1-0.

The second legs will be played on 2 and 3 July with the aggregate winners advancing to play a bunch of other Asian teams that will not make it to the World Cup in 2014.