AFC Challenge Cup Sparklines

We Global Football is set on providing insight that you cannot find anywhere else.  We have developed a set of Sparklines for each group in the AFC Challenge Cup.  The Sparklines represent games played since April 2011.  With each game played, the sparkline moves up or down depending on the result of the match.

Each point on the graph represents “Percentage of possible points won since 4/1/2011”. Please also keep in mind that these Sparkines are NOT adjusted for Strength of Schedule.

Click on the images to see a larger version of the graphs.

Group A

In our preview, we recommended Myanmar as Group A winners.  We feel that they will have this narrow margin due to being qualifying hosts.  The Sparkline shows that all 4 teams in Group A have been playing poorly as of late.  If there is going to be a group where a relatively unknown emerges, this will probably be it.  Additionally, since the games will probably be very tight, the 2nd place finisher seems unlikely to advance to the finals.

 

Group B

As we stated in our initial preview, it appears that Group B is the weakest out of the 4 groups.  Macau certainly should put up little resistance along the way.  All 4 of these teams have played very few games, so this is certainly wide open.  Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Kyrgyzstan should all compete for group crown.  Like Group A, there will most likely be a number of draws in this group, so the 2nd place finisher seems somewhat unlikely to advance.

 

Group C

Group C should be a two horse race between Laos and Afghanistan.  Their March 6th meeting is certainly the one to keep an eye on.  If Afghanistan can manage a draw in a hostile road environment, they should be able to progress to the finals.  Unfortunately, they will not have the benefit of waiting to see how many points will be needed to advance as a 2nd place squad.  The Sparklines do indicate, however, that Afghanistan has had the better form of late, which could work in their favor.

 

Group D

Similar to our projections, the Sparklines show that no team in this group has performed too well.  Palestine has been hovering around the 40% mark for quite some time while Nepal has just been in a freefall.  Hosting a Non-FIFA squad is probably what you want to get yourself out of that mess.  Nepal will be looking to win, but most likely will be content with a draw against an intimidating Palestine squad.  Bangladesh may be able to make a little noise, but more than likely this will come down to Nepal and Palestine.

 

Group E

Again, as expressed in our preview, Philippines and Turkmenistan are most likely going to battle it out for the top 2 spots.  They are arguably the 2 best teams in qualifying and they’re stuck in the same group.  Cambodia and Brunei have the makings of getting completely steamrolled.  The March 26th meeting between Philippines and Turkmenistan will be the final match of the qualifying, so each team will know what they need to qualify.  If one team needs a win, expect a wild game.  More than likely, both of these teams will advance to the finals.

 

We hope you enjoyed more analysis on the AFC Challenge Cup.  The first matches kick off this Saturday, 3/2.  As usual, you can follow us on Twitter @We_Global with any comments or discussions related to the Challenge Cup and any other international football.