Iran to face Japan in AFC U-19 Championship

TEHRAN,May 14(MNA)--Iran has been grouped with host the UAE, Japan and Kuwait in Group A of the AFC U-19 Championship 2012 in a draw held in Dubai on Sunday. The championship, previously known as AFC Youth Championship, will take place in the UAE from November 3 to 17. Korea Republic, China, Thailand and Iraq made up Group B while defending champions DPR Korea, who defeated Australia in the thrilling final 3-2 to win the title in 2010, are pooled against Vietnam, Jordan and Uzbekistan in Group C. 2006 champion Saudi Arabia is in Group D alongside with Australia, Syria and Qatar. After the group stage on November 3-8, the top two teams from each group (eight teams in total) will qualify for the quarterfinals (November 11) and the four winners of the quarterfinals will play in the semi-finals (November 14) and the winners advance to the final (November 17). The top four teams of the championship will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2013 which will be held in Turkey.