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| | FIFA.com The Official web site of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association |
 | | In many ways, the 2007 Asian Cup represents a tournament of firsts. The reigning champions must now qualify, which helps to raise the competitiveness of the preliminary stage and provides more interests for the fans. |
 | | Australia, the AFC's newest recruit, have been handed a tough assignment as they face Bahrain, Kuwait and Lebanon in Group D. Both Bahrain and Kuwait reached the last stage of Asian Zone qualifying for Germany 2006, with Bahrain falling at the final hurdle against Trinidad and Tobago in a play-off over two legs. |
 | | The tournament has also been brought forward a year, it was originally scheduled for 2008, as the AFC did not want a clash with the Beijing Olympics and the UEFA European Championships. |
| www.fifa.com /en/mens/index/0,2527,113312,00.html?articleid=113312 (424 words) |
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