Old rivalries resume in Asia

National pride will be a significant component in this week's AFC Champions League Matchday 3 with the fixtures throwing up some intriguing derbies between countries that have developed key rivalries over the years.

In East Asia, Korea Republic and China have long been football adversaries and that rivalry is set to continue this week with each nation's representative teams scheduled to lock horns. Inspired by the recent outstanding performances of the Socceroos, Newcastle Jets and Central Coast can be expected to raise their game, on the back of an improved showing on Matchday 2, as they challenge Japanese opponents in the shape of Nagoya Grampus and Kawasaki Frontale.

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Alonso confident of progression

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso says Spain are confident of booking a place at the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

The European champions have made a superb start to their qualifying campaign after winning all four of their matches to date.

Spain tackle Turkey home and away in their next two qualifiers and Alonso says Vicente del Bosque's men will not be letting up.

"We're quite confident of course. We've won the four games so that's very important," he told Sky Sports News.

"We have to carry on the same way. These two games against Turkey are really important.

"The first one at home and we're expecting to get the three points so that will be a massive step towards South Africa in 2010.

"The expectations are getting higher and higher because of the way we're playing. I think the level of the team is quite high, but we have to carry on the same way.