Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: The group stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 has seen its share of standout performances from the established stars of Asian football to the emergence of a new generation of talent.
But just who has been the best performer overall?
We want you to have your say, vote in our poll below to decide which of the following 10 players you think has been the best performer of the group stage.
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Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Al Ain: Practice made perfect for Tsukasa Shiotani after the Japan midfielder revealed he had been working on his long-range shooting before scoring his side’s spectacular winner against Uzbekistan in their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 match on Thursday.
The Al Ain midfielder, who was only called up into the squad as a late replacement for the injured Hidesmasa Morita, gave Japan the lead 13 minutes into the second half of their meeting with the Central Asian side, with the goal earning Hajime Moriyasu’s side top spot in Group F.
That means Japan will meet Saudi Arabia in what promises to be one of the highlights of the Round of 16 as Moriyasu and company attempt to deliver a record-extending fifth title for the Samurai Blue.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: After an exciting group stage of the biggest ever edition of the AFC Asian Cup, we look back at some of the best goals of UAE 2019 so far, and ask you to pick your favourite in our poll at the end.
In the 36 matches played in the group stages of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, we have seen 96 goals scored - 2.67 per match - and some of them truly memorable strikes. Here are our selected 10 for you to review and judge which is your best.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: Head coach Felix Sanchez has been quick to play down any notion of Qatar being favourites to win the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 following Thursday’s 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia which saw his side finish top of the Group E standings.
Almoez Ali scored twice to take his tally for the tournament to an impressive seven, as the Qataris recorded a third successive victory, a run of form that has yet to see them concede.
However, despite the flying start, Sanchez is adamant that Qatar’s impressive record will count for nothing come the knockout phase.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: Take nothing away from Oman for they, head coach Pim Verbeek says, fully deserve their spot in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Round of 16.
Oman defeated Turkmenistan 3-1 on Thursday, with Muhsen Al Ghassani and Mohammed Al Musallami scoring late goals after the Central Asian side had equalised through Altymyrat Annadurdyyev following Ahmed Al Mahaijri's opener in the 20th minute.
The three points meant Oman squeezed into the last 16 as one of the four best third-placed finishers, having fallen 2-1 and 1-0 to Uzbekistan and Japan respectively in their earlier Group F matches.
That, said, Verbeek, is the main reason why Oman deserve their spot in the Round of 16, their first in four appearances in the Finals.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: With the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 dominating the football agenda, the tournament continues to excite millions across the Continent and beyond, with some captivating moments and milestones as the group stage matches drew to a close on Thursday.
The 36 matches over the last 13 days saw their fair share of drama and upsets, producing a total of 96 goals - which is an average of 2.67 per match, surpassing the 2015 edition that saw an average of 2.54 goals over 24 matches in Australia.
One of the tournament’s biggest highlights has been its expanded format from 16 to 24 teams, which sees the introduction of the competition’s first-ever Round of 16 stage – a decision that has reaped its rewards – with the Continent’s emerging nations showing their ability to stand proud alongside the traditional powerhouses.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Sharjah: George Melki claims there is more to come from Lebanon after their dramatic exit in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 despite the 4-1 win over DPR Korea at the Sharjah Stadium on Thursday.
Lebanon came back from a goal down to defeat Lebanon, but their four goals were not enough as they lost to Vietnam on the fairplay rule after both teams finished with identical points and goal difference.