Head coaches set for battle of wills

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Head coaches set for battle of wills

Kuala Lumpur: From wily veterans to willing novices, the men charged with leading the 40 nations seeking to advance to the next phase of qualifying for the the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 will be putting the finishing touches to the preparations as the countdown to kick off the second round of the Asian Qualifiers ticks ever louder.

The range in know-how between those taking part is vast, and no one brings more experience to the campaign than Marcello Lippi, the man who led Italy to their fourth world title in 2006 and who is charged with ending China PR’s lengthy FIFA World Cup drought.

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The stats you need to know

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

The stats you need to know

Kuala Lumpur: Excitement is building as 40 national teams from around the Continent prepare to begin Round 2 of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 on Thursday.

With the major tournament dreams of the majority of Asia’s national teams on the line, and a total of 32 matches to be held in the coming days, the-AFC.com looks at some of the stats and facts you should know ahead of the football feast ahead.

Heroes, comebacks and last-gasp winners: Four Classic Asian Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Heroes, comebacks and last-gasp winners: Four Classic Asian Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: As fans around the Continent eagerly await the kick-off of Round 2 of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, the-AFC.com recalls some of the most memorable qualifying duels from the past.

While all footballers dream of making an impact on the big stage, sometimes the qualification journey can just be as memorable as the destination.

Stunning fightbacks, last minute winners and superhuman performances from some of Asia’s all-time footballing greats feature in this qualification quartet, which features clashes from both the AFC Asian Cup and FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Renard: Qualification is a must for Saudi Arabia

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Renard: Qualification is a must for Saudi Arabia

Jeddah: Saudi Arabia will respect their opponents but their target, head coach Herve Renard has stressed, is qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.

That is the target the Frenchman has been set by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and it is one that he is relishing.

Hong Kong's Paatelainen relishing Group C challenge

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Hong Kong's Paatelainen relishing Group C challenge

Kuala Lumpur: Head coach Mixu Paatelainen is hoping he can turn the negative of a difficult draw into a positive for the future of Hong Kong's football when Round 2 of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 begins on Thursday.

Hong Kong will commence their campaign against Cambodia in Phnom Penh before hosting Group C top seeds Islamic Republic of Iran five days later at Hong Kong Stadium in what represents a difficult start to their challenge.

Iraq and Bahrain are also in the group, with the pair meeting in Riffa on Thursday.

Opening win will set us up nicely, says Uzbekistan's Cuper

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Opening win will set us up nicely, says Uzbekistan's Cuper

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan coach Hector Cuper is hoping his side can kick off their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian Qualifiers campaign with a win over Palestine on Thursday to set the tone for the Central Asian side's challenge.

Uzbekistan have established themselves among the upper echelon of Asian football but have yet to represent the Continent on the game’s greatest stage and Cuper – who led Egypt to the FIFA World Cup in Russia in 2018 – is determined to make a strong start to their challenge later this week.

Bento: Versatility the key for Taeguk Warriors

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Bento: Versatility the key for Taeguk Warriors

Seoul: Korea Republic head coach Paulo Bento believes his players' ability to take on multiple positions will carry the team a long way in their FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian Qualifiers Round 2 campaign next month.

Bento unveiled his 26-man roster on Monday and will use the friendly against Georgia on September 5 as a tune-up before they play Turkmenistan in their opening Qualifiers' tie five days later.

Korea Republic will also face Lebanon, DPR Korea and Sri Lanka in Group H, as they seek to qualify for their 10th consecutive FIFA World Cup.