Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Malé: Decorated China PR head coach Marcello Lippi called on his side to remain focused after they began their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian Qualifiers campaign in fine style with a 5-0 win over the Maldives on Tuesday.
Lippi was rightly pleased after China PR - and history-making debutant Elkeson who netted two late goals - lived up to all expectations with a dominant victory in the island nation to move to the top of Group A on goal difference.
But Lippi, who famously led his native Italy to the FIFA World Cup title in 2006, said there is plenty of work ahead if his side are to achieve their primary objective of advancing to the next round of the Asian Qualifiers.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/group_a_maldives_vs_china_pr.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/maldives_v_china_pr_-_asian_qualifiers_5.html
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: It was another day of thrills and spills as Matchday Two of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 concluded on Tuesday.
There were winning starts for Australia, China PR, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Korea Republic and the United Arab Emirates while Saudi Arabia were held to a 2-2 draw by Yemen.
Bangladesh, the final team to open their campaign on Matchday 2, were edged 1-0 by Afghanistan.
The Asian Qualifiers action will resume on October 10 so make sure to stay with the-AFC.com for the latest.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Male: China PR made a winning start in Group A of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, outclassing the Maldives to claim a 5-0 victory at the National Stadium on Tuesday.
Brazilian-born Elkeson became the first player without Chinese ancestry to ever play for the national team, and capped his debut with two late goals, as China PR made light work of the hosts to ease to a comprehensive win.
Wu Xi, Wu Lei and Yang Xu also scored for the East Asians, who lead the way in Group A on goal difference as one of four teams on three points.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Guam: Philippines got back on track with a 4-1 win over Guam in Group A of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 at the Guam FA Field on Tuesday.
Philippines rebounded in style from their 5-2 defeat to Syria on the opening day while it was Guam's second successive loss, having fallen 1-0 to Maldives on Matchday One.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bededo: Philippines head coach Goran Milojevic praised his side's resilience after they bounced from an opening day defeat to beat Guam 4-1 in the Asian Qualifiers on Tuesday.
Philippines went into the match on the back of a 5-2 defeat to Syria on Matchday One of their Group A campaign in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.
With Guam also having lost their opener 1-0 to Maldives, it was a match both sides had to win and at the end of 90 minutes, it was the Philippines who bagged the three points.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Taipei: Head coach Johan Kalin didn't hide his pride after Nepal defeated Chinese Taipei 2-0 in their Asian Qualifiers Group B tie at the Taipei Municipal Stadium on Tuesday.
Anjan Bista's brace may have given the South Asians the three points but Kalin said it was teamwork which got Nepal the result, one which came just days after they had suffered a 7-0 defeat to Kuwait in their opening FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualifying tie.
A lesser team might not have been up to the task following such a heavy defeat but Kalin said Nepal's resilience showed the promise they have.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuwait City: Australia got the emphatic start they wanted for their Asian Qualifiers campaign as the Socceroos defeated Kuwait 3-0 in a Group B tie at the Al Kuwait Sports Club Stadium on Tuesday.
Kuwait had opened their campaign with a 7-0 win over Nepal but a first half blitz saw Australia walk away with a comfortable win to kick off their bid to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.
It was Australia's first competitive match since their defence of the AFC Asian Cup title ended in the quarter-finals at UAE 2019 and head coach Graham Arnold was satisfied with his team's performance.