UAE’s Bento warns against complacency

Wed, 12 Jun, 2024

UAE’s Bento warns against complacency

Dubai: Despite finishing their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group H campaign unbeaten, head coach Paulo Bento has told United Arab Emirates to not rest on their laurels ahead of the next round.

Having already booked their place in the third round with two games to spare, UAE had to fight their way back to earn a 1-1 stalemate against Bahrain on Tuesday to end their campaign unbeaten.

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Haye proud to be part of Indonesia’s history

Wed, 12 Jun, 2024

Haye proud to be part of Indonesia’s history

Jakarta: Indonesia will be making their first appearance in the final round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers when the FIFA World Cup preliminaries resume in September, and Thom Haye is relishing facing Asian football’s finest when the Merah Putih resume their quest for a place at the 2026 Finals.

The Heerenveen midfielder opened the scoring for the Indonesians in their 2-0 victory over the Philippines in Jakarta on Tuesday as Shin Tae-yong’s side picked up the victory required to advance to the next phase of the competition as runners-up in Group F.

While the country appeared at the FIFA World Cup Finals in 1938 when known as the Dutch East Indies, Indonesia have not qualified for the tournament since gaining independence from the Netherlands in 1949 but are currently one of the continent’s rising forces.

Ghalenoei, Katanec satisfied with draw in battle of equals

Wed, 12 Jun, 2024

Ghalenoei, Katanec satisfied with draw in battle of equals

Tehran: Islamic Republic of Iran and Uzbekistan showed why they were the two best teams in Group E of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ after they played to an entertaining goalless draw on Tuesday.

Iran topped the group ahead of Uzbekistan due to a superior goal difference with head coach Amir Ghalenoei keen to praise his players for overcoming difficult traveling conditions as well as Uzbekistan’s rise in recent years.

Tarkovic dedicates qualification to Kyrgyz fans

Wed, 12 Jun, 2024

Tarkovic dedicates qualification to Kyrgyz fans

Muscat: Kyrgyz Republic achieved a historic first after they clinched a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers with head coach Stefan Tarkovic dedicating their qualification to the nation. 

The 1-1 draw with Oman in their final Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Tuesday sealed the Central Asian side second spot in Group D, which also confirmed their entry to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Finals.

Moriyasu wants Japan to stay sharp

Wed, 12 Jun, 2024

Moriyasu wants Japan to stay sharp

Hiroshima: Head coach Hajime Moriyasu wants Japan to remain on their toes following their 5-0 win over Syria which ensured his side finished the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ with a perfect record.

Japan concluded their campaign with six straight wins and no goals conceded but Moriyasu knows the third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers will be much more challenging and expects his players to remain sharp.

Ivankovic: China PR must work hard to move up to next level

Wed, 12 Jun, 2024

Ivankovic: China PR must work hard to move up to next level

Seoul: It wasn’t the result that China PR wanted from their final Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group C match against Korea Republic but head coach Branko Ivankovic was relieved that their main goal was still achieved.

The 1-0 defeat made for a nervous wait with focus shifting to Thailand’s match against Singapore but the Southeast Asian side, needing to win by three clear goals, fell just short in a  3-1 victory, enabling China PR to seal a spot in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and a place at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Finals.

Arnold reminds Australia to avoid 2022 tribulation

Wed, 12 Jun, 2024

Arnold reminds Australia to avoid 2022 tribulation

Perth: Head coach Graham Arnold sounded a warning even as Australia signed off from the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ with a 5-0 win over Palestine on Tuesday. 

The victory meant a perfect campaign of six wins, with 22 goals scored and none conceded but Arnold was quick to remind his squad of the similar situation they had been in for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, with Australia ultimately booking their place in the Finals through playoffs.

Cuper parts ways with Syria

Wed, 12 Jun, 2024

Cuper parts ways with Syria

Tokyo: Hector Cuper has announced his resignation as head coach of the Syria national team after a 5-0 defeat to Japan in their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ tie on Tuesday.

The 68-year-old Argentine, a former centre-back who had coaching spells in Argentina, Europe and West Asia, leaves his post with immediate effect having taken over from Hussam Al Sayed in February 2023.