West Asia Wrap: Al Riffa on the rise in Bahrain; Al Nahda stay top in Oman

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

West Asia Wrap: Al Riffa on the rise in Bahrain; Al Nahda stay top in Oman

Doha: The Bahraini Premier League is shaping up to be a tight contest between Al Riffa SC and Muharraq Club, while Al Najaf marked the return of the Iraqi Premier League break with successive wins. 

The Lebanese Premier League also had exciting action featuring table-toppers Al Ansar FC and Shabab Al Sahel FC, with more football action in Oman and Syria. 

Join the-AFC.com as we dive into the past week’s domestic action across West Asia.

Preview - Ro16: Japan v Croatia

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

Preview - Ro16: Japan v Croatia

Al Wakrah: Yuto Nagatomo has called on his Japanese teammates to show their samurai spirit when they take on Croatia for a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Al Janoub Stadium on Monday.

Japan will be looking to secure a spot in the last eight for the first time in the nation’s history, with memories still fresh of the heart-breaking injury time defeat to Belgium at the same stage of the competition in Russia four years ago.

Preview - Ro16: Brazil v Korea Republic

Tue, 06 Dec, 2022

Preview - Ro16: Brazil v Korea Republic

Doha: Korea Republic head coach Paulo Bento bemoaned fixture congestion ahead of his side’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 clash against Brazil on Monday.

The Taeguk Warriors had sealed qualification to the second round after a gruelling 2-1 comeback on Friday against Bento’s native Portugal, thanks to Kim Young-gwon’s first-half strike and Hwang Hee-chan’s added time winner.

Kane: Mature England ready for France battle

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

Kane: Mature England ready for France battle

Al Khor: Harry Kane hailed England's serene progress to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-finals after scoring his first goal of the tournament in a 3-0 win over Senegal in the last 16.

The Three Lions have now won a knockout game in three consecutive major tournaments for the first time to set up a mouthwatering clash against reigning champions France in the last eight on Saturday.

Winning the title is my obsession says Mbappe

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

Winning the title is my obsession says Mbappe

Doha: Kylian Mbappe said on Sunday he dreamed of winning the FIFA World Cup for a second time after his brace helped France to a 3-1 win over Poland  which advanced the holders to the quarter-finals in Qatar 2022.

"Of course, this World Cup is an obsession for me, it's the competition of my dreams," said the 23-year-old who burst onto the global stage by starring when France won the title in Russia four years ago."

Portugal's Carvalho aiming not to be next shock victims

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

Portugal's Carvalho aiming not to be next shock victims

Doha: Portugal midfielder William Carvalho is determined to help his team avoid becoming the victims of another FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 shock against Switzerland in the last 16 on Tuesday.

After Saudi Arabia beat Argentina and Japan won against both Germany and Spain, among other surprise results, the more fancied sides are wary of slipping up.

Australia came close to taking Argentina to extra-time on Saturday and Carvalho is staying cautious ahead of Portugal's match.

Rodri confident Spain have learnt their lesson

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

Rodri confident Spain have learnt their lesson

Doha: Spain's Rodri says his country have been warned about suffering another "collapse" when they face Morocco in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 last 16 on Tuesday.

La Roja fell to a shock 2-1 defeat by Japan on Thursday and finished second in Group E as a result, with the Samurai Blue netting two goals in a dramatic period at the start of the second half.