Andersen proud of performance, Ghalenoei unhappy with missed chances

Sat, 20 Jan, 2024

Andersen proud of performance, Ghalenoei unhappy with missed chances

Al Rayyan: Head coach Jorn Andersen expressed his pride of his Hong Kong, China players despite their 1-0 defeat to Islamic Republic of Iran in their second match in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Friday.

The East Asian side, the lowest ranked in the tournament, fought hard but were undone by a first-half finish from Mehdi Ghayedi, ending the game at Khalifa International Stadium just one goal behind IR Iran side ranked 129 places above them.

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Young Indonesia live up to Shin’s expectations

Sat, 20 Jan, 2024

Young Indonesia live up to Shin’s expectations

Doha: Shin Tae-yong was a happy man after Indonesia secured a 1-0 win over Vietnam in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group D tie on Friday to reignite their hopes of reaching the knockout stage for the first time.

The victory over Vietnam is only Indonesia’s third win at the AFC Asian Cup, with the other two coming against Bahrain (2-1 in 2007) and Qatar (2-1 in 2004) as well as being only the second time they have managed to keep a clean sheet in the continental showpiece.
 
Asnawi Mangkualam’s first half penalty proved to be the difference in a tightly-fought contest at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium with Shin not holding back his praise for his young squad.

We were almost perfect, says Iraq's Casas

Fri, 19 Jan, 2024

We were almost perfect, says Iraq's Casas

Al Rayyan: Jesus Casas declared Iraq’s performance “close to the perfect match” after the Lions of Mesopotamia booked their place in the last 16 of the AFC Asian Cup 2023™ on Friday with an impressive 2-1 win over four-time champions Japan at Education City Stadium.

Aymen Hussein scored both goals for Casas’ side before Wataru Endo headed in a late consolation as the Iraqis notched up back-to-back wins that guarantee their progress to the Round of 16 ahead of their final group game against Vietnam.

Preview - Group E: Bahrain v Malaysia

Sat, 20 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group E: Bahrain v Malaysia

Doha: There will be no margin for error for either side when Bahrain and Malaysia face off at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Saturday to revive their respective AFC Asian Cup Qatar™ 2023 campaigns.

Both suffered defeat in their opening matches and now victory is needed if they are to keep their hopes of advancing into the Round of 16 alive.

Preview - Group E: Jordan v Korea Republic

Sat, 20 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group E: Jordan v Korea Republic

Doha: Korea Republic head coach Jurgen Klinsmann is expecting a difficult time against Jordan when the two sides meet in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group E match on Saturday.

Citing the West Asian side’s impressive 4-0 win over Malaysia in their opening match, Klinsmann said his players cannot be complacent against Jordan.

Daboub, Costa hail players after Palestine and UAE play out entertaining draw

Fri, 19 Jan, 2024

Daboub, Costa hail players after Palestine and UAE play out entertaining draw

Al Wakrah: Palestine head coach Makram Daboub hailed a ‘near perfect’ performance from his players who picked up their first point of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group C in a 1-1 draw against the UAE at Al Janoub Stadium on Thursday.

In a thrilling game under the rain, Palestine dominated from start to finish, ending the match with 65% of ball possession, 24 shots compared to the UAE’s five and a tournament-record 16 corners to only one for their opponents, but were only able to find the back of the net once thanks to an own goal by UAE defender Bader Nasser.

Fayzullaev sets focus on showdown with Socceroos

Fri, 19 Jan, 2024

Fayzullaev sets focus on showdown with Socceroos

Al Rayyan: Abbosbek Fayzullaev wants Uzbekistan to forget about Thursday’s AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ win over India and shift their focus to their final Group B match against Australia.

After a sluggish 0-0 stalemate against Syria in their opening match, Uzbekistan flexed their muscles to bounce back in style at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium with youngster Fayzullaev playing a starring role in the 3-0 win.
 
A win for the White Wolves against Australia, who defeated Syria 1-0 to confirm their place in the knockout rounds, will see Uzbekistan finishing top of the group. 

Arnold applauds Australia's solid defence

Fri, 19 Jan, 2024

Arnold applauds Australia's solid defence

Doha: Graham Arnold praised his defence as Australia booked their place in the last 16 of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ with a 1-0 win over Syria at Jassim Al Hamad Stadium on Thursday, with Jackson Irvine’s goal guaranteeing the Socceroos’ progress from Group B.

Irvine struck in the 59th minute from close range as the Australians moved onto six points from their first two games having already defeated India in their tournament opener, and those results guarantee they advance ahead of their final group game against Uzbekistan.