Five things we learned from the international break

Thu, 22 Jun, 2023

Five things we learned from the international break

Riyadh: With just six months left until the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, national teams across Asia continued their preparations for the continental tournament with friendly matches and regional tournaments keeping the players busy at the end of a long club season.

The 10-day window saw Australia lose to world champions Argentina, while managerless Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates did not make any appearances this window. The-AFC.com looks at five things we learned from Asia’s top sides over the international break.

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Klinsmann unperturbed by slow beginning

Thu, 22 Jun, 2023

Klinsmann unperturbed by slow beginning

Seoul: Korea Republic coach Jurgen Klinsmann is confident he can reverse his team’s disappointing form after the German tactician saw his team fail to win any of his first four games since taking over from Paulo Bento in February.

The former United States coach has overseen losses against Uruguay and Peru along with draws in meetings with Colombia and El Salvador since taking over from his Portuguese predecessor, who led the Koreans to the last 16 at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Queiroz sets clear targets for Qatar

Sat, 17 Jun, 2023

Queiroz sets clear targets for Qatar

Doha: After leading the Islamic Republic of Iran at three consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments, Carlos Queiroz is now focused on helping Qatar defend their AFC Asian Cup ™ title and guiding the Gulf state through to the Finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He talks to the-AFC.com about his new role and his plans for the future. 

With a resume like that possessed by Carlos Queiroz it would be tempting to relax a little and wind down towards retirement. But as the Portuguese coach approaches half a century in the game, ambition still burns bright as he settles into his latest job with a renewed sense of purpose.
 
The former Real Madrid and Portugal head coach, who has worked in the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Japan in a globe-trotting career that included two spells as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United, celebrated his 70th birthday in March, soon after signing on to replace Felix Sanchez at the helm of the Qatar national team.

2024 Qualifiers groups finalised

Thu, 22 Jun, 2023

2024 Qualifiers groups finalised

Kuala Lumpur: Defending champions Japan will begin their bid to defend their AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ title in Group H of the 2024 Qualifiers while Islamic Republic of Iran's aim for a 13th crown will start in Group C.

A total 31 teams were drawn into eight groups with the eight group winners and seven best second-placed teams among all groups qualifying for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ 2024. 
 
These 15 teams will join the Host Member Association (MA), to be determined at a later stage and who will receive automatic qualification, to form the final cast at the tournament.

K League 1: Mid-Season Review

Thu, 22 Jun, 2023

K League 1: Mid-Season Review

Seoul: The K League 1 returns this Saturday after a two-week break to accommodate international football when Suwon Samsung Bluewings welcome FC Seoul to Suwon World Cup Stadium as another exciting domestic season in Korea Republic gets underway once more. 

After beating Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors to the title last season, it is defending champions Ulsan Hyundai who sit comfortably at the top of the table and it will be up to the likes of Pohang Steelers and FC Seoul to narrow the gap in the coming months. 
 
Ahead of the season’s resumption, the-AFC.com takes a look at how the latest edition of Korea Republic’s top flight has transpired so far and highlights what the supporters can keep an eye out for as the K League 1 clubs return to action.