Group D - Iraq v Japan: Facts & Figures

Thu, 18 Jan, 2024

Group D - Iraq v Japan: Facts & Figures

Doha: A win for either Iraq or Japan will likely confirm their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ knockout stage spot when the two square off in Group D on Friday.

Iraq defeated Indonesia 3-1 while Japan beat Vietnam 4-2 on Matchday One. 

Supachai: Expect more from Thailand

Thu, 18 Jan, 2024

Supachai: Expect more from Thailand

Doha: Supachai Chaided believes Thailand’s 2-0 win over Kyrgyz Republic in Group F of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar™ 2023 is just the start of better things to come from the Southeast Asian side.

Tuesday’s victory means Thailand lead the standings on goal difference ahead of three-time AFC Asian Cup winners Saudi Arabia, who secured a last-gasp 2-1 win over Oman. 

Having had to step in for legend Teerasil Dangda as the War Elephants’ attacking threat, Supachai’s goals either side of half-time means Thailand are within touching distance of the Round of 16.

Lopez: Resilience took Qatar through

Thu, 18 Jan, 2024

Lopez: Resilience took Qatar through

Al Khor: Marquez Lopez was proud that defending champions Qatar became the first team to seal their place in the knockout stage of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, saying the Maroons’ ability to cope with pressure was the reason behind their 1-0 win over Tajikistan on Wednesday.

Spaniard Lopez made five changes to the team that beat Lebanon 3-0 in the opening game, but Qatar were still too strong for Tajikistan as they confirmed the Group A top spot with a match to spare.

Radulovic, Jankovic content with shared points

Thu, 18 Jan, 2024

Radulovic, Jankovic content with shared points

Doha: Miodrag Radulovic chose to focus on the positives after Lebanon played to a goalless draw with China PR in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group A encounter on Wednesday.

Both teams, despite displaying plenty of attacking intent, failed to convert their chances and are yet to find the back of the net in the continental showpiece.

Mancini credits substitutes for Saudi win, Ivankovic hails Oman fighting spirit

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Mancini credits substitutes for Saudi win, Ivankovic hails Oman fighting spirit

Doha: Head coach Roberto Mancini credited his substitute players with Saudi Arabia’s 2-1 come from behind win over Oman in their opening AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group F match on Tuesday.

Oman had taken the lead inside the opening quarter of an hour thanks to a Salah Al Yahyaei penalty, and remained in front until the final 15 minutes when winger Abdulrahman Ghareeb came off the bench to score the equaliser then deliver the cross from the corner which resulted in Ali Al Bulayhi’s winner deep in added time.

Potent Thailand delight Ishii

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Potent Thailand delight Ishii

Doha: Masatada Ishii praised his attack-minded players after Thailand registered an impressive 2-0 win over Kyrgyz Republic in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group F match on Tuesday.

The win means Thailand are the early leaders, ahead of Saudi Arabia who defeated Oman 2-1, with Tuesday’s win at the Abdullah Khalifa Stadium the first time the Southeast Asian side have won their opening AFC Asian Cup™ match in eight attempts.

Son hoping to make return to Qatar "a special event"

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Son hoping to make return to Qatar "a special event"

Doha: Qatar already holds a special place in the career of Son Heung-min, and the Korea Republic captain has his sights set on making more history over the coming month in the Gulf nation at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

Al Gharafa Stadium was the scene for a landmark moment in the Tottenham Hotspur striker’s ascent to the summit of the game, as the 18-year-old Son stepped off the bench to score in his nation’s 4-1 win over India in the 2011 edition of the continental championship.
 
That goal – scored almost 13 years ago - was Son’s first at senior international level and started a rise that has seen him establish himself among Asia’s elite, scoring a total of 41 times in 118 matches for the Taeguk Warriors.