Iranians have big dreams, says Jahanbakhsh

Tue, 16 Jan, 2024

Iranians have big dreams, says Jahanbakhsh

Al Rayyan: Islamic Republic of Iran players are eager to thrive under the pressure of expectations following their winning start to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group C, according to striker Alireza Jahanbakhsh.

The Feyenoord forward set-up Mehdi Ghayedi for the third goal in an emphatic 4-1 victory for Team Melli over Palestine at Education City Stadium on Sunday. Goals from Karim Ansarifard, Shojae Khalilzadeh and Sardar Azmoun rounded off the scoring.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/video/asiancup2023_|_group_c__islamic_republic_of_iran_4_-_1_palestine_1.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3002515.html

Klinsmann: One match at a time for Korea Republic

Tue, 16 Jan, 2024

Klinsmann: One match at a time for Korea Republic

Doha: Jurgen Klinsmann is refusing to look beyond Korea Republic’s next game despite seeing his side hand Bahrain a 3-1 defeat in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group E opener at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Monday as they attempt to end the country’s 64-year title drought.

Lee Kang-in scored twice in the second half to earn the Taeguk Warriors the three points after Hwang In-beom had seen his 38th minute goal cancelled out by Abdulla Al Hashash as the Koreans prevailed in a challenging start to the tournament.

Iraq win delights Casas, Shin sees improvements in Indonesia display

Tue, 16 Jan, 2024

Iraq win delights Casas, Shin sees improvements in Indonesia display

Al Rayyan: Head coach Jesus Casas was full of praise for his Iraq players following their 3-1 win over Indonesia in their opening AFC Asian Cup™ Qatar 2023 Group D tie on Monday.

Goals from Mohanad Ali, Osama Rashid and substitute Aymen Hussein earned the Lions of Mesopotamia their first three points of the campaign, while a defensive mistake allowed Marselino Ferdinan to get Team Garuda’s only goal.

Tamari: Victory over Malaysia a perfect morale booster for Jordan

Tue, 16 Jan, 2024

Tamari: Victory over Malaysia a perfect morale booster for Jordan

Doha: Player of the Match Mousa Tamari believes Jordan’s 4-0 victory over Malaysia in Group E of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar™ 2023 on Monday serves as the perfect boost ahead of their clash against Korea Republic.

Jordan lead the standings on goal difference ahead of the East Asian side, who saw off Bahrain 3-1 earlier on Monday. 

Preview - Group F: Saudi Arabia v Oman

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group F: Saudi Arabia v Oman

Al Rayyan: Head coach Roberto Mancini wants his Saudi Arabia side to draw lessons from his Euro 2020 winning Italy team as they prepare to get their AFC Asian Cup Qatar™ 2023 Group F journey underway against Oman at Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday.

Mancini had led a then unfancied Italy side to overcome powerhouses such as Belgium, Spain and England to win the title, and he wants his Saudi players to give their all to bring home the Asian title for the fourth time in the country’s history.

Preview - Group F: Thailand v Kyrgyz Republic

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group F: Thailand v Kyrgyz Republic

Doha: Stefan Tarkovic has challenged his Kyrgyz Republic side to make their mark in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, starting with their Group F clash against Thailand at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Tuesday.

The former Slovakia boss has had the luxury of an extended preparation as the White Falcons go in search of a second successive appearance in the knockout stage of the AFC Asian Cup after they reached the Round of 16 in UAE 2019 - their debut outing in the competition.

Ranked 15 places higher than Thailand in the FIFA World Ranking, the onus is on Kyrgyz Republic to set the tone with an opening win to boost confidence ahead of meetings with Saudi Arabia (Jan 21) and Oman (Jan 25).