Moriyasu pleased with Japan's improved performance

Thu, 25 Jan, 2024

Moriyasu pleased with Japan's improved performance

Doha: Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu commended his players for an improved performance in the 3-1 win over Indonesia in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Wednesday as the Samurai Blue bounced back from their loss to Iraq to confirm their place in the last 16.

Ayase Ueda’s double, including a sixth minute penalty, sent the former champions on their way to victory before Justin Hubner’s own goal ensured Sandy Walsh’s injury time strike was nothing more than a consolation as Japan claimed second spot in the standings.

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In Focus: Malaysia’s meeting with Korea Republic brings back memories of glory days

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

In Focus: Malaysia’s meeting with Korea Republic brings back memories of glory days

Doha: It’s been almost 35 years since Korea Republic and Malaysia last faced each other in international football. The two sides met for the last time all the way back in 1989 when the Koreans posted a 3-0 win against the Southeast Asian nation on their way to their third FIFA World Cup appearance in 1990. 

They might be separated by more than 100 places in the FIFA World Rankings these days, but Korea Republic and Malaysia have plenty of history between them and regularly went up against each other to produce many memorable clashes back in the 1970s and early 1980s.
 
With the duo set to do battle again on Matchday Three of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Thursday, the-AFC.com takes a look back at the golden age of Malaysian football and how the Harimau Malaya’s clashes with Korea Republic played a big role in defining that successful period.

Preview - Group E: Korea Republic v Malaysia

Thu, 25 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group E: Korea Republic v Malaysia

Al Wakrah: Jurgen Klinsmann has warned his Korea Republic side that there can be no complacency when they take on Malaysia in Group E of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ at Al Janoub Stadium on Thursday.

The Koreans salvaged a last gasp point against Jordan in their second game and it is a lesson that Klinsmann hopes his team have learned from with the two-time winners on four points and needing a win against Malaysia to confirm a top-two finish.

Preview - Group E: Jordan v Bahrain

Thu, 25 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group E: Jordan v Bahrain

Al Rayyan: Hussein Ammouta has warned Jordan not to take Bahrain lightly when they meet in Group E of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ at the Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday. 

Jordan lead the standings ahead of Korea Republic on goal difference with Bahrain a point adrift, with top spot at stake in the decisive round of matches.

Preview - Group F: Saudi Arabia v Thailand

Thu, 25 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group F: Saudi Arabia v Thailand

Al Rayyan: Head coach Roberto Mancini singled out right-back Saud Abdulhamid for praise ahead of Saudi Arabia’s final match of Group F of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ against Thailand at Education City Stadium on Thursday.

The 24-year-old is one of three outfield players who have played all 180 minutes for the Green Falcons so far and his contributions in both the defensive and attacking phases of play are evident by the fact he leads his teammates in crosses with 15 and in duels won with 17.
 
Mancini’s men have already qualified to the Round of 16 and need a point to secure the top spot in their group, but the Italian tactician is eager to make it three wins from three for the first time in Saudi Arabia’s AFC Asian Cup history.

Preview - Group F: Kyrgyz Republic v Oman

Thu, 25 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group F: Kyrgyz Republic v Oman

Doha: Branko Ivankovic is hopeful that an Oman win over Kyrgyz Republic in Group F of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Thursday will be enough to take the West Asian side through to the Round of 16.

Oman scaled new heights in UAE 2019 when they reached the knockout stage of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time and head coach Ivankovic is not ready for the achievement to come to an abrupt end.
 
One point from their first two matches puts Oman in a precarious position but a win against Kyrgyz Republic could well see them advance to the Round of 16 as one of the best four third-place finishers.

Team spirit is Palestine’s strength, says Al Battat

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Team spirit is Palestine’s strength, says Al Battat

Doha: Team spirit paved the way for Palestine’s progress to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16, said midfielder Mu’sab Al Battat.

The spot was sealed after a 3-0 win over Hong Kong, China on Tuesday meant Palestine were assured of advancing as one of the best four third-placed teams.
 
Not only was it their first ever win at the continental showpiece but it also meant qualifying for the knockout stage at the third time of trying, with Al Battat delivering a captain’s performance at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium by assisting two of the goals.

Uzbekistan on course to match the best, says Masharipov

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Uzbekistan on course to match the best, says Masharipov

Al Wakrah: Jaloliddin Masharipov is confident Uzbekistan can further establish themselves among Asia’s elite after picking up a 1-1 draw with Australia at Al Janoub Stadium on Tuesday to confirm their place in the knockout rounds of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ as Group B runners-up.

Masharipov was introduced from the bench with the Central Asians trailing to a first half Martin Boyle penalty and the winger delivered the cross from which Azizbek Turgenboev headed in his side’s equaliser 12 minutes from time.
 
The point guaranteed Uzbekistan finished second behind the Australians and Srecko Katanec’s side will take on the runners-up in Group F in the next round of the continental championship next week.

IR Iran’s Ghalenoei calls for patience, Costa pleased with UAE progress

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

IR Iran’s Ghalenoei calls for patience, Costa pleased with UAE progress

Al Rayyan: Players, fans and the media should not get carried away after Islamic Republic of Iran finished Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ with the maximum nine points, according to head coach Amir Ghalenoei.

Team Melli sealed a third win in a row, beating the United Arab Emirates 2-1 at Education City Stadium on Tuesday to top the group. Goals from Mehdi Taremi either side of the break put Iran in the driving seat, while an injury time strike from Yahya Al Ghassani halved the deficit and saw the UAE accompany their opponents into the knockout stage.

Cuper: A dream come true for Syria

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Cuper: A dream come true for Syria

Al Khor: Hector Cuper described Syria’s historic 1-0 victory over India in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group B tie on Tuesday as "a dream come true".

The win confirmed Syria’s place in the Round of 16, marking the first-ever entry for the Qasioun Eagles into the knockout stage of the continental showpiece.