Preview - Group D: Iraq v Japan

Fri, 19 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group D: Iraq v Japan

Doha: Iraq head coach Jesus Casas is fully aware of the formidable challenge awaiting his team when they play Japan in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Friday.

Despite the confidence gained from the commanding 3-1 victory over Indonesia in their opening game, Casas said nothing short of a flawless performance will suffice if his side are to upstage the four-time champions at the Education City Stadium.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/video/asiancup2023_|_group_d__indonesia_1_-_3_iraq_1.html

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/video/asiancup2023_|_group_d__japan_4_-_2_vietnam_1.html

Itakura determined to collect second win; Bayesh urges fortitude

Thu, 18 Jan, 2024

Itakura determined to collect second win; Bayesh urges fortitude

Al Rayyan: Kou Itakura believes Japan have what it takes to overcome Iraq in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar™ Group D tie at the Education City Stadium on Friday.

Ibrahim Bayesh, however, is confident Iraq can continue their winning momentum against four-time winners Japan, having breezed past Indonesia 3-1 on Matchday One.

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. 

Vietnam’s Filip wary of Indonesia; Amat calls for improvements

Thu, 18 Jan, 2024

Vietnam’s Filip wary of Indonesia; Amat calls for improvements

Doha: Friday’s AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group D clash between Vietnam and Indonesia will be Nguyen Filip’s first taste of a Southeast Asian derby and the 31-year-old custodian intends to treat the Garudas with plenty of respect.

The goalkeeper’s stand is understandable as Indonesia centre-back Jordi Amat is adamant that his team will bounce back after losing 3-1 to Iraq in their opening match. 

Group D - Vietnam v Indonesia: Facts & Figures

Thu, 18 Jan, 2024

Group D - Vietnam v Indonesia: Facts & Figures

Doha: There will be no margin for error for either team when Vietnam face Southeast Asian rivals Indonesia in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Friday.

Vietnam lost 4-2 to Japan on Matchday One while Indonesia were defeated 3-1 by Iraq. 

Taremi focused on team goals, Helio warns of IR Iran pace

Thu, 18 Jan, 2024

Taremi focused on team goals, Helio warns of IR Iran pace

Doha: Islamic Republic of Iran forward Mehdi Taremi is more focused on collective objectives than getting on the scoresheet, ahead of his team’s AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group C encounter against Hong Kong, China on Friday.

Team Melli got their campaign up to a flying start, beating Palestine 4-1, but the FC Porto striker was not amongst the scorers on the night, having scored three goals in the previous edition.

Group C - Hong Kong, China v IR Iran: Facts & Figures

Thu, 18 Jan, 2024

Group C - Hong Kong, China v IR Iran: Facts & Figures

Doha: Islamic Republic of Iran could move within touching distance of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ knockout stage with a win over Hong Kong, China when they meet in a Group C tie on Friday.

Three-time champions Iran opened their campaign with a 4-1 win over Palestine while Hong Kong need the three points after suffering a 3-1 defeat to United Arab Emirates 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.