Qatar 2023 title Klinsmann's immediate target

Thu, 09 Mar, 2023

Qatar 2023 title Klinsmann's immediate target

Seoul: Jurgen Klinsmann has targeted victory at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ and a deep run at the next FIFA World Cup Finals when he was officially unveiled as the new head coach of Korea Republic on Thursday.

The German, a FIFA World Cup winner as a player in 1990, was confirmed as Paulo Bento’s replacement last week and arrived in Seoul on Wednesday ahead of a pair of friendly matches against Colombia and Uruguay later this month.
 
Klinsmann has prioritised ending the Koreans’ AFC Asian Cup drought, which extends back more than 63 years to the second of the nation’s two back-to-back continental titles won on home soil in 1960, before surpassing the country’s recent achievements at the FIFA World Cup.

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Jordan’s game of two halves delivered the result, says Al Diabat

Thu, 09 Mar, 2023

Jordan’s game of two halves delivered the result, says Al Diabat

Tashkent: Jordan head coach Islam Al Diabat explained the approach his side employed to book their place in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2022 quarter-finals after securing a goalless draw against Oman on Wednesday.

The result at Lokomotiv Stadium, coupled with Korea Republic’s 0-0 draw with Tajikistan in the other match, ensured Jordan progressed to the next round, sending them to within one match of reaching the FIFA U20 World Cup Indonesia 2023.
 
The Jordanians created several chances in the first half, but turned more conservative as the game wore on, eventually being made to wait a few minutes to celebrate their qualification as the final whistle at Bunyodkor Stadium confirmed a second-place finish for the West Asian side.

Kim bullish of Korea Republic's chances

Thu, 09 Mar, 2023

Kim bullish of Korea Republic's chances

Tashkent: Korea Republic will go into the quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 in bullish mood after head coach Kim Eun-jung saw his side notch up another clean sheet in their 0-0 draw with Tajikistan at Bunyodkor Stadium on Wednesday.

The result ensured the Koreans topped Group C and they will face the runners-up in Group D in the last eight, with the winners not only advancing to the semi-finals but also securing a berth at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup Finals in Indonesia.

 Kim’s team have yet to concede a goal in their three matches so far in Uzbekistan and the former striker was pleased with his squad’s group stage record. 

Abdulkareem determined to keep powering Iraq

Thu, 09 Mar, 2023

Abdulkareem determined to keep powering Iraq

Tashkent: Victory may have eluded Iraq in their final AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 Group A match but that did little to prick Hayder Abdulkareem’s enthusiasm. 

Abdulkareem had given Iraq the lead, only for Syria to strike in the final seconds to force a draw which, however, did not stop the young Lions of Mesopotamia from advancing to a quarter-final against Islamic Republic of Iran on Saturday. 
 
It may well have ended differently had Abdulkareem not scored earlier, having also found the net in the win against Indonesia and the player can’t wait to lock horns with Iran, with the winners to confirm their place in the FIFA U20 World Cup Indonesia. 

Uzbekistan primed for knockout stage, says Khaydarov

Wed, 08 Mar, 2023

Uzbekistan primed for knockout stage, says Khaydarov

Fergana: Head coach Ravshan Khaydarov is looking forward to Uzbekistan’s knockout stage challenge after concluding their AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 Group A campaign with a goalless draw against Indonesia on Tuesday.

Despite the stalemate at the Istiqlol Stadium, Uzbekistan finished as group winners, while Iraq - who drew 1-1 against Syria - finished second ahead of Indonesia with Syria bottom.

Marfavi hails IR Iran’s fortitude

Wed, 08 Mar, 2023

Marfavi hails IR Iran’s fortitude

Fergana: Abdolsamad Marfavi praised Islamic Republic of Iran’s unwavering mindset after his side advanced to the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 quarter-finals following a 3-1 win over Vietnam on Tuesday.

Vietnam’s Khuat Van Khang canceled out Mohammad Hazbavi’s first half opener but goals from Saeid Saharkhizan and Mohammad Hosseinnezhad sealed Iran the win and top spot in Group B.

Iran came into the tie needing to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Australia on Matchday Two and Marfavi admitted that his side had to endure a very challenging match against their Southeast Asian opponents.

Morgan: Momentum starting to lift Australia

Wed, 08 Mar, 2023

Morgan: Momentum starting to lift Australia

Tashkent: Australia head coach Trevor Morgan believes “the momentum is building” for his Young Socceroos in their quest for the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 title as they handed Qatar a 9-1 defeat to confirm their place in the quarter-finals.

Morgan’s side will face hosts Uzbekistan in the last eight on Saturday at Bunyodkor Stadium after a comprehensive win over the West Asian side secured second place in Group B for the Australians.
 
But while they eventually eased to a comfortable victory, it was Qatar who took an early lead when Moustafa Asar pounced on a defensive mistake to open the scoring inside two minutes.
 
It was the second time in three games that the Australians had conceded an early goal, having done so in their opening 1-0 loss against Vietnam in Fergana earlier in the tournament, but Morgan had been confident his team would find a way back into the game.