Jordan end Tajikistan's run to book historical semi-final berth

Sat, 03 Feb, 2024

Jordan end Tajikistan's run to book historical semi-final berth

Al Rayyan: A Vahdat Hanonov own goal was enough to send Jordan to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ semi-finals for the first time in their history, following a 1-0 victory over Tajikistan at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Friday.

The West Asian nation had reached the quarter-finals twice, losing to Japan in 2004 and to Uzbekistan in 2011, while Tajikistan’s maiden continental adventure ends at the quarter-finals after a series of heroic performances in Qatar 2023.

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Jordan break through barrier

Fri, 02 Feb, 2024

Jordan break through barrier

Al Rayyan: Jordan edged Tajikistan 1-0 on Friday to advance to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ semi-finals.

An unfortunate Vahdat Hanonov own goal settled the well contested tie at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium but Jordan deserved the win, having created the better chances.
 
Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at some interesting facts from the match. 

Korea Republic fight back to edge Australia in thriller

Sat, 03 Feb, 2024

Korea Republic fight back to edge Australia in thriller

Al Wakrah: Son Heung-min dragged Korea Republic into the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Friday, winning an injury time penalty and scoring a stunning extra-time free-kick to earn his nation a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Australia at Al Janoub Stadium.

The Tottenham Hotspur forward hauled the Taeguk Warriors back into the game after Craig Goodwin had given the Australians a 42nd minute lead with a close-range volley and the Koreans will now meet Jordan at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Tuesday for a spot in the final.

Son stars as Korea Republic stay on track

Sat, 03 Feb, 2024

Son stars as Korea Republic stay on track

Al Wakrah: Son Heung-min played a captain's role as Korea Republic moved within two matches of a third title after a pulsating 2-1 win over Australia in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ quarter-final on Friday.

Champions in 1956 and 1960, Korea Republic had to dig deep to see off the challenge of 2015 winners Australia.
 
Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at some interesting facts and figures from the epic last eight showdown. 

QF - Preview: Qatar v Uzbekistan

Sat, 03 Feb, 2024

QF - Preview: Qatar v Uzbekistan

Doha: Srecko Katanec is confident his Uzbekistan players know how to deliver the performance required to overcome champions Qatar in the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ as the Central Asians look to progress to the last four for the first time since 2011.

Uzbekistan defeated Qatar in the opening game of the AFC Asian Cup the last time the tournament was played in the West Asian country before going on to reach the semi-finals, where they were eventually knocked out by Australia.
 
And after impressing at the current edition of the continental showpiece, Katanec is putting his faith in his players to deliver another strong performance when they take on Marquez Lopes’ hosts at Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday.

QF - Preview: IR Iran v Japan

Sat, 03 Feb, 2024

QF - Preview: IR Iran v Japan

Doha: Hajime Moriyasu expects his Japan side to advance to the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, just as they did in five of the last six editions of the continental showpiece.

Standing in their way at Education City Stadium on Saturday are Islamic Republic of Iran, with the Samurai Blue holding an unbeaten record against their opponents at the AFC Asian Cup (W2 D2).

Al Sheeb banking on Qatar’s unity

Fri, 02 Feb, 2024

Al Sheeb banking on Qatar’s unity

Doha: Goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb is confident Qatar can go the distance against Uzbekistan in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ quarter-final on Saturday.

Qatar have only conceded once, in their 2-1 win over Palestine in the Round of 16 tie, and Al Sheeb - who played an instrumental role in their 2019 title triumph - believes they can lift the coveted trophy again.

Uzbekistan capable of an upset, says Xamrobekov

Fri, 02 Feb, 2024

Uzbekistan capable of an upset, says Xamrobekov

Doha: Odiljon Xamrobekov believes Uzbekistan are well positioned to defeat Qatar in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ quarter-final clash on Saturday.

Qatar have been perfect so far with four wins but Xamrobekov believes that Uzbekistan have a solid plan in place to defeat the defending champions.

Beiranvand: IR Iran will be mentally ready

Fri, 02 Feb, 2024

Beiranvand: IR Iran will be mentally ready

Doha: Alireza Beiranvand is confident Islamic Republic of Iran will be up for the task when they take on Japan in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ quarter-final on Saturday.

Three-time champions Iran needed penalties to see off the challenge of a spirited Syria in the Round of 16 while Japan enjoyed a serene passage, easily overcoming Bahrain.

Japan must keep a clean sheet, says Morita

Fri, 02 Feb, 2024

Japan must keep a clean sheet, says Morita

Doha: Japan have been leaking goals in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, which midfielder Hidemasa Morita admits is a concern going into their quarter-final against Islamic Republic of Iran on Saturday.

Japan conceded six goals en route to the quarter-finals and Morita said the four-time champions have been paying attention to this aspect of their game, with Iran sure to punish the East Asian side for errors. 

QF - Qatar v Uzbekistan: Facts & Figures

Thu, 01 Feb, 2024

QF - Qatar v Uzbekistan: Facts & Figures

Doha: Uzbekistan will be backed by a solid track record going into their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ quarter-final against defending champions Qatar on Saturday.

The Central Asian side will be aiming to stop a Qatar side who are determined to retain the title they won in magnificent fashion in UAE 2019. 

QF - IR Iran v Japan: Facts & Figures

Thu, 01 Feb, 2024

QF - IR Iran v Japan: Facts & Figures

Doha: Having won seven AFC Asian Cup™ titles between them, Islamic Republic of Iran and Japan will be respectful of each other when they meet in the Qatar 2023 quarter-finals on Saturday.

Iran needed penalties to defeat Syria in the Round of 16 while Japan cruised 3-1 past Bahrain.