Taremi: IR Iran have what it takes to be champions

Mon, 29 Jan, 2024

Taremi: IR Iran have what it takes to be champions

Doha: Mehdi Taremi has spent much of his career being compared to the legendary Ali Daei, but the Islamic Republic of Iran striker is hoping he can go one step further than his mentor and break his nation’s AFC Asian Cup™ drought.

Iranian fans need no reminder of how long it has been since the country last claimed the AFC Asian Cup; since 1976 numerous teams have tried – and failed – to take the title to Tehran for a fourth time.

Team Melli have turned up in Qatar for the current edition of the continental championship with designs on claiming the trophy, another talented team ready to turn 48 years of heartache into euphoria and delight.

The man spearheading the latest challenge is Mehdi Taremi, a player who needs little introduction due to his remarkable exploits for both club and country. A prolific scorer for Porto and Iran, Taremi is hoping to achieve what so many before him have failed to do.

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Playing in Europe has made me a better player, says Bahrain's Yusuf

Sun, 28 Jan, 2024

Playing in Europe has made me a better player, says Bahrain's Yusuf

Doha: After starting the first two matches on the bench, Abdulla Yusuf had a major impact on Bahrain’s AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group E clash with Jordan, scoring the goal that took his side into the knockout rounds. 

He tells the-AFC.com about how life in Europe has made him a more complete player.

Segrt: The target is to keep Tajikistan’s dream running

Mon, 29 Jan, 2024

Segrt: The target is to keep Tajikistan’s dream running

Al Rayyan: Petar Segrt made no attempt to hide his delight after debutants Tajikistan secured a place in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ quarter-finals with a 5-3 penalty shootout win over the United Arab Emirates on Sunday.

While the Round of 16 tie ended 1-1 at the end of 120 minutes, Tajikistan were worthy winners and should have really put the game to bed in regulation time but squandered numerous opportunities.

Segrt, however, said he hadn’t been worried when the tie went to penalties at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium with Tajikistan to face either Iraq or Jordan in the quarter-finals on Friday. 

Potent Australia delight Arnold

Mon, 29 Jan, 2024

Potent Australia delight Arnold

Doha: Graham Arnold praised the Socceroos’ forward line after Australia moved into the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Sunday with a 4-0 win over Indonesia to set up a last eight meeting with either Saudi Arabia or Korea Republic.

Jackson Irvine’s strike was deflected into his own net by Elkan Baggott in the 12th minute, with Martin Boyle, Craig Goodwin and Harry Souttar also on target for the 2015 champions.
 
The win means Australia have maintained their record of reaching at least the last eight of the competition at every tournament since joining the Asian Football Confederation in 2006 and Arnold paid tribute to the improving fortunes of his team’s strike force.

R16 - Saudi Arabia v Korea Republic: Facts & Figures

Mon, 29 Jan, 2024

R16 - Saudi Arabia v Korea Republic: Facts & Figures

Doha: Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic are all set for a blockbuster AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16 clash on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia topped Group E while Korea Republic advanced as the Group E runners-up.

R16 - Uzbekistan v Thailand: Facts & Figures

Mon, 29 Jan, 2024

R16 - Uzbekistan v Thailand: Facts & Figures

Doha: Uzbekistan will start as marginal favourites against Thailand in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16 tie on Tuesday.

The Central Asian side advanced after finishing second in Group B while Thailand were the Group F runners-up.