We were almost perfect, says Iraq's Casas

Fri, 19 Jan, 2024

We were almost perfect, says Iraq's Casas

Al Rayyan: Jesus Casas declared Iraq’s performance “close to the perfect match” after the Lions of Mesopotamia booked their place in the last 16 of the AFC Asian Cup 2023™ on Friday with an impressive 2-1 win over four-time champions Japan at Education City Stadium.

Aymen Hussein scored both goals for Casas’ side before Wataru Endo headed in a late consolation as the Iraqis notched up back-to-back wins that guarantee their progress to the Round of 16 ahead of their final group game against Vietnam.

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Group D: Iraq 2-1 Japan

Sat, 20 Jan, 2024

Group D: Iraq 2-1 Japan

Al Rayyan: Iraq booked their place in the last 16 of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ as two first half goals from Ayman Hussein earned Jesus Casas’ side a 2-1 win over four-time champions Japan in the second round of Group E matches at Education City Stadium on Friday.

Hussein netted with headers at either end of a first half dominated by a vibrant Iraqi side, who rekindled memories of the nation’s historic 2007 AFC Asian Cup-winning side in front of a vociferous, partisan crowd.
 
The win means Iraq, who have six points after starting their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Indonesia, are assured of finishing top after Indonesia defeated Vietnam 1-0 in the group's second match on Friday.
 
Iraq play Vietnam in their final group game on Wednesday with Japan facing Indonesia for the second automatic spot in the Round of 16. 

Group D: Vietnam 0-1 Indonesia

Sat, 20 Jan, 2024

Group D: Vietnam 0-1 Indonesia

Doha: Indonesia breathed new life into their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group D campaign after edging Vietnam 1-0 at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Friday, thanks to Asnawi Mangkualam’s first half penalty.

The victory took Indonesia to third in the standings, level on points with Japan ahead of their meeting on Wednesday, as the Garudas ended a six-match winless run against Southeast Asian rivals Vietnam, whose hopes suffered a body blow.

Group C: Hong Kong, China 0-1 IR Iran

Sat, 20 Jan, 2024

Group C: Hong Kong, China 0-1 IR Iran

Al Rayyan: Mehdi Ghayedi’s second goal of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ was the difference as Islamic Republic of Iran overcame Hong Kong, China 1-0 in Group C at Khalifa International Stadium on Friday.

With six points to their name, Team Melli join hosts Qatar, Australia and Iraq in the Round of 16 with a game to spare, while Hong Kong’s hopes of progressing will depend on being able to beat Palestine on the final day of the group, as well as other results going their way.

Preview - Group E: Bahrain v Malaysia

Sat, 20 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group E: Bahrain v Malaysia

Doha: There will be no margin for error for either side when Bahrain and Malaysia face off at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Saturday to revive their respective AFC Asian Cup Qatar™ 2023 campaigns.

Both suffered defeat in their opening matches and now victory is needed if they are to keep their hopes of advancing into the Round of 16 alive.

Preview - Group E: Jordan v Korea Republic

Sat, 20 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group E: Jordan v Korea Republic

Doha: Korea Republic head coach Jurgen Klinsmann is expecting a difficult time against Jordan when the two sides meet in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group E match on Saturday.

Citing the West Asian side’s impressive 4-0 win over Malaysia in their opening match, Klinsmann said his players cannot be complacent against Jordan.

Daboub, Costa hail players after Palestine and UAE play out entertaining draw

Fri, 19 Jan, 2024

Daboub, Costa hail players after Palestine and UAE play out entertaining draw

Al Wakrah: Palestine head coach Makram Daboub hailed a ‘near perfect’ performance from his players who picked up their first point of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group C in a 1-1 draw against the UAE at Al Janoub Stadium on Thursday.

In a thrilling game under the rain, Palestine dominated from start to finish, ending the match with 65% of ball possession, 24 shots compared to the UAE’s five and a tournament-record 16 corners to only one for their opponents, but were only able to find the back of the net once thanks to an own goal by UAE defender Bader Nasser.

Fayzullaev sets focus on showdown with Socceroos

Fri, 19 Jan, 2024

Fayzullaev sets focus on showdown with Socceroos

Al Rayyan: Abbosbek Fayzullaev wants Uzbekistan to forget about Thursday’s AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ win over India and shift their focus to their final Group B match against Australia.

After a sluggish 0-0 stalemate against Syria in their opening match, Uzbekistan flexed their muscles to bounce back in style at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium with youngster Fayzullaev playing a starring role in the 3-0 win.
 
A win for the White Wolves against Australia, who defeated Syria 1-0 to confirm their place in the knockout rounds, will see Uzbekistan finishing top of the group. 

Arnold applauds Australia's solid defence

Fri, 19 Jan, 2024

Arnold applauds Australia's solid defence

Doha: Graham Arnold praised his defence as Australia booked their place in the last 16 of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ with a 1-0 win over Syria at Jassim Al Hamad Stadium on Thursday, with Jackson Irvine’s goal guaranteeing the Socceroos’ progress from Group B.

Irvine struck in the 59th minute from close range as the Australians moved onto six points from their first two games having already defeated India in their tournament opener, and those results guarantee they advance ahead of their final group game against Uzbekistan.