Moriyasu promises that Japan will remain focused

Sat, 16 Nov, 2024

Moriyasu promises that Japan will remain focused

Jakarta: Hajime Moriyasu has vowed to continue taking a game-by-game approach to the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 even as his Japan side opened up a seven point gap at the top of Group C at the halfway stage with a 4-0 win over Indonesia in Jakarta on Friday.

The Japanese continued their unbeaten start to the campaign with another comprehensive win that featured a fourth clean sheet for the Samurai Blue, who have only conceded once since the current phase of qualifying started in September.

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Group C: Indonesia 0-4 Japan

Sat, 16 Nov, 2024

Group C: Indonesia 0-4 Japan

Jakarta: Japan moved seven points clear at the top of Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 on Friday as Hajime Moriyasu's side weathered an early storm to hand Indonesia a 4-0 defeat at a sold-out Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.

A Justin Hubner own goal in the 35th minute gave the Japanese the lead and Takumi Minamino doubled the advantage with a crisp first-time finish five minutes later.

Goals from Hidemasa Morita and Yukinari Sugawara in the 49th and 69th minutes respectively put the seal on another emphatic win for the Samurai Blue.

Victory moves Moriyasu's side further ahead of the chasing pack in the quest for one of the two automatic berths available at the 2026 Finals with Japan now on 13 points from five games as the qualifiers reach the halfway point.

Popovic, Renard pleased despite stalemate

Fri, 15 Nov, 2024

Popovic, Renard pleased despite stalemate

Melbourne: Australia's Tony Popovic and Herve Renard of Saudi Arabia were satisfied despite their sides sharing points in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group C match on Thursday.

In a match laden with chances, neither side could convert their opportunities as both moved to six points at the midway point with qualification still very much in their own hands.

Ivankovic hails China PR players for ‘great victory’

Fri, 15 Nov, 2024

Ivankovic hails China PR players for ‘great victory’

Riffa: Branko Ivankovic believes anything is possible after Zhang Yuning’s late goal against Bahrain on Thursday propelled China PR back into the mix for automatic qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Zhang struck in the first minute of time added on at the end of the second half as China PR secured a 1-0 win over Bahrain in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group C tie to move to six points. 

It had looked bleak for China PR after three straight defeats but the wins over Indonesia and Bahrain mean they are now level on six points with Australia and Saudi Arabia with Japan, who play Indonesia later on Friday, leading the standings with 10 points. 

Mixed feelings for IR Iran’s Ghalenoei after DPR Korea win

Fri, 15 Nov, 2024

Mixed feelings for IR Iran’s Ghalenoei after DPR Korea win

Vientiane: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei admitted to having mixed feelings following his side’s 3-2 win over DPR Korea in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group A clash on Thursday.

Iran’s fortitude was put to the test by a fighting DPR Korea before Ghalenoei’s side, who were reduced to 10 men in the 50th minute, took a huge step towards qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the tactician admitting that some important lessons were learnt.

We made it difficult for ourselves, says Qatar’s Ali

Fri, 15 Nov, 2024

We made it difficult for ourselves, says Qatar’s Ali

Doha: Almoez Ali admitted Qatar made it tough for themselves after needing a last gasp goal to seal a dramatic 3-2 win over Uzbekistan in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group A tie on Thursday.

Ali had given two-time AFC Asian Cup™ winners Qatar a 2-0 lead going into the break but their hard work was undone by Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s brace, which left the West Asians facing the possibility of an early end to their hopes of automatic qualification.  

Lucas Mendes, however, stepped up to net the winner in the 12th minute of time added on as Qatar moved to seven points, three behind second-placed Uzbekistan. 

Bento praises UAE’s strong performance; Lisitsyn reflects on costly errors

Sat, 16 Nov, 2024

Bento praises UAE’s strong performance; Lisitsyn reflects on costly errors

Abu Dhabi: United Arab Emirates head coach Paulo Bento lauded his side’s performance in their commanding 3-0 victory over Kyrgyz Republic in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group A tie on Thursday.

The win moved UAE to seven points at the midway stage, while Kyrgyz Republic remained on three.

Korea Republic’s Hong remains focused on the prize

Fri, 15 Nov, 2024

Korea Republic’s Hong remains focused on the prize

Ardhiyah: Head coach Hong Myung-bo reiterated his determination to secure FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification after Korea Republic’s 3-1 win over Kuwait in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group B clash on Thursday.

Hong’s charges, buoyed by the return of captain Son Heung-min, produced a dominant display to move to 13 points - five clear of Jordan and Iraq at the midway stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers.

Oman’s Jabar wants more after success against Palestine

Sat, 16 Nov, 2024

Oman’s Jabar wants more after success against Palestine

Muscat: Head coach Rasheed Jabar has challenged his Oman team to build on the momentum gained from Thursday’s 1-0 win over Palestine to boost their FIFA World Cup 2026 dreams.

The hard-fought victory in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group B match came courtesy of Muhsen Al Ghassani’s opportunistic winner in the 83rd minute with Jabar hoping that this will serve as a confidence booster for Oman in their remaining matches.

Casas plays down Iraq's nervy display against Jordan

Sat, 16 Nov, 2024

Casas plays down Iraq's nervy display against Jordan

Basra: Head coach Jesus Casas was not too disheartened despite his Iraq side being held to a goalless draw by Jordan in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group B tie on Thursday.

Iraq took a long time to settle into the match, and it wasn’t until after the break that they were able to put some form of pressure on their opponents with Casas taking positives from the improvements shown in the second half.