Moriyasu's experience pays off for Japan

Fri, 06 Sep, 2024

Moriyasu's experience pays off for Japan

Saitama: Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said he had learned the lessons of previous struggles in the early matches of the final round in Asia’s FIFA World Cup qualifying to lead the Samurai Blue to a resounding 7-0 victory over China PR at Saitama Stadium on Thursday.

Moriyasu was at the helm four years ago when Japan lost to Oman in their first game of the third round of the preliminaries for Qatar 2022, but there were to be no such issues as the hosts launched their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 campaign in emphatic fashion.

Not even the presence of Ivanko Brankovic, who oversaw Oman’s shock win, could insulate the Chinese from a rampant Japan as Wataru Endo, Kaoru Mitoma, Takumi Minamino – who scored twice – Junya Ito, Daizen Maeda and Takefusa Kubo all found the net.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers/video/asianqualifiers_-_road_to_26_|_group_c__japan_7-0_china_pr.html

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Shin proud of Indonesia, Mancini laments missed chances

Fri, 06 Sep, 2024

Shin proud of Indonesia, Mancini laments missed chances

Jeddah: Head coach Shin Tae-yong applauded his players after a resilient Indonesia held Saudi Arabia to a 1-1 draw in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group C tie at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Thursday.

Indonesia, who are making their first appearance in the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, took the lead through Ragnar Oratmangoen at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah but were denied victory by Musab Al Juwayr’s equaliser.

We are happy to have given joy to the Palestinian fans, says Daboub

Fri, 06 Sep, 2024

We are happy to have given joy to the Palestinian fans, says Daboub

Seoul: Palestine celebrated their first ever appearance in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ with a goalless draw with Korea Republic, with head coach Makram Daboub expressing happiness for giving joy to their fans.

Korea Republic, seeking an 11th consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup, were expected to cruise in their Group B opener but were left frustrated by a resolute Palestine side with goalkeeper Rami Hamada particularly outstanding. 

Bahrain’s Talajic hails players for sticking to game plan in Australia win

Fri, 06 Sep, 2024

Bahrain’s Talajic hails players for sticking to game plan in Australia win

Gold Coast: Dragan Talajic did not hold back on his praise after Bahrain stunned Australia 1-0 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group C opener on Thursday. 

Bahrain's first ever win against Australia was sealed when Harry Souttar deflected Abdulla Alkhalasi’s cross from the left into his own net just before the 90-minute mark at Robina Stadium as the West Asian side kicked off their campaign for an inaugural appearance at the FIFA World Cup with a bang.

MD1 - Results & Reports

Fri, 06 Sep, 2024

MD1 - Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday 1 of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 saw several stunning results as the continent's finest 18 teams took their first steps towards qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.

Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates shocked Australia and Qatar respectively while Palestine and Indonesia impressed in draws with Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia.

It was, however, business as usual for Japan and Islamic Republic of Iran who opened their campaigns with victories.

As the teams cast their eyes on another round of matches on Tuesday, stay updated on all the action with the-AFC.com.

Preview - Group D, MD3: Korea Republic v Germany

Fri, 06 Sep, 2024

Preview - Group D, MD3: Korea Republic v Germany

Bogota: Korea Republic know only a win against Germany on Saturday can keep their hopes of advancing to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Colombia 2024 knockout stage alive.

With just a point to show from their earlier two matches, anything less than a win will surely end the East Asian side's campaign.

Group F: DPR Korea 9-0 Costa Rica

Fri, 06 Sep, 2024

Group F: DPR Korea 9-0 Costa Rica

Cali: DPR Korea continued their outstanding record of having progressed from the group stage at every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in which they’ve featured as they put on a dynamic football clinic in a 9-0 dismantling of Costa Rica on Thursday.

On the evidence through two matchdays they’re also going to be right in the mix to add to the two titles they won at Russia 2006 and Papua New Guinea 2016; few teams at Colombia 2024 possess the potent mix of technique, movement, intensity and ruthless finishing that the Asian champions do.

Group E: Japan 4-1 Ghana

Fri, 06 Sep, 2024

Group E: Japan 4-1 Ghana

Bogota: Japan advanced to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 Round of 16 after a 4-1 victory over Ghana on Thursday.

The victory meant Japan, champions in 2018 and runners-up two years ago, booked their knockouts stage spot with a match to spare.