Japan dangerman Kamada struggling to find form

Wed, 30 Nov, 2022

Japan dangerman Kamada struggling to find form

Doha: Daichi Kamada was expected to be Japan's star man at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 but the forward has flopped so far and he faces a huge test against Spain on Thursday.

Kamada has made a big impact since joining German side Eintracht Frankfurt, winning the Europa League last season and scoring 12 goals in all competitions so far this term.

The 26-year-old has found success at his first FIFA World Cup harder to come by, despite playing in Japan's stunning 2-1 opening win over Germany.

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Moriyasu urges Japan not to ride 'roller-coaster'

Tue, 29 Nov, 2022

Moriyasu urges Japan not to ride 'roller-coaster'

Doha: Japan have swung from high to low at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 but head coach Hajime Moriyasu warned his players not to "ride the roller-coaster" of emotions as they prepare to face Spain.

The Blue Samurai can qualify for the knock-out round if they beat the Spanish in their final Group E game on Thursday but they will have to pick themselves up after their shock loss to Costa Rica.

That 1-0 defeat on Sunday came just days after Japan had beaten Germany with a stunning comeback, and leaves them needing another upset to advance to the last 16.

Japan could also qualify with a draw against Spain depending on other results but a win would guarantee their progress.

Netherlands deny Qatar high note finish

Wed, 30 Nov, 2022

Netherlands deny Qatar high note finish

Al Khor: Qatar ended their FIFA World Cup 2022 Group A campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Netherlands at the Al Bayt Stadium on Tuesday.

Eliminated after losing against Senegal last time out, Qatar had hoped for a stronger display in their last FIFA World Cup game on home soil but a desperate Netherlands side went for broke in hopes of securing top spot in the group, and they duly delivered. 

Senegal through at Ecuador's expense

Wed, 30 Nov, 2022

Senegal through at Ecuador's expense

Doha: Senegal qualified for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 after beating Ecuador 2-1 on Tuesday.

Senegal leapfrogged Ecuador into second place in Group A and a spot in the last 16 thanks to goals from Ismaila Sarr and Kalidou Koulibaly.

Preview - Group C: Saudi Arabia v Mexico

Thu, 01 Dec, 2022

Preview - Group C: Saudi Arabia v Mexico

Lusail: Saudi Arabia head coach Herve Renard, though calm and contained, did not hide his joy at the possibility of creating history when his side face Mexico on Wednesday in their final FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C game.

The Green Falcons have already made history in the current tournament, beating favourites Argentina in the opening game but succumbed to a loss against Poland last time out, and a win against Mexico can see them progress from the group stage for only the second time in their illustrious footballing history.

Preview - Group D: Australia v Denmark

Wed, 30 Nov, 2022

Preview - Group D: Australia v Denmark

Al Wakrah: Graham Arnold will not make a final decision on his starting line-up for Australia’s crucial FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 clash with Denmark until Wednesday morning as the Socceroos hunt for the win that will guarantee them a place in the knockout rounds.

Arnold will wait to make last-minute checks on the fitness of right-back Nathaniel Atkinson and midfielder Ajdin Hrustic as he prepares his side for the game against the Europeans, with a spot in the last 16 at stake.

Qatar 2022: MD2 in Numbers

Tue, 29 Nov, 2022

Qatar 2022: MD2 in Numbers

Doha: Two rounds of fixtures have now been completed at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and five of Asia’s six teams remain in with a chance of reaching the knockout rounds.

The Matchday Two encounters saw a stunning win for the Islamic Republic of Iran and a long-awaited victory for Australia, while the results were more disappointing for hosts Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Korea Republic.

As the sides now look ahead to their final group games, the-AFC.com reflects on some of the statistics that caught the eye in the previous round of fixtures.

Qatar 2022: Caught on Camera

Tue, 29 Nov, 2022

Qatar 2022: Caught on Camera

Doha: Matchday Two of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 had more than its share of thrills, spills and emotion as the global showpiece edged closer to the knockout stage.

There was drama on and off the pitch as players and fans alike experienced joy and despair.

Join the-AFC.com as we bring you a selection of images from Matchday Two.