Japan target fifth AFC Asian Cup™ title after Qatar 2022 heartbreak

Thu, 08 Dec, 2022

Japan target fifth AFC Asian Cup™ title after Qatar 2022 heartbreak

Narita: Japan will put their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 heartbreak behind them and focus on becoming Asian champions for a fifth time, captain Maya Yoshida said after the team returned home on Wednesday.

The Blue Samurai were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup on penalties by Croatia in the last 16 on Monday, denying them a first-ever place in the quarter-finals.

But the defeat did not stop hundreds of fans from travelling to an airport near Tokyo to welcome the players and head coach Hajime Moriyasu back from Qatar.

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Qatar 2022: Round of 16 in Numbers

Wed, 07 Dec, 2022

Qatar 2022: Round of 16 in Numbers

Doha: Defeats for Australia, Japan and Korea Republic in the Round of 16 has brought the curtain down on Asia’s participation at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 but excitement continues to build as the global showpiece delivers pulsating action on the pitch and joyous scenes in the stands.

While the Socceroos, the Samurai Blue and the Taeguk Warriors now begin to look ahead to the AFC Asian Cup 2023™, the eight remaining sides continue their quests to be crowned the world champions. 

With a break in the action before the tournament resumes on Friday, the-AFC.com looks back at the stats and facts that caught the eye following the thrilling last-16 ties.

England can't obsess over hotshot Mbappe: Walker

Thu, 08 Dec, 2022

England can't obsess over hotshot Mbappe: Walker

Doha: England full-back Kyle Walker says his team cannot afford to obsess about France's free-scoring Kylian Mbappe ahead of Saturday's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final against the defending champions.

Right-back Walker is likely to be directly up against Mbappe, who is the tournament's top scorer so far, with five goals.

Griezmann flourishing in new role for France

Thu, 08 Dec, 2022

Griezmann flourishing in new role for France

Doha: While Kylian Mbappe dominates the headlines for France, Antoine Griezmann's performances in a new midfield role have also been crucial for the holders on their run to Saturday's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final against England.

Griezmann had a difficult start to the season at Atletico Madrid and has not scored in Qatar, leaving Mbappe and Olivier Giroud to provide the goals as France seek to become the first team in 60 years to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup.

Portugal hero Ramos 'never dreamt' of World Cup hat-trick

Thu, 08 Dec, 2022

Portugal hero Ramos 'never dreamt' of World Cup hat-trick

Doha: Portugal's hat-trick hero Goncalo Ramos said he had not even dreamt of starting a FIFA World Cup knockout match, let alone scoring three in his first start in the tournament.

The 21-year-old striker was handed a surprise start ahead of five-times Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo and rewarded head coach Fernando Santos with a brilliant match-winning display.

Morocco's Bounou says penalty heroics partly down to 'luck'

Thu, 08 Dec, 2022

Morocco's Bounou says penalty heroics partly down to 'luck'

Doha: Morocco's Yassine Bounou put his FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 penalty-saving heroics against Spain on Tuesday down to a mixture of luck and intuition.

The Sevilla stopper saved two of Spain's penalties in the 3-0 shootout triumph as his side reached the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

The match had finished goalless after extra-time.

Unity key to Dutch success, says Van Dijk

Thu, 08 Dec, 2022

Unity key to Dutch success, says Van Dijk

Doha: Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk said he has "only respect" for Argentina's Lionel Messi but believes unity in the Netherlands camp can make the difference in Friday's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final.

The Netherlands have not always been known for their team spirit at the FIFA World Cup but they were pictured returning to their hotel in a party mood after their last-16 win over the United States.

Head coach Louis van Gaal led the way as he danced and celebrated with hotel staff and Van Dijk believes the togetherness in the Dutch squad is "special".

Croatia's Dalic says Brazil squad 'scary'

Wed, 07 Dec, 2022

Croatia's Dalic says Brazil squad 'scary'

Doha: Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic called Brazil's squad "scary" but says his team are not big underdogs in Friday's quarter-final against the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 favourites.

Dalic's side, runners-up four years ago, beat Japan on penalties on Monday to guarantee at least their third best finish at the tournament.