Japan go top as Myanmar also surge

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Japan go top as Myanmar also surge

Kuala Lumpur: Japan became Asia’s top ranked team at 28 after Islamic Republic of Iran dropped six spots, in the latest FIFA World Ranking which was released on Thursday.

IR Iran dropped to second at 33 following their recent defeat to Iraq in the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

Japan - who are unbeaten in the Asian Qualifiers - maintained their World Ranking at 28.

Hey delighted as Myanmar get back on track

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Hey delighted as Myanmar get back on track

Mandalay: Myanmar enjoyed a fantastic week, as the Southeast Asians recorded back-to-back wins in Group F of the Asian Qualifiers to place themselves back in contention for a top two finish.

Myanmar followed up Thursday's 4-3 win over Tajikistan with a 1-0 defeat of Mongolia on Tuesday to revive their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualifying campaign.

The wins, which followed three consecutive defeats, have to be credited to head coach Antoine Hey, who has steadied the ship after replacing Miodrag Radulovic at the helm last month.

Moriyasu satisfied by durable Japan

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Moriyasu satisfied by durable Japan

Bishkek: Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu had few complaints after his side continued their perfect run in their Asian Qualifiers campaign with a 2-0 win over Kyrgyz Republic at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium on Thursday.

Facing the second-highest seed in the group against the backdrop of a chilly Bishkek evening, goals from Takumi Minamino and Genki Haraguchi either side of half-time helped the Samurai Blue seal what was ultimately a convincing win; their fourth in succession without conceding a goal in the Asian Qualifiers.

Speaking after the game, Moriyasu said he had been impressed by his side’s ability to achieve the result which took them a step closer to the next round of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualifying campaign.

Al Motawaa: Pitch, altitude made it hard for Kuwait 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Motawaa: Pitch, altitude made it hard for Kuwait 

Thimphu: Captain Bader Al Motawaa admitted Kuwait had to work hard for their 1-0 win over Nepal in Group B of the Asian Qualifiers on Tuesday.

Kuwait went into the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualification tie on the back of a 9-0 win over Chinese Taipei on Thursday.

The West Asians had also defeated Nepal 7-0 when the two teams met in September and were overwhelming favourites to score another emphatic win.

Tan praises resilient Malaysia

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tan praises resilient Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia head coach Tan Cheng Hoe was unreserved in his praise of his players after the 2-0 win over Indonesia in the Asian Qualifiers on Tuesday.

Muhammad Safawi Rasid was the star of the night with two wonderful goals but Tan said all his players contributed to the victory as Malaysia made it two wins on the trot, having beaten Thailand 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualifier on Thursday.

The win, coupled with Vietnam and Thailand playing to a goalless draw in Hanoi, saw Malaysia move up to second in the Group G standings on nine points from three wins and two defeats.

Son, Hwang apologise for Lebanon stalemate

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Son, Hwang apologise for Lebanon stalemate

Beirut: Captain Son Heung-min and forward Hwang Ui-jo have apologised for not putting their chances away after Korea Republic were held to a 0-0 draw by Lebanon in their Asian Qualifiers Group H match on Thursday.

It was the East Asians second draw, having been held 0-0 by DPR Korea in Pyongyang last month, but Son and Hwang admitted that the Taeguk Warriors should have taken full points against Lebanon.

Taggart overjoyed as Australia stay perfect

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Taggart overjoyed as Australia stay perfect

Amman: Goal-scoring hero Adam Taggart said Australia executed their game plan to perfection in their 1-0 Asian Qualifiers win over Jordan on Thursday.

Taggart scored after just 12 minutes in Amman, getting on the end of Jackson Irvine’s incisive pass before lifting the ball over the keeper with a classy finish.