Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Al Ain: Korea Republic winger Lee Chung-yong is relishing his return to the Finals of the AFC Asian Cup, four years after an injury in the opening game of the tournament curtailed his involvement in his nation’s run to the final.
Lee sustained a fractured leg in Korea Republic’s match-up with Oman in Canberra in 2015, ruling him out of the remainder of the tournament at a time when he was enduring an injury-blighted spell that also had a significant impact on his club career.
But, after a return to form with German second division side Vfl Bochum, Lee has been restored to the flanks of his national side by new coach Paulo Bento and the 30-year-old is quietly confident of more success for him and his teammates.
www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/video/match_highlights_-_january_11.html
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Al Ain: Paulo Bento was left frustrated by his team’s performance even as Korea Republic notched up a 1-0 win over Kyrgyz Republic that took the two-time champions into the knockout stage of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
Kim Min-jae scored the only goal of a game Bento’s team dominated to ensure the Koreans join China in advancing to the Round of 16 from Group C. The two nations face off on Wednesday with top spot in the group on the line.
“We didn’t make a very good performance but I think that we won the game fairly,” said the Portuguese coach, who has now won five and drawn three of his first eight games in charge of the Taeguk Warriors.
“Even though we didn’t have a good performance we created a lot of opportunities to score and I think that we could have finished the game earlier. But with 1-0 the opponents have the hope to score and until the end we suffered a little bit because we didn’t score the second goal.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Al Ain: Kim Min-jae scored the only goal of the game as Korea Republic saw off a gallant Kyrgyz Republic to win 1-0 at Al Ain’s Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Friday evening and secure their place in the Round of 16 of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
Kim Min-jae headed home four minutes before the half-time break to give Paulo Bento’s side a second straight single-goal win at the tournament and ensure they join China PR in qualifying for the Round of 16 from Group C.
The two nations face off to determine who will finish in pole position in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday while Kyrgyz Republic meet the Philippines with both sides looking for their first points of the tournament to keep their slim hopes of progressing alive.
Group C: Korea Republic through to knockout stage
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: After seeing China PR qualify for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 knockout phase, head coach Marcello Lippi believes his side’s growing confidence could prove crucial as they move deeper into the Continental showpiece.
China edged towards the Round of 16 with Friday’s 3-0 win over the Philippines, progress which was subsequently assured when Korea Republic beat Kyrgyz Republic 1-0 in Group C’s later game.
The victory was China’s second of the campaign following their Matchday One defeat of Kyrgyz Republic, a run of form that Lippi feels will only serve to inspire the 1984 and 2004 AFC Asian Cup runners-up.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: Two-goal hero Wu Lei has revealed that confidence played a major role in China PR’s 3-0 win over the Philippines on Friday, a result which saw the East Asians qualify for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Round of 16.
The victory, China PR's second successive three-point haul, helped Marcello Lippi’s charges maintain their position at the top of Group C ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Korea Republic which will determine who finishes top of the standings.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: China PR qualified for the knockout phase of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 on Friday as they overcame a resilient Philippines to secure a vital 3-0 win.
Two goals from the ever-impressive Wu Lei and a late strike from Yu Dabao saw the East Asians maintain their position at the top of Group C, as the result - coupled with Korea Republic's subsequent defeat of Kyrgyz Republic - ensured that Marcello Lippi’s charges cannot finish any lower than second.
While China sealed their progress, the Philippines, following their second successive group stage defeat, now need a win in their final match against Kyrgyz Republic to remain in contention for a place in the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed finishers.