Turkmenistan’s Miše pinpoints Sri Lanka opener

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Turkmenistan’s Miše pinpoints Sri Lanka opener

Kuala Lumpur: Recently-appointed Turkmenistan head coach Ante Miše reacted positively to his side’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualifying draw, pinpointing an early win in Sri Lanka as the key to a chance of progression.

The Central Asian nation will face Korea Republic, Lebanon and DPR Korea – all of whom qualified for AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 – in Group H, as well as Sri Lanka: the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition at 201st in the world.

Turkmenistan will begin their campaign against the Sri Lankans on September 5, and Miše, who was appointed to the head coaching role in March, believes three points in that match could be the platform his team needs to challenge for further honours.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/ante_miise-turkmenistan.html

Bento: Objective remains the same for Korea Republic

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Bento: Objective remains the same for Korea Republic

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic will remain true to the style they have developed under Paulo Bento, the Portuguese head coach said after Wednesday’s Asian Qualifiers draw for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 at AFC House.

Drawn alongside Lebanon, DPR Korea, Turkmenistan and Sri Lanka in a logistically-challenging Group H, Bento said that, while the approach may vary slightly for individual opponents, Korea Republic’s overarching philosophy will remain.

“Preparations, until now have, been good,” said the 50-year-old, who led Sporting and Olympiacos to silverware in European club football.

Exciting contests ahead, says Indonesia’s McMenemy

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Exciting contests ahead, says Indonesia’s McMenemy

Kuala Lumpur: Indonesia head coach Simon McMenemy is anticipating some ‘hotly contested’ matches in Group G of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 on Wednesday. 

The Garuda were drawn with three Southeast Asian rivals - Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam - with the United Arab Emirates the top seeded team. 

“I was watching the draw and you just knew how it was going to unfold, you could sense it in the room,” McMenemy said in an exclusive interview with the-AFC.com. 

“Once you saw Malaysia was playing with Indonesia, you just had this feeling of, 'Wow, wouldn’t it be interesting if Thailand and Vietnam were put in as well.'"

Toshev comfortable with Tajikistan’s path

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Toshev comfortable with Tajikistan’s path

Ahmedabad: Tajikistan national team head coach Usmon Toshev believes his side have been given a challenging but comfortable FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualifying draw.

The Central Asian outfit were drawn against continental heavyweights Japan and neighbours Kyrgyz Republic as well as Myanmar and Mongolia in a fascinating Group F, which begins on September 5.

Toshev - whose team are in India preparing for Friday’s Intercontinental Cup final against DPR Korea - said he was at peace with Tajikistan’s group, which he rates as an even one.

Australia’s Arnold pleased with draw

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Australia’s Arnold pleased with draw

Sydney: Australia head coach Graham Arnold is satisfied with his side’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian Qualifiers opponents, despite the presence of a Jordan side which has regularly troubled the Socceroos in the recent past.

Drawn alongside Chinese Taipei, Kuwait and Nepal, as well as the Vital Borkelmans-led Jordanians, Arnold said he was pleased with Australia’s initial path on the long road to Qatar 2022 and China 2023.

Tough group but Stimac vows India will be ready

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tough group but Stimac vows India will be ready

Kuala Lumpur: Head coach Igor Stimac has described the Asian Qualifiers Round Two draw for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 as an extremely tough challenge for India.

Wednesday's draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia saw India pitted against reigning AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar, Oman, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Groups finalised for Qatar 2022 & China 2023 race

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Groups finalised for Qatar 2022 & China 2023 race

Kuala Lumpur: The Round Two draw of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 concluded in the Malaysian capital on Wednesday.

The draw, conducted by FIFA Director of Competitions Christian Unger and Australian legend Tim Cahill, saw Asia's top ranked team Islamic Republic of Iran pooled in Group C alongside Iraq, Bahrain, Hong Kong and Cambodia.

Iran will be aiming for a third consecutive appearance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, having narrowly missed on qualifying for the knockout stage in Russia 2018.