With high stakes fixtures on the agenda all over the Continent, the-AFC.com scrutinises some of the key facts and figures ahead of the 32-match extravaganza to come.

With only the eight group winners and four best runners-up advancing to the final round of Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, there will be no room for slip-ups.

The same applies for the final stage of the Asian Qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023, with the 12 next best-placed teams advancing to the third round. Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at how the eight groups stand.

After all, the visitors boasted a dominant record having won four and drawn one in the two sides' past six World Cup qualifying meetings.

The game, however, ended in a surprise 2-1 scoreline in Thailand's favour. Rising to the occasion was an unsung hero, 20-year-old Ekanit Panya who played in only his third international appearance.

The young attacker set up Teerasil Dangda for the opener before latching on to Nitipong Selanon's pass to strike the match-winner as the War Elephants stunned the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 semi-finalists.

Uzbekistan 3-1 Kyrgyz Republic

Both sides used the match to prepare for key Asian Qualifiers in the week ahead, with Uzbekistan to host Saudi Arabia on Thursday, while Kyrgyz Republic are set to face Japan in Bishkek.

Pakhtakor duo Igor Sergeev and Dostonbek Khamdanov made the most of their familiar surrounds to find the back of the net before Jamshid Iskanderov slotted an excellent third for Uzbekistan, with Farkhat Musabkeov getting his name on the scoresheet for the visitors, who remain winless in eight attempts against their neighbours.

The Socceroos currently top the section with nine points, with the Al Nshama following closely behind on seven, making a victory for Jordan essential if they are to stand a realistic chance of topping the group.

Though Jordan will not be lacking in determination, their fans know that much will depend on the performance of their three forwards: Musa Al Omari, Yaseen al Bakhit, and Baha’ Faisal.

This is especially true of the latter, who plays an important role tactically but knows that his main job is to score goals.

Despite a busy schedule and having little time to prepare for the ongoing Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, the coach took time out to talk exclusively to FIFA.com. “It was time for a new challenge, and I hope I’ll succeed in Saudi Arabia,” he said.

During the interview, the 51-year-old Frenchman discussed, among other things, his objectives with the Saudi national team, his memories of more than a decade in Africa, and why he likes to have a good relationship with his players wherever he goes.

Hey’s appointment, announced in tandem with Radulović’s exit, sees him reclaim the position he held from May to December 2018.

The German boss is tasked with rescuing Myanmar’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian Qualifiers campaign, which has produced three defeats from as many matches.