Japan finish year on top, Qatar biggest movers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Japan finish year on top, Qatar biggest movers

Kuala Lumpur: Japan ended the year on a high note as Asia's top ranked team, while Qatar were the year's biggest movers, following the final FIFA World Ranking for 2019 released on Thursday. 

Japan, who overtook Islamic Republic of Iran for top spot in last month's Rankings, maintained their position at 28th, with the Central Asians also unchanged at 33rd.

Korea Republic moved a rung up to 40th in third, while Australia maintained 42nd spot.

Oman part ways with Koeman

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Oman part ways with Koeman

Muscat: Oman Football Association (OFA) has terminated the contract of Erwin Koeman as head coach following the performance of the national team at the recent 2019 Gulf Cup.

Oman, the defending champions, did not advance past the group stage in Doha following a 3-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their final Group B match, ending their campaign on four points after defeating Kuwait 2-1 and drawing 0-0 with eventual champions Bahrain.

UAE part ways with van Marwijk

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

UAE part ways with van Marwijk

Dubai: The UAE Football Association announced on Wednesday that it has decided to terminate the contract of head coach Bert van Marwijk and his assistants.

The decision came 24 hours after UAE exited the 2019 Gulf Cup following a 4-2 defeat to hosts Qatar in Group A.

It also follows the recent poor results of the West Asian side under Dutchman van Marwijk in the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

Taggart becomes first Australian to win K-League Golden Boot

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Taggart becomes first Australian to win K-League Golden Boot

Seoul: Adam Taggart’s red-hot form has delivered a major accolade after the former A-League star won the K-League’s Golden Boot award.

The 26-year-old is the first-ever Australian to finish top in Korea Republic’s top tier – netting a stunning 20 goals in his 33 appearances in his debut season with Suwon Bluewings.

It marks the second time he has been recognised as the top marksman in domestic top flight competition, after winning the A-League’s Golden Boot in the 2013/14 season with Newcastle Jets.

Road to Qatar 2022 & China 2023: Five Talking Points

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Road to Qatar 2022 & China 2023: Five Talking Points

Kuala Lumpur: After six rounds of matches, the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 are done and dusted for 2019.

Qualifying action for the two premier competitions will resume on March 26 as the players - depending on where they play their club football - either return to their teams or get some much needed break.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at five talking points at this stage of a thrilling Asian Qualifiers.

Victory is what matters for Qatar, says Afif

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Victory is what matters for Qatar, says Afif

Dushanbe: Akram Afif said Qatar may not have fired on all cylinders but they achieved their target in the 1-0 away win against Afghanistan in Group E of the Asian Qualifiers on Tuesday.

Afif scored the winning goal from the penalty spot 14 minutes from time as the Asian champions were made to work hard in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualification tie by a resilient Afghanistan at the Republican Central Stadium.

Matchday 6: Results & Reports

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Matchday 6: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Six of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 came to a close with Syria and Turkmenistan the big winners on an exciting day of action.

Syria made it five wins from five to seize control of Group A as the West Asians will take a whopping eight-point lead into 2020 after defeating Philippines 1-0.

Turkmenistan will also head into the new year as Group H leaders, with their 1-0 win over Sri Lanka and the Lebanon-DPR Korea tie ending in a goalless stalemate giving the Central Asian side a one-point lead.

The Asian Qualifiers will resume on March 26.