Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Basra: Justin Meram’s game-winning goal gave Iraq a 1-0 victory over Syria in the International Friendship Championship on Wednesday.
Meram, who plays for Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew SC, fired a trademark curler from inside the penalty box in the 75th minute which took a deflection off a Syrian defender to score the only goal of the match.
The 30-year-old winger’s fourth international goal sent the home fans into a rapturous delight at the Basra International Stadium and the win is a welcome boost for Srečko Katanec's side who bowed out of AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Round of 16 after losing 1-0 to eventual champions Qatar in January.
Fajr Ibrahim's Syria will be aiming to bounce back when they face Jordan on Saturday, while Iraq take on Vital Borkelmans' men on Tuesday in Basra.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Dubai: Former Netherlands and Saudi Arabia manager Bert van Marwijk has been confirmed as the new UAE head coach with his immediate task being the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
The United Arab Emirates FA announced his appointment late on Wednesday and the Dutchman, 66, is expected to watch the friendly against Saudi Arabia on Thursday. The UAE will also play Syria on Tuesday.
Van Marwjik succeeds Alberto Zaccheroni, who left following the UAE’s elimination in the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Singapore and Oman will meet in the 2019 Airmarine Cup final after securing wins over Malaysia and Afghanistan respectively at the National Stadium in the Malaysian capital on Wednesday.
MALAYSIA 0-1 SINGAPORE
Faris Ramli's 82nd minute strike proved to be the difference in Singapore’s hard-fought 1-0 win against Malaysia.
Malaysia were on the offensive from the first blow of the referee's whistle, but the host weren’t able to retain possession as Singapore played well under pressure, and it was the visitors who had the first glimpse on goal in the 12th minute when Yasir Hanapi intercepted a pass.
The Tampines Rovers midfielder then surged down the middle to set up a one-on-one with goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi, but the custodian stood firm to block his close range effort. Hanapi then let loose a half-volley from the resultant corner kick, but shot straight into the arms of Fahmi.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Paju: The Taeguk Warriors face Bolivia and Colombia over the next week as Bento works with his squad for the first time since their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 campaign ended in a quarter-final defeat to Qatar.
The 27-player squad Bento has called up is missing Ki Sung-yueng and Koo Ja-cheol, two stalwarts who announced their international retirements following the AFC Asian Cup.
While both former captains will be missed, Bento is already looking forward and has included three uncapped youngsters in the squad - 18-year-old Lee Kang-in, Kim Jung-min (19) and Paik Seung-ho (22).
The Portuguese said all three, Lee and Paik - who play for Spanish sides Valencia and Girona respectively - and Kim, who is with Austrian second division outfit FC Liefering, will be given every opportunity to impress.