AFC President praises Japan’s historic achievement

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC President praises Japan’s historic achievement

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has praised Japan’s beach soccer team for their historic second-place finish at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup™ in Russia, which is Asia’s best-ever performance at the global showpiece to date.

Japan defeated Senegal 5-2 to reach their first-ever final on Sunday where they lost bravely to hosts the Russian Football Union (RFU) at the Luzhniki Beach Soccer Arena, eclipsing Asia’s most prolific display in 2017 when the Islamic Republic of Iran finished third in the Bahamas.

Silver finish for Japan as RFU win third FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup title

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Silver finish for Japan as RFU win third FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup title

Moscow: A valiant Japan had to concede defeat against Russia Football Union (RFU) as the Asian champions fell 5-2 to the hosts in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Russia 2021 final at the Luzhniki Beach Soccer Arena on Sunday.

Japan started strongly but RFU's clinical finishing proved to be the difference as they won the title for the third time. Switzerland finished third after a thrilling 9-7 win over Senegal earlier on Sunday.

AFC referee appointed for FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Russia 2021 Final

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC referee appointed for FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Russia 2021 Final

Moscow: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) referee Suhaimi Mat Hassan of Malaysia will add another feather in his cap after being selected to officiate the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Russia 2021 Final between Japan and the Russian Football Union (RFU) on Monday.

This will be the first time Suhaimi will take charge of the Final in what is his fifth appearance in the global showpiece.

AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar: Focus on Oman

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar: Focus on Oman

Kuala Lumpur: The battle to be one of Asia’s representatives at the FIFA World Cup 2022 resumes on Thursday with four direct spots available for teams in the two groups of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar.

The-AFC.com previews the sides still standing as the pick of the continent’s national teams vie for a place in Qatar next year.

While some teams come into the final stage of the Qualifiers with a history of reaching multiple World Cups, Oman are only at this stage for the third time in their history after 2002 and 2014.

AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar: Focus on Syria

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar: Focus on Syria

Kuala Lumpur: Twelve of Asia’s finest national teams are gearing up for the start of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar on Thursday with four direct spots in the 2022 FIFA World Cup up for grabs.

Through this series of articles, the-AFC.com analyses each of the 12 sides ready to take the next step in the journey towards the global showpiece.

For Syria, this is a dream they have came so close to achieving in the past, but without success so far. Can this be the year the Qasioun Eagles finally make it?

AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar: Focus on China PR

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar: Focus on China PR

Kuala Lumpur: After a lengthy delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar begin next week, with China PR taking to the field against Australia and Japan in their opening two fixtures in Doha as Li Tie’s team attempt to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The Chinese have not appeared at the FIFA World Cup since securing their one and only spot at the Finals, in 2002, but, after being drawn in a challenging Group B, coach Li Tie will be hoping to overcome the odds to end the country’s two decade hoodoo.

AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar: Focus on Iraq

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar: Focus on Iraq

Kuala Lumpur: The race to be one of Asia’s representatives at the FIFA World Cup 2022 resumes on Thursday with 12 teams competing for four direct spots from the two groups of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar.

The-AFC.com looks at each of the teams still standing in a journey that started two years ago and was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic which delayed the proceedings by a year.

Group A will provide Iraq with the latest challenge as they pursue a return to the FIFA World Cup for the second time after Mexico 1986.