AFC President sends best wishes to Asia’s FIFA Club World Cup representatives

Wed, 02 Feb, 2022

AFC President sends best wishes to Asia’s FIFA Club World Cup representatives

Kuala Lumpur: Ahead of Thursday’s FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 kick off, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has sent his best wishes to host side Al Jazira Club from the United Arab Emirates and reigning AFC Champions League title holders, Al Hilal SFC – who will be representing Asia in the UAE where the global club showpiece will be held for the fifth time.

2020–21 UAE Pro League winners, Al Jazira Club will kick start the tournament when they face OFC representative club, AS Pirae from Tahiti, in the first round at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium at 8:30pm (local time), with the eventual winners advancing to face Al Hilal SFC in the second round on Sunday, February 6 at the same kick-off time and venue.

Good preparation pays off for Japan, Saudi Arabia look ahead

Wed, 02 Feb, 2022

Good preparation pays off for Japan, Saudi Arabia look ahead

Saitama: Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu said preparation had been key in his side’s 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar as the Samurai Blue moved to within one win of progressing to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Goals from Takumi Minamino and Junya Ito secured Japan’s fifth win in a row and victory over Australia in Sydney on March 24 will guarantee the nation a place at a seventh consecutive FIFA World Cup finals.

Group B: Oman fight back to hold Australia

Wed, 02 Feb, 2022

Group B: Oman fight back to hold Australia

Muscat: Oman came from behind twice to hold Australia 2-2 in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar on Tuesday. 

It was a result neither side wanted, with Australia’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification hopes suffering a blow while third place - which would have meant a playoff spot - is now out of reach for Oman. 

With two matches remaining, Australia are four points behind leaders Saudi Arabia, who lost 2-0 to Korea Republic earlier on Tuesday, with the East Asians three ahead of the Socceroos. 

Group A: IR Iran edge UAE to maintain tight grip on top spot

Wed, 02 Feb, 2022

Group A: IR Iran edge UAE to maintain tight grip on top spot

Tehran: Ten-man Islamic Republic of Iran extended their unbeaten run in the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar to eight matches with a 1-0 home win over the UAE in Group A on Tuesday.

The home side had already qualified to Qatar 2022 last week after beating Iraq 1-0, but they still fielded a full strength side and produced another win and a clean sheet despite their numerical disadvantage for over 40 minutes.

Group A: Korea Republic confirm Qatar 2022 ticket

Wed, 02 Feb, 2022

Group A: Korea Republic confirm Qatar 2022 ticket

Dubai: Korea Republic secured qualification to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with a 2-0 win against Syria in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar at Dubai’s Rashid Stadium on Tuesday.

The win meant Korea Republic qualified for their 10th consecutive and 11th overall FIFA World Cup Finals, with a top two finish assured with two matches remaining.