AFC President urges Asian history makers to continue strong momentum

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

AFC President urges Asian history makers to continue strong momentum

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has sent his best wishes to Australia, Japan and Korea Republic as a record three Asian sides prepare to battle in the Round of 16 stage for the first time in FIFA World Cup history.

The Socceroos will face two-time winners Argentina at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium later today while the Samurai Blue prepare to battle 2018 runners-up Croatia at the Al Janoub Stadium on Monday with the Taeguk Warriors setting their sights on five-time winners Brazil at Stadium 974 on the same day.

Qatar 2022: MD3 in Numbers

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

Qatar 2022: MD3 in Numbers

Doha: After a thrilling final round of group stage fixtures at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, a record three Asian sides have booked their tickets to the knockout stages, while three have seen their campaigns come to an end. 

Australia, Japan and Korea Republic produced fabulous performances to defeat Denmark, Spain and Portugal as Qatar, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia all exited having left their mark on the tournament with some memorable moments. 

As the Socceroos, the Samurai Blue and the Taeguk Warriors now look ahead to huge games against Argentina, Croatia and Brazil, the-AFC.com reviews some of the stats and facts from Matchday Three in Qatar.

Son finally sheds tears of happiness

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

Son finally sheds tears of happiness

Al Khor: Son Heung-min said he cried "tears of happiness" after Korea Republic scored a last-gasp winner to beat Portugal 2-1 and reach the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 last 16 on Friday.

The Koreans appeared to be heading out of the tournament for much of the game but Hwang Hee-chan's 91st-minute winner lifted them to second in Group H, behind Portugal.

They faced a nervous wait on the pitch for Uruguay's match against Ghana to finish. The South Americans won 2-0 but were unable to find the one extra goal they needed, going out on goals scored.

Costa hails Korea Republic's courage, self belief

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

Costa hails Korea Republic's courage, self belief

Doha: Korea Republic assistant coach Sergio Costa was elated as the Taeguk Warriors secured a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 berth with a 2-1 win over Portugal at Stadium 974 on Friday. 

Costa’s native country Portugal opened the scoring very early through Ricardo Horta, but Kim Young-gwon pounced on a Lee Kang-in corner to draw level. As time passed, Korea Republic grew in intensity and eventually made it count late into stoppage time when Hwang Hee-chan was teed up by Son Heung-min for the winner.

Korea Republic will face five-time champions Brazil on Monday. 

Qatar 2022 - Round of 16 set to be thrilling affair

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

Qatar 2022 - Round of 16 set to be thrilling affair

Doha: The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 promises to be a sizzling affair following the conclusion of the Group Stage on Friday.

Asia will be represented by Australia, Korea Republic and Japan - a historic first - while France stayed on course to become the first team since Brazil to win back-to-back titles. 

Other former champions to advance to the knockout stage were Argentina, England and Spain while Germany and Uruguay were casualties.

The Round of 16 ties kick off on Saturday so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the eight matches coming up.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup/photo/qatar_2022_-_the_round_of_16_cast.html