Jordan fall to classy Spain

Fri, 18 Nov, 2022

Jordan fall to classy Spain

Kuala Lumpur: Jordan fell to a 3-1 defeat against Spain in an international friendly match, with Syria suffering a narrow 1-0 loss to Belarus on Thursday. 

Tajikistan, meanwhile, played to a goalless draw with Russia at home. 

Qatar 2022: Stats & Facts

Wed, 16 Nov, 2022

Qatar 2022: Stats & Facts

Doha: We’re now just days away from the curtain raiser at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 when the host nation goes up against Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on Sunday. 

Excitement has been building as the clock ticks down and, for the first time ever, a record six Asian teams will compete at the global showpiece as Australia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Korea Republic, Qatar and Saudi Arabia take to the field in the Gulf nation. 

Ahead of the big kick-off, the-AFC.com takes a look at some of the other statistics involving the Asian Football Confederation’s representatives. 

Qatar 2022 squads officially confirmed

Tue, 15 Nov, 2022

Qatar 2022 squads officially confirmed

Doha: With the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar just days away, the full squads for all 32 teams can finally be confirmed as anticipation for kick off cranks up another notch.

The announcement of the 26-man lists confirms the sporting dreams of 832 players, who will all head to the 22nd edition of the Finals, which are set to kick-off when hosts Qatar face Ecuador in Al-Bayt Stadium on Sunday.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy in numbers

Tue, 15 Nov, 2022

The FIFA World Cup Trophy in numbers

Doha: Who didn't dream at least once of lifting this cup themselves when they were a kid? Playing at the FIFA World Cup Finals is a dream that does not come true for every player and even fewer manage to hold the trophy aloft. Winning this trophy means becoming a football legend and being remembered as a hero for the rest of your life. 

From Diego Armando Maradona to Zinedine Zidane, via Ronaldo and Bastian Schweinsteiger – plenty of footballing legends have had the pleasure of lifting this trophy heavenward and by doing so have gone down in history forever.

Late Canada goal hurts Japan

Fri, 18 Nov, 2022

Late Canada goal hurts Japan

Dubai: Japan slipped to a late 2-1 loss against Canada in Dubai’s Al Makhtoum Stadium on Thursday as Hajime Moriyasu’s Samurai Blue completed their preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with a defeat.

Lucas Cavallini scored from the penalty spot four minutes into injury time after Miki Yamane had brought down Richie Laryea to hand the Canadians the win in a disjointed game that saw both teams make numerous changes.
 
Yuki Soma had put the Japanese ahead in the ninth minute before Steven Vitoria levelled 12 minutes and the match looked set to end in a draw until Cavallini’s late spot-kick.

The game was Japan’s last before featuring in Group E at the FIFA World Cup Finals, where they have been drawn to face Germany, Costa Rica and Spain.

Masked Son wants to give fans "joy and hope"

Thu, 17 Nov, 2022

Masked Son wants to give fans "joy and hope"

Al Rayyan: Son Heung-min says he is willing to risk his health to bring joy to Korea Republic's fans at the FIFA World Cup™ Qatar 2022 after being pictured training in a protective mask.

Son's participation in Qatar was in doubt when he suffered a fracture around his left eye in Tottenham's UEFA Champions League win at Marseille earlier this month, causing him to miss Spurs' last three pre-World Cup fixtures.

However, Son was named in Paulo Bento's 26-man World Cup squad and subsequently declared he would not miss the tournament "for the world".