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.

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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. 

Team Profile: Qatar

Thu, 17 Nov, 2022

Team Profile: Qatar

Dubai: With a record six Asian nations headed to the FIFA World Cup™ 2022, the continent stands as big a chance of delivering exceptional results this winter as it ever had as the hosts Qatar are joined by Saudi Arabia, Japan, Korea Republic, Islamic Republic of Iran and Australia.

As the clock ticks down towards the opening ceremony on Sunday, the-AFC.com takes a look at Qatar, who will be making their FIFA World Cup debut.

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".

Holders France touch down in Qatar

Thu, 17 Nov, 2022

Holders France touch down in Qatar

Doha: Defending champions France touched down in Qatar on Wednesday as they seek to become the first team to retain the FIFA World Cup since Brazil in 1962.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe was one of the first players off the plane.

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.