Shomurodov hat-trick guides Uzbekistan to Navruz Cup, Tajikistan edge Kyrgyz Republic

Wed, 30 Mar, 2022

Shomurodov hat-trick guides Uzbekistan to Navruz Cup, Tajikistan edge Kyrgyz Republic

Namangan: Eldor Shomurodov powered Uzbekistan to the Navruz Cup title as the hosts defeated Uganda in the final of the friendly tournament on Friday.

The AS Roma forward bagged a hat-trick from Srečko Katanec’s side, who geared up for June’s AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers – Final Round™ with their second win of the week.
 
Earlier, Tajikistan edged Kyrgyz Republic to secure third place in the four-team event with a 1-0 win.

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Group A: Syria dash Iraq's qualification dream

Wed, 30 Mar, 2022

Group A: Syria dash Iraq's qualification dream

Dubai: On the final day of Group A in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar™, Syria and Iraq shared the points with a 1-1 draw at Rashid Stadium on Tuesday, ending Iraq’s hopes of qualification after the UAE defeated Korea Republic 1-0.

Despite keeping over 60 per cent of possession during the 90 minutes and over 15 shots, Iraq’s hopes of clinching third place in the group were dashed with the United Arab Emirates producing a valuable 1-0 win against Korea Republic in the game that took place across the city at the same time.

Group A: UAE end Korea Republic's unbeaten run to seal playoff spot

Wed, 30 Mar, 2022

Group A: UAE end Korea Republic's unbeaten run to seal playoff spot

Dubai: Harib Abdalla’s first international goal kept United Arab Emirates AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar™ dream alive in a 1-0 win over already-qualified Korea Republic at the Al Maktoum Stadium on Tuesday.

The result secured third place in Group A for the Emiratis, sending them to a single-leg AFC playoff against Australia in June, with the winner to meet the fifth placed side from CONMEBOL qualifying for a berth at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
 
Abdalla’s strike also saw Korea Republic leapfrogged by Islamic Republic of Iran at the top of the group, after the East Asian side suffered their first and only defeat of the qualifying cycle.

Group A: IR Iran too good for Lebanon

Wed, 30 Mar, 2022

Group A: IR Iran too good for Lebanon

Mashhad: Islamic Republic of Iran completed their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar™ schedule in style, eliminating Lebanon from playoff contention with a 2-0 victory at the Imam Reza Stadium on Thursday.

Goals from Sardar Azmoun and Alireza Jahanbakhsh continued Team Melli’s superb form on home soil and ensured they will go into Friday’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ draw full of confidence after an outstanding campaign.

Group B: Vietnam hold Japan to sign off on a high

Wed, 30 Mar, 2022

Group B: Vietnam hold Japan to sign off on a high

Saitama: Vietnam secured a historic point to round off their AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar™ Group B campaign after surviving a second-half onslaught to earn a 1-1 draw against FIFA World Cup-bound Japan at Saitama Stadium on Tuesday.

After defeating Australia on Thursday to confirm their place at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Japan knew a win would guarantee they finish on top of the standings, but they fell behind inside 20 minutes when Nguyen Thanh Binh headed in to stun the home support.

Maya Yoshida levelled proceedings early in the second half but, despite a host of chances and two disallowed goals, the Samurai Blue were unable to bring the curtain down on their group stage with a seventh successive win. 

The result means Japan will fall to second in the standings should Saudi Arabia defeat Australia in Jeddah later on Tuesday, while Vietnam finish bottom of Group B after what has been their maiden appearance in the final round of AFC Asian Qualifiers.