Arnold applauds Australia's solid defence

Fri, 19 Jan, 2024

Arnold applauds Australia's solid defence

Doha: Graham Arnold praised his defence as Australia booked their place in the last 16 of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ with a 1-0 win over Syria at Jassim Al Hamad Stadium on Thursday, with Jackson Irvine’s goal guaranteeing the Socceroos’ progress from Group B.

Irvine struck in the 59th minute from close range as the Australians moved onto six points from their first two games having already defeated India in their tournament opener, and those results guarantee they advance ahead of their final group game against Uzbekistan.

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Group B: Syria 0-1 Australia

Fri, 19 Jan, 2024

Group B: Syria 0-1 Australia

Doha: Jackson Irvine scored the only goal as Australia ground out a 1-0 victory over Syria at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Group B on Thursday to confirm their place in the knockout rounds of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

Irvine’s 59th minute goal, his second of the tournament, saw Graham Arnold’s side back up their opening win over India with another three points to sit on top of the standings with one round remaining with their Round of 16 spot confirmed after Uzbekistan defeated India 3-0 in the group's second match on Thursday.
 
The top two teams in each group advance with the four third-placed sides with the best records also progressing.

Group B: India 0-3 Uzbekistan

Fri, 19 Jan, 2024

Group B: India 0-3 Uzbekistan

Al Rayyan: Uzbekistan boosted their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ knockout stage hopes after a 3-0 win over India in Group B on Thursday.

First half goals from Abbosbek Fayzullayev, Igor Sergeyev and Sherzod Nasrullayev secured Uzbekistan the win at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium which took them to four points, two behind Australia.
 
Uzbekistan’s victory means Australia - who defeated Syria 1-0 earlier on Thursday - are assured of a knockout stage spot while India’s hopes now depend on winning their final group tie against the Syrians after two consecutive defeats. 

Group C: Palestine 1-1 UAE

Fri, 19 Jan, 2024

Group C: Palestine 1-1 UAE

Al Wakrah: Ten-man United Arab Emirates held on to earn a 1-1 draw against Palestine in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ at Al Janoub Stadium on Thursday.

Having been reduced to 10 men after 37 minutes, the UAE sat deep and defended resiliently and goalkeeper Khaled Eisa delivered a Man of the Match performance against an avalanche of Palestinian attacks, with the Whites taking their tally to four points, while Palestine got their first point of the campaign.

Preview - Group C: Hong Kong, China v IR Iran

Sat, 20 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group C: Hong Kong, China v IR Iran

Doha: Head coach Amir Ghalenoei is expecting more of his Islamic Republic of Iran players when they take on Hong Kong, China in their second match of the AFC Asian Cup™ Qatar 2023 at Khalifa International Stadium on Friday.

Team Melli started their journey in style, putting four goals past Palestine from four different scorers as all of Karim Ansarifard, Shojae Khalilzadeh, Mehdi Ghayedi and Sardar Azmoun contributed to the 4-1 victory on Sunday, but Ghalenoei insists his team still has more.

Preview - Group D: Vietnam v Indonesia

Fri, 19 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group D: Vietnam v Indonesia

Doha: Shin Tae-yong will not be looking at the past when Indonesia take on Vietnam in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Friday.

In four meetings with Vietnam since taking charge of Indonesia, Shin has a record of two draws and two defeats but the former Korea Republic head coach is keen to approach the match at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium as a standalone without the baggage of history.
 
With Japan taking on Iraq in the group’s other match, a win for Indonesia against Vietnam will reignite their chances of reaching the Round of 16 ahead of their concluding clash with the Blue Samurai.

Preview - Group D: Iraq v Japan

Fri, 19 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group D: Iraq v Japan

Doha: Iraq head coach Jesus Casas is fully aware of the formidable challenge awaiting his team when they play Japan in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Friday.

Despite the confidence gained from the commanding 3-1 victory over Indonesia in their opening game, Casas said nothing short of a flawless performance will suffice if his side are to upstage the four-time champions at the Education City Stadium.

Supachai: Expect more from Thailand

Thu, 18 Jan, 2024

Supachai: Expect more from Thailand

Doha: Supachai Chaided believes Thailand’s 2-0 win over Kyrgyz Republic in Group F of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar™ 2023 is just the start of better things to come from the Southeast Asian side.

Tuesday’s victory means Thailand lead the standings on goal difference ahead of three-time AFC Asian Cup winners Saudi Arabia, who secured a last-gasp 2-1 win over Oman. 

Having had to step in for legend Teerasil Dangda as the War Elephants’ attacking threat, Supachai’s goals either side of half-time means Thailand are within touching distance of the Round of 16.

Lopez: Resilience took Qatar through

Thu, 18 Jan, 2024

Lopez: Resilience took Qatar through

Al Khor: Marquez Lopez was proud that defending champions Qatar became the first team to seal their place in the knockout stage of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, saying the Maroons’ ability to cope with pressure was the reason behind their 1-0 win over Tajikistan on Wednesday.

Spaniard Lopez made five changes to the team that beat Lebanon 3-0 in the opening game, but Qatar were still too strong for Tajikistan as they confirmed the Group A top spot with a match to spare.

Radulovic, Jankovic content with shared points

Thu, 18 Jan, 2024

Radulovic, Jankovic content with shared points

Doha: Miodrag Radulovic chose to focus on the positives after Lebanon played to a goalless draw with China PR in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group A encounter on Wednesday.

Both teams, despite displaying plenty of attacking intent, failed to convert their chances and are yet to find the back of the net in the continental showpiece.