Casas: Iraq will take it one match at a time

Thu, 25 Jan, 2024

Casas: Iraq will take it one match at a time

Doha: Jesus Casas was delighted with Iraq’s come from behind 3-2 win over Vietnam in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group D tie on Wednesday as the 2007 champions completed the group stage with a perfect nine points. 

The victory, secured by an Aymen Hussein spot-kick deep into stoppage time, meant it was the first time Iraq had completed the group stage with a perfect record and what made the win more remarkable was the performance of the second liners, with Casas opting to rest players as the West Asian side had already booked their knockout stage spot with a match to spare. 

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Moriyasu pleased with Japan's improved performance

Thu, 25 Jan, 2024

Moriyasu pleased with Japan's improved performance

Doha: Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu commended his players for an improved performance in the 3-1 win over Indonesia in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Wednesday as the Samurai Blue bounced back from their loss to Iraq to confirm their place in the last 16.

Ayase Ueda’s double, including a sixth minute penalty, sent the former champions on their way to victory before Justin Hubner’s own goal ensured Sandy Walsh’s injury time strike was nothing more than a consolation as Japan claimed second spot in the standings.

In Focus: Malaysia’s meeting with Korea Republic brings back memories of glory days

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

In Focus: Malaysia’s meeting with Korea Republic brings back memories of glory days

Doha: It’s been almost 35 years since Korea Republic and Malaysia last faced each other in international football. The two sides met for the last time all the way back in 1989 when the Koreans posted a 3-0 win against the Southeast Asian nation on their way to their third FIFA World Cup appearance in 1990. 

They might be separated by more than 100 places in the FIFA World Rankings these days, but Korea Republic and Malaysia have plenty of history between them and regularly went up against each other to produce many memorable clashes back in the 1970s and early 1980s.
 
With the duo set to do battle again on Matchday Three of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Thursday, the-AFC.com takes a look back at the golden age of Malaysian football and how the Harimau Malaya’s clashes with Korea Republic played a big role in defining that successful period.

Preview - Group E: Korea Republic v Malaysia

Thu, 25 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group E: Korea Republic v Malaysia

Al Wakrah: Jurgen Klinsmann has warned his Korea Republic side that there can be no complacency when they take on Malaysia in Group E of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ at Al Janoub Stadium on Thursday.

The Koreans salvaged a last gasp point against Jordan in their second game and it is a lesson that Klinsmann hopes his team have learned from with the two-time winners on four points and needing a win against Malaysia to confirm a top-two finish.

Preview - Group E: Jordan v Bahrain

Thu, 25 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group E: Jordan v Bahrain

Al Rayyan: Hussein Ammouta has warned Jordan not to take Bahrain lightly when they meet in Group E of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ at the Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday. 

Jordan lead the standings ahead of Korea Republic on goal difference with Bahrain a point adrift, with top spot at stake in the decisive round of matches.

Preview - Group F: Kyrgyz Republic v Oman

Thu, 25 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group F: Kyrgyz Republic v Oman

Doha: Branko Ivankovic is hopeful that an Oman win over Kyrgyz Republic in Group F of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Thursday will be enough to take the West Asian side through to the Round of 16.

Oman scaled new heights in UAE 2019 when they reached the knockout stage of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time and head coach Ivankovic is not ready for the achievement to come to an abrupt end.
 
One point from their first two matches puts Oman in a precarious position but a win against Kyrgyz Republic could well see them advance to the Round of 16 as one of the best four third-place finishers.

Preview - Group F: Saudi Arabia v Thailand

Thu, 25 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group F: Saudi Arabia v Thailand

Al Rayyan: Head coach Roberto Mancini singled out right-back Saud Abdulhamid for praise ahead of Saudi Arabia’s final match of Group F of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ against Thailand at Education City Stadium on Thursday.

The 24-year-old is one of three outfield players who have played all 180 minutes for the Green Falcons so far and his contributions in both the defensive and attacking phases of play are evident by the fact he leads his teammates in crosses with 15 and in duels won with 17.
 
Mancini’s men have already qualified to the Round of 16 and need a point to secure the top spot in their group, but the Italian tactician is eager to make it three wins from three for the first time in Saudi Arabia’s AFC Asian Cup history.