In Focus: Troussier and Vietnam to renew acquaintances with Japan

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

In Focus: Troussier and Vietnam to renew acquaintances with Japan

Doha: When four-time AFC Asian Cup™ winners Japan take on Vietnam at Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday, the Samurai Blue will come face to face with a man who played a key role in their rise on the global stage. 

Philippe Troussier guided the East Asians to their second continental title as Japan beat Saudi Arabia in Beirut to win the 2000 AFC Asian Cup, before he went on to steer them into the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup on home soil for the first time. 
 
Fast forward 22 years and the French tactician leads Vietnam into the AFC Asian Cup and, as fate would have it, the Golden Star Warriors’ opening game is against Japan as Troussier and his team – who faced the Samurai Blue in the 2019 quarter-finals – get set to meet again. 

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Group A: Qatar 3-0 Lebanon

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

Group A: Qatar 3-0 Lebanon

Lusail: Qatar kicked off the defence of their AFC Asian Cup™ title with an impressive 3-0 win over Lebanon as the 2023 edition of the continental showpiece got off to a fine start at the Lusail Stadium on Friday.

The victory was richly deserved with Qatar dominating from start to finish, Akram Afif scoring twice with Almoez Ali netting the third - which saw him equal Korea Republic's Lee Dong-gook as the second highest scorer in the history of the AFC Asian Cup™ - as the defending champions set the early pace in Group A. 

Preview - Group A: China PR v Tajikistan

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group A: China PR v Tajikistan

Doha: Petar Segrt’s Tajikistan are relishing their moment under the spotlight as they prepare to make their AFC Asian Cup™ debut against China PR in the second game of Group A at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium on Saturday.

The central Asian nation are the only debutants in Qatar 2023, having booked their place in the Finals by topping a qualifiers group that included Kyrgyz Republic, Singapore, and Myanmar.

​Preview - Group B: Australia v India

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

​Preview - Group B: Australia v India

Al Rayyan: Former champions Australia are raring to go in the AFC Asian Cup 2023™ and are single-minded in their desire to regain the trophy they won in 2015.

Head coach Graham Arnold has a fully fit squad to select from, including experienced goalkeeper Mathew Ryan who has recovered from an injury as they look to kick off their Group B campaign on a winning note against India on Saturday.

Preview - Group B: Uzbekistan v Syria

Sun, 14 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group B: Uzbekistan v Syria

Doha: Uzbekistan head coach Srecko Katanec has refused to be deterred by the absence of  Eldor Shomurodov ahead of Saturday’s AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group B tie against Syria at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.

Shomurodov, who plays for Italian Serie A side Cagliari, suffered a leg injury in December which ruled him out of the continental showpiece.

China PR’s Yan Junling demands focus; Nazarov determined to inspire Tajikistan

Fri, 12 Jan, 2024

China PR’s Yan Junling demands focus; Nazarov determined to inspire Tajikistan

Doha: Yan Junling wants China PR to have laser sharp focus when they take on debutants Tajikistan in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar™ 2023 Group A opener at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium on Saturday.

Akhtam Nazarov, meanwhile, expects Tajikistan to shine in their maiden AFC Asian Cup appearance.

Uzbekistan’s Masharipov aiming for redemption; Syria’s Ramadan confident

Fri, 12 Jan, 2024

Uzbekistan’s Masharipov aiming for redemption; Syria’s Ramadan confident

Doha: As Uzbekistan prepare to lock horns with Syria in their first Group B encounter of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, captain Jaloliddin Masharipov is eager to seize the opportunity to erase the heartbreak of their 2019 campaign.

The White Wolves’ journey came to a premature end when they were eliminated by Australia in the Round of 16, a defeat Masharipov still can’t forget.

Australia’s Irvine eyeing strong start; Sahal’s India up for the challenge

Fri, 12 Jan, 2024

Australia’s Irvine eyeing strong start; Sahal’s India up for the challenge

Al Rayyan: Jackson Irvine believes Australia can make a positive start to their AFC Asian Cup Qatar™ 2023 campaign when they meet India in a Group B tie at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Saturday.

Sahal Samad, however, believes India have what it takes to stop the Socceroos when they meet for the first time since their 4-0 defeat in the 2011 edition.