Japan's Endo determined to disappoint Klopp; Vietnam's Do eyes upset

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

Japan's Endo determined to disappoint Klopp; Vietnam's Do eyes upset

Doha: Wataru Endo is hoping to disappoint his club manager Jurgen Klopp with an extended stay at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ as he aims to lead Japan to a record-extending fifth continental title.

Liverpool boss Klopp last week declared his desire for the Samurai Blue to exit the competition as early as possible so Endo would return to help the Anfield club’s push for the Premier League title.

Group D - Japan v Vietnam: Facts & Figures

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

Group D - Japan v Vietnam: Facts & Figures

Doha: Japan will be braced for a tough encounter when they play Vietnam in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Sunday.

The East Asians are aiming for a record-extending fifth title while Vietnam will be determined to spoil their party. 

Group C - IR Iran v Palestine: Facts & Figures

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

Group C - IR Iran v Palestine: Facts & Figures

Doha: Islamic Republic of Iran and Palestine are set for a thrilling clash in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Sunday.

Iran are seeking a fourth title while Palestine will be determined to kick off their campaign on a high note. 

Group C - UAE v Hong Kong, China: Facts & Figures

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

Group C - UAE v Hong Kong, China: Facts & Figures

Doha: United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong, China will be seeking winning starts when they clash in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Sunday.

UAE, the 1996 runners-up and semi-finalists in the last two editions, will be wary of a Hong Kong side eager to impress on their long overdue return to the continental showpiece.. 

Battat and Palestine raring to go; IR Iran's Ansarifard banks on experience

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

Battat and Palestine raring to go; IR Iran's Ansarifard banks on experience

Doha: Palestine captain Musab Battat expressed his pride in taking the players’ oath during the opening ceremony of the AFC Asian Cup™ Qatar 2023 on Friday as his side prepares to take on Islamic Republic of Iran in their first match.

Battat and company start their journey in Group C with a tough clash against the three-time champions, but despite the level of the opponents and the difficult situation back at home, the Palestine captain insisted he and his teammates are raring to go in Qatar 2023.

Hong Kong, China's Yapp eager for action; Eisa confident of UAE’s capabilities

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

Hong Kong, China's Yapp eager for action; Eisa confident of UAE’s capabilities

Al Rayyan: Yapp Hung Fai wants Hong Kong, China to make a positive impact in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar™ 2023, starting with their Group C opener against United Arab Emirates at the Khalifa International Stadium on Sunday.

Khalid Eisa, meanwhile, will have to play a leadership role with the majority of the United Arab Emirates’ players making their tournament debut.

Afif’s thoughts only on Qatar's title defence

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

Afif’s thoughts only on Qatar's title defence

Doha: Akram Afif said his focus is on helping Qatar defend their AFC Asian Cup™ title rather than pursuing personal dreams following their 3-0 win over Lebanon on Friday.

Afif scored twice with Almoez Ali contributing the third as the defending champions opened their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group A campaign in style at the Lusail Stadium. 

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. 

#AsianCup2023 opens with record-breaking attendance

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

#AsianCup2023 opens with record-breaking attendance

Doha: The grandest ever edition of Asia’s national team flagship got underway in spectacular fashion on Friday evening with a record number of spectators contributing to the electric atmosphere during the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ between Qatar and Lebanon.

A total of 82,490 fans thronged the iconic Lusail Stadium to witness Qatar get off to a winning start in the 18th edition of Asia’s crown jewel, which eclipsed the previous attendance record of 40,000 for an opening match in AFC Asian Cup™ history that was set in 2004 when China PR and Bahrain played out a 2-2 draw at the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing.