Playing in Europe has made me a better player, says Bahrain's Yusuf

Sun, 28 Jan, 2024

Playing in Europe has made me a better player, says Bahrain's Yusuf

Doha: After starting the first two matches on the bench, Abdulla Yusuf had a major impact on Bahrain’s AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group E clash with Jordan, scoring the goal that took his side into the knockout rounds. 

He tells the-AFC.com about how life in Europe has made him a more complete player.

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Preview - R16: Qatar v Palestine

Tue, 30 Jan, 2024

Preview - R16: Qatar v Palestine

Doha: Head coach Marquez Lopez credited his Qatar players with the team’s perfect defensive record in the competition ahead of their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16 clash against Palestine at Al Bayt Stadium on Monday.

The 2019 champions are one of two teams in the tournament who have yet to concede a single goal, alongside Thailand. Qatar’s record since the previous edition has been impressive, having only conceded one goal in their last 10 AFC Asian Cup matches; a Takumi Minamino strike in the UAE 2019 final which the Qataris won 3-1.

Preview - R16: Iraq v Jordan

Mon, 29 Jan, 2024

Preview - R16: Iraq v Jordan

Al Rayyan: Iraq and Jordan are braced for a tough test when they meet in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16 at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday.

The Lions of Mesopotamia head into the tie in impressive form, winning all three group stage matches - including against four-time winners Japan - while Jordan advanced as one of the four best third-placed teams. 

Segrt: The target is to keep Tajikistan’s dream running

Mon, 29 Jan, 2024

Segrt: The target is to keep Tajikistan’s dream running

Al Rayyan: Petar Segrt made no attempt to hide his delight after debutants Tajikistan secured a place in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ quarter-finals with a 5-3 penalty shootout win over the United Arab Emirates on Sunday.

While the Round of 16 tie ended 1-1 at the end of 120 minutes, Tajikistan were worthy winners and should have really put the game to bed in regulation time but squandered numerous opportunities.

Segrt, however, said he hadn’t been worried when the tie went to penalties at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium with Tajikistan to face either Iraq or Jordan in the quarter-finals on Friday. 

Potent Australia delight Arnold

Mon, 29 Jan, 2024

Potent Australia delight Arnold

Doha: Graham Arnold praised the Socceroos’ forward line after Australia moved into the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Sunday with a 4-0 win over Indonesia to set up a last eight meeting with either Saudi Arabia or Korea Republic.

Jackson Irvine’s strike was deflected into his own net by Elkan Baggott in the 12th minute, with Martin Boyle, Craig Goodwin and Harry Souttar also on target for the 2015 champions.
 
The win means Australia have maintained their record of reaching at least the last eight of the competition at every tournament since joining the Asian Football Confederation in 2006 and Arnold paid tribute to the improving fortunes of his team’s strike force.

R16 - Saudi Arabia v Korea Republic: Facts & Figures

Mon, 29 Jan, 2024

R16 - Saudi Arabia v Korea Republic: Facts & Figures

Doha: Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic are all set for a blockbuster AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16 clash on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia topped Group E while Korea Republic advanced as the Group E runners-up.

R16 - Uzbekistan v Thailand: Facts & Figures

Mon, 29 Jan, 2024

R16 - Uzbekistan v Thailand: Facts & Figures

Doha: Uzbekistan will start as marginal favourites against Thailand in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16 tie on Tuesday.

The Central Asian side advanced after finishing second in Group B while Thailand were the Group F runners-up.

Palestine’s Seyam thriving under Daboub's guidance

Sun, 28 Jan, 2024

Palestine’s Seyam thriving under Daboub's guidance

Al Khor: Tamer Seyam believes that the current iteration of Palestine under the guidance of Makram Daboub is the key to the team’s historic qualification to the knockout stage of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

The Prachuap FC forward is enjoying playing under the Tunisian tactician, scoring in the opening Group C match against Islamic Republic of Iran.
 
Five years ago, Palestine lost all three of their matches at the AFC Asian Cup but Qatar 2023 has so far seen them register a first ever win (3-0 v Hong Kong, China) and a draw (1-1 v United Arab Emirates).

Qatar comes first for Ali

Sun, 28 Jan, 2024

Qatar comes first for Ali

Al Khor: Almoez Ali’s focus is only on Qatar’s progression into the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ quarter-finals, with personal glory taking a backseat for the mercurial striker. 

Ali lit up the 2019 edition of the continental showpiece, netting nine times enroute to helping Qatar emerge champions as well as claiming the Top Scorer and Most Valuable Player awards.