Sergeev injury tempers Uzbekistan's joy

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Sergeev injury tempers Uzbekistan's joy

Al Wakrah: Uzbekistan head coach Srecko Katanec will continue to look for solutions to his mounting concerns in attack after Igor Sergeev limped off during his side’s 1-1 draw with Australia on Tuesday as the Central Asians confirmed their spot in the next round of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

Sergeev was introduced as a second half substitute at Al Janoub Stadium but lasted only 21 minutes before being replaced as a result of a calf injury and his potential loss could impact on the hopes of an Uzbekistan squad already missing key forward Eldor Shomurodov.

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Group B: Uzbekistan fight back to book spot

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Group B: Uzbekistan fight back to book spot

Al Wakrah: Azizbek Turgenbov’s late header cancelled out Martin Boyle’s first half penalty to ensure Uzbekistan earned a 1-1 draw with Australia at Al Janoub Stadium on Tuesday as the Socceroos confirmed their status as Group B winners at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

Boyle converted a minute into injury time after a handball by Odiljon Xamrobekov to put the Socceroos within sight of a third straight win, but substitute Turgenbov levelled in the 78th minute to seal second place in the standings for Srecko Katanec’s side.

The result means Australian will next take on one of the third placed finishers in the Round of 16 while Uzbekistan are due to meet the runners-up in Group F when the knockout rounds begin on Sunday.

Group B: Khrbin strike seals Syria historic berth

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Group B: Khrbin strike seals Syria historic berth

Al Khor: Omar Khrbin came off the bench to strike the winning goal as Syria defeated India 1-0 on Tuesday to advance to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16 as one of the four best third placed teams.

Khrbin struck in the 75th minute at the Al Bayt Stadium as Syria finished third in Group B, with the West Asian side making it to the knockout stage for the first time in seventh attempts.

Australia finished top on seven points after a 1-1 draw with Uzbekistan, who ended the group stage with five points, one ahead of Syria.

Group C: Dabbagh powers Palestine into knockout stage

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Group C: Dabbagh powers Palestine into knockout stage

Doha: Palestine booked a first ever appearance in the AFC Asian Cup™ knockout stage after defeating Hong Kong, China 3-0 at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Tuesday.

Oday Dabbagh starred with a brace with Zeid Qunbar also finding the net as Palestine advanced despite finishing third in Group C, the victory also their first ever in AFC Asian Cup history.
 
Islamic Republic of Iran emerged top with a 2-1 win over United Arab Emirates, who finished ahead of Palestine on goal difference with both on four points. 

Group C: UAE qualify despite defeat to IR Iran

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Group C: UAE qualify despite defeat to IR Iran

Al Rayyan: A Mehdi Taremi double earned Islamic Republic of Iran a 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ at Education City Stadium on Tuesday.

Despite the defeat, the UAE join their opponents in the Round of 16 as Group C runners-up, edging out Palestine on goal difference after the Palestinians beat Hong Kong, China 3-0 in the simultaneous kick-off at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.
 
There was joy for Palestine though as they confirmed a first ever knockout stage appearance as one of the best four third-placed teams. 

Preview - Group D: Japan v Indonesia

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group D: Japan v Indonesia

Doha: Indonesia have a realistic chance of creating history by reaching the knockout stage of the AFC Asian Cup™ for the first time but head coach Shin Tae-yong is adamant that his team will take their match against Japan on Wednesday as they would any other tie. 

Indonesia’s 1-0 win over Vietnam on Matchday Two left them well placed to advance from Group D, with qualification even possible ahead of the game against Japan depending on results elsewhere. 

Preview - Group D: Iraq v Vietnam

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group D: Iraq v Vietnam

Doha: Head coach Philippe Troussier believes his Vietnam side has shown a lot of improvement despite being eliminated from the group stage of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ ahead of their final Group D game against Iraq on Wednesday.

The Golden Star Warriors go into the match at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium with no points to their name, having fallen to a 4-2 defeat against Japan before being edged 1-0 by Indonesia in the second match; a result which meant even a win against the Lions of Mesopotamia cannot take them out of fourth place.

Japan's Tomiyasu targets clean sheet; Egy aiming for big Indonesian performance

Tue, 23 Jan, 2024

Japan's Tomiyasu targets clean sheet; Egy aiming for big Indonesian performance

Doha: Takehiro Tomiyasu is calling for some Japanese steel as the four-time champions look to secure a place in the Round of 16 of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ when they take on Indonesia in their final Group D match on Wednesday.

Indonesia’s Egy Maulana Vikri, meanwhile, is aiming for his side to rise to the occasion when they face Asia’s top-ranked side with a place in the knockout stage still within the Southeast Asian team’s reach.

Resan sets bar high for Iraq; Bui Hoang wants Vietnam to sign off on positive note

Tue, 23 Jan, 2024

Resan sets bar high for Iraq; Bui Hoang wants Vietnam to sign off on positive note

Doha: Bashar Resan is confident Iraq will register their third consecutive win when they take on Vietnam in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group D tie at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Wednesday.

Bui Hoang Viet Anh, however, is determined that Vietnam thwart Iraq’s bid for a perfect record  as the Southeast Asian side looks to sign off with a win after suffering two defeats.