Son hoping to make return to Qatar "a special event"

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Son hoping to make return to Qatar "a special event"

Doha: Qatar already holds a special place in the career of Son Heung-min, and the Korea Republic captain has his sights set on making more history over the coming month in the Gulf nation at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

Al Gharafa Stadium was the scene for a landmark moment in the Tottenham Hotspur striker’s ascent to the summit of the game, as the 18-year-old Son stepped off the bench to score in his nation’s 4-1 win over India in the 2011 edition of the continental championship.
 
That goal – scored almost 13 years ago - was Son’s first at senior international level and started a rise that has seen him establish himself among Asia’s elite, scoring a total of 41 times in 118 matches for the Taeguk Warriors.

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Lee cautious despite triumphant start

Tue, 16 Jan, 2024

Lee cautious despite triumphant start

Doha: Lee Kang-in sought to dampen expectations Korea Republic will finally end their decades-long AFC Asian Cup™ drought in Qatar 2023 despite steering the Taeguk Warriors to an opening 3-1 victory over Bahrain in Group E with a match-winning brace.

Lee lit up the second half at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium with two well-taken goals to deliver the three points for Jurgen Klinsmann’s side as the Koreans kicked off their attempt to win the trophy for the first time since the second of their back-to-back titles in 1960.

Klinsmann: One match at a time for Korea Republic

Tue, 16 Jan, 2024

Klinsmann: One match at a time for Korea Republic

Doha: Jurgen Klinsmann is refusing to look beyond Korea Republic’s next game despite seeing his side hand Bahrain a 3-1 defeat in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group E opener at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Monday as they attempt to end the country’s 64-year title drought.

Lee Kang-in scored twice in the second half to earn the Taeguk Warriors the three points after Hwang In-beom had seen his 38th minute goal cancelled out by Abdulla Al Hashash as the Koreans prevailed in a challenging start to the tournament.

Matchday One in Numbers

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Matchday One in Numbers

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ is now well and truly underway with all 24 participating nations having played a match each in the group stage of the 18th edition of the tournament and giving the fans plenty to talk about across five days of exhilarating action. 

From the spectacular curtain-raiser between hosts Qatar and Lebanon on Friday to Saudi Arabia’s dramatic late win against Oman on Tuesday, 12 matches across six groups saw 37 goals and 10 wins, so join the-AFC.com as we review Matchday One with a closer look at the facts and stats that caught the eye. 

Fans light up Qatar 2023

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Fans light up Qatar 2023

Doha: Matchday One of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ witnessed thrilling action, sensational goals and heartbreak and cheering on the players from the stands were their faithful fans.

Some went to great lengths to show their support as the 24 teams took their first step towards possible continental glory.
 
The fans have contributed tremendously to the festive air that has enveloped Qatar 2023 and the-AFC.com presents just some who have lit up the stadiums. 

Social Wrap: #AsianCup2023 kicks off in style

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Social Wrap: #AsianCup2023 kicks off in style

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ got off to a fantastic start with an eye-catching opening ceremony at the iconic Lusail Stadium on Friday.

And the action on the pitch has been delivering the goods, too, with exciting matches and great goals ensuring the five-year wait for the continental competition to return has been well worth it.
 
A glimpse behind the scenes, post-match thoughts, training ground routines and a birthday boy all feature as the-AFC.com takes a look at the social media channels of those involved.