Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: Milovan Rajevac has been sacked as head coach of Thailand following the Southeast Asian nation’s 4-1 defeat to India at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 on Sunday.
Sunil Chhetri scored twice for India at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi to leave Thailand rooted to the foot of Group A with games against Bahrain and host nation the United Arab Emirates still to come.
The Football Association of Thailand announced the Serbian’s dismissal via its official social media outlets, adding that former assistant coach Sirisak Yodyardthai would assume control of the team for the clash with Bahrain on Thursday.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: Sunil Chhetri scored twice as India beat Thailand 4-1 to begin their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Group A campaign in fine style on Sunday.
The 34-year-old netted either side of the break to help guide his side to their first Finals win in 55 years and pole position in the group standings following Saturday’s 1-1 draw between Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Sharjah: Palestine produced a steely performance to hold Syria 0-0 in their opening AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Group B match at the Sharjah Stadium on Sunday.
It was the first point for Palestine in the Finals, having lost all group stage matches in their previous appearance in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.
Syria were the more dangerous as they dominated possession in the opening minutes of the game in front of a capacity crowd.
Omar Al Soma’s clever run down the left caught Palestine off guard and his cross found Omar Khrbin in the area but the 2017 AFC Player of the Year fired his effort wide.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Al Ain: Anas Bani Yaseen scored the only goal of the game as Jordan stunned defending champions Australia to kick off the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 with a 1-0 victory over the Socceroos in their Group B opener at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain on Sunday.
The 30-year-old defender’s first-half header earned Vital Borkelmans’ side all three points against an Australia team that dominated possession throughout the 90 minutes but was unable to find a way past goalkeeper Amer Shafi.
Graham Arnold’s side spent much of the game camped in the Jordanian half, only for the West Asian nation to take a hard-earned win that will set them up perfectly for their next meeting with neighbours Syria on January 11.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Dubai: The Philippines are one of three AFC Asian Cup debutants and will begin their Group C campaign against Korea Republic, but head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is aiming to spring a surprise on the two-time champions at the Al Maktoum Stadium on Monday.
“Of course we don’t have the easiest of opponents in this tournament, we’re meeting one of the favourites to win the Asian Cup but there are always, now and then, surprises in football,” expressed Eriksson. “So why not even tomorrow?”
Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Dubai, Eriksson wasn’t shy to show his excitement in leading the Azkals to their opening match of the Continental showpiece, declaring: “We are, of course, excited as most teams are because you’re about to play the first game in such a big tournament.
“We have a team that has never been on this stage before, so that is very good for the whole country, the squad and everybody.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Al Ain: China PR head coach Marcello Lippi has challenged his team to become the surprise package of AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, starting with their Group C match against Kyrgyz Republic on Monday.
The richly-experienced boss, who guided his native Italy to FIFA World Cup glory in 2006, acknowledged his side sits outside the group of pre-tournament favourites, but believes they are fully capable of a campaign to remember.
"It's very simple. Our target is to do our best and achieve a good result," said the 70-year-old, who also claimed the AFC Champions League with Guangzhou Evergrande in 2013.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: Islamic Republic of Iran won't make the mistake of underestimating Yemen while the tournament debutants won't be overawed when facing one of the Continent's biggest teams in their AFC Asian Cup Group D opener at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium on Monday.
Iran are chasing a fourth AFC Asian Cup title, but their first since 1976, while Yemen are determined to make their qualification for the tournament for the first time since unification one to remember.
Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz showed a glimpse of what Iran's approach will be in the tournament when he said that for the moment, the only match that matters is against Yemen.
It is a sensible approach as the largest and best ever AFC Asian Cup has already seen its first major upset with Jordan stunning defending champions Australia 1-0 in their Group B opener on Sunday.