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.
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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
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: ‘Bringing Asia Together’ has become synonymous with the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 and for the tournament’s slogan contest winners, the sight of the three words emblazoned all across the United Arab Emirates has brought about great joy and honour.
Joint slogan contest winners – Jalal Nakhaie and Scott Sommerville - were rewarded with a pair of an all-expenses paid trip to witness Saturday’s grand opening ceremony, which saw hosts UAE held to a 1-1 draw against Bahrain in a tightly contested Group A opener.
“Just making my way from the airport to the hotel, to see Bringing Asia Together everywhere is an indescribable feeling, I am completely overjoyed,” said Nakhaie who was born in the Islamic Republic of Iran but now resides in Australia.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: Defender Waleed Al Hayam has declared that he is more than happy with the point Bahrain earned from the 1-1 draw with the United Arab Emirates in Saturday’s opening game of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
On a night of high drama, Bahrain had taken a late lead through Mohamed Al Rohaimi only for substitute Ahmed Khalil to salvage a point for the host nation with an 88th minute penalty at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Despite the UAE’s late equaliser, Al Hayam believes it was a case of a job well done for Miroslav Soukup’s charges who are looking to better Bahrain’s fourth-place finish at the AFC Asian Cup in 2004.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: Ahmed Khalil quickly shifted his focus to the United Arab Emirates’ match-up with India at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 after his penalty earned the hosts a late draw with Bahrain in the tournament opener on Saturday evening.
Khalil struck with just two minutes remaining in regulation time to secure a 1-1 tie with Miroslav Soukup’s side in their Group A meeting and ease some of the pressure on Alberto Zaccheroni and his team.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: Bahrain head coach Miroslav Soukup has declared himself happy with both the result and his side’s second half performance following a 1-1 draw with the United Arab Emirates in the opening game of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 on Saturday.
Mohamed Al Rohaimi had appeared to put Bahrain on course for a sensational victory when he scored in the 78th minute, only for Ahmed Khalil to rescue a late point for the host nation when he equalised from the spot with two minutes remaining at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
The result sees the regional rivals tied at the top of the Group A standings ahead of Sunday’s match between fellow group hopefuls India and Thailand.