Japan’s hat-trick hero Oba hungry for more

Thu, 27 Mar, 2025

Japan’s hat-trick hero Oba hungry for more

Pattaya: Despite an emphatic 8-3 win against Lebanon in the quarter-finals of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 on Wednesday, Japan’s Takaaki Oba feels it was not their best performance.

The number seven scored three times and kept the Lebanon defence under pressure for most of the game, earning him the accolade of best player of the match. Despite the recognition, the 33-year-old was dissatisfied with the number of chances he squandered.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_beach_soccer_asian_cup.html/video/acbeachsoccer-|-quarter-final-japan-8-3-lebanon

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Shamhani urges Saudi Arabia to keep believing

Thu, 27 Mar, 2025

Shamhani urges Saudi Arabia to keep believing

Pattaya: Majed Shamhani played a starring role for Saudi Arabia as they advanced to the semi-finals of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 on Wednesday.

Shamhani scored twice in a topsy-turvy game with Saudi Arabia reaching the last four stage of the competition for the first time with a 4-3 win over Thailand and the forward believes their target of reaching the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 can be achieved.

Q-final: Japan 8-3 Lebanon

Thu, 27 Mar, 2025

Q-final: Japan 8-3 Lebanon

Pattaya: Japan marched into the semi-finals of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 following a sensational 8-3 victory over Lebanon in their quarter-final tie at the Jomtien Beach Arena on Wednesday.

The three-time champions will now face either Oman or United Arab Emirates in the semi-finals on Saturday with the winners to also earn a ticket to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025.

QF: Thailand 3-4 Saudi Arabia

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

QF: Thailand 3-4 Saudi Arabia

Pattaya: Saudi Arabia emerged 4-3 winners in a thrilling battle with Thailand in their AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 quarter-final tie on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia, through to the semi-finals for the first time, will play either Islamic Republic of Iran or Bahrain on Saturday with a ticket to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 also on offer for the winners.

IR Iran must defend title, says Mirshekari

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

IR Iran must defend title, says Mirshekari

Pattaya: Ali Mirshekari was jubilant after Islamic Republic of Iran defeated familiar foes United Arab Emirates 4-3 to take a step further towards defending their AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ title on Tuesday.

According to Mirshekari, it was the familiarity of having played each other over the years that acted as a blessing as well as a challenge.

Al Raimi sets ultimate glory target for Oman

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Al Raimi sets ultimate glory target for Oman

Pattaya: Mussallam Al Raimi is confident that Oman are on the right track to reclaim the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ title after defeating Bahrain 5-1 in their final Thailand 2025 Group D tie on Tuesday.

Making a busy man out of Bahrain’s goalkeeper Ahmed Abdulrasool with repeated charges throughout the match before finally getting his name on the scoresheet, the striker is certain that the confidence of remaining unbeaten in the group stage will boost team morale as they seek to reclaim the trophy they won a decade ago.

Indonesia, Afghanistan set sights on the future

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Indonesia, Afghanistan set sights on the future

Pattaya: As Indonesia concluded their journey at the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 on a winning note, Agung Teguh is hopeful that the lessons learned will drive the Southeast Asians toward a brighter future.

Indonesia finished third in Group C with a 6-4 victory over Afghanistan in their final match, with Teguh contributing both a goal and an assist.

Saiful: Malaysia have the potential to reach the global stage

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Saiful: Malaysia have the potential to reach the global stage

Pattaya: Head coach Mohd Saiful Noor praised his charges as Malaysia bowed out of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 with a 3-1 victory against Vietnam in their final Group D match at the Jomtien Beach Arena on Tuesday.

Finishing behind Oman and Bahrain, Saiful said the Southeast Asians were exiting the competition with their heads held high.

IR Iran’s Ghalenoei pays tribute to game-changer Taremi

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

IR Iran’s Ghalenoei pays tribute to game-changer Taremi

Tehran: Amir Ghalenoei praised the contribution of Mehdi Taremi after the Inter Milan forward rose to the occasion to help Islamic Republic of Iran reach a fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup.

Staring at their first World Cup qualifier home defeat since 2012, Ghalenoei needed someone from his team to step up to the plate and Taremi did not disappoint, scoring his second in the 83rd minute to salvage a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan with the point sufficient to clinch qualification.

Saudi Arabia’s Renard takes positives from Japan stalemate

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Renard takes positives from Japan stalemate

Saitama: Herve Renard maintained a positive outlook after Saudi Arabia settled for a point following a goalless draw with Japan in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group C match on Tuesday.

The result, coupled with Australia’s 2-0 win over China PR, saw the Socceroos build a three-point lead over the Green Falcons with two rounds of matches remaining but Renard was pleased with the result given Japan’s quality. 

Hong accepts responsibility for Korea Republic’s struggles

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Hong accepts responsibility for Korea Republic’s struggles

Suwon: Head coach Hong Myung-bo accepted responsibility but felt Korea Republic did not do too much wrong after settling for a 1-1 draw with Jordan in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 on Tuesday.

It was the East Asian side’s third consecutive stalemate but they remain well on course for a spot in next year’s FIFA World Cup as they hold a three-point lead over Jordan at the top of the standings with Iraq a further point adrift with two rounds of matches remaining.