Kawai calls for a sharper Japan

Tue, 25 Mar, 2025

Kawai calls for a sharper Japan

Pattaya: Despite being named player of the match, goalkeeper Yusuke Kawai believes he did not perform at his optimal level as Japan secured a 4-1 victory over China PR in their final Group A game of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 on Monday.

The 37-year-old, who contributed both a goal and an assist, acknowledged the need for greater focus ahead of three-time champions Japan’s quarter-final against Lebanon on Wednesday.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_beach_soccer_asian_cup.html/video/acbeachsoccer-|-group-b-japan-4-1-china-pr

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Berjaui: Lebanon are title contenders

Mon, 24 Mar, 2025

Berjaui: Lebanon are title contenders

Pattaya: Having secured passage to the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 quarter-finals with victory against India on Monday, head coach Khaled Berjaui now believes the sky is the limit for his Lebanon team.

Monday's 6-1 success earned Lebanon second spot in Group B behind Thailand, setting up a tantalising last eight tie against three-time champions Japan with Berjaui believing his team can go all the way.

We won’t stop until we reach the World Cup, says Saudi Arabia’s Al Youbi

Mon, 24 Mar, 2025

We won’t stop until we reach the World Cup, says Saudi Arabia’s Al Youbi

Pattaya: Waleed Al Youbi and Saudi Arabia celebrated a historic first after their 3-2 win over Iraq on Monday meant that they reached the knockout stage of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ for the first time.

However, Al Youbi is adamant that Saudi Arabia aren’t done quite yet as they want a slot at  the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025, with three available at Thailand 2025. 

Al Muraiki: We are carrying the expectations of Oman

Mon, 24 Mar, 2025

Al Muraiki: We are carrying the expectations of Oman

Pattaya: Yahya Al Muraiki is fully aware of the expectations back home and that is spurring Oman at the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025.

The 2015 champions defeated Malaysia 6-3 on Sunday to clinch their quarter-final spot from Group D and Al Muraiki understands the demands of fans who want to see Oman reach the great heights of a decade ago, saying the responsibility brings a sense of motivation more than a burden.

Double delight for Vietnam’s Phan Dat

Mon, 24 Mar, 2025

Double delight for Vietnam’s Phan Dat

Pattaya: Vietnam’s Phan Dat expressed his delight as his brace helped Vietnam defeat Bahrain 4-2 in Group D of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 on Sunday.

The win marked Vietnam’s first-ever triumph in the competition’s history, and Dat believes it will fuel the team’s ambitions to fight for a place in the quarter-finals.

Hossein proud of IR Iran’s depth

Mon, 24 Mar, 2025

Hossein proud of IR Iran’s depth

Pattaya: Naderi Hossein was an extremely pleased head coach after eight out of his 12 players found the back of the net in Islamic Republic of Iran’s 14-0 success against Afghanistan in their AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 Group C match on Sunday.

To add to his delight, the win also secured the defending champions' place in the knockout stage with United Arab Emirates the other qualified team from Group C.

UAE’s mindset reason for impressive win, says Walid

Mon, 24 Mar, 2025

UAE’s mindset reason for impressive win, says Walid

Pattaya: Striker Walid Mohammed said the United Arab Emirates’ mindset of not underestimating opponents was the reason for their impressive 6-1 win over Indonesia in their AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 Group C tie on Sunday. 

The forward, who scored the first goal in Sunday’s victory, said he was pleased with the way the two-time champions controlled the game as they advanced to the knockout stage with a match to spare.

Preview - Group A: DPR Korea v UAE

Mon, 24 Mar, 2025

Preview - Group A: DPR Korea v UAE

Riyadh: DPR Korea and United Arab Emirates will be equally desperate for maximum points when they square off in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group A tie on Tuesday.

UAE have an outside chance of sealing an automatic qualifying spot while DPR Korea need three points if they are to stand a chance of advancing to the playoffs, where another two additional berths will be at stake.

Preview - Group B: Kuwait v Oman

Mon, 24 Mar, 2025

Preview - Group B: Kuwait v Oman

Ardhiyah: Kuwait will be wary of a buoyant Oman when the sides meet in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 on Tuesday.

Both teams will head into the tie having played to draws on Thursday, Kuwait letting slip a two-goal lead against Iraq in the closing minutes while Oman fought back to hold Korea Republic 1-1.

Preview - Group C: Indonesia v Bahrain

Mon, 24 Mar, 2025

Preview - Group C: Indonesia v Bahrain

Jakarta: Indonesia will count on home ground advantage to power them past Bahrain when the sides meet in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 on Tuesday.

Indonesia suffered a 5-1 loss to Australia while Bahrain fell 2-0 against Japan on Thursday, results which were body blows to their hopes of qualifying automatically for next year's FIFA World Cup.

Qualifiers - Final Round: MD1 Preview

Mon, 24 Mar, 2025

Qualifiers - Final Round: MD1 Preview

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round kicks off on Tuesday with 24 teams divided into six groups.

Only the six group winners will qualify, joining the 18 teams who sealed their spots after advancing to the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26.

With 12 matches to be played across the continent, the-AFC.com previews Matchday One, with the Qualifiers to run till March, 2026.