Preview - Group D: Saudi Arabia v Vietnam; Korea Republic v Japan

Thu, 29 Sep, 2022

Preview - Group D: Saudi Arabia v Vietnam; Korea Republic v Japan

Kuwait City: Saudi Arabia and Vietnam will be aiming to pull themselves further away in Group D of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ Kuwait 2022 when they clash at the Saad Al Abdullah Hall on Friday. 

Korea Republic and Japan, meanwhile, will face off in a bid to revive their respective campaigns.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_futsal_asian_cup/video/acfutsal2022_-_group_d_|_japan_1_-_2_saudi_arabia.html

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Plaza urges Saudi Arabia to stay focused after Japan surprise

Thu, 29 Sep, 2022

Plaza urges Saudi Arabia to stay focused after Japan surprise

Kuwait City: Head coach Andreu Plaza has warned Saudi Arabia against complacency after stunning three-time AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ champions Japan 2-1 in their Kuwait 2022 Group D opener on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia bounced back from an early deficit with goals from Nasser Zayed (11th) and  Mohsen Mohammed Fiqhe (15th) sealing them a huge upset at the Saad Al Abdullah Hall.

We can still improve, says Vietnam’s Giustozzi

Thu, 29 Sep, 2022

We can still improve, says Vietnam’s Giustozzi

Kuwait City: Vietnam enjoyed a blistering start to their AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ Kuwait 2022 Group D campaign by beating Korea Republic 5-1 on Wednesday, but head coach Diego Giustozzi - while happy - believes there is still room for improvement.

Vietnam conceded a goal 20 seconds into the match at the Saad Al Abdullah Hall, but their tenacity saw them equalise a minute later, before securing a two-goal advantage heading into the break. 

A further two goals mean Vietnam now lead Group D, ahead of Saudi Arabia - who beat Japan 2-1 - on goal difference.

Chinese Taipei’s Amarante disappointed, Lebanon's Almeida happy with draw

Thu, 29 Sep, 2022

Chinese Taipei’s Amarante disappointed, Lebanon's Almeida happy with draw

Kuwait City: Chinese Taipei head coach Jose Adil Amarante was left disappointed following their 1-1 draw against Lebanon in Group C of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ Kuwait 2022 on Wednesday.

The draw meant both Chinese Taipei and Lebanon trail leaders Islamic Republic of Iran, who defeated Indonesia 5-0, after Matchday One and Amarante couldn't help but feel his team had let slip a great chance to kick off their campaign with a win.

Ahmad Abbasi: IR Iran determined to clinch 13th title

Thu, 29 Sep, 2022

Ahmad Abbasi: IR Iran determined to clinch 13th title

Kuwait City: Saeid Ahmad Abbasi believes Islamic Republic of Iran underlined their title credentials with their 5-0 win over Indonesia in Group C of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ Kuwait 2022 on Wednesday.

The win puts Iran in pole position, two points ahead of Chinese Taipei and Lebanon, who played a 1-1 draw, in the race for a knockout stage berth.

Qatar 2022 Watch: Six things we learned from the international break

Wed, 28 Sep, 2022

Qatar 2022 Watch: Six things we learned from the international break

Dubai: With the final international break ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 coming to a conclusion, the six Asian teams preparing to represent the AFC have been busy shoring up their options and putting the final touches for what is set to be a historic campaign for the continent.

It was the usual mix of impressive debuts, unexpected exclusions and surprise results that make international football a joy to watch, but for fans of the six nations, the friendlies of the past week will be fuel for endless discussions until kick-off at Al Bayt Stadium on November 20.

With that in mind, here are the-AFC.com's six key talking points from this window.