Radif puts his faith in Saudi Arabia’s team spirit

Sun, 05 Mar, 2023

Radif puts his faith in Saudi Arabia’s team spirit

Tashkent: Despite Saudi Arabia’s 1-0 victory against Group D rivals Kyrgyz Republic coming through a penalty kick at the Bunyodkor Stadium on Friday, lone goal scorer Abdullah Radif is convinced that the Green Falcons will emerge as group toppers in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023. 

Over the last few years, Saudi Arabia have proven themselves to be a dominant force across age-groups and were also the last team to be crowned champions in the tournament’s final edition as an U-19 contest in 2018. 

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Hard-fought victory pleases Saudi Arabia’s Al Mohammedi

Sat, 04 Mar, 2023

Hard-fought victory pleases Saudi Arabia’s Al Mohammedi

Tashkent: Saudi Arabia should always be there or thereabouts when it comes to competition for the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ 2023 Uzbekistan title according to head coach Saleh Al Mohammedi.

Three-time champions, most recently in the last edition in 2018, the young Green Falcons started their 2023 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Kyrgyz Republic on Friday, thanks to a penalty won and converted by Abdullah Radif early in the second half.

Half-time pep talk fuelled Japan's comeback, says Togashi

Sat, 04 Mar, 2023

Half-time pep talk fuelled Japan's comeback, says Togashi

Tashkent: Head coach Koichi Togashi said his halftime demand that Japan increase the tempo of their attacking play had paid dividends on Friday as the Samurai Blue fought back to secure a 2-1 win over China PR at the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023.

Naoki Kumata came off the bench to score twice in four second half minutes for the Japanese to cancel out Hayato Tanaka’s sixth minute own goal and earn Togashi’s side a hard-fought opening day win over their East Asian neighbours in Group D.

Group A: Uzbekistan defeat Iraq to close in on last eight spot

Sun, 05 Mar, 2023

Group A: Uzbekistan defeat Iraq to close in on last eight spot

Tashkent: Ten-man Uzbekistan edged closer to a place in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 quarter-finals with a gritty 1-0 victory over Iraq at Bunyodkor Stadium on Saturday.

With six points to their name, the tournament hosts only have to avoid defeat against Indonesia in their final match to advance while Iraq's hopes now depend on them defeating Syria.

Group A: Indonesia stay in the hunt with triumph over Syria

Sun, 05 Mar, 2023

Group A: Indonesia stay in the hunt with triumph over Syria

Tashkent: Hokky Caraka’s goal of the tournament contender saw Indonesia pull themselves back into the battle for a place in the knockout rounds of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 as Shin Tae-yong’s side defeated Syria 1-0 at Lokomotiv Stadium on Saturday.

Caraka’s 35th minute solo strike ensured the Indonesians bounced back from the disappointment of their opening Group A loss against Iraq and keeps the FIFA U20 World Cup hosts in contention for a place in the quarter-finals.
 
The performance was an improved showing from the Garuda Muda, who shaded a tight first half that featured few scoring opportunities until Caraka’s determination and quality finish delivered what turned out to be the game’s only goal.

Group B: Last gasp victory boosts Vietnam's hopes

Sun, 05 Mar, 2023

Group B: Last gasp victory boosts Vietnam's hopes

Fergana: Vietnam struck in the 90th minute to edge Qatar 2-1 in Group B of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 on Saturday.

The last gasp victory, achieved after Qatar had drawn level in the 84th minute, means Vietnam will advance to the quarter-finals if they avoid defeat to Islamic Republic of Iran in their final tie on Tuesday. 

Group B: Australia beat IR Iran to get back on track

Sun, 05 Mar, 2023

Group B: Australia beat IR Iran to get back on track

Fergana: Australia held off a late fightback from Islamic Republic of Iran to win 3-2, reviving their hopes of advancing from Group B of the AFC U20 AFC Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 on Saturday.

The win means Australia are back in the race for a quarter-final spot after having lost their opener to Vietnam while Iran’s defeat means they will have to do it the hard after failing to build on their victory against Qatar.

Preview - Group C: Oman v Tajikistan

Sun, 05 Mar, 2023

Preview - Group C: Oman v Tajikistan

Tashkent: David Gordo’s Oman are set to stick with their playing style despite their heavy opening match defeat against Korea Republic as they look to bounce back when they face Tajikistan in Group C of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 on Sunday.

Gordo set up his team to build-up from the back with a series of short passes, a style of play popularised in recent years by Spanish tacticians such as Pep Guardiola, but the Omanis were unable to work their way around the Korean high press.

Preview - Group C: Jordan v Korea Republic

Sun, 05 Mar, 2023

Preview - Group C: Jordan v Korea Republic

Tashkent: Jordan coach Islam Al Diabat is hoping his team can utilise their usual style of play when they face Korea Republic in Group C of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 on Sunday after being forced to abandon their original plans to grind out a 2-0 win over Tajikistan.

Baker Kamal Kalbouneh’s sending off in the opening seconds of the Jordanians’ meeting with the Central Asian side forced Al Diabat’s side to play almost the entire game with 10 men and adopt a more pragmatic approach as a result.