Togashi praises Japan players' self-motivation after beating Saudi Arabia

Fri, 10 Mar, 2023

Togashi praises Japan players' self-motivation after beating Saudi Arabia

Tashkent: Japan head coach Koichi Togashi believes his players' self-motivation was crucial to their 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia which helped them seal the top spot in Group D of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 on Thursday.

With six points to their name already, the Samurai Blue looked to avoid complacency as they took on the defending champions in the last game, and a double from Kuryu Matsuki either side of a Yazeed Jawshan header for Saudi Arabia was enough to get them the victory.
 
Japan take on Jordan next for a place in the FIFA U20 World Cup Indonesia 2023, while Saudi Arabia finished third and are eliminated.

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Vote for Your Best Goal of the Group Stage!

Fri, 10 Mar, 2023

Vote for Your Best Goal of the Group Stage!

Tashkent: Eight teams remain in the hunt for the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 title after the group stage came to a close on Thursday on the back of nine high-octane days of drama. 

A total of 55 goals rained in over the 24 matches in Tashkent and Fergana with a number of fantastic efforts catching the eye. The-AFC.com has picked eight of the best and asks you, the fans, to tell us which is your favourite by voting below.  

China PR's Puche sets sights on semis

Fri, 10 Mar, 2023

China PR's Puche sets sights on semis

Tashkent: China PR coach Antonio Puche was euphoric as his side booked a place in the quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 as a 1-1 draw with Kyrgyz Republic on Thursday sealed the nation a spot in the knockout rounds for the first time in almost a decade.

The Chinese will meet East Asian rivals Korea Republic on Sunday at JAR Stadium with a place at the FIFA U20 World Cup Finals in Indonesia in May and June at stake, and the Spaniard could not have been more delighted.

Teamwork has been the key to Korea Republic's success, says Joon-hong

Fri, 10 Mar, 2023

Teamwork has been the key to Korea Republic's success, says Joon-hong

Tashkent: The goalless draw against Tajikistan at the Bunyodkor Stadium on Wednesday marked the third successive match where goalkeeper Kim Joon-hong stood tall as Korea Republic advanced to the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 quarter-finals without conceding a goal.

The final Group C match saw head coach Kim Eun-jung make significant changes to the line-up with no significant impact on the defence, leading Joon-hong to highlight Korea Republic’s awesome depth.  

Jordan’s game of two halves delivered the result, says Al Diabat

Thu, 09 Mar, 2023

Jordan’s game of two halves delivered the result, says Al Diabat

Tashkent: Jordan head coach Islam Al Diabat explained the approach his side employed to book their place in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2022 quarter-finals after securing a goalless draw against Oman on Wednesday.

The result at Lokomotiv Stadium, coupled with Korea Republic’s 0-0 draw with Tajikistan in the other match, ensured Jordan progressed to the next round, sending them to within one match of reaching the FIFA U20 World Cup Indonesia 2023.
 
The Jordanians created several chances in the first half, but turned more conservative as the game wore on, eventually being made to wait a few minutes to celebrate their qualification as the final whistle at Bunyodkor Stadium confirmed a second-place finish for the West Asian side.

Kim bullish of Korea Republic's chances

Thu, 09 Mar, 2023

Kim bullish of Korea Republic's chances

Tashkent: Korea Republic will go into the quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 in bullish mood after head coach Kim Eun-jung saw his side notch up another clean sheet in their 0-0 draw with Tajikistan at Bunyodkor Stadium on Wednesday.

The result ensured the Koreans topped Group C and they will face the runners-up in Group D in the last eight, with the winners not only advancing to the semi-finals but also securing a berth at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup Finals in Indonesia.

 Kim’s team have yet to concede a goal in their three matches so far in Uzbekistan and the former striker was pleased with his squad’s group stage record. 

Abdulkareem determined to keep powering Iraq

Thu, 09 Mar, 2023

Abdulkareem determined to keep powering Iraq

Tashkent: Victory may have eluded Iraq in their final AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 Group A match but that did little to prick Hayder Abdulkareem’s enthusiasm. 

Abdulkareem had given Iraq the lead, only for Syria to strike in the final seconds to force a draw which, however, did not stop the young Lions of Mesopotamia from advancing to a quarter-final against Islamic Republic of Iran on Saturday. 
 
It may well have ended differently had Abdulkareem not scored earlier, having also found the net in the win against Indonesia and the player can’t wait to lock horns with Iran, with the winners to confirm their place in the FIFA U20 World Cup Indonesia.