Preview - Group A: Qatar v Australia

Sun, 21 Apr, 2024

Preview - Group A: Qatar v Australia

Doha: Tony Vidmar is confident his Australia squad can still perform to their potential as the Olyroos go into their Group A meeting at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ with hosts Qatar knowing even victory might not be enough to keep their title hopes alive.

A 1-0 loss to Indonesia on Thursday left the Australians with one point from two games and, with his team yet to score, Vidmar’s side are bottom of the standings going into the final round of group matches.

That means Australia need to pick up all three points against Qatar while hoping Shin Tae-yong’s Indonesia side lose to third-placed Jordan in their meeting on Sunday to have a realistic chance of advancing to the quarter-finals.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup/video/afcu23_|_group_a__indonesia_1_-_0_australia.html

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup/video/afcu23_|_group_a___jordan_vs_qatar.html

Preview - Group A: Jordan v Indonesia

Mon, 22 Apr, 2024

Preview - Group A: Jordan v Indonesia

Doha: The Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium is set to witness a tantalising encounter when Jordan and Indonesia clash in their final Group A match at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ on Sunday.

It is a must-win fixture for the West Asians, who will have to claim their first three points of the tournament and hope that the result between leaders Qatar and Australia favours them in order to progress to the quarter-finals and keep their hopes of a maiden Olympic Games qualification alive.

Hat-trick hero Radif vows to do more for Saudi Arabia

Sat, 20 Apr, 2024

Hat-trick hero Radif vows to do more for Saudi Arabia

Doha: Abdullah Radif became the first player to score a hat-trick at the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ since the 2016 edition and only the fourth to do so in the history of the competition as he helped Saudi Arabia to an emphatic 5-0 over Thailand on Friday.

The ecstatic 21-year-old forward said the big win was a confidence booster for the defending champions as they look to not only retain the trophy but also clinch a ticket to the Paris Olympics 2024.

Shenaishil delighted with Iraq’s response

Sat, 20 Apr, 2024

Shenaishil delighted with Iraq’s response

Al Wakrah:  Head coach Radhi Shenaishil praised Iraq for the strong recovery which led to their 4-2 win over Tajikistan in an AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ Group C tie on Friday. 

Iraq had opened their Group C campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Thailand but Shenaishil’s players showed tremendous discipline to regroup and address their shortcomings to bounce back in style.

Oiwa demands a more clinical Japan

Sat, 20 Apr, 2024

Oiwa demands a more clinical Japan

Doha: Go Oiwa wants his players to be more clinical in front of goal in pursuit of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ title after seeing his Japan side advance to the quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over the United Arab Emirates on Friday.

Seiji Kimura and Sota Kawasaki were on target for the Japanese, who also hit the woodwork twice on their way to a comfortable victory over the Emirates that moved them onto six points from two games and sealed a spot in the next round.
 
But while the Japanese confirmed their qualification for the last eight ahead of their final Group B meeting with Korea Republic on Monday, Oiwa stressed the need for his players to show more composure in front of goal.

Hwang pleased with Korea Republic improvement, China PR display satisfies Cheng

Sat, 20 Apr, 2024

Hwang pleased with Korea Republic improvement, China PR display satisfies Cheng

Doha: When his side headed into the break with a one-goal lead against China PR on Friday at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Korea Republic head coach Hwang Sun-hong admitted he was a worried man at that point in time.

That was after their Group B opponents in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ had come close to scoring on numerous occasions, some as a result of defensive lapses, even if Lee Young-jun had broken the deadlock in the 35th minute with their only effort on target.
 
It led to Hwang making much-needed adjustments to Korea Republic’s tactics and he was rewarded with an improved display after the restart, which saw the 2020 champions run out 2-0 winners.

Group B: Uzbekistan determined to stay perfect; Iraq focused on victory

Sat, 20 Apr, 2024

Group B: Uzbekistan determined to stay perfect; Iraq focused on victory

Bangkok: Uzbekistan are vying to extend their winning momentum when they face Saudi Arabia on Matchday Three in Group B of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ Thailand 2024 on Sunday. 

Iraq, meanwhile, are expecting to shed their past performances and focus on winning their final group game against Australia.

Group A: Thailand ready for Vietnam showdown; Myanmar eyeing winning finish

Sat, 20 Apr, 2024

Group A: Thailand ready for Vietnam showdown; Myanmar eyeing winning finish

Bangkok: Group A is set for an exciting finale with ASEAN rivals Thailand playing Vietnam in a first-place decider, while Myanmar face China PR in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ Thailand 2024 on Sunday.

Thailand, on six points, lead the standings by a two-point margin over Vietnam, while Myanmar are down in third with a point – but have a mathematical chance to leapfrog Vietnam should results and goal difference swing their way.

Semi-final, 1st Leg: What they said

Sat, 20 Apr, 2024

Semi-final, 1st Leg: What they said

Kuala Lumpur: Al Ain FC and Ulsan Hyundai FC will travel to the second legs of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-finals with leads to defend after they posted wins over Al Hilal SFC and Yokohama F. Marinos in the first leg last Wednesday. 

The biggest story of the week was inaugural winners Al Ain claiming a memorable 4-2 win over Saudi powerhouse and four-time Asian champions Al Hilal, while in their quest for a third continental title, Ulsan edged Yokohama 1-0. 
 
Before turning our attention to next week’s all-important return meetings, the-AFC.com looks back at what those involved had to say.