IR Iran’s Ghalenoei pays tribute to game-changer Taremi

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

IR Iran’s Ghalenoei pays tribute to game-changer Taremi

Tehran: Amir Ghalenoei praised the contribution of Mehdi Taremi after the Inter Milan forward rose to the occasion to help Islamic Republic of Iran reach a fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup.

Staring at their first World Cup qualifier home defeat since 2012, Ghalenoei needed someone from his team to step up to the plate and Taremi did not disappoint, scoring his second in the 83rd minute to salvage a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan with the point sufficient to clinch qualification.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-|-group-a-ir-iran-2-2-uzbekistan

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Focused Australia please Popovic

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Focused Australia please Popovic

Hangzhou: Head coach Tony Popovic applauded his side’s clinical performance after Australia secured a vital 2-0 victory over China PR in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group C tie on Tuesday.

First half goals from Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay meant Australia ended the night three points clear of Saudi Arabia in the race to secure automatic qualification to next year’s FIFA World Cup.

Hong accepts responsibility for Korea Republic’s struggles

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Hong accepts responsibility for Korea Republic’s struggles

Suwon: Head coach Hong Myung-bo accepted responsibility but felt Korea Republic did not do too much wrong after settling for a 1-1 draw with Jordan in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 on Tuesday.

It was the East Asian side’s third consecutive stalemate but they remain well on course for a spot in next year’s FIFA World Cup as they hold a three-point lead over Jordan at the top of the standings with Iraq a further point adrift with two rounds of matches remaining. 

Saudi Arabia’s Renard takes positives from Japan stalemate

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Renard takes positives from Japan stalemate

Saitama: Herve Renard maintained a positive outlook after Saudi Arabia settled for a point following a goalless draw with Japan in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group C match on Tuesday.

The result, coupled with Australia’s 2-0 win over China PR, saw the Socceroos build a three-point lead over the Green Falcons with two rounds of matches remaining but Renard was pleased with the result given Japan’s quality. 

Kyrgyz Republic’s Lisitsyn celebrates well deserved win

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Kyrgyz Republic’s Lisitsyn celebrates well deserved win

Bishkek: Head coach Maksim Lisitsyn paid tribute to his squad after Kyrgyz Republic sensationally defeated Qatar 3-1 in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 on Tuesday.

It was a result which not only revived the Central Asian side’s campaign but also ended Qatar’s hopes of earning automatic qualification to next year’s FIFA World Cup. 

Oman’s determination earns Jaber’s praise

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Oman’s determination earns Jaber’s praise

Ardhiyah: Rasheed Jaber was beaming with pride after his Oman side battled to a 1-0 win against Kuwait in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group B tie on Tuesday to keep alive hopes of automatic qualification.

Issam Al Sabhi’s strike in the 56th minute settled the hard-fought contest at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium as Oman cut the gap to second place Jordan to just three points with two rounds of matches remaining.

Kluivert applauds Indonesia's strong rebound

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Kluivert applauds Indonesia's strong rebound

Jakarta: Head coach Patrick Kluivert was full of praise after Indonesia revived their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 2026 campaign with a 1-0 win over Bahrain at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Tuesday.

Ole Romenij’s 24th minute strike was enough to seal the three points for Kluivert’s men, who have nine points and sit four behind second-placed Australia with two matches remaining in Group C.

Ihab urges Palestine to power on after historic triumph

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Ihab urges Palestine to power on after historic triumph

Amman: Ihab Abujazar could not hide his pride after Palestine edged Iraq 2-1 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group B match on Tuesday.

Trailing for most of the match, two goals in the space of eight minutes turned despair into joy for Palestine after efforts from Wessam Abouli (88th) and Ahmed Mahajneh (90th+6) cancelled Aymen Hussein’s first half opener for Iraq as they celebrated a first ever victory at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers. 

While victory wasn’t enough to keep them in the race for the two automatic spots to the Finals, the three points mean they are in the mix for the two playoff spots from the group. 

UAE and Bento part ways

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

UAE and Bento part ways

Riyadh: The United Arab Emirates Football Association announced the departure of head coach Paulo Bento and his coaching staff on Wednesday.

The announcement followed UAE’s 2-1 win over DPR Korea in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group A match on Tuesday.

#AsianQualifiers - MD8: Results & Reports

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

#AsianQualifiers - MD8: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran joined Japan in qualifying for next year's FIFA World Cup after fighting back to hold Uzbekistan 2-2 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group A tie as Matchday 8 concluded on Tuesday.

The result meant Iran are assured of a top two finish after moving to 20 points, with Uzbekistan also well placed to advance as they hold a four-point lead over the United Arab Emirates with two matchdays remaining.

Jordan hung on to second place in Group B after a 1-1 draw with Korea Republic, with Iraq a point adrift after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Palestine, who won at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifies for the first time. Korea Republic, despite playing to a third successive draw, remain in pole position in Group B.

Australia opened a three-point lead over Saudi Arabia following a 2-0 win against China PR. The Socceroos sit on 13 points, seven adrift of already-qualified Japan, who played to a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia.