AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar: 5 things to look out for on Matchday Three

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar: 5 things to look out for on Matchday Three

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar is set to return on Thursday as the 12 sides continue their quest to reach the global showpiece in late 2022. 

After Matchdays One and Two produced plenty of highs and lows for the teams involved, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for as Groups A and B resume with what is sure to be a thrilling round of Matchday Three fixtures.

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Australia seek to stay perfect, Oman chase second big win

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Australia seek to stay perfect, Oman chase second big win

Doha: Australia will be looking to extend a record winning streak when they meet Oman in a crucial AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar clash on Thursday.

With an unblemished record of 10 wins from as many matches since their Asian Qualifiers campaign began in September 2019, another three points at Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium will take the Socceroos a step closer to an unprecedented fifth successive FIFA World Cup appearance.

Wu Lei aims to power China PR past Vietnam in crucial Group B tie

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Wu Lei aims to power China PR past Vietnam in crucial Group B tie

Sharjah: Wu Lei is confident he can give China PR the boost they need ahead of their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar clash with Vietnam in Sharjah on Thursday as Li Tie’s side look to kickstart their Group B campaign.

The Chinese lost their opening games against Australia and Japan last month without registering a single shot on goal and go into the meeting with Park Hang-seo’s side having spent the month since their last game in a training camp in the United Arab Emirates.

Pandemic restrictions mean Li Tie’s China-based players have not been able to return home but Espanyol forward Wu hopes he and his teammates can focus on securing a result that will lift the mood of the squad following his arrival from Spain.

Win a must for UAE against IR Iran

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Win a must for UAE against IR Iran

Dubai: United Arab Emirates must win or risk falling behind in the race to qualify for the FIFA World Cup when they host Islamic Republic of Iran in what looms as a pivotal AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar clash on Thursday.

Already four points behind Team Melli following back-to-back draws against Lebanon and Syria, Bert van Marwijk’s side will be eager to make the most of the two home games in the next five days, with Iraq to visit Dubai next Tuesday.

Two wins from those matches would take the United Arab Emirates considerably closer to their first FIFA World Cup since their solitary 1990 appearance, but a pair of defeats has the potential to derail their campaign.

Saudi Arabia, Japan face-off in bid for supremacy

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Saudi Arabia, Japan face-off in bid for supremacy

Jeddah: Asia’s two most successful national teams Saudi Arabia and Japan clash at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium on Thursday on Matchday Three of the Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar Group B.

Only Korea Republic (10) have more FIFA World Cup appearances than Japan (6) and Saudi Arabia (5), while the two sides have seven AFC Asian Cup titles between them, a record four for the Samurai Blue and three for the Green Falcons.

Iraq, Lebanon on mission to revive campaigns

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Iraq, Lebanon on mission to revive campaigns

Doha: Iraq and Lebanon will be aiming to kickstart their respective AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar campaigns when they lock horns at Khalifa International Stadium on Matchday Three of Group A on Thursday.

The two nations sit equal at the bottom of the group with a point each with only goal difference setting them apart.

Korea Republic, Syria in meeting of familiar foes

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Korea Republic, Syria in meeting of familiar foes

Ansan City: Korea Republic will look to make it successive wins in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar when they face a Syria side welcoming back captain Omar Al Soma at Ansan Wa Stadium on Thursday.

Having played out a goalless draw against Iraq in their opening game in early September, Korea edged Lebanon 1-0 on Matchday Two to leave them second in the Group A standings after two rounds of fixtures.

Syria, meanwhile, recovered from their opening-day defeat against the Islamic Republic of Iran to secure a 1-1 draw away in the United Arab Emirates after Mahmlud Al Baher's equaliser secured their first point of the campaign.