AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar: Five Takeaways from Matchday Seven

Sat, 29 Jan, 2022

AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar: Five Takeaways from Matchday Seven

Dubai: The AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar resumed on Thursday with the first matches of 2022 confirming Islamic Republic of Iran’s qualification to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the race for the remaining spots starting to take shape across the two groups.

With Matchday Eight fast approaching, the-AFC.com looks at five key takeaways from Matchday Seven which saw all home teams win and secure a clean sheet with the exception of Lebanon who fell to Korea Republic. 

www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers/video/asianqualifiers_-_group_a_|_united_arab_emirates_2_-_0_syria.html

Proud Skocic applauds IR Iran for booking FIFA World Cup ticket

Fri, 28 Jan, 2022

Proud Skocic applauds IR Iran for booking FIFA World Cup ticket

Tehran: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Dragan Skocic was a happy man after his side’s 1-0 victory against Iraq booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Finals, securing Team Melli’s third consecutive appearance in the global showpiece.

A 48th minute goal from the inspirational Mehdi Taremi at Azadi Stadium on Thursday confirmed IR Iran’s berth in Qatar 2022, their sixth win Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar.

Bento proud of Korea Republic's resilience

Fri, 28 Jan, 2022

Bento proud of Korea Republic's resilience

Saida: Korea Republic coach Paulo Bento was delighted his team overcame challenging conditions to notch up a 1-0 win in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar over Lebanon that has taken them to the verge of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Cho Gue-sung scored the only goal of the game in first half injury time to move the Koreans onto 17 points from seven matches and a win over Syria in Dubai on Tuesday will see the Taeguk Warriors advance to a record-extending 10th successive FIFA World Cup Finals.

Young players made the difference for UAE, says van Marwijk

Fri, 28 Jan, 2022

Young players made the difference for UAE, says van Marwijk

Dubai: UAE national team head coach Bert van Marwijk believes the young players made the difference for his side in their 2-0 win against Syria in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar on Thursday.

Goals from Caio Canedo and Yahya Al Ghassani steered UAE to their second consecutive victory as they tightened their grip on the third place behind the Islamic Republic of Iran and Korea Republic.

Saudi Arabia’s Renard disappointed despite three points

Fri, 28 Jan, 2022

Saudi Arabia’s Renard disappointed despite three points

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia national team head coach Herve Renard was disappointed with his side’s performance despite their 1-0 victory against Oman in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar on Thursday.

The Saudis owed their win to forward Firas Al Brikan who scored the only goal on the night at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium to steer his side to their sixth victory in the group.

The result left Saudi Arabia firmly in the driver’s seat in Group A on 19 points, four ahead of Japan with Australia a further one adrift with three matches remaining.

Moriyasu praises defensive duo as Japan inch closer to FIFA World Cup

Fri, 28 Jan, 2022

Moriyasu praises defensive duo as Japan inch closer to FIFA World Cup

Saitama: Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu praised central defensive pairing Shogo Taniguchi and Ko Itakura as the Samurai Blue eased to a 2-0 win over China PR at the Saitama Stadium 2002 in their Group B clash in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar on Thursday to move a step closer to qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The duo stepped in to replaced Maya Yoshida and Takehiro Tomiyasu after injury sidelined the regular starting pair and provided a solid foundation for the Japanese as goals from Yuya Osako and Junya Ito earned the hosts a fourth consecutive win.

Meulesteen lauds Australia as Socceroos return to winning ways

Fri, 28 Jan, 2022

Meulesteen lauds Australia as Socceroos return to winning ways

Melbourne: Australia assistant coach Rene Meulensteen was full of praise for his side after the Socceroos stormed to a 4-0 victory over Vietnam on Matchday Seven of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Thursday.

The Dutchman, who led the team as head coach Graham Arnold was sidelined with COVID-19, saw his side end a three-game winless run as Australia kept the pressure on Group B pacesetters Saudi Arabia and second-placed Japan in their quest to reach a fifth successive FIFA World Cup. 

Jamie Maclaren broke the deadlock for a dominant Australia on the 30-minute mark and the impressive Tom Rogic added a second on the stroke of half-time, before substitutes Craig Goodwin and Riley McGree rounded off an excellent team performance with goals in the final 20 minutes.