Al Buraikan stars as Saudi Arabia defeat Japan to extend winning streak

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Buraikan stars as Saudi Arabia defeat Japan to extend winning streak

Jeddah: Saudi Arabia extended their perfect start to the Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar, defeating Japan 1-0 at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium on Thursday to move up to nine points.

The home side were hopeful of a repeat of their victory on the same ground four years later which proved to be decisive in their qualification to Russia 2018, and they got what they came for thanks to super sub Firas Al Buraikan’s composed finish.

China PR triumph in thriller with Vietnam

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

China PR triumph in thriller with Vietnam

Sharjah:  Wu Lei struck deep into injury time to earn China PR a dramatic 3-2 victory over Vietnam in Sharjah on Thursday as Li Tie’s side picked up their first win in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar.

The Espanyol striker netted in the fifth minute of added time after Vietnam had fought back from going two goals down and looked set to claim a share of the points before Wu’s sensational winner.

Goals from Zhang Yuning and Wu looked to be sending the Chinese on their way to all three points in the United Arab Emirates, but strikes from Ho Tan Tai and Nguyen Tien Linh in the final 10 minutes pulled Vietnam level.
 
But Wu Lei’s winner means China have claimed their first victory after back-to-back defeats against Australia and Japan last month while Vietnam remain rooted to the bottom of the group after three rounds of matches.

Taremi the hero as IR Iran edge UAE

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Taremi the hero as IR Iran edge UAE

Dubai: Islamic Republic of Iran secured three priceless points on the Road to Qatar, emerging from a dramatic AFC Asian Qualifiers clash against the United Arab Emirates with a 1-0 win at Zabeel Stadium on Thursday.

A Mehdi Taremi strike with 20 minutes remaining proved decisive, keeping Dragan Skočić’s side on top of Group A with their third win from as many matches in the Final Round.

Unable to end their long winless run against Team Melli, the result leaves the United Arab Emirates stranded on two points from their three outings, considerably raising the stakes ahead of their clash with Iraq on Tuesday, the same day Iran will meet Korea Republic in a top of the table tie.

Iraq, Lebanon settle for share of points

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Iraq, Lebanon settle for share of points

Doha: Iraq and Lebanon played out a 0-0 draw at the Khalifa International Stadium on Matchday Three of Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar.

With both sides having not won either of their first two games, they needed a victory to make up for lost ground but a combination of superb goalkeeping and lack of clinical finishing meant they each had to settle for a point.

Late Son strike seals Korea Republic win over Syria

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Late Son strike seals Korea Republic win over Syria

Ansan City: Son Heung-min's goal with just a minute to play helped Korea Republic defeat Syria 2-1 in dramatic fashion in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar at Ansan Wa Stadium on Thursday.

Korea dominated the first half but failed to capitalise on their superiority, with Hwang Hee-chan guilty of wasting three glorious opportunities, before the East Asians did go in front shortly after the interval through Hwang In-beom’s long-range strike.

But the West Asians fought back strongly and levelled proceedings with just six minutes to go when Khribin struck an unstoppable effort into the back of the net, only for Son to break Syrian hearts by striking the winner just minutes later.

Jordan cruise past Malaysia; Bahrain impress against Curacao

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Jordan cruise past Malaysia; Bahrain impress against Curacao

Amman: Jordan and Bahrain claimed impressive 4-0 wins against Malaysia and Curacao respectively in international friendly matches on Wednesday.

Jordan were firmly in control against Malaysia at the King Abdullah II Stadium while Bahrain turned on the power in the second half to register the emphatic win at the National Stadium.

Indonesia defeat Chinese Taipei to close in on place in final round of Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Indonesia defeat Chinese Taipei to close in on place in final round of Qualifiers

Buriram: Indonesia moved a step closer in their bid to advance to the final round of the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualifiers with a 2-1 win over Chinese Taipei in the first leg of their playoff at the Buriram Stadium on Thursday.

Avoiding defeat in Monday’s return leg will seal the Southeast Asian side a place in the final round of the Qualifiers but Chinese Taipei, who pulled one back right at the end, will be equally hopeful of advancing.