Asian Qualifiers – Group H Preview: Korea Republic, Lebanon continue race for top spot, Turkmenistan and Sri Lanka seek to bounce back

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Asian Qualifiers – Group H Preview: Korea Republic, Lebanon continue race for top spot, Turkmenistan and Sri Lanka seek to bounce back

Goyang: With Korea Republic and Lebanon still level on points at the top of Group H, there is plenty of intrigue in the penultimate round of fixtures on Wednesday with Sri Lanka and Turkmenistan respectively set to be their opponents. 

First up at Goyang Stadium, second-placed Lebanon, who trail Korea Republic on goal difference alone, will face off against Turkmenistan before hosts Korea go up against Sri Lanka.

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UAE's Van Marwijk calls for further improvement after important Asian Qualifiers result against Thailand

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

UAE's Van Marwijk calls for further improvement after important Asian Qualifiers result against Thailand

Dubai: UAE head coach Bert van Marwijk wants more from his players despite a convincing 3-1 victory over Thailand in Group G of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 on Monday.

Two first-half goals from Caio Canedo and Fabio Lima looked to have settled matters for the UAE, but Suphanat Mueanta halved the deficit 10 minutes after the restart to set up a nervy remainder of the match. The Whites finally secured their win deep into added time with substitute Mohammad Jumaa coming off the bench to bag his country’s third.

Maaloul applauds Syria players for Asian Qualifiers masterclass

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Maaloul applauds Syria players for Asian Qualifiers masterclass

Sharjah: Syria head coach Nabil Maaloul called his players “heroic” after their 3-0 win over Guam on Monday sealed their place in the third round of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and earned a berth at the Finals of the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

Two early goals from Mardik Mardikian sent the Syrians on their way to their seventh win in a row in Group A before Mahmoud Al Mawas added a third and that perfect record secured top spot in the standings for Maaloul’s team.

China PR are in second but cannot surpass the Syrians despite their win over the Philippines at Sharjah Stadium later on Monday, leaving Maaloul elated at his team’s progress.

Sanchez lauds Qatar for achieving Asian Qualifiers target, Oman's Ivankovic confident of advancing

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Sanchez lauds Qatar for achieving Asian Qualifiers target, Oman's Ivankovic confident of advancing

Doha: Felix Sanchez lauded his Qatar side for getting their job done by qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Finals following their 1-0 win against Oman on Monday.

Hassan Al Haydos' first half penalty steered Qatar to their seventh win in eight matches as the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions completed their fixtures with a haul of 22 points to finish as Group E winners to seal their place in the China 2023 Finals.

Katanec: Iraq's Asian Qualifiers job only half done despite victory over Cambodia

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Katanec: Iraq's Asian Qualifiers job only half done despite victory over Cambodia

Muharraq: Head coach Srecko Katanec believes his Iraq side have only partially completed their job following the 4-1 victory against Cambodia in Group C of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 on Monday.

Three first half goals and a stoppage time strike from substitute Safaa Hadi steered The Lions of Mesopotamia to their fourth win as they reclaimed top position with 14 points, two ahead of Islamic Republic of Iran and Bahrain.

Skocic proud of IR Iran, Asian Qualifiers loss disappoints Bahrain's Sousa

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Skocic proud of IR Iran, Asian Qualifiers loss disappoints Bahrain's Sousa

Riffa: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Dragan Skocic praised his side’s resolve and performance in the 3-0 win over Bahrain in Group C of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 on Monday. 

After a relatively even first half, Iran were dominant in the second period with Sardar Azmoun scoring twice in eight minutes, before Mehdi Taremi sealed the win with a strike of his own.

Skocic was ecstatic with the result, which pushed the Central Asians up to second place on 12 points in the standings, ahead of Bahrain on goal difference. Leaders Iraq have 14 points.

Li Tie's focus only on China PR's next Asian Qualifiers clash against Maldives

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Li Tie's focus only on China PR's next Asian Qualifiers clash against Maldives

Sharjah: China PR coach Li Tie is refusing to look beyond his side’s upcoming game with the Maldives in Sharjah on Friday after securing a 2-0 win over the Philippines in Group A that moved them closer to claiming a place in the third phase of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Second half goals from Wu Lei, from the penalty spot, and Wu Xinghan earned the Chinese a victory that took them six points clear of the Azkals with two games remaining, and wins over the Maldives and Syria will put Li Tie’s team in a strong position to keep alive hopes of a first FIFA World Cup appearance since 2002.

Syria have already qualified as Group A winners but five runners-up slots are available in the third round after Qatar won Group E. With the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts not playing in the next phase, an additional slot has opened up for the teams who finish second across the eight groups.