Casas confident Iraq can reach FIFA World Cup

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Casas confident Iraq can reach FIFA World Cup

Basra: Iraq have what it takes to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, head coach Jesus Casas said after their 5-1 win over Indonesia on Thursday.

The victory gave the West Asian side the early lead in Group F of the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, with Vietnam second after beating Philippines 2-0. 

Vietnam's Troussier admits relief, Philippines' Weiss rues missed opportunity

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Vietnam's Troussier admits relief, Philippines' Weiss rues missed opportunity

Manila: Philippe Troussier admitted Vietnam had to work hard for victory in their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ tie against Philippines on Thursday.

Vietnam looked to be cruising to the three points in their Group F opener after taking a 16th minute lead through Nguyen Van Toan but had to endure some nervy moments after that before Nguyen Dình Bac's strike in second half added time sealed the win.

UAE live up to Bento's expectations

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

UAE live up to Bento's expectations

Dubai: Paulo Bento was happy with the United Arab Emirates' attacking flair and defensive resilience in their 4-0 win over Nepal on Thursday.

The victory gave UAE the early lead in Group H of the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ with Bahrain up next for them on Tuesday. 

Dropped points not a concern for Jordan's Ammoutao

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Dropped points not a concern for Jordan's Ammoutao

Dushanbe: It was a case of a point gained rather than two lost as far as Jordan head coach Hussein Ammoutao was concerned following their 1-1 draw with Tajikistan on Thursday.

The West Asian side grabbed a share of the points thanks to Yazan Al Naimat's equaliser in the third minute of added time after Shahrom Samiev had opened the scoring for Tajikistan in the 89th minute of their Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group G tie.

Ivankovic hails Oman's disciplined performance

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Ivankovic hails Oman's disciplined performance

Muscat: Branko Ivankovic was pleased that Oman lived up to expectations in their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ opener on Thursday.

The West Asian side controlled the match from the start with the 3-0 win against Chinese Taipei giving them them the early lead in Group D.

Jankovic hails China PR’s indomitable spirit

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Jankovic hails China PR’s indomitable spirit

Bangkok: Head coach Aleksandar Jankovic praised China PR for showing determination in their 2-1 win over Thailand in Group C of the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Thursday.

Wu Lei cancelled out Sarach Yooyen’s opener before Wang Shangyuan’s late header completed the comeback win for China PR.

Stimac not surprised by India's victory

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Stimac not surprised by India's victory

Kuwait City: Igor Stimac was not suprised that India opened their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group A campaign with a 1-0 win over Kuwait on Thursday.

The home side were the favourites going into the match but a disciplined and focused performance saw Manvir Singh striking 15 minutes from time to earn India a flying start.

Aggressive Samurai Blue please Moriyasu

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Aggressive Samurai Blue please Moriyasu

Osaka: Hajime Moriyasu was relieved his pre-match concerns did not come to fruition on Thursday as the Samurai Blue started their challenge in the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 with a 5-0 win over Myanmar.

The AFC Coach of the Year saw Ayase Ueda put his side in front in the 11th minute to allay fears his side would struggle to find an early breakthrough before the Japanese went on to claim a comfortable win.