Preview - Group B: Yoshida rallies Japan ahead of Oman rematch

Tue, 16 Nov, 2021

Preview - Group B: Yoshida rallies Japan ahead of Oman rematch

Muscat: Hidemasa Morita will miss Japan’s meeting with Oman in Muscat on Tuesday in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatarwith the Portugal-based midfielder ruled out due to suspension.

Morita started Japan’s matches against Australia and Vietnam, both of which ended in victory as Hajime Moriyasu’s side have pulled themselves back into contention for a top two finish in Group B and one of the automatic berths at Qatar 2022.

AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar - MD 6: 5 Things To Look Out For

Wed, 17 Nov, 2021

AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar - MD 6: 5 Things To Look Out For

Kuala Lumpur: Midway through the final round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar campaign and the two groups have well and truly taken shape ahead of the Matchday Six fixtures. 

There are two clear leaders in Group A as the four remaining sides appear to be in a battle for third place, while three powerhouses of the continental game lead the way in Group B.

With six more enticing games to come on Tuesday, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for.

Preview - Group B: Australia bid return to victorious ways as China PR loom

Tue, 16 Nov, 2021

Preview - Group B: Australia bid return to victorious ways as China PR loom

Sharjah: Second-placed Australia will be eager to get back to winning ways when they face China PR in a crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers – Road to Qatar meeting on Tuesday.

The Socceroos looked a class above when they beat them 3-0 in Doha in September, and had established a six-point gap over Li Tie’s side at the end of Matchday Two, but both sides have earned an identical four points from their last three matches in an increasingly competitive Group B.

Preview - Group B: Saudi Arabia aim to stay top, Vietnam out for first points

Tue, 16 Nov, 2021

Preview - Group B: Saudi Arabia aim to stay top, Vietnam out for first points

Hanoi: Bottom hosts top in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar on Tuesday as Vietnam welcome Saudi Arabia to My Dinh Stadium. 

The visitors are currently three points clear of Australia at the top of the standings at the midway stage, while Vietnam sit last in the six-team group as they continue to target their first points of the campaign. 

Preview - Group A: Lebanon, United Arab Emirates out to revive campaign

Wed, 17 Nov, 2021

Preview - Group A: Lebanon, United Arab Emirates out to revive campaign

Saida: Lebanon will look to bounce back from stoppage time heartbreak, while United Arab Emirates will be desperate to revive their stuttering AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar campaign when the two sides meet at Saida Municipal Stadium on Tuesday.

The Cedars went within minutes of pulling off a major upset against group leaders Islamic Republic of Iran last Thursday, but goals from Sardar Azmoun and Ahmad Noorollahi cancelled out Soony Saad’s opener as Team Melli snatched a crucial 2-1 win in the dying moments of the game.

While victory would have greatly boosted Lebanon’s bid for a top two finish – and with it, direct access to next year’s FIFA World Cup - Ivan Hašek’s players remain in pole position in the race for a playoff position, and their hopes can be further boosted by success against a UAE side still searching for their first win in the Final Round.

Preview - Group A: Korea Republic wary as Iraq seek first win

Wed, 17 Nov, 2021

Preview - Group A: Korea Republic wary as Iraq seek first win

Doha: Korea Republic will look to extend their unbeaten run to six matches when they take on an Iraq side chasing their first win on Matchday Six of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar as the business end of the campaign begins with the two teams in the midst of contrasting fortunes.

The Taeguk Warriors are in second place after three wins and two draws and have a six-point cushion over Lebanon in third but trail leaders the Islamic Republic of Iran by two, while Iraq sit in fourth place after four draws and a loss, and are still battling hard to finish at least in third place, the playoff spot.

Preview - Group A: Syria in the way as IR Iran pursue another triumph

Wed, 17 Nov, 2021

Preview - Group A: Syria in the way as IR Iran pursue another triumph

Amman: Group A leaders Islamic Republic of Iran will aim to cement their position in the summer when they take on bottom-placed side Syria at King Abdullah II on Matchday Six of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar on Tuesday.

Having been so evenly matched in the 2018 qualifiers, drawing both their games, the two sides have had contrasting fortunes this time around.