Ivanković: Inexperience cost Oman defeat to Australia

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Ivanković: Inexperience cost Oman defeat to Australia

Doha: Oman head coach Branko Ivanković identified a lack of big-match experience as a factor in their 3-1 defeat at the hands of Australia in Thursday’s AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar clash at Khalifa International Stadium.

Oman asked plenty of questions of the Australians in the first half as Al Mandhar Al Alawi scored to cancel out Awer Mabil’s thumping opener, but second half goals by Martin Boyle and Mitch Duke steered the Socceroos to their third consecutive win in Group B, and their 11th in their Qatar 2022 qualifying campaign.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers/video/asianqualifiers_-_group_b_|_australia_3_-_1_oman.html

Van Marwijk vows UAE will soldier on, Skočić delighted with IR Iran's resilience

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Van Marwijk vows UAE will soldier on, Skočić delighted with IR Iran's resilience

Dubai: United Arab Emirates boss Bert van Marwijk urged his players to keep fighting after they suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Islamic Republic of Iran in their latest AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar clash on Thursday.

While solitary Mehdi Taremi goal in the 70th minute took Team Melli a step closer to a return to the FIFA World Cup, UAE now find themselves seven points behind the group leaders and five adrift of second placed Korea Republic after three of 10 matches.

Win against Vietnam perfect boost for China PR, says Li Tie

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Win against Vietnam perfect boost for China PR, says Li Tie

Sharjah: Li Tie is hoping China PR’s dramatic victory over Vietnam will give his side a much-needed boost after Wu Lei’s stoppage time goal earned his team a 3-2 victory over Park Hang-seo’s spirited side in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar in Sharjah on Thursday.

The Chinese held a two-goal lead with 15 minutes remaining after efforts from Zhang Yuning and Wu, but Ho Tan Hai and Nguyen Hoang Duc struck in the final 10 minutes as the Southeast Asians seemed set to secure an unlikely point.

But Wu swept home Wang Shenchao’s cross from the left in the fifth minute of added time to restore China’s advantage to break Vietnamese hearts and give his team their first win in the current round of preliminaries.

Bento: Korea Republic should have closed out game against Syria earlier

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Bento: Korea Republic should have closed out game against Syria earlier

Ansan: Paulo Bento has rued Korea Republic's missed opportunities despite the Taeguk Warriors scoring late to secure a 2-1 victory over Syria in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar on Thursday. 

The East Asians had almost complete control of the first half but failed to find the opening goal as Song Min-kyu headed onto the crossbar and, incredibly, Hwang Hee-chan was off target with three gilt-edged opportunities as Korea's problems in front of goal continued.

Hwang In-beom's effort from distance ultimately broke the deadlock early in the second half but it appeared Bento's side were going to be punished for their profligacy when the 2017 AFC Player of the Year Omar Khribin stunned the hosts by firing home an equaliser with just six minutes to play.

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.

Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Yemen take firm control

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Yemen take firm control

Dammam: Hosts Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Yemen claimed top positions in their respective groups after Matchday Two of the 2021 WAFF U23 Championship on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia, playing their first match, defeated 10-man Syria 2-0 at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium to go top of Group C.