Katanec pleased with Uzbekistan’s response, Kyrgyz Republic’s Lisitsyn sees learning curve

Thu, 12 Sep, 2024

Katanec pleased with Uzbekistan’s response, Kyrgyz Republic’s Lisitsyn sees learning curve

Bishkek: Uzbekistan are top of Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 after two wins but what has pleased head coach Srecko Katanec more is his side’s resilience over both matchdays.

For the second successive match, Uzbekistan had to dig deep before getting the result as they fell behind twice to Kyrgyz Republic on Tuesday but showed grit to walk away with a 3-2 win from the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium.

Resilience was something Uzbekistan - seeking to qualify for an inaugural appearance at the FIFA World Cup - had also needed in last week’s 1-0 win over DPR Korea and Katanec was pleased to see his players' determination and resolve but admitted his team need to be defensively solid.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers/video/asianqualifiers_-_road_to_26_|_group_a__kyrgyz_republic_2_-_3_uzbekistan.html

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Mixed emotions for IR Iran’s Ghalenoei, UAE’s Bento

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Mixed emotions for IR Iran’s Ghalenoei, UAE’s Bento

Al Ain: Head coach Amir Ghalenoei was left with mixed feelings after his Islamic Republic of Iran side remained perfect in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 with a 1-0 victory over United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.

For the second game running, Iran created plenty of chances but had to be satisfied with only a 1-0 win with the 60-year-old left pleased with the points collected but looking to improve his side’s finishing.

Lopez remains optimistic despite Qatar’s slow start

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Lopez remains optimistic despite Qatar’s slow start

Vientiane: Head coach Marquez Lopez remained positive despite Qatar having to settle for a 2-2 draw against DPR Korea in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 on Tuesday.

Akram Affif canceled out Ri Il Song’s opener with Almoez Ali giving Qatar the lead just before the break, however, DPR Korea fought back to level the tie through Kang Kuk Chol as both teams registered their first point after opening day defeats. 

Hong credits tactical switch for Korea Republic win

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Hong credits tactical switch for Korea Republic win

Muscat: Head coach Hong Myung-bo credited Korea Republic’s second half tactical adjustment for the 3-1 win against Oman in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group B tie on Tuesday.

Hwang Hee-chan had given Korea Republic a 10th minute lead but Oman drew level through Jung Seung-hyun's own goal in first half stoppage time. 

Hong’s tinkering, however, saw the East Asian side securing victory through goals from Son Heung-min (82nd) and Joo Min-kyu (90th) to move up to four points. 

Mancini applauds Saudi Arabia’s comeback, Ivankovic hails China PR’s spirit

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Mancini applauds Saudi Arabia’s comeback, Ivankovic hails China PR’s spirit

Dalian: Head coach Roberto Mancini sang the praises of his players after Saudi Arabia fought back to earn their first win of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 by defeating China PR 2-1 in their Group C tie on Tuesday.

The Italian was forced to reshuffle his lineup after going behind through an Ali Lajami own goal and having seen Mohammed Kanno sent off - all before the 20-minute mark with Mancini highlighting the versatility of two players as being the key to their success.

Moriyasu: Japan’s patience the key to success

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Moriyasu: Japan’s patience the key to success

Riffa: Japan may have ultimately cruised to another resounding win but head coach Hajime Moriyasu said victory was only achieved against Bahrain because his players stayed patient. 

Having defeated China PR 7-0 on Thursday, Japan followed up with a 5-0 defeat of a high-riding Bahrain side in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 tie on Tuesday to leave them two points clear at the top of Group C. 

Shin delighted as plan works out for Indonesia, Australia’s Arnold left frustrated

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Shin delighted as plan works out for Indonesia, Australia’s Arnold left frustrated

Jakarta: Two points from matches against the significantly higher-ranked Saudi Arabia and Australia in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 have given Indonesia head coach Shin Tae-yong a feeling of immense satisfaction.

Following their 1-1 stalemate with Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Thursday, the Southeast Asian side produced another gritty performance to hold Australia to a goalless draw at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Tuesday, with both matches highlighting the immense discipline the Indonesians have.

MD2: Results & Reports

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

MD2: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday 2 of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 on Tuesday witnessed yet more scintillating matches.

Saudi Arabia came from behind to defeat China PR 2-1 while Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan and Uzbekistan registered second successive wins.

Son Heung-min sparked Korea Republic's 3-1 victory against Oman while Australia and Qatar had to settle for draws.

Stay updated on all the post-match reaction with the-AFC.com.

Know your team: Uzbekistan

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Know your team: Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan will be counting on home ground advantage to take them into unchartered territory at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024.

The hosts, who will appear in the global showpiece for the third time, have the Netherlands, Paraguay and Costa Rica for company.

Cast complete for final round of Qualifiers

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Cast complete for final round of Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: Brunei Darussalam, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste checked in for the final round of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers on Tuesday.

The trio join 21 other teams, with six tickets available to the 2027 edition of the continental showpiece.

R16 - Preview: Japan v Nigeria

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

R16 - Preview: Japan v Nigeria

Bogota: Japan are set for their toughest test yet when they face Nigeria in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Colombia 2024 Round of 16 on Thursday.

The Young Nadeshiko are seeking to regain the title won in 2018 but will have to overcome a tough Nigeria side to advance to the quarter-finals for the third consecutive edition.

R16 - Preview: DPR Korea v Austria

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

R16 - Preview: DPR Korea v Austria

Medellin: DPR Korea will have their eyes firmly on the prize when they face Austria in their FIFA U-20 Women's World Colombia 2024 Round of 16 tie on Thursday.

One of the most impressive teams in the competition, two-time champions DPR Korea stormed through the group stage with a perfect record and look on course to reclaim the title they last won in 2016.