Mixed emotions for Philippines' Cooper despite Asian Qualifiers triumph over Guam

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Mixed emotions for Philippines' Cooper despite Asian Qualifiers triumph over Guam

Sharjah: Philippines head coach Scott Cooper declared the Azkals’ performance in their 3-0 win over Guam on Friday “patchy” as the Southeast Asians guaranteed themselves third place in Group A of the second round of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

The win was the Philippines’ third in their seven games so far in qualifying and, with one match remaining against the Maldives on Tuesday, they are certain to progress to the third round of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup.

But while Cooper was pleased to pick up another three points, he was less than impressed by the manner in which the victory was achieved.

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Park hails Vietnam players after gritty Asian Qualifiers win, Tan rues Malaysia's bad luck

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Park hails Vietnam players after gritty Asian Qualifiers win, Tan rues Malaysia's bad luck

Dubai: Head coach Park Hang-seo lauded his Vietnam players after an "exhausting" win against Malaysia in Group G of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 on Friday.

Vietnam's resilience saw them edge Malaysia 2-1 to remain firmly in the driver's seat to win Group G and earn a ticket to the final round of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Sitting on 17 points, two ahead of hosts United Arab Emirates heading into their clash on Tuesday, Vietnam only need to avoid defeat to book their spot in the final round.

Australia’s Arnold focused on Jordan as he eyes perfect finish to Asian Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Australia’s Arnold focused on Jordan as he eyes perfect finish to Asian Qualifiers

Kuwait City: With their seventh consecutive victory in the bag, Australia head coach Graham Arnold is aiming for a perfect finish in their Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 campaign, following their 3-0 win over 10-man Nepal on Friday.

The Socceroos led from start to finish with goals from Mathew Leckie, Fran Karacic and Martin Boyle to seal top spot in Group B with 21 points from seven matches to book their place in the final round of the Asian Qualifiers and confirm their seat to the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Finals.

Oman deserved Asian Qualifiers victory against Afghanistan, says Ivankovic

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Oman deserved Asian Qualifiers victory against Afghanistan, says Ivankovic

Doha: Head coach Branko Ivankovic praised his Oman players for their gritty 2-1 win against Afghanistan in Group E of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 on Friday.

A brace from Abdullah Fawaz boosted Oman’s hopes of advancing to the final round of the Asian Qualifiers as they strengthened their position in second place behind group winners Qatar.

Uzbekistan’s Abramov praises Yemen's quality after narrow Asian Qualifiers victory

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Uzbekistan’s Abramov praises Yemen's quality after narrow Asian Qualifiers victory

Riyadh: Head coach Vadim Abramov praised his opponents’ quality after Uzbekistan earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Yemen in Group D of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 on Friday.

A third win on the trot and as many clean sheets since the resumption of the Qualifiers meant Uzbekistan go into their final match against Saudi Arabia with the top spot still up for grabs as the Uzbeks sit second, just two points adrift of the group hosts.

Skocic urges IR Iran to maintain drive as Asian Qualifiers decider against Iraq looms

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Skocic urges IR Iran to maintain drive as Asian Qualifiers decider against Iraq looms

Riffa: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Dragan Skocic is expecting his side to continue their winning form when they play Iraq in their final Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Group C tie against Iraq on Tuesday.

Team Melli made it three wins in as many matches in Riffa with a 10-0 defeat of Cambodia on Friday to set up a cracker finale against Iraq.

With Iraq - on 17 points - two ahead of Iran, victory is the only option for Skocic's side in their bid to qualify for their third consecutive FIFA World Cup Finals.

Confident Li Tie relishing China PR's crucial Asian Qualifiers face-off with Syria

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Confident Li Tie relishing China PR's crucial Asian Qualifiers face-off with Syria

Sharjah: China PR head coach Li Tie will take his side into their crucial final match in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 against Syria in confident mood after notching up a comfortable 5-0 win over the Maldives on Friday.

The Syrians have already secured top spot in Group A but Li Tie’s team will be looking to take all three points to boost their chances of claiming one of the runners-up places available in the final round of the Asian Qualifiers when they meet at the Sharjah Stadium on Tuesday.

Five places are available to second place finishers with the best records across the eight groups after FIFA World Cup hosts Qatar, who cannot advance to the next round as a result, topped Group E.