Moriyasu praises defensive duo as Japan inch closer to FIFA World Cup

Fri, 28 Jan, 2022

Moriyasu praises defensive duo as Japan inch closer to FIFA World Cup

Saitama: Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu praised central defensive pairing Shogo Taniguchi and Ko Itakura as the Samurai Blue eased to a 2-0 win over China PR at the Saitama Stadium 2002 in their Group B clash in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar on Thursday to move a step closer to qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The duo stepped in to replaced Maya Yoshida and Takehiro Tomiyasu after injury sidelined the regular starting pair and provided a solid foundation for the Japanese as goals from Yuya Osako and Junya Ito earned the hosts a fourth consecutive win.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers/video/asianqualifiers_-_group_b_|_japan_2_-_0_china_pr.html

Meulesteen lauds Australia as Socceroos return to winning ways

Fri, 28 Jan, 2022

Meulesteen lauds Australia as Socceroos return to winning ways

Melbourne: Australia assistant coach Rene Meulensteen was full of praise for his side after the Socceroos stormed to a 4-0 victory over Vietnam on Matchday Seven of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Thursday.

The Dutchman, who led the team as head coach Graham Arnold was sidelined with COVID-19, saw his side end a three-game winless run as Australia kept the pressure on Group B pacesetters Saudi Arabia and second-placed Japan in their quest to reach a fifth successive FIFA World Cup. 

Jamie Maclaren broke the deadlock for a dominant Australia on the 30-minute mark and the impressive Tom Rogic added a second on the stroke of half-time, before substitutes Craig Goodwin and Riley McGree rounded off an excellent team performance with goals in the final 20 minutes.

Bento proud of Korea Republic's resilience

Fri, 28 Jan, 2022

Bento proud of Korea Republic's resilience

Saida: Korea Republic coach Paulo Bento was delighted his team overcame challenging conditions to notch up a 1-0 win in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar over Lebanon that has taken them to the verge of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Cho Gue-sung scored the only goal of the game in first half injury time to move the Koreans onto 17 points from seven matches and a win over Syria in Dubai on Tuesday will see the Taeguk Warriors advance to a record-extending 10th successive FIFA World Cup Finals.

AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ set for more gripping action

Fri, 28 Jan, 2022

AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ set for more gripping action

Navi Mumbai: The road to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ Final on February 6 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ qualification is now clearer as the final eight teams have been decided after the thrilling Group Stage matches.

Eight-time champions China PR, title holders Japan, Australia, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ 2010 winners, Korea Republic, Chinese Taipei, Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand have all advanced to the Quarter-finals that promises more anticipated contests on January 30.

Halftime Bell pep talk ignites Korea Republic fightback

Fri, 28 Jan, 2022

Halftime Bell pep talk ignites Korea Republic fightback

Pune: Head coach Colin Bell’s halftime pep talk galvanised Korea Republic into salvaging a 1-1 draw with Japan in Group C of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ on Thursday. 

Korea Republic suffered the worst of starts when Japan’s Riko Ueki weaved through their defence within the opening 30 seconds to beat goalkeeper Kim Jung-mi for the lead.

We got what we came for, says Thailand’s Okamoto

Fri, 28 Jan, 2022

We got what we came for, says Thailand’s Okamoto

Mumbai: Thailand lost on the night but won a place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ knockout stage following their 2-1 defeat to Australia at Mumbai Football Arena on Thursday.

Results elsewhere in the competition meant that Chaba Kaew simply had to avoid a heavy defeat to advance to the last eight as one of the two best third-placed teams, and they never looked in danger of being eliminated in an impressive defensive display against the tournament’s highest-scoring side.
 
Goals from Emily van Egmond and Sam Kerr gave Australia all three points, but Thailand had their own moment of joy when Nipawan Panyosuk scored a stunning 93rd-minute consolation to send Miyo Okamoto’s side to the quarter-finals on a high note.