Moriyasu praises Japan's resilience, Australia's Arnold positive despite defeat

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Moriyasu praises Japan's resilience, Australia's Arnold positive despite defeat

Saitama: Hajime Moriyasu hailed his squad’s unity as Japan shrugged off the pressure of a disappointing start to their campaign in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar to pick up a late 2-1 win over Australia at Saitama Stadium on Tuesday.

Aziz Behich’s own goal five minutes from time earned the Japanese a second win in four games in Group B to move to within three points of the Socceroos in the quest for one of the two automatic berths at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers/video/asianqualifiers_-_group_b_|_japan_2_-_0_australia.html

Japan defeat Australia to get back on track

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Japan defeat Australia to get back on track

Saitama: Aziz Behich’s late own goal handed Japan a much-needed 2-1 win over Australia as the Samurai Blue picked up their second victory in Group B of the Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar at the Saitama Stadium on Tuesday.

Behich bundled the ball over his own line after Maty Ryan struggled to deal with Takmua Asano’s looping shot, which came back off the post before being redirected into the Socceroos’ goal.
 
The win earns Japan a FIFA World Cup lifeline after only one win in their previous three matches and came after Ajdin Hrustic had cancelled out Ao Tanaka’s early effort with a stunning 69th minute free-kick.

Saudi Arabia stay perfect with win over China PR

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Saudi Arabia stay perfect with win over China PR

Jeddah: Saudi Arabia extended their winning run in the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar to four wins in a row after weathering a late China PR storm to triumph 3-2 on Matchday Four of Group B at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Tuesday.

China PR scored twice in the second half, but it was not enough to mount a comeback as the Saudis held on to earn their first-ever win against the Chinese in FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Oman power past Vietnam

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Oman power past Vietnam

Muscat: Oman came from a goal down to defeat Vietnam 3-1 to collect their second win of Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar on Tuesday.

Oman had lost two games on the trot after a famous opening day win against Japan, while Vietnam were yet to get off the mark, losing all three of their games, most recently 3-2 against China PR.

IR Iran, Korea Republic settle for share of points

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

IR Iran, Korea Republic settle for share of points

Tehran: Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s 76th-minute equaliser ensured Islamic Republic of Iran retained top spot of Group A after a 1-1 draw in their AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar clash against Korea Republic on Tuesday.

Korea Republic looked set to claim their first ever away win at the Azadi Stadium when Son Heung-min put them ahead three minutes after half-time, but a stirring fightback and Jahanbakhsh’s towering header gave the hosts a share of the spoils.
 
The result ends Iran’s 10-game winning streak under head coach Dragan Skočić, but keeps them clear on top of the group on 10 points from four matches, while Paulo Bento’s side remain two adrift after four of 10 Final Round matches.

UAE, Iraq play to thrilling draw

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

UAE, Iraq play to thrilling draw

Dubai: United Arab Emirates and Iraq remain winless in AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar Group A after playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw at Zabeel Stadium on Tuesday.

Caio Canedo fired the hosts ahead midway through the first half, but a Mohamad Al Attas own goal 16 minutes from time gave the visitors a foothold, and substitute Aymen Hussein sparked mass celebration among the Iraqis when he put them ahead in the 90th minute, only for Ali Mabkhout to snatch an equaliser in the fourth minute of added time.

It was a thrilling encounter, but the result does little to help either side’s hopes of direct qualification for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, with both UAE and Iraq sitting seven points behind group leaders Islamic Republic of Iran, and five adrift of second placed Korea Republic.

Lebanon hold off Syria for first victory

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Lebanon hold off Syria for first victory

Amman: Lebanon emerged 3-2 winners against Syria in an electrifying encounter on Matchday Four of Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar.

Syria had scored two goals in the first three matches while Lebanon had yet to score prior to this match, but with both sides needing a win to kickstart their campaigns, a five-goal thriller was produced with elite counter-attacking play contributing to a mesmerising encounter between the two neighbours in Jordan.

Qatar undone by Robinson hat-trick

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Qatar undone by Robinson hat-trick

Dublin: Qatar fell 4-0 to Republic of Ireland in an international friendly on Tuesday, with Callum Robinson starring with a hat-trick.

It was Qatar's second defeat of the October international window, with the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions losing 3-0 to Portugal last week.

New Zealand down Bahrain with late goal

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

New Zealand down Bahrain with late goal

Riffa: Bahrain suffered a late 1-0 defeat to New Zealand in an international friendly match at the Bahrain National Stadium on Tuesday.

Bahrain went into the match buoyed by their 4-0 victory against Curaçao last week but found the going tough against New Zealand.

Hamad hails Jordan players after impressive show against Uzbekistan

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Hamad hails Jordan players after impressive show against Uzbekistan

Amman: Jordan head coach Adnan Hamad praised his charges following their 3-0 win over Uzbekistan in an international friendly at the Amman International Stadium on Tuesday.

Baha Faisal, Abdallah Nasib and Hamza Al Dardour all found the target against Uzbekistan, marking an impressive display for Hamad's charges.

Jordan lift WAFF U23 Championship title

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Jordan lift WAFF U23 Championship title

Khobar: Jordan came from a goal down to defeat hosts Saudi Arabia 3-1 in the final of the 2021 WAFF U23 Championship at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium on Tuesday.

Halid Al Ghannam gave Saudi Arabia the perfect start but Jordan fought back through goals from Yazan Al Naimat, Yousef Abu Al Jazar and Abu Riziq to claim the title.