Rejuvenated Australia progressing to Arnold's expectations

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Rejuvenated Australia progressing to Arnold's expectations

Amman: Australia have travelled to Amman to take on a Jordan side that 10 months ago handed the Socceroos a surprise loss at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, but head coach Graham Arnold is confident his squad is well placed to avoid a repeat defeat when the teams meet in the Asian Qualifiers on Thursday.

The reversal – courtesy of a goal from Anas Bani Yaseen in Al Ain – saw the Australians begin the defence of their Continental title in disappointing fashion and, although Arnold and his team advanced to the knockout rounds, their campaign was ended in the quarter-finals by hosts the United Arab Emirates.

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MD5 Preview - Group B: Jordan aiming to shock Australia again

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

MD5 Preview - Group B: Jordan aiming to shock Australia again

Kuala Lumpur: Jordan will look to extend a proud recent record against group leaders Australia when Group B of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian Qualifiers continues on Thursday.

The battle between the group leaders will share the spotlight with Chinese Taipei’s trip to Kuwait on a pivotal day in the qualification race.

Six matches to watch out for 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Six matches to watch out for 

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Five of the Asian Qualifiers will see several frontrunners going head-to-head in their bid to edge closer to qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023. 

With the second round of the Qualifiers reaching the halfway stage, it promises to be an exciting day of matches on Thursday and the-AFC.com picks six matches to look out for.

Fact & Figures: All you need to know

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Fact & Figures: All you need to know

Kuala Lumpur: With four Matchdays and several memorable games completed, there will be little room for error when Asia’s national teams convene for Matchdays Five and Six of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 in the coming week.

With high stakes fixtures on the agenda all over the Continent, the-AFC.com scrutinises some of the key facts and figures ahead of the 32-match extravaganza to come.

Road to Qatar 2022 & China 2023: How it stands

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Road to Qatar 2022 & China 2023: How it stands

Kuala Lumpur: With the next two rounds of Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 on the horizon, the upcoming matchdays will go a long way in determining the fate of the teams.

With only the eight group winners and four best runners-up advancing to the final round of Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, there will be no room for slip-ups.

The same applies for the final stage of the Asian Qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023, with the 12 next best-placed teams advancing to the third round. Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at how the eight groups stand.

Faisal: Jordan are capable of beating Australia

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Faisal: Jordan are capable of beating Australia

Amman: In two weeks’ time, Jordan will face the biggest challenge thus far of their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian Qualifiers campaign when they host Australia, their main rivals in the race to secure Group B’s automatic qualifying berth for the final group stage.

The Socceroos currently top the section with nine points, with the Al Nshama following closely behind on seven, making a victory for Jordan essential if they are to stand a realistic chance of topping the group.

Though Jordan will not be lacking in determination, their fans know that much will depend on the performance of their three forwards: Musa Al Omari, Yaseen al Bakhit, and Baha’ Faisal.

This is especially true of the latter, who plays an important role tactically but knows that his main job is to score goals.

Wilmots calls on IR Iran to stay focused ahead of Iraq tie 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Wilmots calls on IR Iran to stay focused ahead of Iraq tie 

Amman: Head coach Marc Wilmots has called on Islamic Republic of Iran to stay focused and not let pressure derail them in their Asian Qualifiers campaign.

Asia's top-ranked team play Iraq in a crucial Matchday Five tie at the neutral Amman International Stadium in Jordan on Thursday needing a win to make up for their 1-0 loss to Bahrain last time out.

Krestinin: Don’t write Kyrgyz Republic off against Japan

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Krestinin: Don’t write Kyrgyz Republic off against Japan

Bishkek: Alexander Krestinin is full of respect for a Japanese side long established as one of Asia’s footballing powers, but the Kyrgyz Republic head coach declared his belief that no team is perfect ahead of Thursday’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian Qualifiers meeting.

Kyrgyz Republic will be aiming for a historic result when they challenge one of Asia’s perennial heavyweights at Dolen Omurzakov Stadium.

Japan are four-time Asian champions with players dotted throughout the major leagues of Europe, while visits from such illustrious opponents to Kyrgyz Republic have been few and far between since the national team played its first international fixture in 1992.