AFC Asian Qualifiers
There were ups and downs for the 36 teams in the fray so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at five key things from Matchday One.
Perfect start for Qatar 2022 cast
Asia's record breaking six representatives at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 kicked off their campaigns with impressive wins.
Asia's record breaking six representatives at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 kicked off their campaigns with impressive wins.
Qatar began their Group A campaign with an 8-1 defeat of Afghanistan, Japan cruised 5-0 past Myanmar in Group B with Korea Republic also registering the same scoreline against Singapore in Group C.
Islamic Republic of Iran were equally dominant in their 4-0 win over Hong Kong, China in Group D, Saudi Arabia impressed in their 4-0 triumph against Pakistan in Group E and Australia were at their clinical best in their 7-0 defeat of Bangladesh in Group I.
The six have certainly established themselves as early favourites for spots in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
A comeback for the ages
The award for the most dramatic Matchday One win certainly has to go to Malaysia, who beat Kyrgyz Republic 4-3 in Group D.
The award for the most dramatic Matchday One win certainly has to go to Malaysia, who beat Kyrgyz Republic 4-3 in Group D.
Kim Pan-gon's side looked to be down and out when Kyrgyz Republic took a 3-1 lead but the Southeast Asian side refused to concede defeat as an own goal by Khristiyan Brauzman and Dion Cools drew them level.
The best, however, came in the third minute of added time as Faisal Halim slotted home the winner to give Malaysia a massive confidence booster in their bid for a first ever FIFA World Cup qualification.
Evergreen Mabkhout key to UAE's hopes
United Arab Emirates defeated Nepal 4-0 with the talismanic Ali Mabkhout scoring twice to take his international tally to 83 goals as Paulo Bento enjoyed a winning start in his first competitive match as head coach.
United Arab Emirates defeated Nepal 4-0 with the talismanic Ali Mabkhout scoring twice to take his international tally to 83 goals as Paulo Bento enjoyed a winning start in his first competitive match as head coach.
Mabkhout will be a key element for Bento as he looks to guide UAE to only a second FIFA World Cup.
The Portuguese certainly has the experience, most recently steering Korea Republic at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 but will need his best players available if UAE are to book their 2026 spot - with Mabkhout at the forefront of his plans.
Goal rush
A total 69 goals were scored on Matchday One with the Qatar-Afghanistan tie alone producing nine.
A total 69 goals were scored on Matchday One with the Qatar-Afghanistan tie alone producing nine.
Leading Qatar's charge was Almoez Ali, the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™ topscorer, with the player marking his 100th national team appearance with four goals on Thursday.
Ali's sparkling form would have delighted head coach Carlos Queiroz, with Qatar to defend their AFC Asian Cup title as well as seeking to qualify for the FIFA World Cup on merit for the first time.
China PR a team to watch
China PR showed tremendous grit as they came from behind to defeat Thailand 2-1 at the Rajamangala Stadium.
China PR showed tremendous grit as they came from behind to defeat Thailand 2-1 at the Rajamangala Stadium.
Their fans would have feared the worst when Thailand took the lead but China PR refused to surrender as goals from Wu Lei and Wang Shangyuan secured them the points.
They host Korea Republic on Tuesday and another win will have their fans dreaming of a FIFA World Cup berth, with their only previous appearance having been in 2002.
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