Vietnam's Troussier admits relief, Philippines' Weiss rues missed opportunity

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Vietnam's Troussier admits relief, Philippines' Weiss rues missed opportunity

Manila: Philippe Troussier admitted Vietnam had to work hard for victory in their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ tie against Philippines on Thursday.

Vietnam looked to be cruising to the three points in their Group F opener after taking a 16th minute lead through Nguyen Van Toan but had to endure some nervy moments after that before Nguyen Dình Bac's strike in second half added time sealed the win.

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Stimac not surprised by India's victory

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Stimac not surprised by India's victory

Kuwait City: Igor Stimac was not suprised that India opened their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group A campaign with a 1-0 win over Kuwait on Thursday.

The home side were the favourites going into the match but a disciplined and focused performance saw Manvir Singh striking 15 minutes from time to earn India a flying start.

Aggressive Samurai Blue please Moriyasu

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Aggressive Samurai Blue please Moriyasu

Osaka: Hajime Moriyasu was relieved his pre-match concerns did not come to fruition on Thursday as the Samurai Blue started their challenge in the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 with a 5-0 win over Myanmar.

The AFC Coach of the Year saw Ayase Ueda put his side in front in the 11th minute to allay fears his side would struggle to find an early breakthrough before the Japanese went on to claim a comfortable win.

Positive mentality the key to big Australia win, says Arnold

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Positive mentality the key to big Australia win, says Arnold

Melbourne: Graham Arnold was pleased that Australia did not allow a drop of complacency as they kickstarted their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ in style.

Six-time FIFA World Cup participants Australia stamped their class in a 7-0 defeat of Bangladesh at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium that put the Socceroos in good stead in Group I with Palestine up next on Tuesday.

Klinsmann applauds Korea Republic’s character

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Klinsmann applauds Korea Republic’s character

Seoul: Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann was effusive in his praise for the patience Korea Republic showed in producing a five-star performance against Singapore in the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ match on Thursday.

The Taeguk Warriors had to wait until the 44th minute to get ahead through Cho Gue-sung but once they did, never looked back and eventually ran out comfortable 5-0 winners in front of more than 64,000 fans at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

Kim: Humble approach sparked Malaysia’s fightback

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Kim: Humble approach sparked Malaysia’s fightback

Kuala Lumpur: Kim Pan-gon praised his players after Malaysia came from behind to snatch a dramatic 4-3 win against Kyrgyz Republic in Group D of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Thursday.

Malaysia took the lead only to find themselves trailing 3-1, with the Harimau Malaya then sending their fans into raptures by clawing their way back with Faisal Halim scoring the winner in added time at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.

Japan ready to reign again

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Japan ready to reign again

Kuala Lumpur: Hajime Moriyasu may have described Group D as extremely tough but the Japanese tactician will be confident of his team's AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ chances.

Denied a fifth title by a brilliant Qatar in the 2019 edition, Japan will enter the upcoming Finals boosted by a strong performance at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where they came agonisingly close to a first ever quarter-final appearance.