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.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/video/preview_-_matchdays_5__6.html

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/srecko_katanec-iraq_2.html

MD5 Preview - Group C: Leaders Iraq braced for IR Iran hurdle

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

MD5 Preview - Group C: Leaders Iraq braced for IR Iran hurdle

Kuala Lumpur: After climbing to Group C’s summit on Matchday Four, Iraq are set to host the Islamic Republic of Iran in a game that looks set to provide yet another major test for Srečko Katanec’s high-flying charges.

Meanwhile, in the wake of their impressive 1-0 win over the Iranians last time out, second-placed Bahrain will be eager to maintain their challenge by claiming another three points when they travel to play Hong Kong.

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.

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.

Katanec delighted with four-goal win

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Katanec delighted with four-goal win

Phnom Penh: Iraq head coach Srečko Katanec was a happy man after watching his side score four goals against Cambodia in their third Asian Qualifiers Group C match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 on Tuesday.

Goals from Ibrahim Bayesh, Mohanad Ali, Amjad Attwan and Ahmad Ibrahim helped Iraq achieve their second consecutive win in the group and get their seventh point of the campaign.

The Slovenian coach was satisfied with the result as the victory put his side top of the group, ahead of Bahrain on goal difference.