UAE enjoy dream start; IR Iran fight back to beat Spain

Fri, 16 Feb, 2024

UAE enjoy dream start; IR Iran fight back to beat Spain

Dubai: United Arab Emirates kicked off their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 Dubai Group A campaign with a 2-1 win over Egypt on Thursday.

Islamic Republic of Iran also got off to a victorious start, defeating Spain 3-1 on penalties after their opening Group B tie ended in a sensational 6-6 draw with the Central Asian side coming back from 5-2 down to snatch the win.

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Qatar, Jordan surge following AFC Asian Cup™ runs

Thu, 15 Feb, 2024

Qatar, Jordan surge following AFC Asian Cup™ runs

Kuala Lumpur: Qatar and Jordan are Asia's biggest movers in the latest FIFA World Ranking released on Thursday.

Qatar moved up 21 spots following their successful defence of their AFC Asian Cup title on Saturday while Jordan, who emerged runners-up in the continental showpiece, improved 17 spots.

Late strikes give Al Hilal edge over Sepahan

Fri, 16 Feb, 2024

Late strikes give Al Hilal edge over Sepahan

Isfahan: Al Hilal SFC came from behind to beat 10-man Sepahan FC 3-1 in the first leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 meeting on Thursday at the Naghsh-e-Jahan Stadium.

The victory gives four-time Asian champions Al Hilal a healthy advantage to defend in next Thursday's return leg in Riyadh with the winners to face either Uzbekistan's Navbahor or Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad in the quarter-finals. 

Navbahor, Al Ittihad settle for draw

Fri, 16 Feb, 2024

Navbahor, Al Ittihad settle for draw

Namangan: Two-time champions Al Ittihad and Uzbekistan’s Navbahor will go into the second leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 meeting in Jeddah next week with all to play for after the teams shared a 0-0 draw at Markaziy Stadium on Thursday. 

Neither side could find a way through in front of a bumper crowd in eastern Uzbekistan and the teams will have another 90 minutes – plus the possibility of extra-time and penalties – at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium next Thursday to determine who progresses.

The Saudi Pro League side, winners of the title in 2004 and 2005, were missing former France international striker Karim Benzema but featured high profile signings N’golo Kante and Fabinho in their starting line-up yet struggled against a well-drilled home team.

Ulsan Hyundai turn on the style against Ventforet

Thu, 15 Feb, 2024

Ulsan Hyundai turn on the style against Ventforet

Ulsan: Korea Republic’s Ulsan Hyundai have one foot in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 after they posted a 3-0 win against visitors Ventforet Kofu in their Round of 16 first leg tie at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium on Thursday.

After hitting the woodwork twice in the early stages of the match, hosts Ulsan opened the scoring through Joo Min-kyu in the 37th minute before the veteran striker doubled their advantage from the penalty spot just before the interval. 

Full-back Seol Young-woo then added a third goal for Ulsan just past the hour mark to seal the victory and put Hong Myung-bo’s side in a commanding position ahead of next week’s return leg in Tokyo. 

Teamwork is Al Nassr's strength, says Ronaldo

Thu, 15 Feb, 2024

Teamwork is Al Nassr's strength, says Ronaldo

Riyadh: Cristiano Ronaldo believes Al Nassr's solid teamwork will steer them to success on the domestic and local fronts after the Saudi Pro League side took a step towards reaching the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 quarter-finals on Wednesday. 

The Portuguese star's 81st minute strike secured Al Nassr a 1-0 win over Al Fayha in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.
 
Al Nassr, seeking to win the AFC Champions League title for the first time. struggled to break down their Saudi Arabian rivals despite enjoying almost 77 percent of possession and with 14 shots, three of which were on target. 

Al Ain's Crespo satisfied despite Nasaf draw

Thu, 15 Feb, 2024

Al Ain's Crespo satisfied despite Nasaf draw

Qarshi: Head coach Hernan Crespo was not overly disappointed despite his Al Ain side having to share the spoils with FC Nasaf in the first leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 tie on Wednesday. 

Both sides struggled in front of goal in a hard-fought encounter but Crespo firmly believes Al Ain will get it right in next Wednesday's return leg on home soil. 

Petrescu: Injuries have overshadowed good Jeonbuk win

Thu, 15 Feb, 2024

Petrescu: Injuries have overshadowed good Jeonbuk win

Jeonju: Head coach Dan Petrescu had mixed emotions after his Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC side secured a 2-0 win over Pohang Steelers in their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 first leg tie on Wednesday.

While the Romanian was pleased with the result, which took Jeonbuk within touching distance of the AFC Champions League quarter-finals for the 11th time since 2004, he was concerned with the number of injuries suffered by his players.