Best still to come from favourites after shocks galore

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

Best still to come from favourites after shocks galore

Doha: The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has already delivered plenty of major shocks but as it moves into the knockout phase the top contenders including Brazil and France have plenty to prove.

This is the first FIFA World Cup since the South Africa tournament in 2010 in which teams from Asia, Africa and North America have all been represented in the last 16.

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Round of 16: 5 things to look out for

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

Round of 16: 5 things to look out for

Doha: After the group stage of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 produced incredible drama for Asia’s six representatives, the Round of 16 is already upon us as a record three of the continent’s sides continue their quest for glory.

Narrow wins over Tunisia and Denmark have seen Australia qualify for the knockout rounds for the second time, while Japan produced two of the biggest upsets in recent FIFA World Cup memory by defeating Germany and Spain to seal a fourth appearance in the last 16 and Korea Republic left it late to down Portugal and join the pair.

Ahead of the Socceroos’ match with Argentina, the Samurai Blue’s clash against Croatia and the Taeguk Warriors' date with Brazil, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for.

Qatar 2022 - Round of 16 set to be thrilling affair

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

Qatar 2022 - Round of 16 set to be thrilling affair

Doha: The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 promises to be a sizzling affair following the conclusion of the Group Stage on Friday.

Asia will be represented by Australia, Korea Republic and Japan - a historic first - while France stayed on course to become the first team since Brazil to win back-to-back titles. 

Other former champions to advance to the knockout stage were Argentina, England and Spain while Germany and Uruguay were casualties.

The Round of 16 ties kick off on Saturday so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the eight matches coming up.

Qatar 2022: MD3 in Numbers

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

Qatar 2022: MD3 in Numbers

Doha: After a thrilling final round of group stage fixtures at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, a record three Asian sides have booked their tickets to the knockout stages, while three have seen their campaigns come to an end. 

Australia, Japan and Korea Republic produced fabulous performances to defeat Denmark, Spain and Portugal as Qatar, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia all exited having left their mark on the tournament with some memorable moments. 

As the Socceroos, the Samurai Blue and the Taeguk Warriors now look ahead to huge games against Argentina, Croatia and Brazil, the-AFC.com reviews some of the stats and facts from Matchday Three in Qatar.

Son finally sheds tears of happiness

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

Son finally sheds tears of happiness

Al Khor: Son Heung-min said he cried "tears of happiness" after Korea Republic scored a last-gasp winner to beat Portugal 2-1 and reach the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 last 16 on Friday.

The Koreans appeared to be heading out of the tournament for much of the game but Hwang Hee-chan's 91st-minute winner lifted them to second in Group H, behind Portugal.

They faced a nervous wait on the pitch for Uruguay's match against Ghana to finish. The South Americans won 2-0 but were unable to find the one extra goal they needed, going out on goals scored.

Costa hails Korea Republic's courage, self belief

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

Costa hails Korea Republic's courage, self belief

Doha: Korea Republic assistant coach Sergio Costa was elated as the Taeguk Warriors secured a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 berth with a 2-1 win over Portugal at Stadium 974 on Friday. 

Costa’s native country Portugal opened the scoring very early through Ricardo Horta, but Kim Young-gwon pounced on a Lee Kang-in corner to draw level. As time passed, Korea Republic grew in intensity and eventually made it count late into stoppage time when Hwang Hee-chan was teed up by Son Heung-min for the winner.

Korea Republic will face five-time champions Brazil on Monday. 

Mature tactics help Japan's progress

Fri, 02 Dec, 2022

Mature tactics help Japan's progress

Doha: Japan were labelled naive when they exited the FIFA World Cup four years ago against Belgium. Now their canny tactics have upset Germany and Spain and taken them to the last 16 of Qatar 2022. 

The Blue Samurai will face Croatia on Monday after topping Group E with two stunning comeback wins over the European heavyweights.

Japan looked dead and buried when they fell behind in both games but head coach Hajime Moriyasu helped turn the tide with his substitutions and tactical changes.