Flashback: IR Iran defeat USA for historic victory

Thu, 03 Nov, 2022

Flashback: IR Iran defeat USA for historic victory

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran are set to face the United States of America in Group B of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Ahead of the November 30 clash at the Al Thumama Stadium, the-AFC.com has dug into its archives to look back at the first time the two teams met at the global showpiece, which ended in a historic win for Iran. 

This article was first published on 21 June 2020. 

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Korea Republic's Son to undergo facial surgery

Thu, 03 Nov, 2022

Korea Republic's Son to undergo facial surgery

London: Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday said forward Son Heung-min will undergo surgery on a fracture around his left eye, putting the Korea Republic star's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 hopes at risk.

Son was forced off during the first half of Spurs' 2-1 win over Marseille on Tuesday that secured their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

Qatar’s Al Rawi all set for dream adventure

Wed, 02 Nov, 2022

Qatar’s Al Rawi all set for dream adventure

Doha: Little did When Bassam Al Rawi expect when he started his football career in 2015 that he would - seven years later - be part of the Qatar team that will kick-off the FIFA World Cup 2022 on home soil against Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium on November 20.

It has been a dream ride for the 24-year-old defender, who won the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™ title just weeks after he made his Qatar debut in a friendly match against Lebanon.

Flashback: Australia end long wait, register first win

Wed, 02 Nov, 2022

Flashback: Australia end long wait, register first win

Kuala Lumpur: With the countdown for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 gaining pace, the-AFC.com has dug into its archives in search of classic matches and momentous occasions involving Asian teams.

Up next is an interview with John Aloisi, who played a prominent role in Australia ending a 32-year wait to return to the world stage in 2006. 

This article was first published on 12 June 2020.

Flashback: Saudi Arabia's Al Owairan recalls taking on the world in 1994

Fri, 28 Oct, 2022

Flashback: Saudi Arabia's Al Owairan recalls taking on the world in 1994

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia were not expected to make an impact when they made their FIFA World Cup Finals debut in USA '94.

While the West Asian nation had already made a name for themselves at the continental level, with two AFC Asian Cup titles in 1984 and 1988, a tough group meant expectations were low going into the global showpiece.

The tournament, however, did not go according to the script as forward Saeed Al Owairan fondly recalls in this 30 June 2020 interview with the-AFC.com. 

Flashback: Troussier relives Japan's amazing 2002 campaign

Mon, 31 Oct, 2022

Flashback: Troussier relives Japan's amazing 2002 campaign

Kuala Lumpur: With the countdown for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 gaining pace, the-AFC.com has dug into its archives in search of classic matches and momentous occasions involving Asian teams.

We kick-off the series with a look back at 2002 when the FIFA World Cup was first held in Asia. 

Co-hosting the global showpiece with Korea Republic, Japan were aiming to make heads turn on and off the pitch in. Philippe Troussier was the man in charge as head coach and we reproduce an interview with the Frenchman which was published on 14 June, 2020 to get a grip on how Japan's historical campaign unfolded. 

Asian Moments: 2002

Fri, 29 May, 2026

Asian Moments: 2002

Kuala Lumpur: 2002 was a special year in the history of Asian football as, for the first time since the first ball was kicked at the 1930 edition in Uruguay, the FIFA World Cup finally came to Asia.

The 17th edition of the global showpiece was also the first to be co-hosted as Japan and Korea Republic joined forces to deliver a festival of football in which they both excelled, with the Taeguk Warriors producing a remarkable run to the semi-finals. 

There was also a first and, to date, only appearance from China PR, while Saudi Arabia returned for a third successive time.