Japan put German friendships in deep freeze for opener

Sun, 20 Nov, 2022

Japan put German friendships in deep freeze for opener

Doha: Eight of Japan's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 squad play in the Bundesliga but forward Ritsu Doan said that friendships are on hold when they meet Germany in their opening game in Qatar.

Japan start their Group E campaign against the Germans on Wednesday and both teams are likely to come up against some familiar faces from their club sides.

Doan could square off against Freiburg teammates Matthias Ginter and Christian Gunter, while Japan's Eintracht Frankfurt forward Daichi Kamada could be reunited with Mario Gotze and Kevin Trapp.

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MD1: 6 things to look out for

Sat, 19 Nov, 2022

MD1: 6 things to look out for

Doha: We’re now just hours away from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 kicking off as the hosts prepare to make their tournament bow against Ecuador on Sunday while five other Asian nations begin their campaigns in the ensuing days.

It’s a record number of Asian Football Confederation members participating as the festival of football returns to the continent 20 years after being co-hosted by Japan and Korea Republic in the first time it was ever held in Asia. 

As excitement builds ahead of the opening round of group fixtures, the-AFC.com highlights six things to look out for.

Asia at Qatar 2022: All You Need to Know

Wed, 16 Nov, 2022

Asia at Qatar 2022: All You Need to Know

Doha: Previews, Features, Analysis, Tactics and History. The goals, the moments, and the players that matter are all covered in our guide to Asia at FIFA's global event.

With the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 about to kick-off, we've collected all our preview content in one place for your enjoyment.

Group previews, team analysis, historical features, players to watch, goals to remember and much more.

Preview - Group A: Qatar v Ecuador

Mon, 21 Nov, 2022

Preview - Group A: Qatar v Ecuador

Al Khor: Qatar coach Felix Sanchez labelled Ecuador as favourites when his side make their long-awaited FIFA World Cup debut at the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday in the opening game of Qatar 2022 against the South Americans.

The reigning AFC Asian Cup champions will become the second nation from the continent – after Saudi Arabia faced hosts Russia in 2018 – to play in the FIFA World Cup opener and the game will mark the culmination of more than a decade’s work for Sanchez and his players.

Qatar 2022: Asian Stars to Watch

Sat, 19 Nov, 2022

Qatar 2022: Asian Stars to Watch

Doha:  AFC representatives Australia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Korea Republic, Qatar and Saudi Arabia will feature some of the biggest names in Asian football at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

With a record six Asian teams at the FIFA World Cup, the participating nations will be turning to their star players to drive them forward against the world’s elite. The-AFC.com profiles six players who could make the difference for the continent's representatives in Qatar.

Qatar 2022: Young Stars to Watch

Fri, 18 Nov, 2022

Qatar 2022: Young Stars to Watch

Doha: The FIFA World Cup has long since offered the perfect platform for some of the brightest stars from the next generation to showcase their talents to the global audience.

And the 2022 edition in Qatar will be no different with a number of young players from the six Asian representatives looking to step up and show the world what they’re capable of. 

Ahead of the tournament kicking off on Sunday, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on six prospects to keep an eye out for in the weeks ahead.