Preview - Group E: Japan v Costa Rica

Sun, 27 Nov, 2022

Preview - Group E: Japan v Costa Rica

Doha: Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu highlighted goalkeeper Keylor Navas as the biggest obstacle to overcome if the Samurai Blue are to beat Costa Rica in their second match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E on Sunday.

Japan can book their place in the round of 16 for the second time in a row with a win against Costa Rica at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, provided Germany fails to defeat Spain in the other Matchday Two encounter of the group.

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Sanchez: Qatar will continue to progress despite exit

Sat, 26 Nov, 2022

Sanchez: Qatar will continue to progress despite exit

Doha: Qatar head coach Felix Sanchez described the FIFA World Cup 2022 as a ‘great World Cup’ in the wake of his side’s 3-1 loss against Senegal - and subsequent elimination - in Group A at Al Thumama Stadium.

Mohammed Muntari scored Qatar’s first ever goal in the tournament, but it proved to be the only bright light with each of Boulaye Dia, Famara Diedhiou and Bamba Dieng all striking as the African champions came out with the win, although they had to withstand a barrage of Qatari attacks when they were 2-0 up.

Qatar's elimination was confirmed later on Friday following a 1-1 draw between Netherlands and Ecuador. 

Queiroz hails mental resilience of IR Iran players

Sat, 26 Nov, 2022

Queiroz hails mental resilience of IR Iran players

Doha: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz praised his team's mental resilience after their 2-0 win over Wales in Group B of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on Friday.

Stoppage time goals by Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian saw Iran bounce back fabulously from their opening 6-2 defeat to England.

The win means a draw for Iran against the United States on Tuesday will  seal their place in the knockout stage for the first time with the Americans on two points following their goalless stalemate with England on Friday. 

MD2: 6 things to look out for

Fri, 25 Nov, 2022

MD2: 6 things to look out for

Doha: It was an incredible first round of fixtures at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with two of Asia’s sides posting historic victories over former champions in wins that stunned football fans across the globe. 

Japan and Saudi Arabia will now look to make it back-to-back wins and edge closer to the knockout rounds, while Korea Republic will be aiming to build on their draw with Uruguay as the other three Asian nations seek their first points to get their campaigns back on track.

Ahead of the second round of fixtures over the next four days, the-AFC.com has picked out six things to look out for. 

Qatar 2022: MD1 in Numbers

Fri, 25 Nov, 2022

Qatar 2022: MD1 in Numbers

Doha: The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has got off to a pulsating start with the first round of group stage fixtures seeing former champions twice beaten by sides from Asia.

Saudi Arabia and Japan produced two of the most memorable results in Asian football history by defeating Argentina and Germany respectively, while Korea Republic picked up a credible draw against another team to have lifted the FIFA World Cup, Uruguay. 

After an exhilarating opening set of matches that also saw Australia, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Qatar take to the field, the-AFC.com highlights some of the numbers that caught the eye.

Son content with Korea Republic's draw against Uruguay

Fri, 25 Nov, 2022

Son content with Korea Republic's draw against Uruguay

Al Rayyan: Captain Son Heung-min declared himself satisfied with Korea Republic’s start to their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign on Thursday after the Taeguk Warriors picked up a point with a 0-0 draw in their Group H opener against Uruguay.

The Uruguayans hit the woodwork through Diego Godin and Fede Valverde while Korea’s Hwang Ui-jo missed a gilt-edged chance in the first half of the goalless game at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.

Fans at their inspiring best at Qatar 2022

Fri, 25 Nov, 2022

Fans at their inspiring best at Qatar 2022

Doha: Matchday One of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 concluded on Thursday with big wins, huge upsets and plenty of action.

As the world's best players took their first steps towards lifting the coveted trophy, fans from the 32 competing nations turned out in full force to cheer their sides on.