Que: All Vietnamese are dreaming of the FIFA World Cup

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Que: All Vietnamese are dreaming of the FIFA World Cup

Riyadh: Vietnamese eyes will be on their opening game against Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on Thursday as the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 kicks off. It will be the sides’ third meeting on the qualifying scene, but marks Vietnam's first-ever appearance at this decisive stage.

Indeed, the Southeast Asians had long been the pushovers in Asian qualifying, having invariably suffered early exits over the past two decades.

Under Korea Republic's Park Hang-seo, however, the Golden Star Warriors have emerged a different side in this campaign, powering through the second round from a group which also featured United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

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AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar: Players to watch in Group A

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar: Players to watch in Group A

Kuala Lumpur: Twelve teams will start their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar campaign on Thursday for four automatic spots to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Asia's elite national teams booked their spots in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar after a gruelling and mentally taxing second round heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at players who can change the outcome of matches for their teams in Group A.

AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar: Players to watch in Group B

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar: Players to watch in Group B

Kuala Lumpur: Twelve teams will start their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar campaign on Thursday for four automatic spots to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Asia's elite national teams booked their spots in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar after a gruelling and mentally taxing second round heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at players who can change the outcome of matches for their teams in Group B.

Tomiyasu to Arsenal, moves for Lee Kang-in, Mohanad Ali - Asia’s deadline day deals

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tomiyasu to Arsenal, moves for Lee Kang-in, Mohanad Ali - Asia’s deadline day deals

Kuala Lumpur: After a customarily busy final day of the transfer window in some of the world’s biggest leagues, several Asian stars have put pen to paper at the new clubs.

Headlined by Takehiro Tomiyasu’s switch from Bologna, the-AFC.com brings you the key deadline day moves involving players from the continent.

Syria's Mahrous ready for second chance at FIFA World Cup qualification

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Syria's Mahrous ready for second chance at FIFA World Cup qualification

Tehran: Nizar Mahrous was only 22 when he played in the Asian Qualifiers for the 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico. He helped Syria reach the final stage of that preliminary competition only for a 3-1 defeat to Iraq in their final match to squash their dream of a debut appearance at the global Finals.

Today, more than 35 years on, Mahrous is back with the Qasioun Eagles, having been appointed national team coach prior to the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar. Ahead lies an opportunity to make up for that disappointment all those years ago and fulfil the nation’s long-awaited dream of reaching the big stage.

Son Heung-min, Azmoun, Taremi and more: Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week!

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Son Heung-min, Azmoun, Taremi and more: Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week!

Kuala Lumpur: The continent is gearing up for the white-hot intensity of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar, and several of the region’s stars ensured they will arrive for national team duty in peak form with superb performances over the past week.

Team Melli’s dream strike duo both found the net, as did Australia’s Martin Boyle and Korean stars - both emerging and established, while no less than four Japanese players are among this week’s nominees after putting in stellar performances for their clubs.

Who was Asia’s standout player outside of the continent from August 25 to 30? Examine our 10 contenders and don’t forget to cast your vote.

Vote for your best 2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage Team: Forwards

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vote for your best 2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage Team: Forwards

Kuala Lumpur: As football lovers across Asia look forward to the return of the 2021 AFC Champions League, the-AFC.com continues its quest to find out who the fans consider the Best XI from this year's Group Stage.

Over the past three weeks we have seen the goalkeeper, the rearguard and the midfield maestros decided, it's time to turn our attention to the forwards and find out who you consider the top targetmen.

So, here are the 10 players in contention for the places at the business end of the field. Review the candidates and then select your favourite for this all-star XI in the poll below.