Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Kuala Lumpur: With the five Asian teams at the 2018 FIFA World Cup having now all completed their first round of fixtures in Russia, the-AFC.com delves into the social media accounts of those involved.
Long-distance catch-ups, post-match selfies, meet-and-greets with fans and training sessions all feature in this week’s selection of what’s going on in the players’ lives in Russia.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation’s five representatives at the FIFA World Cup got off to contrasting starts in Russia, with Islamic Republic of Iran and Japan claiming victories, while Australia, Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia suffered defeats.
With all the teams having now played one match, the-AFC.com highlights some of the key statistics among the Asian sides in the first of our World Cup Stats Wraps.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Moscow: Ki Sung-yueng will be even more cautious of Mexico when he leads Korea Republic into their meeting with the Latin American side on Saturday after seeing Juan Carlos Osorio’s side hand reigning champions Germany a single-goal defeat in their 2018 FIFA World Cup opener on Sunday.
Korea Republic will need to pick up at least a point against the Mexicans after suffering a 1-0 defeat of their own at the hands of Sweden in Nizhny Novgorod on Monday if they are to harbour hopes of progressing to the knockout phase for the third time in the country’s history.
But the impressive display by the Mexicans at Luzhniki Stadium, when Hirving Lozano’s goal saw off Joachim Low’s side, has left Ki concerned about the challenge that lies ahead for him and his teammates.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Saransk: Japan’s 2-1 victory over Colombia in Group H on Tuesday saw the Samurai Blue become the first Asian team to defeat South American opposition at a FIFA World Cup after an assertive second-half performance against 10 men that yielded numerous chances.
The East Asians could not have got off to a better start when Carlos Sanchez was dismissed for handling Shinji Kagawa’s goalbound effort in the third minute and Kagawa coolly slotted the penalty home.
Colombia responded well and equalised through Juan Quintero before the interval, but Japan came back strongly and secured all three points after Yuya Osako’s decisive goal.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Saint Petersburg: Carlos Queiroz is not one to dwell on the past and the Islamic Republic of Iran head coach is already planning to ensure his team remain ahead in Group B of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
IR Iran lead the group after Matchday One, which saw the Central Asians scoring a heart-stopping 1-0 win over Morocco while Spain and Portugal played to a thrilling 3-3 draw in the other match.
Up next for IR Iran are 2010 world champions Spain, who must be hurting after Cristiano Ronaldo's late free-kick not only gave him a hat-trick but salvaged a point for Portugal.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Kazan: Socceroos skipper Mile Jedinak had one message for his teammates following their 2-1 loss to France at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia on Saturday - to keep on producing what they had against the 1998 champions in their remaining matches.
Jedinak, who scored Australia’s goal from the penalty spot, was picked in midfield alongside Aaron Mooy and the duo produced a stellar defensive display together with the centre-back pairing of Trent Sainsbury and Mark Milligan.
But despite limiting France’s chances and frustrating one of the favourites for the title in Russia 2018, Australia fell to an 81st minute Paul Pogba effort which deflected off Aziz Behich into the goalmouth.
Jedinak, who had come off a gruelling club season with Aston Villa who he so nearly helped win promotion to the English Premier League, reiterated the message he shared with teammates during a post-game huddle on the pitch.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Saint Petersburg: Islamic Republic of Iran recorded the first win for Asian teams at the 2018 FIFA World Cup courtesy of a late own goal from Moroccan defender Aziz Bouhaddouz.
Team Melli showed lots of grit and determination to overcome a talented Morocco side in their opening match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign on Friday.
Having not been able to create many chances, IR Iran were made to wait until the dying seconds to grab a winner as Ehsan Hajsafi's cross from a free-kick was sent into the back of the net by Bouhaddouz's misdirected flying header.