Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: There were mixed fortunes for Asia’s five representatives at the FIFA World Cup on Matchday Two as Australia and Japan claimed well-earned draws, while Islamic Republic of Iran, Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia suffered narrow defeats.
With the second round of fixtures now done and dusted and Matchday Three already upon us, the-AFC.com picks out some of the most noteworthy facts and figures in the second of our World Cup Stats Wraps.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Sochi: Australia captain Mile Jedinak says the team will not be focusing on Group C permutations in Tuesday’s do-or-die clash with Peru.
With Denmark and France also facing off at the same time, Australia need to beat Peru and hope the Danes go down to Les Bleus to progress.
According to Jedinak, Bert van Marwijk’s side are fixed on claiming three points against Peru.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Saransk: Islamic Republic of Iran will go into their deciding 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group B match against Portugal high in confidence and with no fear.
As head coach Carlos Queiroz sees it, Team Melli have nothing to lose against a team who are one of the favourites to lift the title but with IR Iran on the brink of creating history, he promised a performance filled with courage and passion against the reigning European champions.
"Portugal are not only a World Cup candidate but one of the most popular candidates for the championship," said Queiroz of his home nation.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Ekaterinburg: Japan twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw with Senegal in their second 2018 FIFA World Cup Group H match on Sunday and claim a valuable point that stands them in good stead to advance to the last 16.
After the East Asians defeated Colombia 2-1 in their opening fixture of the tournament, coach Akira Nishino named an unchanged side, but Japan fell behind to Sadio Mane’s early strike before Takashi Inui levelled.
Moussa Wague put the West African side back in front but substitute Keisuke Honda rescued a point with 12 minutes remaining as the Samurai Blue and Senegal remained level on points and goal difference at the top of the standings.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Ekaterinburg: Japan’s Keisuke Honda's strike against Senegal on Sunday earned him two records - as the leading all time Asian scorer and the first Japanese to score in three editions of the FIFA World Cup.
Honda struck Japan's equaliser just six minutes after coming on for Shinji Kagawa in the 72nd minute with the match finishing 2-2.
In Honda’s FIFA World Cup debut in 2010, he scored against Cameroon and Denmark as Japan advanced to the Round of 16.
In Brazil 2014, Honda found the back of the net in the group stage match against Ivory Coast.
Australia’s Tim Cahill, Saudi Arabia’s Sami Al Jaber and Korea Republic's Ahn Jung-hwan and Park Ji-sung are the next leading Asian scorers with three goals each.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Ekaterinburg: Japan's hopes of winning the FIFA World Cup remain a work in process but their fans are proving champions off the pitch in Russia with their exemplary behaviour, even cleaning up after themselves at matches.
Footage of Japanese supporters tidying up after a game - cue amazed reaction from fans of other countries - has become a staple of recent FIFA World Cups.
Following their shock 2-1 win over Colombia on Tuesday - the first time an Asian team had beaten a South American one at a FIFA World Cup - Japanese fans gathered up their rubbish and stuffed it inside blue plastic bin bags.
The blue is no coincidence - it is the colour of the national side's shirts.
Their behaviour appeared to inspire Colombian and Senegalese fans to follow suit and this could be the tidiest FIFA World Cup in history.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kazan: Mark Milligan remains confident Australia can progress to the knockout phase at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, backing France to help Australia’s cause by beating Denmark.
The Socceroos head into the final Group C match against Peru on Tuesday with their hopes of reaching the last 16 out of their hands.
Australia not only need to beat Peru in Sochi, but then hope France does them a favour by beating the Danes.
While the French will start warm favourites to get the result, the concern for Socceroos fans is they may take their foot off the gas with their spot in the last 16 already confirmed.