https://fft.tj/gela-shekiladze-novyj-gl ... hikistana/
The new head coach of the national team of Tajikistan is 53-year-old Georgian specialist Gela Shekiladze, who was previously an assistant to Peter Segrt.
https://sport.hrt.hr/medunarodni-nogome ... a-11371014
Croatian football coach Dragan Talajic, 58, who has worked in the Middle East and China for 20 years, has been appointed as the new coach of bahrain's national team.
2026 World Cup - Asian qualifiers
Joint Preliminary Qualification - How the groups stand
https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asi ... stand.html
Kuala Lumpur: The Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ returns on Thursday after a four-month break with everything to play for.
The nine group winners and the respective runners-up will advance to the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifying, and at the same time seal their places at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
The other 18 teams from Round 2 will proceed directly to the third and final round of AFC Asian Cup qualifying.
The-AFC.com brings you up to speed with how the groups stand ahead of Thursday's Matchday Three.
Group A
Qatar took an early grip on Group A with wins over India (3-0) and Afghanistan (8-1).
Kuwait and India are tied on three points while Afghanistan lost both their matches and need to get on the winning trail if they are to remain in the race.
Having successfully defended their AFC Asian Cup title, Qatar will be confident of navigating through their remaining matches.
Qatar v Kuwait
Venue: Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Doha)
Kick-off: 21:30 (UTC+3)
Afghanistan v India
Venue: Damac Stadium (Abha)
Kick-off: 22:00(UTC+3)
Group B
Japan are the frontrunners after two wins and the Blue Samurai will be aiming for more of the same after a disappointing AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ campaign.
DPR Korea and Syria are both on three points while Myanmar will be seeking to get on the board after their first two matches ended in defeats.
Japan v DPR Korea
Venue: Japan National Stadium (Tokyo)
Kick-off: 19:23 (UTC+9)
Myanmar v Syria
Venue: Thuwunna Stadium (Yangon)
Kick-off: 18:00 (UTC+6:30)
Group C
Korea Republic failed in their bid to end their long wait for a third AFC Asian Cup title but the East Asian side will be determined to continue their proud run of having qualified for every edition of the FIFA World Cup since 1986.
They lead the standings with six points with Thailand and China PR both on three. Singapore need a win after having lost both their opening matches.
Korea Republic v Thailand
Venue: Seoul World Cup Stadium (Seoul)
Kick-off: 20:00 (UTC+9)
Singapore v China PR
Venue: The National Stadium (Singapore)
Kick-off: 20:30 (UTC+8)
Group D
Two wins out of two established Malaysia as the early pacesetters in Group D and the Southeast Asian side will be aiming for another three points when they play Oman.
Oman, however, will be determined to bounce back from their 1-0 Matchday Two defeat to Kyrgyz Republic, a result which left both teams three points behind Malaysia. Chinese Taipei will be seeking their first first points after two defeats.
Chinese Taipei v Kyrgyz Republic
Venue: Nanzih Football Stadium (Gaoxiong)
Kick-off: 18:00 (UTC+8)
Oman v Malaysia
Venue: Sultan Qaboos Sport Complex (Muscat)
Kick-off: 22:00 (UTC+4)
Group E
Having opened their campaigns with wins, Islamic Republic of Iran and Uzbekistan played to a 2-2 draw on Matchday Two, firmly establishing themselves as the favourites to advance from Group E.
Turkmenistan and Hong Kong, China found themselves on just one point each after two matches and will need to bounce back if they are to challenge the two pacesetters.
Hong Kong, China v Uzbekistan
Venue: Mong Kok Stadium (Hong Kong)
Kick-off: 20:00 (UTC+8)
IR Iran v Turkmenistan
Venue: Azadi Stadium (Tehran)
Kick-off: 19:30 (UTC+3:30)
Group F
Iraq are the team to beat in Group F, having opened a three-point lead at the top after wins over Vietnam and Indonesia.
Vietnam go into Matchday Three in second spot while Philippines and Indonesia will be aiming for their first wins after collecting just a point from their previous two matches.
Indonesia v Vietnam
Venue: Stadium Utama Gelora Bung Karno (Jakarta)
Kick-off: 20:30 (UTC+7)
Iraq v Philippines
Venue: Basra International Stadium (Basra)
Kick-off: 22:00 (UTC+3)
Group G
Saudi Arabia lead the group with six points but Jordan will be a team to watch as they look to revive their campaign.
Runners-up in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, Jordan will be determined to carry their form into the qualifiers after picking up just one point from their earlier two matches.
Tajikistan will also be looking to carry their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 into the quaifiers while Pakistan need a win after two defeats.
Pakistan v Jordan
Venue: Jinnah Sports Stadium (Islamabad)
Kick-off: 14:00 (UTC+5)
Saudi Arabia v Tajikistan
Venue: Al Awwal Park (Riyadh)
Kick-off: 22:00 (UTC+3)
Group H
United Arab Emirates impressed with two wins and will be look to further tighten their grip on the group.
Bahrain and Yemen trail by three points while Nepal need to get their campaign back on track with a win after two defeats.
UAE v Yemen
Venue: Al Nahyan Stadium (Abu Dhabi)
Kick-off: 22:00 (UTC+4)
Nepal v Bahrain
Venue: Bahrain National Stadium (Riffa)
Kick-off: 22:00 (UTC+3)
Group I
Australia got their campaign firmly on course with two wins and it will be hard to deny them a place in the third round.
Lebanon had to settle for draws in their opening matches while Palestine and Bangladesh are on a point each heading into Matchday Three.
Australia v Lebanon
Venue: Western Sydney Stadium (Sydney)
Kick-off: 20:10 (UTC+11)
Palestine v Bangladesh
Venue: Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium (Kuwait City)
Kick-off: 21:30 (UTC+3)
https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asi ... stand.html
Kuala Lumpur: The Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ returns on Thursday after a four-month break with everything to play for.
The nine group winners and the respective runners-up will advance to the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifying, and at the same time seal their places at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
The other 18 teams from Round 2 will proceed directly to the third and final round of AFC Asian Cup qualifying.
The-AFC.com brings you up to speed with how the groups stand ahead of Thursday's Matchday Three.
Group A
Qatar took an early grip on Group A with wins over India (3-0) and Afghanistan (8-1).
Kuwait and India are tied on three points while Afghanistan lost both their matches and need to get on the winning trail if they are to remain in the race.
Having successfully defended their AFC Asian Cup title, Qatar will be confident of navigating through their remaining matches.
Qatar v Kuwait
Venue: Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Doha)
Kick-off: 21:30 (UTC+3)
Afghanistan v India
Venue: Damac Stadium (Abha)
Kick-off: 22:00(UTC+3)
Group B
Japan are the frontrunners after two wins and the Blue Samurai will be aiming for more of the same after a disappointing AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ campaign.
DPR Korea and Syria are both on three points while Myanmar will be seeking to get on the board after their first two matches ended in defeats.
Japan v DPR Korea
Venue: Japan National Stadium (Tokyo)
Kick-off: 19:23 (UTC+9)
Myanmar v Syria
Venue: Thuwunna Stadium (Yangon)
Kick-off: 18:00 (UTC+6:30)
Group C
Korea Republic failed in their bid to end their long wait for a third AFC Asian Cup title but the East Asian side will be determined to continue their proud run of having qualified for every edition of the FIFA World Cup since 1986.
They lead the standings with six points with Thailand and China PR both on three. Singapore need a win after having lost both their opening matches.
Korea Republic v Thailand
Venue: Seoul World Cup Stadium (Seoul)
Kick-off: 20:00 (UTC+9)
Singapore v China PR
Venue: The National Stadium (Singapore)
Kick-off: 20:30 (UTC+8)
Group D
Two wins out of two established Malaysia as the early pacesetters in Group D and the Southeast Asian side will be aiming for another three points when they play Oman.
Oman, however, will be determined to bounce back from their 1-0 Matchday Two defeat to Kyrgyz Republic, a result which left both teams three points behind Malaysia. Chinese Taipei will be seeking their first first points after two defeats.
Chinese Taipei v Kyrgyz Republic
Venue: Nanzih Football Stadium (Gaoxiong)
Kick-off: 18:00 (UTC+8)
Oman v Malaysia
Venue: Sultan Qaboos Sport Complex (Muscat)
Kick-off: 22:00 (UTC+4)
Group E
Having opened their campaigns with wins, Islamic Republic of Iran and Uzbekistan played to a 2-2 draw on Matchday Two, firmly establishing themselves as the favourites to advance from Group E.
Turkmenistan and Hong Kong, China found themselves on just one point each after two matches and will need to bounce back if they are to challenge the two pacesetters.
Hong Kong, China v Uzbekistan
Venue: Mong Kok Stadium (Hong Kong)
Kick-off: 20:00 (UTC+8)
IR Iran v Turkmenistan
Venue: Azadi Stadium (Tehran)
Kick-off: 19:30 (UTC+3:30)
Group F
Iraq are the team to beat in Group F, having opened a three-point lead at the top after wins over Vietnam and Indonesia.
Vietnam go into Matchday Three in second spot while Philippines and Indonesia will be aiming for their first wins after collecting just a point from their previous two matches.
Indonesia v Vietnam
Venue: Stadium Utama Gelora Bung Karno (Jakarta)
Kick-off: 20:30 (UTC+7)
Iraq v Philippines
Venue: Basra International Stadium (Basra)
Kick-off: 22:00 (UTC+3)
Group G
Saudi Arabia lead the group with six points but Jordan will be a team to watch as they look to revive their campaign.
Runners-up in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, Jordan will be determined to carry their form into the qualifiers after picking up just one point from their earlier two matches.
Tajikistan will also be looking to carry their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 into the quaifiers while Pakistan need a win after two defeats.
Pakistan v Jordan
Venue: Jinnah Sports Stadium (Islamabad)
Kick-off: 14:00 (UTC+5)
Saudi Arabia v Tajikistan
Venue: Al Awwal Park (Riyadh)
Kick-off: 22:00 (UTC+3)
Group H
United Arab Emirates impressed with two wins and will be look to further tighten their grip on the group.
Bahrain and Yemen trail by three points while Nepal need to get their campaign back on track with a win after two defeats.
UAE v Yemen
Venue: Al Nahyan Stadium (Abu Dhabi)
Kick-off: 22:00 (UTC+4)
Nepal v Bahrain
Venue: Bahrain National Stadium (Riffa)
Kick-off: 22:00 (UTC+3)
Group I
Australia got their campaign firmly on course with two wins and it will be hard to deny them a place in the third round.
Lebanon had to settle for draws in their opening matches while Palestine and Bangladesh are on a point each heading into Matchday Three.
Australia v Lebanon
Venue: Western Sydney Stadium (Sydney)
Kick-off: 20:10 (UTC+11)
Palestine v Bangladesh
Venue: Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium (Kuwait City)
Kick-off: 21:30 (UTC+3)
The state of play in AFC World Cup 26 qualifying
https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... tournament
AFC qualifying continues on 21 March 2024
Eight sides looking to resume perfect campaigns, 14 nations searching for first win
Read on for all you need to know about results, fixtures, form and more
Following the conclusion of the AFC Asian Cup, the continent now turns its attention back to FIFA World Cup 26™ qualification. Matchdays 3 and 4 get under way from 21 March, with it all still to play for across the nine groups.
The likes of Qatar, who lifted the Asian Cup last month on home soil, Saudi Arabia and Australia reconvene qualifying looking to maintain their perfect records and secure their spots in the third round. Meanwhile, a number of sides including Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Nepal are aiming to kickstart their campaigns and keep their hopes of progression alive.
Here, FIFA delivers the lowdown on AFC qualifying ahead of two crucial rounds of action.
Group A
The standings
1. Qatar | 6 pts
2. Kuwait | 3 pts
3. India | 3 pts
4. Afghanistan | 0 pts
Fixtures
All kick-off times are local
21 March
Qatar v Kuwait
Al-Rayyan, 21:30
Afghanistan v India
Abha, 22:00
26 March
India v Afghanistan
Guwahati, 19:00
Qatar v Kuwait
Al Farwaniyah, 22:00
Current form
Qatar retained their Asian Cup title with a 3-1 final victory over surprise package Jordan. India, meanwhile, finished winless and bottom of Group B without a goal scored from their three matches. Kuwait fell to defeat in friendlies against Libya and Uganda respectively in January. Afghanistan are yet to return to action.
Coaching changes
Qatar replaced Carlos Queiroz with Tintin Marquez in December, with the Spaniard leading his new side to victory in the Asian Cup just over two months later.
Who can go through and who can be eliminated?
Qatar will book their place in the next round if they continue their perfect start to the campaign with two more victories over second-placed Kuwait. Afghanistan could be eliminated if they lose both of their clashes with India.
Group B
The standings
1. Japan | 6 pts
2. Korea DPR | 3 pts
3. Syria | 3 pts
4. Myanmar | 0 pts
Fixtures
21 March
Myanmar v Syria
Yangon, 18:00
Japan v Korea DPR
Tokyo, 19:23
26 March
Syria v Myanmar
Dammam, 22:00
Korea DPR v Japan
Pyongyang, 17:00
Current form
Syria made it to the knockout stages of the Asian Cup for the first time this year, but were defeated by IR Iran, before Team Melli also eliminated record champions Japan. Korea DPR and Myanmar, for their part, have not engaged in any official matches since the most recent qualifiers.
Who can go through and who can be eliminated?
Japan will ensure they make it through if they win both of their matches against Korea DPR. It could, however, be the end of the road to World Cup 26 for Myanmar if they lose both of their games against Syria.
Group C
The standings
1. Korea Republic | 6 pts
2. Thailand | 3 pts
3. China PR | 3 pts
4. Singapore | 0 pts
Fixtures
21 March
Korea Republic v Thailand
Seoul, 20:00
Singapore v China PR
Singapore City, 20:30
26 March
Thailand v Korea Republic
Bangkok, 19:30
China PR v Singapore
Tianjin, 20:00
Current form
Korea Republic succumbed to Jordan's fairy-tale story in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup. Earlier on in the competition, Thailand exited at the last-16 stage following a 2-1 loss to Uzbekistan, while China PR fell at the group stages. Singapore are yet to return to action.
Coaching changes
It has been all change in the dugout across Group C since the November internationals, with all four teams changing head coaches. Read more about those changes here.
Who can go through and who can be eliminated?
Korea Republic must win both of their matches if they want to confirm their spot in the next round in double-quick time. At the other end of the scale, Singapore could be out of the running for a maiden tournament if they lose both games against China PR.
Group D
The standings
1. Malaysia | 6 pts
2. Oman | 3 pts
3. Kyrgyz Republic | 3 pts
4. Chinese Taipei | 0 pts
Fixtures
21 March
Chinese Taipei v Kyrgyz Republic
Taipei City, 19:00
Oman v Malaysia
Muscat, 22:00
26 March
Kyrgyz Republic v Chinese Taipei
Bishkek, 20:00
Malaysia v Oman
Kuala Lumpar, 22:00
Current form
Kyrgyz Republic and Oman also met at the Asian Cup when locked horns in Group F. A 1-1 draw there did precious little for both as the pair exited at the group stage, while Malaysia also departed the competition winless. Chinese Taipei will return to action during the March qualifiers.
Coaching changes
Following a winless Asian Cup campaign, Oman replaced Branko Ivankovic - who has now taken charge of China - with former Czechia boss Jaroslav Silhavy.
Who can go through and who can be eliminated?
Malaysia will enter the third round if they take maximum points from their double-header with Oman. Chinese Taipei, on the other hand, could be eliminated if they lose both of their games against Kyrgyz Republic.
Group E
The standings
1. IR Iran | 4 pts
2. Uzbekistan | 4 pts
3. Turkmenistan | 1 pt
4. Hong Kong | 1 pt
Fixtures
21 March
Hong Kong v Uzbekistan
Hong Kong, 20:00
IR Iran v Turkmenistan
Tehran, 19:30
26 March
Uzbekistan v Hong Kong
Tashkent, 19:30
Turkmenistan v IR Iran
Ashgabat, 20:00
Current form
Both Uzbekistan and IR Iran were knocked out of the Asian Cup by eventual winners Qatar in the knockout stages, while Hong Kong finished bottom of Group C without a point and just one goal scored. Turkmenistan's only competitive action came in a friendly against Kazakhstan on 14 March.
Who can go through and who can be eliminated?
If both Iran and Uzbekistan pick up maximum points across their two ties, the pair will advance to the third round and eliminate Turkmenistan and Hong Kong.
Group F
The standings
1. Iraq | 6 pts
2. Vietnam | 3 pts
3. Philippines | 1 pt
4. Indonesia | 1 pt
Fixtures
21 March
Indonesia v Vietnam
Jakarta, 20:30
Iraq v Philippines
Basrah, 22:00
26 March
Vietnam v Indonesia
Hanoi, 19:00
Philippines v Iraq
Manila, 19:00
Current form
Indonesia, Vietnam and Iraq were all draw in Group D at the Asian Cup, while the Philippines failed to qualify for the tournament. Iraq - much like they currently do in World Cup 26 qualifying - topped the group with three wins before losing out to Jordan in the last 16, while Indonesia and Vietnam were eliminated in the group phase.
Coaching changes
Michael Weiss was dismissed as coach of the Philippines in January and replaced by the highly-experienced Tom Saintfiet. The Belgian has now coached no fewer than 11 senior national sides, including Yemen, Bangladesh and the Gambia.
Who can go through and who can be eliminated?
Iraq and Vietnam will progress to the third round - sending the Philippines and Indonesia home in the process - if the pair win both of their matches.
Group G
The standings
1. Saudi Arabia | 6 pts
2. Tajikistan | 4 pts
3. Jordan | 1 pt
4. Pakistan | 0 pt
Fixtures
21 March
Pakistan v Jordan
Islamabad, 14:00
Saudi Arabia v Tajikistan
Riyadh, 22:00
26 March
Jordan v Pakistan
Amman, 22:00
Tajikistan v Saudi Arabia
Dushanbe, 20:00
Current form
Jordan's historic run to the Asian Cup final in February - which included a quarter-final win over Tajikistan - inspired a nation, and will leave their side believing they can advance to the third round of AFC qualifying. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, lost on spot-kicks to Korea Republic in the last 16. Pakistan will return to action in the upcoming qualifiers
Coaching changes
Despite leading Tajikistan to the knockout stages of the Asian Cup during their first-ever tournament, Peter Segrt departed the national team set-up when his contract expired in February. He has been succeeded by his assistant coach Gela Shekiladze.
Who can go through and who can be eliminated?
Roberto Mancini's Saudi Arabia will advance to the third round with two wins over Tajikistan. Pakistan could be eliminated if they remain winless in this qualifying window.
Group H
The standings
1. United Arab Emirates | 6 pts
2. Bahrain | 3 pts
3. Yemen | 3 pts
4. Nepal | 0 pts
Fixtures
21 March
Nepal v Bahrain
Riffa, 22:00
United Arab Emirates v Yemen
Abu Dhabi, 22:00
Current form
Both the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain advanced to the knockout stages of the Asian Cup but were eliminated in the last 16 by Tajikistan and Japan respectively. Yemen and Nepal failed to qualify for the tournament, and will return to play in the qualifiers.
Coaching changes
Following Bahrain's Asian Cup campaign, Argentinian Juan Antonia Pizzi was replaced at the helm by Dragan Talajic, who had been working as the nation's technical director.
Who can go through and who can be eliminated?
Two more wins will be enough to book United Arab Emirates' place in the third round. Nepal will be eliminated if they lose both matches to Bahrain.
Group I
The standings
1. Australia | 6 pts
2. Lebanon | 2 pts
3. Palestine | 1 pt
4. Bangladesh | 1 pt
Fixtures
21 March
Bangladesh v Palestine
Dhaka, 15:00
Australia v Lebanon
Parramatta, 20:10
26 March
Bangladesh v Palestine
Dhaka, 15:30
Lebanon v Australia
Canberra, 19:45
Current form
Palestine and Australia saw their Asian Cup campaigns end in knockout-stage defeats to Qatar and Korea Republic respectively. Lebanon exited the competition without a win in Group A. Bangladesh, meanwhile, failed to qualify.
Coaching changes
Despite only taking charge of Lebanon in October 2023, Nikola Jurcevic left his post just three weeks after the most recent qualifiers. Miodrag Radulovic, who had previously coached the Cedars from 2015 to 2019, and has enjoyed spells in charge of Myanmar and Montenegro, was hired as his replacement.
Who can go through and who can be eliminated?
Four points could be enough for Australia to confirm their spot in the next phase, while two victories will guarantee them qualification.
https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... tournament
AFC qualifying continues on 21 March 2024
Eight sides looking to resume perfect campaigns, 14 nations searching for first win
Read on for all you need to know about results, fixtures, form and more
Following the conclusion of the AFC Asian Cup, the continent now turns its attention back to FIFA World Cup 26™ qualification. Matchdays 3 and 4 get under way from 21 March, with it all still to play for across the nine groups.
The likes of Qatar, who lifted the Asian Cup last month on home soil, Saudi Arabia and Australia reconvene qualifying looking to maintain their perfect records and secure their spots in the third round. Meanwhile, a number of sides including Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Nepal are aiming to kickstart their campaigns and keep their hopes of progression alive.
Here, FIFA delivers the lowdown on AFC qualifying ahead of two crucial rounds of action.
Group A
The standings
1. Qatar | 6 pts
2. Kuwait | 3 pts
3. India | 3 pts
4. Afghanistan | 0 pts
Fixtures
All kick-off times are local
21 March
Qatar v Kuwait
Al-Rayyan, 21:30
Afghanistan v India
Abha, 22:00
26 March
India v Afghanistan
Guwahati, 19:00
Qatar v Kuwait
Al Farwaniyah, 22:00
Current form
Qatar retained their Asian Cup title with a 3-1 final victory over surprise package Jordan. India, meanwhile, finished winless and bottom of Group B without a goal scored from their three matches. Kuwait fell to defeat in friendlies against Libya and Uganda respectively in January. Afghanistan are yet to return to action.
Coaching changes
Qatar replaced Carlos Queiroz with Tintin Marquez in December, with the Spaniard leading his new side to victory in the Asian Cup just over two months later.
Who can go through and who can be eliminated?
Qatar will book their place in the next round if they continue their perfect start to the campaign with two more victories over second-placed Kuwait. Afghanistan could be eliminated if they lose both of their clashes with India.
Group B
The standings
1. Japan | 6 pts
2. Korea DPR | 3 pts
3. Syria | 3 pts
4. Myanmar | 0 pts
Fixtures
21 March
Myanmar v Syria
Yangon, 18:00
Japan v Korea DPR
Tokyo, 19:23
26 March
Syria v Myanmar
Dammam, 22:00
Korea DPR v Japan
Pyongyang, 17:00
Current form
Syria made it to the knockout stages of the Asian Cup for the first time this year, but were defeated by IR Iran, before Team Melli also eliminated record champions Japan. Korea DPR and Myanmar, for their part, have not engaged in any official matches since the most recent qualifiers.
Who can go through and who can be eliminated?
Japan will ensure they make it through if they win both of their matches against Korea DPR. It could, however, be the end of the road to World Cup 26 for Myanmar if they lose both of their games against Syria.
Group C
The standings
1. Korea Republic | 6 pts
2. Thailand | 3 pts
3. China PR | 3 pts
4. Singapore | 0 pts
Fixtures
21 March
Korea Republic v Thailand
Seoul, 20:00
Singapore v China PR
Singapore City, 20:30
26 March
Thailand v Korea Republic
Bangkok, 19:30
China PR v Singapore
Tianjin, 20:00
Current form
Korea Republic succumbed to Jordan's fairy-tale story in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup. Earlier on in the competition, Thailand exited at the last-16 stage following a 2-1 loss to Uzbekistan, while China PR fell at the group stages. Singapore are yet to return to action.
Coaching changes
It has been all change in the dugout across Group C since the November internationals, with all four teams changing head coaches. Read more about those changes here.
Who can go through and who can be eliminated?
Korea Republic must win both of their matches if they want to confirm their spot in the next round in double-quick time. At the other end of the scale, Singapore could be out of the running for a maiden tournament if they lose both games against China PR.
Group D
The standings
1. Malaysia | 6 pts
2. Oman | 3 pts
3. Kyrgyz Republic | 3 pts
4. Chinese Taipei | 0 pts
Fixtures
21 March
Chinese Taipei v Kyrgyz Republic
Taipei City, 19:00
Oman v Malaysia
Muscat, 22:00
26 March
Kyrgyz Republic v Chinese Taipei
Bishkek, 20:00
Malaysia v Oman
Kuala Lumpar, 22:00
Current form
Kyrgyz Republic and Oman also met at the Asian Cup when locked horns in Group F. A 1-1 draw there did precious little for both as the pair exited at the group stage, while Malaysia also departed the competition winless. Chinese Taipei will return to action during the March qualifiers.
Coaching changes
Following a winless Asian Cup campaign, Oman replaced Branko Ivankovic - who has now taken charge of China - with former Czechia boss Jaroslav Silhavy.
Who can go through and who can be eliminated?
Malaysia will enter the third round if they take maximum points from their double-header with Oman. Chinese Taipei, on the other hand, could be eliminated if they lose both of their games against Kyrgyz Republic.
Group E
The standings
1. IR Iran | 4 pts
2. Uzbekistan | 4 pts
3. Turkmenistan | 1 pt
4. Hong Kong | 1 pt
Fixtures
21 March
Hong Kong v Uzbekistan
Hong Kong, 20:00
IR Iran v Turkmenistan
Tehran, 19:30
26 March
Uzbekistan v Hong Kong
Tashkent, 19:30
Turkmenistan v IR Iran
Ashgabat, 20:00
Current form
Both Uzbekistan and IR Iran were knocked out of the Asian Cup by eventual winners Qatar in the knockout stages, while Hong Kong finished bottom of Group C without a point and just one goal scored. Turkmenistan's only competitive action came in a friendly against Kazakhstan on 14 March.
Who can go through and who can be eliminated?
If both Iran and Uzbekistan pick up maximum points across their two ties, the pair will advance to the third round and eliminate Turkmenistan and Hong Kong.
Group F
The standings
1. Iraq | 6 pts
2. Vietnam | 3 pts
3. Philippines | 1 pt
4. Indonesia | 1 pt
Fixtures
21 March
Indonesia v Vietnam
Jakarta, 20:30
Iraq v Philippines
Basrah, 22:00
26 March
Vietnam v Indonesia
Hanoi, 19:00
Philippines v Iraq
Manila, 19:00
Current form
Indonesia, Vietnam and Iraq were all draw in Group D at the Asian Cup, while the Philippines failed to qualify for the tournament. Iraq - much like they currently do in World Cup 26 qualifying - topped the group with three wins before losing out to Jordan in the last 16, while Indonesia and Vietnam were eliminated in the group phase.
Coaching changes
Michael Weiss was dismissed as coach of the Philippines in January and replaced by the highly-experienced Tom Saintfiet. The Belgian has now coached no fewer than 11 senior national sides, including Yemen, Bangladesh and the Gambia.
Who can go through and who can be eliminated?
Iraq and Vietnam will progress to the third round - sending the Philippines and Indonesia home in the process - if the pair win both of their matches.
Group G
The standings
1. Saudi Arabia | 6 pts
2. Tajikistan | 4 pts
3. Jordan | 1 pt
4. Pakistan | 0 pt
Fixtures
21 March
Pakistan v Jordan
Islamabad, 14:00
Saudi Arabia v Tajikistan
Riyadh, 22:00
26 March
Jordan v Pakistan
Amman, 22:00
Tajikistan v Saudi Arabia
Dushanbe, 20:00
Current form
Jordan's historic run to the Asian Cup final in February - which included a quarter-final win over Tajikistan - inspired a nation, and will leave their side believing they can advance to the third round of AFC qualifying. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, lost on spot-kicks to Korea Republic in the last 16. Pakistan will return to action in the upcoming qualifiers
Coaching changes
Despite leading Tajikistan to the knockout stages of the Asian Cup during their first-ever tournament, Peter Segrt departed the national team set-up when his contract expired in February. He has been succeeded by his assistant coach Gela Shekiladze.
Who can go through and who can be eliminated?
Roberto Mancini's Saudi Arabia will advance to the third round with two wins over Tajikistan. Pakistan could be eliminated if they remain winless in this qualifying window.
Group H
The standings
1. United Arab Emirates | 6 pts
2. Bahrain | 3 pts
3. Yemen | 3 pts
4. Nepal | 0 pts
Fixtures
21 March
Nepal v Bahrain
Riffa, 22:00
United Arab Emirates v Yemen
Abu Dhabi, 22:00
Current form
Both the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain advanced to the knockout stages of the Asian Cup but were eliminated in the last 16 by Tajikistan and Japan respectively. Yemen and Nepal failed to qualify for the tournament, and will return to play in the qualifiers.
Coaching changes
Following Bahrain's Asian Cup campaign, Argentinian Juan Antonia Pizzi was replaced at the helm by Dragan Talajic, who had been working as the nation's technical director.
Who can go through and who can be eliminated?
Two more wins will be enough to book United Arab Emirates' place in the third round. Nepal will be eliminated if they lose both matches to Bahrain.
Group I
The standings
1. Australia | 6 pts
2. Lebanon | 2 pts
3. Palestine | 1 pt
4. Bangladesh | 1 pt
Fixtures
21 March
Bangladesh v Palestine
Dhaka, 15:00
Australia v Lebanon
Parramatta, 20:10
26 March
Bangladesh v Palestine
Dhaka, 15:30
Lebanon v Australia
Canberra, 19:45
Current form
Palestine and Australia saw their Asian Cup campaigns end in knockout-stage defeats to Qatar and Korea Republic respectively. Lebanon exited the competition without a win in Group A. Bangladesh, meanwhile, failed to qualify.
Coaching changes
Despite only taking charge of Lebanon in October 2023, Nikola Jurcevic left his post just three weeks after the most recent qualifiers. Miodrag Radulovic, who had previously coached the Cedars from 2015 to 2019, and has enjoyed spells in charge of Myanmar and Montenegro, was hired as his replacement.
Who can go through and who can be eliminated?
Four points could be enough for Australia to confirm their spot in the next phase, while two victories will guarantee them qualification.
Last edited by amenina on Tue Mar 19, 2024 13:41, edited 1 time in total.
All change: Every team in AFC qualification Group C has a new head coach
https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... head-coach
All four nations in Group C of the AFC’s second qualifying round for the FIFA World Cup 26™ have changed their head coaches since the previous qualification matches were played last year.
It is often said that FIFA World Cup qualification is a marathon not a sprint, so it’s not uncommon for teams to change coaches during the campaign, especially in Asia where qualification runs for more than two years.
What is extremely unusual, though, is for all nations in a single qualifying group to change their head coaches in the same matchday interval.
However, that is exactly what happened in Group C of the AFC’s second qualifying round for the FIFA World Cup 26™ where China PR, Korea Republic, Singapore and Thailand all wielded the axe ahead of the first qualifying matches of 2024.
We take a look back on the departed coaches’ tenure, assess the new quartet and try to gauge how Group C could play out.
Korea Republic
Former head coach: Jurgen Klinsmann
To be fair there were few, if any, negatives for the Taeguk Warriors in their opening two World Cup qualifiers in November 2023. The team recorded a convincing 5-0 win over Singapore and a comfortable 3-0 victory over China PR, with the latter result, coming as it did away from home, being particularly positive.
That positivity was punctured, though, at the recently completed 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar as the side, who drew with Jordan and Malaysia in the group stage, were eliminated in the semi-finals after being outclassed 2-0 in a rematch with Jordan.
The manner of that defeat sent shockwaves through Korean football. Despite boasting stars such as Son Heungmin, Lee Kangin, and Hwang Heechan, all of whom play in major European leagues, the team had half as many shots as Jordan, and were unable to end their 64-year wait to win the continental championships.
As a result, the Korea Football Association (KFA) felt they had no choice but to terminate Klinsmann's contract. The coach’s departure had an air of inevitability about it, despite his protestations that a semi-final place constituted a successful tournament.
Current head coach: Hwang Sunhong (interim)
Given the proximity of this month’s next round of qualifiers, the KFA opted to appoint an interim coach first and then take a longer-term approach to the search for a permanent replacement.
The man they turned to was Hwang Sunhong, also the head coach of the country’s U-23 side, who won gold at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China PR, last year. The experience of winning a continental tournament was seen as a real positive, as was the fact that the U-23 side contained several players who were part of the senior team at the Asian Cup, including Lee Kangin, Seol Youngwoo, Jeong Wooyeong and Hong Hyunseok.
However, one issue is that the U-23 team, which is Hwang’s primary role, are set to compete for a place at the Paris Olympics at the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup in April. Prior to that, the team will take part in the WAFF U-23 Championship in late March at the same time that Hwang will be involved in World Cup qualifying with the senior side. The solution arrived at was to appoint an interim U-23 head coach for the WAFF Championship, which could disrupt preparations for the U-23 Asian Cup.
While the ideal scenario would be for Hwang to get results with both teams, the demands to do this has put him in a pressurised situation.
China PR
Former head coach: Aleksandar Jankovic
While Jankovic may not be as big a name as some of China PR's previous foreign coaches, such as Marcello Lippi, Fabio Cannavaro and Alain Perrin, his time in charge of China PR's youth teams was highly regarded, leading to his initial appointment as caretaker and then the full head coach of the senior team in 2022.
Jankovic made some bold selection calls during his time in charge and did well in fixing the team’s defensive issues, which had long been a concern.
That, however, came at the expense of the side’s attack and although China conceded just once at the 2023 Asian Cup they failed to find the back of the net in their three group matches.
Failure to progress to the knockout stage seemingly sealed Jankovic’s fate and he departed the post last month.
Current head coach: Branko Ivankovic
In a case of post-Asian Cup musical chairs, the Chinese Football Association replaced Jankovic with veteran Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic, who himself parted ways with Oman after they also crashed out at the group stage of the continental championships.
The 70-year-old has vast experience in Asia, having coached IR Iran as well as a host of club sides, including Chinese team Shandong Taishan where he won the league title in 2010.
Ivankovic’s prospects of guiding his team into the next qualifying round have been helped by his predecessor’s valuable away win against Thailand which leaves that pair sitting on three points, three behind leaders Korea Republic.
Singapore
Former head coach: Takayuki Nishigaya
Japanese coach Takayuki Nishigaya was something of a surprise appointment in April 2022, having never previously been at the helm of a national team or a club side outside of the second division in his homeland.
One of his former players, Song Uiyoung, explained to FIFA last year that Nishigaya favoured a style of football that emphasised short passing and ball possession, playing to Singapore's strengths and giving the team a fast counter-attack when breaking.
However, the results did not come, as they failed qualify for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, losing to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in back-to-back qualifiers, as well as crashing out in the group stage at the 2022 AFF Championship.
Defeats against Korea Republic and Thailand in November’s World Cup qualifiers were the final straw for the 50-year-old coach who parted ways with the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) in late January.
Current head coach: Tsutomu Ogura
Singapore's new man at the helm, Tsutomu Ogura, becomes the third consecutive Japanese coach to take charge of the Lions after Nishigaya and Tatsuma Yoshida.
Although the 57-year-old has served as the assistant coach for both Japan’s senior and Olympic sides he’s also never taken sole charge of a national team and hasn’t had the lead role at club level since a spell with Omiya Ardija in his homeland back in 2013.
Ogura will be hoping to reverse the team’s fortunes in the current qualifying round, following November’s two defeats, with a crucial double header against China PR this month. If they can remain competitive and get something from those matches, it would help restore some much-needed confidence to Singaporean football.
Thailand
Former head coach: Alexandre Polking
Thailand's change of coach differs from the other three in that it came at a time when the incumbent had the broad support of the fans.
After a spell as assistant national coach to Winfried Schafer in 2012 and several club jobs in the country, Polking had vast experience of Thai football when he was appointed to the top job in late 2021.
The Brazilian born coach oversaw immediate results, including back-to-back AFF Championship titles and qualification for the AFC Asian Cup.
A 2-1 loss at home to China PR in the first World Cup qualification match last year was a disappointing result with the Football Association of Thailand parting ways with the 47-year-old despite a 3-1 win in Singapore five days later.
Current head coach: Masatada Ishii
The man tasked with replacing Polking was Japanese coach Masatada Ishii. After steering Kashima Antlers to the J.League title in 2016, the 57-year-old moved to club football in Thailand where he enjoyed vast success with Buriram United, becoming the first coach to win a treble in back-to-back seasons from 2021-23.
Ishii also found immediate success with Thailand and barely a month after his appointment he led the War Elephants out of their group at the AFC Asian Cup before a 2-1 loss against Uzbekistan saw their run come to an end in the Round of 16.
A focus on defensive stability saw Thailand become one of only two teams not to concede a single goal in the group stage and the task now is to blend that with the nation’s rich creative talents.
Thailand’s next target is World Cup qualification and given they sit second in the group, some positive results from their double header against Korea Republic in March will set them up nicely to reach the third round.
https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... head-coach
All four nations in Group C of the AFC’s second qualifying round for the FIFA World Cup 26™ have changed their head coaches since the previous qualification matches were played last year.
It is often said that FIFA World Cup qualification is a marathon not a sprint, so it’s not uncommon for teams to change coaches during the campaign, especially in Asia where qualification runs for more than two years.
What is extremely unusual, though, is for all nations in a single qualifying group to change their head coaches in the same matchday interval.
However, that is exactly what happened in Group C of the AFC’s second qualifying round for the FIFA World Cup 26™ where China PR, Korea Republic, Singapore and Thailand all wielded the axe ahead of the first qualifying matches of 2024.
We take a look back on the departed coaches’ tenure, assess the new quartet and try to gauge how Group C could play out.
Korea Republic
Former head coach: Jurgen Klinsmann
To be fair there were few, if any, negatives for the Taeguk Warriors in their opening two World Cup qualifiers in November 2023. The team recorded a convincing 5-0 win over Singapore and a comfortable 3-0 victory over China PR, with the latter result, coming as it did away from home, being particularly positive.
That positivity was punctured, though, at the recently completed 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar as the side, who drew with Jordan and Malaysia in the group stage, were eliminated in the semi-finals after being outclassed 2-0 in a rematch with Jordan.
The manner of that defeat sent shockwaves through Korean football. Despite boasting stars such as Son Heungmin, Lee Kangin, and Hwang Heechan, all of whom play in major European leagues, the team had half as many shots as Jordan, and were unable to end their 64-year wait to win the continental championships.
As a result, the Korea Football Association (KFA) felt they had no choice but to terminate Klinsmann's contract. The coach’s departure had an air of inevitability about it, despite his protestations that a semi-final place constituted a successful tournament.
Current head coach: Hwang Sunhong (interim)
Given the proximity of this month’s next round of qualifiers, the KFA opted to appoint an interim coach first and then take a longer-term approach to the search for a permanent replacement.
The man they turned to was Hwang Sunhong, also the head coach of the country’s U-23 side, who won gold at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China PR, last year. The experience of winning a continental tournament was seen as a real positive, as was the fact that the U-23 side contained several players who were part of the senior team at the Asian Cup, including Lee Kangin, Seol Youngwoo, Jeong Wooyeong and Hong Hyunseok.
However, one issue is that the U-23 team, which is Hwang’s primary role, are set to compete for a place at the Paris Olympics at the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup in April. Prior to that, the team will take part in the WAFF U-23 Championship in late March at the same time that Hwang will be involved in World Cup qualifying with the senior side. The solution arrived at was to appoint an interim U-23 head coach for the WAFF Championship, which could disrupt preparations for the U-23 Asian Cup.
While the ideal scenario would be for Hwang to get results with both teams, the demands to do this has put him in a pressurised situation.
China PR
Former head coach: Aleksandar Jankovic
While Jankovic may not be as big a name as some of China PR's previous foreign coaches, such as Marcello Lippi, Fabio Cannavaro and Alain Perrin, his time in charge of China PR's youth teams was highly regarded, leading to his initial appointment as caretaker and then the full head coach of the senior team in 2022.
Jankovic made some bold selection calls during his time in charge and did well in fixing the team’s defensive issues, which had long been a concern.
That, however, came at the expense of the side’s attack and although China conceded just once at the 2023 Asian Cup they failed to find the back of the net in their three group matches.
Failure to progress to the knockout stage seemingly sealed Jankovic’s fate and he departed the post last month.
Current head coach: Branko Ivankovic
In a case of post-Asian Cup musical chairs, the Chinese Football Association replaced Jankovic with veteran Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic, who himself parted ways with Oman after they also crashed out at the group stage of the continental championships.
The 70-year-old has vast experience in Asia, having coached IR Iran as well as a host of club sides, including Chinese team Shandong Taishan where he won the league title in 2010.
Ivankovic’s prospects of guiding his team into the next qualifying round have been helped by his predecessor’s valuable away win against Thailand which leaves that pair sitting on three points, three behind leaders Korea Republic.
Singapore
Former head coach: Takayuki Nishigaya
Japanese coach Takayuki Nishigaya was something of a surprise appointment in April 2022, having never previously been at the helm of a national team or a club side outside of the second division in his homeland.
One of his former players, Song Uiyoung, explained to FIFA last year that Nishigaya favoured a style of football that emphasised short passing and ball possession, playing to Singapore's strengths and giving the team a fast counter-attack when breaking.
However, the results did not come, as they failed qualify for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, losing to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in back-to-back qualifiers, as well as crashing out in the group stage at the 2022 AFF Championship.
Defeats against Korea Republic and Thailand in November’s World Cup qualifiers were the final straw for the 50-year-old coach who parted ways with the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) in late January.
Current head coach: Tsutomu Ogura
Singapore's new man at the helm, Tsutomu Ogura, becomes the third consecutive Japanese coach to take charge of the Lions after Nishigaya and Tatsuma Yoshida.
Although the 57-year-old has served as the assistant coach for both Japan’s senior and Olympic sides he’s also never taken sole charge of a national team and hasn’t had the lead role at club level since a spell with Omiya Ardija in his homeland back in 2013.
Ogura will be hoping to reverse the team’s fortunes in the current qualifying round, following November’s two defeats, with a crucial double header against China PR this month. If they can remain competitive and get something from those matches, it would help restore some much-needed confidence to Singaporean football.
Thailand
Former head coach: Alexandre Polking
Thailand's change of coach differs from the other three in that it came at a time when the incumbent had the broad support of the fans.
After a spell as assistant national coach to Winfried Schafer in 2012 and several club jobs in the country, Polking had vast experience of Thai football when he was appointed to the top job in late 2021.
The Brazilian born coach oversaw immediate results, including back-to-back AFF Championship titles and qualification for the AFC Asian Cup.
A 2-1 loss at home to China PR in the first World Cup qualification match last year was a disappointing result with the Football Association of Thailand parting ways with the 47-year-old despite a 3-1 win in Singapore five days later.
Current head coach: Masatada Ishii
The man tasked with replacing Polking was Japanese coach Masatada Ishii. After steering Kashima Antlers to the J.League title in 2016, the 57-year-old moved to club football in Thailand where he enjoyed vast success with Buriram United, becoming the first coach to win a treble in back-to-back seasons from 2021-23.
Ishii also found immediate success with Thailand and barely a month after his appointment he led the War Elephants out of their group at the AFC Asian Cup before a 2-1 loss against Uzbekistan saw their run come to an end in the Round of 16.
A focus on defensive stability saw Thailand become one of only two teams not to concede a single goal in the group stage and the task now is to blend that with the nation’s rich creative talents.
Thailand’s next target is World Cup qualification and given they sit second in the group, some positive results from their double header against Korea Republic in March will set them up nicely to reach the third round.
New head coaches take charge
https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asi ... harge.html
Kuala Lumpur: There will be several new head coaches in the dugouts when the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ resumes on Thursday.
As many as 10 teams were led by different coaches when the first two matchdays were played last November.
Qatar, who were led by Carlos Queiroz when they kicked off their campaign with two wins, subsequently parted ways with the Portuguese.
Marquez Lopez stepped in as Queiroz's replacement, with the Spaniard guiding Qatar to a successful defence of the AFC Asian Cup title on home soil, which was rewarded with a permanent appointment as head coach till 2026.
Group C will see all four teams led by new head coaches, with Hwang Sun-hong the interim head coach of leaders Korea Republic following the departure of Jurgen Klinsmann after the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.
Masatada Ishii will be in charge of Thailand, having taken over from Alexandre Polking after the opening two matches of the Qualifiers, with the Japanese tactician having the advantage of having steered the Southeast Asian team into the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 knockout stage.
The highly experienced Branko Ivankovic is China PR's head coach, with the Croatian leaving Oman after the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.
Ivankovic replaced Aleksandar Jankovic, who stepped down after China PR failed to advance past the group stage of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.
The fourth new face in Group C is Tsutomu Ogura, with the Japanese replacing compatriot Takayuki Nishigaya as the Singapore head coach.
Ivankovic's replacement as Oman head coach is fellow Croatian Jaroslav Silhavy, with his first task being to rein in Malaysia who lead Group D with six points.
Philippines, who need to revive their Group F campaign after picking up just a point from their earlier two matches, will be led by Belgian Tom Saintfiet.
Georgian Gela Shekiladze has replaced the highly popular Petar Segrt as Tajikistan head coach, with the Central Asian side determined to carry their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 form into the qualifiers, having garnered four points from their earlier matches in Group G of the qualifiers.
Bahrain, on three points in Group H, turned to Dragan Talajic after the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, the Croatian replacing Spaniard Juan Antonio Pizzi.
Miodrag Radulovic, who returned as Lebanon head coach just before the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, will look to kickstart the West Asian side's campaign after two draws.
https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asi ... harge.html
Kuala Lumpur: There will be several new head coaches in the dugouts when the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ resumes on Thursday.
As many as 10 teams were led by different coaches when the first two matchdays were played last November.
Qatar, who were led by Carlos Queiroz when they kicked off their campaign with two wins, subsequently parted ways with the Portuguese.
Marquez Lopez stepped in as Queiroz's replacement, with the Spaniard guiding Qatar to a successful defence of the AFC Asian Cup title on home soil, which was rewarded with a permanent appointment as head coach till 2026.
Group C will see all four teams led by new head coaches, with Hwang Sun-hong the interim head coach of leaders Korea Republic following the departure of Jurgen Klinsmann after the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.
Masatada Ishii will be in charge of Thailand, having taken over from Alexandre Polking after the opening two matches of the Qualifiers, with the Japanese tactician having the advantage of having steered the Southeast Asian team into the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 knockout stage.
The highly experienced Branko Ivankovic is China PR's head coach, with the Croatian leaving Oman after the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.
Ivankovic replaced Aleksandar Jankovic, who stepped down after China PR failed to advance past the group stage of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.
The fourth new face in Group C is Tsutomu Ogura, with the Japanese replacing compatriot Takayuki Nishigaya as the Singapore head coach.
Ivankovic's replacement as Oman head coach is fellow Croatian Jaroslav Silhavy, with his first task being to rein in Malaysia who lead Group D with six points.
Philippines, who need to revive their Group F campaign after picking up just a point from their earlier two matches, will be led by Belgian Tom Saintfiet.
Georgian Gela Shekiladze has replaced the highly popular Petar Segrt as Tajikistan head coach, with the Central Asian side determined to carry their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 form into the qualifiers, having garnered four points from their earlier matches in Group G of the qualifiers.
Bahrain, on three points in Group H, turned to Dragan Talajic after the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, the Croatian replacing Spaniard Juan Antonio Pizzi.
Miodrag Radulovic, who returned as Lebanon head coach just before the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, will look to kickstart the West Asian side's campaign after two draws.
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MercedesBenz240
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Thu May 25, 2023 22:00
- Location: Albania
Japan-Korea DPR starting at 19:23. Bizarre
Kind of a thing for home games of Japan, with the kickoff time as requested by the Japanese television broadcaster. I suppose they want the program to start at 7, but obviously there has to be some pre-game introduction, and their next program starts at 9:30, so the match should end a bit before that for some post-game interviews and stuff.
Round 2 matchday 3 fixtures
First result of the day in Group D: Chinese Taipei 0-2 Kyrgyz Republic
Even though they were down to 10 men in the first half, Kyrgyzstan still won comfortably. So that likely signals the end for Chinese Taipei, still pointless after three matches, and the group will now be a three-way battle for two spots, with Oman vs Malaysia coming up later.
Even though they were down to 10 men in the first half, Kyrgyzstan still won comfortably. So that likely signals the end for Chinese Taipei, still pointless after three matches, and the group will now be a three-way battle for two spots, with Oman vs Malaysia coming up later.
More easy wins: Pakistan 0-3 Jordan in Group G, and Australia 2-0 Lebanon in Group I.
Myanmar with a surprise point against Syria.
Thailand got a point away from Korea (!) but unless China stumbles against Singapore, the Thais will still need to beat China away.
Edit: China has blown a 0-2 lead in Singapore, currently 2-2.
Japan with another underwhelming performance against a mid-AFC team who parks the bus, it's many years they can't adapt to that.
Thailand got a point away from Korea (!) but unless China stumbles against Singapore, the Thais will still need to beat China away.
Edit: China has blown a 0-2 lead in Singapore, currently 2-2.
Japan with another underwhelming performance against a mid-AFC team who parks the bus, it's many years they can't adapt to that.
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MercedesBenz240
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Thu May 25, 2023 22:00
- Location: Albania
0-0 in Pyongyang incoming....
There won't be a match in Pyongyang on Tuesday. DPR Korea have suddenly told the AFC today that they refused to host the Japan team due to "an uptick in streptococcal infections in Japan."
https://twitter.com/aishiterutokyo/stat ... 3598537113
It remains to be seen whether they can find an alternate venue for this match, either in Japan or in third country; otherwise, DPR Korea may have to forfeit the match.
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MercedesBenz240
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Thu May 25, 2023 22:00
- Location: Albania
Ohhh interestingamenina wrote: ↑Thu Mar 21, 2024 15:52There won't be a match in Pyongyang on Tuesday. DPR Korea have suddenly told the AFC today that they refused to host the Japan team due to "an uptick in streptococcal infections in Japan."
https://twitter.com/aishiterutokyo/stat ... 3598537113
It remains to be seen whether they can find an alternate venue for this match, either in Japan or in third country; otherwise, DPR Korea may have to forfeit the match.