Latest news with #AFCAsianQualifiers-Roadto26
Qatar Tribune
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Uzbekistan close out qualifying campaign with a flourish
AFC Tashkent Uzbekistan closed their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over Qatar on Tuesday. Timur Kapadze's men, who have already booked their spot in their first FIFA World Cup Finals, finished with 21 points from 10 matches. Qatar will have to navigate the playoffs, where two additional places at next year's global showpiece are up for grabs. The West Asians finished fourth in Group A with 13 points. A slow first 20 minutes was highlighted by a half-hearted try by Qatar's Amro Syrag, a looping header by Uzbekistan's Husniddin Aliqulov and a run down the middle from his captain Eldor Shomurodov, who outran three defenders only to be dispossessed. The game burst into life in the 28th minute when Azizbek Turgunboev evaded two tackles down the right and sent a screamer that rocked the underside of the bar and gave keeper Salah Zakaria no chance at all. Zakaria and the Qatari defence were kept on their toes in the following minutes by the twin strikeforce of Shomurodov and Jaloliddin Masharipov, who combined to make three attempts at goal. The custodian later kept his side in the match when he pulled off a fine save on the stroke of half time from Shomurodov down the right and then held on to a close-range effort by Abbosbek Fayzullaev five minutes into time added on. The hosts started the second half with a fierce strike from Masharipov,, who sprinted down the left and curled his shot wide past the right post. Qatar were constantly kept on the backfoot, with Zakaria making yet another crucial save when he shielded Khojiakbar Alijonov's shot from the edge of the six-yard box in the 63rd minute. Shomurodov scored their second in the 86th minute when he latched on to a long pass from Jamshid Iskanderov, controlled the ball with his right foot and unleashed a shot with his left that flew past an outstretched Zakaria. Uzbekistan sealed the match in the second minute of stoppage time when Igor Sergeev, who had come on a minute earlier in place of Shomurodov, scored with a close range header.
Gulf Today
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
UAE coach Olaroiu shifts focus to crucial playoff preparation
UAE will be aiming to lock down third spot when they travel to face Kyrgyzstan in their final AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Group A tie on Tuesday. Thursday's goalless draw with Uzbekistan ended UAE's hopes of automatic qualification and the West Asian side sit only a point ahead of Qatar, with both having sealed their places in the playoffs. Cosmin Olaroiu would have known before the tie against Uzbekistan that automatic qualification was going to be a long shot but the newly appointed head coach saw positives in the match and is already preparing for the playoffs. 'You have a once in a lifetime chance,' Olaroiu said. 'I don't think you should talk about motivation as much as preparation. That is the most important thing. Now is the end of the season, we have a break, then the clubs will start their preparations. 'In September, there is (an international) break and we will have some friendly games. The preparation is very, very important because the work the clubs will do now will influence it.' Kyrgyzstan, on the other hand, will be aiming to finish their debut campaign at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers on a high note. Cosmin Olaroiu In a setback to the team ahead of the crucial match, the UAE Football Association has suspended defender Khalid Al Dhanhani and forward Sultan Adel for five domestic matches and fined each player Dhs500,000 on Sunday for misconduct during a national team training camp. The players have left the camp with immediate effect due to a violation of disciplinary rules and will not travel with the squad to Kyrgyzstan. 'The disciplinary committee of the UAE Football Association (UAEFA) has decided to suspend Sharjah player Khalid Al Dhanhani and Shabab Al Ahli player Sultan Adil for five domestic matches, and to impose a fine of Dh500,000 on each,' the UAEFA said in a statement on Sunday. 'They have also been removed from the senior national team list after committing a violation inside the national team training camp on June 7.' The clubs of the two players dismissed from the UAE national team have expressed their support for the Football Association's decision. While the specific nature of the 'violation' has not been disclosed, both players' clubs have backed the FA's actions. 'While the club reaffirms its full respect for the decisions and regulations of the UAE Football Association, it will proceed with the necessary disciplinary action against the player,' Sharjah club stated. Saudi aim for miracle against Australia: A Saudi squad that has scored six goals through nine qualifying games need to beat Australia by a five-goal margin to earn a direct spot at the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Herve Renard knows it's an extremely unlikely outcome for his Saudi team, but he's urging his players to go all in Tuesday in the last game of the third round of Asian qualifying for next year's global tournament. 'The door is closed but we have to try to qualify even if it is through the window,' Renard said after his team's 2-0 win over Bahrain last week kept Saudi Arabia in contention. 'Everything must go very well for us if we are to qualify; we have to score goals.' Anything less than a five-goal deficit means Australia — in second spot in Group C — will qualify for a seventh World Cup. The last time the Socceroos lost by such a margin was in successive 6-0 defeats against Brazil and France in 2013. The Australians have scored 14 goals and conceded six through nine qualifiers. After successive World Cup qualifications through the playoffs, Australia are close to securing a direct route but coach Tony Popovic is taking nothing for granted. 'We need to do a job in Saudi,' Popovic said. 'We're in a great position, but we need to finish it off.' Popovic has only been in the job since September, stepping in after Graham Arnold resigned after collecting just one point in the group's first two qualification games. 'It's been a really intense period since I've come in but everyone's embraced what we're aiming to do,' he said. 'And we're very close now to achieving our goal.'For China, Kuwait, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan and Bahrain, the run to 2026 is already over. UAE players take part in a training session in Bishkek on Monday, ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Kyrgyzstan.
Qatar Tribune
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar aim to keep up their winning run against Uzbekistan in Tashkent
AFC/TNN Tashkent Qatar will look to continue their winning run against Uzbekistan at the Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent for their concluding AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Group A tie on Tuesday. Al Annabi sealed their place in the playoffs - where an additional two spots to the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be at stake - with a 1-0 win over Iran on Thursday. It was Spaniard Julen Lopetegui's first match in charge as head coach and the tactician will expect his side to take full points as they set their eyes on the playoffs. 'We have another match ahead of us, and we must also focus because it will be an important building block for what's to come,' said Lopetegui after The morale boosting win against Iran. Ahead of the clash against Uzbekistan, Lopetegui reiterated, 'This match will be an important and challenging test for us ahead of the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers in October. We need to maintain our standard of high-quality football and control the tempo of the game.' 'We are fully aware of the strength of the Uzbek team, which is one of the best in Asia. That's why we must give our maximum effort and perform at our highest level.' 'I have full confidence in our players' ability to rise to the occasion and reflect the hard work we've put in during preparation. Everyone is committed and determined to give their best performance.' Qatar player Abdulaziz Hatem said, 'Our preparations for this match have gone well, especially following our important victory over Iran in the previous round, which secured our qualification for the fourth round of the qualifiers.' 'Tomorrow's match against Uzbekistan will be an important test as we prepare for the next stage of the qualifiers, so we must approach it with full seriousness.' 'Our matches against Uzbekistan are always intense and exciting, and we expect tomorrow's game to be no different. We will strive to perform at our best and give it everything we've got.' Meanwhile fans will expect a party-like atmosphere when Uzbekistan welcome Qatar. The Central Asian side sealed qualification to an inaugural FIFA World Cup Finals on Thursday and will want to end their campaign with victory in front of their fans. Thursday's qualification was greeted with joy as Uzbekistan ended their long wait to appear on the global stage, with head coach Timur Kapadze applauding his players for getting across the finish line despite the immense pressure. 'We overcame a lot of pressure. Before the game, fans, sports websites and experts expressed their confidence in our team's victory and expected a good result from us. This confidence also became a great responsibility and pressure for us. But we managed to overcome this pressure and complete the task. 'For the next match, we will prepare adequately although several players who have not featured much may be given the chance to play,' said the tactician, with there still being a possibility of Uzbekistan topping the group with a win should Islamic Republic of Iran lose to DPR Korea. Qatar have 13 points with four wins. Iran top the group with 20 points, followed by Uzbekistan (18), the UAE (14), Qatar (13), Kyrgyzstan (7), and North Korea (3). Iran and Uzbekistan have both secured automatic qualification to the World Cup. Eighteen teams have qualified for the current stage that was divided into three groups, each containing six teams competing in a split league system of two home and away stages. The first and second-placed teams from each group qualify directly for the World Cup. The third and fourth-placed teams in each group advance to the fourth round, which will see the teams divided into two groups of three. The top team in each group will qualify for the World Cup, while the second-placed teams will play a continental play-off to qualify for the World Cup.
Observer
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Ali Olwan hits hat-trick as Jordan blank Oman
MUSCAT, June 5 The Jordanian star striker Ali Olwan delivered a crucial victory to his team as Jordan blanked Oman 3-0 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Group B tie on Thursday night at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. The emphatic win boosted Jordan's chances of securing direct berth qualification to the Fifa World Cup next year for the first time in their history as they reached 16 points. On the other hand, the defeat meant Red Warriors dashed their hopes for a top-two finish and now redirects their efforts toward the playoff spot route as they remained at ten points. The first half saw a cautious start from both sides with each team tightening their defensive lines to avoid an early setback. Jordan dominated midfield possession and had the first significant threat when Moosa al Tamari found the net in the 11th minute only to be flagged offside. Oman's first reply came moments later, as Abdulrahman al Mushaifri fired a powerful effort that narrowly missed the left post. In the 23rd minute, Essam al Subhi had a clear opportunity to score but was denied by a brilliant save from Jordanian goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Laila. The Red Warriors mounted more pressure, with Thani al Rushaidi heading over from a corner and al Mushaifri again being blocked from long range. However, momentum shifted in Jordan's favor after Khalid al Buraiki conceded a penalty following a VAR review. Ali Olwan converted from the spot in the 35th minute to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The first half concluded with Oman pushing for an equaliser but unable to break through a disciplined Jordanian defense. The second half saw Jordan coach Jamal Selami bring on Saleem Obaid for Mohammad Abu Al Nadi in a move that revitalised Jordan's attack. In the 52nd minute, Olwan doubled the lead with a calm finish off a pinpoint assist from Yazan Al Naimat. Twelve minutes later, Olwan completed his hat-trick, latching onto a perfectly timed pass from Moosa al Tamari and converting from close range to make it 3-0 in a scoreline that proved insurmountable. Final Push Oman coach Rasheed Jaber reacted quickly as he introduced Hatim al Roshdi for Harib al Saadi, Al Mundher al Alawi for Salah Al Yahyaei and Zaher Al Aghbari for Jameel Al Yahmadi. Despite the changes, Jordan's disciplined defensive line absorbed the pressure well. Oman's efforts, particularly from Ali al Busaidi and Abdulrahman al Mushaifri lacked the final touch, as Jordan held firm to seal a clinical 3-0 victory in Muscat.
Gulf Today
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
UAE and Uzbekistan play draw at Asian Qualifiers as Australia, Jordan close in
Uzbekistan qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in the nation's history on Thursday as a 0-0 draw with the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi ensured Timur Kapadze's side claimed a top two finish in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26. A trio of saves by goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov kept the Emiratis at bay in the second half to take Uzbekistan onto 18 points from nine games and maintain their four-point lead over third-placed UAE with only Tuesday's matches remaining in the third phase of qualifying. The qualification is Uzbekistan's first in eight attempts since the Central Asian nation joined the Asian Football Confederation. The UAE, meanwhile, will advance to the fourth phase of qualifying, where new head coach Cosmin Olaroiu will continue the nation's attempt to book a FIFA World Cup berth for the first time since 1990. With the UAE needing a win to keep alive their hopes of automatic qualification alongside Group A leaders the Iran, it was Fabio Lima who had an early sight of goal for the hosts, the striker shooting straight at Yusupov. An early injury saw Oston Urunov replaced by Abbosbek Fayzullaev and the substitute almost unlocked the UAE defence in the 26th minute, exploiting the space down the left to pull the ball across the face of goal. But none of his teammates were able to capitalise. It was Uzbekistan who went closest in the 54th minute as Khojiakbar Alijonov slipped the ball through Majed Hassan's legs before curling over a cross that Fayzullaev rose to meet with a powerful header, only for the ball to thump back off the bar. The hosts, however, started to turn the screw as Olaroiu's side pushed for the goal that would deliver a win that would keep the UAE's dwindling chances of automatic qualification alive. Yusupov was on hand to prevent the UAE from taking the lead as the game approached the hour mark, diving to his left to keep out Lucas Pimenta's close range header after Fabio Lima's testing free kick into the penalty area. And the Uzbekistan goalkeeper saved another strike by Fabio Lima that the Brazil-born attacker attempted to bend into the bottom corner with time ticking down, Yusupov pushing the ball to safety to seal his nation's historic progress. Earlier, Aziz Behich's last-minute winner earned Australia a 1-0 victory over already-qualified Japan in Perth on Thursday as the Socceroos took a huge stride towards claiming an automatic berth at next year's FIFA World Cup from Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26. The Melbourne City defender bent in a 90th minute winner from 12 yards out to delight the 57,226 crowd at Perth Stadium, moving Tony Popovic's side onto 16 points from nine games with the Socceroos due to play Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Tuesday. Australia now stand on the cusp of qualifying after handing the Japanese their first defeat of the campaign, and Saudi Arabia must win against Bahrain later on Thursday to delay the Socceroos' celebrations. Popovic made three changes to the side that won 2-0 against China PR in March, with Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay ruled out due to injury, prompting the selection of Connor Metcalfe and Alessandro Circati. With qualification secured, Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu made a host of changes to his starting line-up with Daichi Kamada and Koki Machida the only recognisable regulars selected. Despite fielding a side featuring newly capped players Hiroki Sekine, Yu Hirakawa and Kota Tawaratsumida, it was the Samurai Blue in the ascendancy throughout the opening 45 minutes as Moriyasu's side dominated without possessing a cutting edge. Yuki Ohashi, making only his second appearance for Japan, launched a speculative effort from wide on the left in the 16th minute that flew over Maty Ryan's crossbar while Sekine was quick to snuff out a glimmer of an opportunity for Martin Boyle at the other end. Yuito Suzuki powered towards the Australian goal in the 29th minute only to pull his shot wide of Ryan's left post from the edge of the area. The Socceroos had seen little of the ball but, on a rare sortie into Japanese territory, Ryan Teague delivered a corner into the penalty area that Connor Metcalfe glanced wide of Kosei Tani's goal. A diving Ryan was relieved to see Hirakawa's low strike from 25 yards out drift wide while Kamada dragged his attempt off target on the turn with a little over two minutes left in the half. Hirakawa then warmed Ryan's hands with another effort moments later. Australia failed to make the most of a mistake by Tani early in the second half, the goalkeeper gifting possession to the Socceroos but Behich thumped woefully off target as he ventured forward. Ohashi blazed another attempt wide before the introduction of Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura briefly injected added creativity into the Japan team. Kubo almost struck with 10 minutes remaining after the Australian defence only half-cleared a ball into the penalty area, the Real Sociedad man shooting wide with Ryan little more than a spectator. Suzuki ballooned his attempt into the sky soon after. Australia pushed forward in the dying moments and, after substitute Riley McGree cut the ball back from the byeline towards Behich, the full-back swept his right-foot shot past Tani to spark scenes of jubilation on the bench. Meanwhile, a year out from kick-off, Iranian football fans are watching their World Cup dream slip away after a US travel ban barred them from entering the land of "Great Satan" to cheer on their team. The 2026 tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, but most matches, including the final, are scheduled to be played on American soil. Many in Iran had clung to hopes of cheering from the stands until Wednesday when US President Donald Trump rolled out a new travel ban on 12 countries including Iran, which will take effect from Monday. "My friends and I have been waiting for years to watch Team Melli (a nickname for the national team) play in a World Cup on US soil, and when they qualified, it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Sohrab Naderi, a real estate agent in Tehran, told AFP. Now with the new travel ban, that dream is shattered because of politics that we don't care about and have no control over," said the 46-year-old who attended the 2022 World Cup in Qatar which saw the US side defeat Iran 1-0 in the group stage. The prospect of Iran competing in a US-hosted tournament comes against the backdrop of a decades-long enmity, with diplomatic ties broken since the 1979 Islamic revolution. The two sides are currently engaged in high-stakes talks over Iran's nuclear programme, with the United States threatening military action if no deal can be reached. Trump said the new travel ban was prompted by a makeshift flamethrower attack on a Jewish protest in Colorado that US authorities blamed on a man they said was in the country illegally. The ban will not apply to athletes competing in either the 2026 World Cup or the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the order said. Nonetheless, supporters who had dreamed of crossing the Atlantic to cheer on their team will no longer be able to make the trip. "Every Iranian has the right to support their team, just as much as any other country, whether the game is in America or in any other country," said Hasti Teymourpour, a 16-year-old football fan. Since his return to office in January, Trump has reinstated his "maximum pressure" policy of sanctions against Iran and vowed that "something bad" would happen unless the Iranians "move quickly" towards a nuclear deal. Naderi, who called the ban "inhumane" and "degrading to all Iranians", still hopes the Iran-US nuclear talks will yield a deal that might persuade Trump to reconsider. The outcome of the US-Iran talks that began in April remains unclear, and many fans worry that even if they result in a deal, it may be too late for them. Some Iranians have refused to give up hope, however, seeing in the World Cup an opportunity to thaw relations. "Sports diplomacy can act as a strong catalyst and bring the efforts of political diplomats to fruition sooner," said political commentator Mohammad Reza Manafi. It could be "a great opportunity to help advance diplomacy between the two countries". In a memorable 1998 World Cup clash, Iranian players handed flowers to their American adversaries and posed together for photos -- a rare public gesture of goodwill between the nations. Iran won 2-1, a victory celebrated in Tehran as a source of both sporting and political pride. With the 2026 draw expected in December, it remains unclear whether Iran and the United States will face off again, but anticipation is building. "The two countries are not hostile to each other, this political discussion is for the governments," said 44-year-old day labourer Siamak Kalantari. Another fan, Mahdieh Olfati, said: "If we face the US again, we'll definitely win." "Ours are real players," the 18-year-old added. Manafi, the commentator, said a friendly before the tournament, possibly hosted by a third country, could help ease tensions. Such a game, he said, could help "achieve what politicians from both sides have not managed to do for years". Agencies
