Asian Football

[Michael]

Thailand are deservedly leading against Kyrgyzstan in their opening Asian Cup match, but the Central Asian side have had chances of their own in a tough match.

Yesterday's games were much more one sided as South Korea and Iraq defeated Bahrain and Indonesia by a score of 3-1 respectively, while Jordan disposed of Malaysia 4-0.

[Michael]

Chaided scores his 2nd goal of the match to give Thailand a 2-0 lead. 

Thailand 2-0 Kyrgyzstan 

[Michael]

Oman have taken a shock lead against Saudi Arabia in the Asian Cup, as a penalty from Al-Yahyaei has given them the lead. The Saudis have since pressed and created some chances, but they've yet to find the equaliser so far in the 1st half.

Saudi Arabia 0-1 Oman

[Dr. Gonzo]

Saw that Iran spanked Palestine, was met with some funny emotions from my family there.

[Michael]

Saudi Arabia have been pressing a lot in the 2nd half looking for the equaliser, but Oman have caused many problems for the Saudis on the counter attack. Oman looking good value for their lead with the way they have played.

[Michael]

Ghareeb equalises for Saudi Arabia with a lovely solo goal. He took on several players and slotted the ball home.

Saudi Arabia 1-1 Oman

[Michael]

Saudi score a controversial winner deep into injury time through Al-Bulayhi. His headed goal was flagged for offside by the linesman, but the decision was changed and the goal was allowed by the referee after VAR. The Oman side will be gutted as they played very well, but Saudi played an extremely attacking game in the 2nd half and it ultimately paid off.

Saudi Arabia 2-1 Oman

Edited January 16 by Michael

[Michael]

Lebanon and China drew 0-0 earlier today, while Qatar have just beaten Central Asian side Tajikistan 1-0 after an early goal by Akram Afif. Qatar have won both their opening games after defeating Lebanon 3-0 in their first match of the group and have now already qualified for the second round with a remaining group match still to play. Lebanon, China and Tajikistan are all still battling to finish 2nd in the group.

Lebanon 0-0 China

Qatar 1-0 Tajikistan

[Michael]

Uzbekistan lead India 3-0 at half-time and they will look to add some more goals in the 2nd half. Uzbekistan will look to score as many goals as possible as the 2nd half begins, because goal difference may come into the equation, as they compete with Australia for 1st place in the group. The Australians defeated India 2-0 in their opening match of the group and today they beat Syria 1-0, as Jackson Irvine got the winning goal

Uzbekistan 3-0 India

Australia 1-0 Syria

[Michael]

The UAE have taken an early lead against Palestine thanks to a headed goal by Sultan Al-Amiri.

UAE 1-0 Palestine

[Michael]

Iraq have taken a surprise early lead against Japan through a goal by Hussein. It's been an intense match in this 1st half.

Iraq 1-0 Japan

[Michael]

Iraq score a 2nd goal! It was Hussein again who scored as he met a lovely cross with a powerful header which found the back of the net!

Iraq 2-0 Japan

[Michael]

Muhannad Ali Al-Shammari creates a chance all by winning a header and then pulling off a shot at goal that goes narrowly wide of the far post. Big chance that and it could have been Iraq's 3rd goal. Iraq have played very well today, they've worked excellently as a team.

Iraq 2-0 Japan

[Michael]

Japan pull a goal back from a header by their Liverpool player Wataru Endo deep into injury time. The Iraqi keeper Hasan blundered by coming out for a cross from a corner but completely missed it and Endo was on hand to head the ball into the back of the net.

Iraq 2-1 Japan

[Dr. Gonzo]

Nice, hopefully Japan have an early exit so we get Endo back sooner

[Goku de la Boca]

This aged fucking terribly.

[Michael]

In the last match of the day, Iran defeated Hong Kong 1-0 thanks to a well executed and accurate goal by Mehdi Ghayedi. After a comfortable win in their opening match against Palestine, Iran were made to work hard for the narrow win today, as Hong Kong surprisingly created several dangerous chances to score. But Iran were deserved winners in the end and they move top of the group.

Iran 1-0 Hong Kong

 

[Michael]

9 hours ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

Nice, hopefully Japan have an early exit so we get Endo back sooner

I doubt that will happen, as Japan are very likely to beat Indonesia in their last match. Even if Japan draw against the Indonesians, it would be enough to see Japan qualify and advance from the group. In reality though, Japan should beat Indonesia comfortably, given that Japan are by far the stronger team. If Japan win or even draw in their last match, they will finish 2nd in the group, meaning their next match in the Round of 16 will be on the 31st of January. They will probably play their neighbours and the other powerhouses in East Asia South Korea. As that potential match is like a 50/50 as to who wins, it could very well be Japan who lose. But yeah, realistically, the earliest you'll get Endo back is for your matches in February.

[Goku de la Boca]

I am quite behind on European football that I didn't realize Al Tamaari was in France, and it looks like that helped his development. Looks a seriously class player now as opposed to 2019 where it was just raw talent.

[Michael]

15 minutes ago, Goku de la Boca said:

I am quite behind on European football that I didn't realize Al Tamaari was in France, and it looks like that helped his development. Looks a seriously class player now as opposed to 2019 where it was just raw talent.

"it"???? lol

Yeah, he looks a very talented player and he is clearly the key player for his national team.

[Michael]

Jordan have a surprise lead over South Korea at half-time. South Korea took an early lead through a Son penalty, but then an own goal and a goal by Al-Naimat has given Jordan a 2-1 lead at the break. Jordan were very impressive in their first match against Malaysia where they trounced then 4-0 and now they are continuing their good form by leading against the Koreans.

Jordan 2-1 South Korea

[Goku de la Boca]

2 minutes ago, Michael said:

"it"???? lol

Yeah, he looks a very talented player and he is clearly the key player for his national team.

In 2019 he was nowhere near as good as he is now, he looks far more developed to a higher standard. Back then it was flashes of talent and he was already on of their better players but he could not win games with just his quality alone.

[Michael]

1 minute ago, Goku de la Boca said:

In 2019 he was nowhere near as good as he is now, he looks far more developed to a higher standard. Back then it was flashes of talent and he was already on of their better players but he could not win games with just his quality alone.

Yes, I know that, it's quite obvious. Back in 2019 he was playing in the weak Cypriot league, now he is actually shinning in the French League, one of the top 5 best leagues in Europe. He is a real talent and it will be interesting to see how far this Jordanian team can go, as they've played very well so far in this competition.

[Goku de la Boca]

Sincerely I think it's very likely Qatar retain their title. They've been the best team so far.

[Michael]

29 minutes ago, Goku de la Boca said:

Sincerely I think it's very likely Qatar retain their title. They've been the best team so far.

They've played well, but I wouldn't necessarily say that they have been the best team so far. With all due respect, they have beaten Lebanon and Tajikistan in their first 2 matches, who are both decent sides, but as good as the better teams in Asia. I think it's pretty open as to will win it.

Japan, South Korea, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Uzbekistan and Jordan all have the potential to win it. It all depends on how they turn up on the matchday. But these sides are all closely matched and have played some good football in this competition.

Edited January 20 by Michael