Syria look to spring another last 16 surprise on Iran
January 30 – Syria will rely on their own strengths and philosophy against Iran in the round of 16, said manager Hector Cuper on the eve of their second-round encounter.
Bahrain undaunted by ‘life or death’ challenge of Japan
January 30 – Asian Cup hopefuls Bahrain will confront tournament favourites Japan on Wednesday afternoon at the Thumama Stadium in a round of 16 fixture that could completely change the complexion of the tournament.
Moriyasu quietly confident ahead of Japan’s clash with Bahrain
January 30 – Entering his press conference with an air of calmness and composure despite being ten minutes late, Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu explained his expectations heading into the round of 16 tie with Bahrain at the Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Greek fans to return to matches in February but only if they comply with ‘draconian’ new rules
January 30 – Greek Deputy Minister of Sports of Greece, Yiannis Vroutsis, has said that football fans will be able to return to stadia on February 13. Vroutsis also presented a raft of new measures that the Greek government will take to deal with any fan violence.
Emotions boil over as Iraqi press fury at Jesus Casas forces security to intervene
January 29 – With Iraqi emotions running high after the team were bundled out of the Asian Cup in heartbreaking fashion, surrendering two goals in added time, manager Jesus Casas felt the force of Iraqi press.
Daboub praises his Palestinian heroes and a record Asian cup campaign crafted against the odds
January 29 – Showering his team with praise after their historic campaign at the Asian Cup that ended with a 2-1 defeat to hosts Qatar, manager Makram Daboub said his players had “alleviated the pain of Palestine”.
Palestine bow out with friends, honour and pride as Afif drives Qatar into last eight
By Samindra Kunti in Al Khor
January 29 – With an assist and a goal, Akram Afif propelled Qatar to the last eight of the Asian Cup with a 2-1 victory over the brave-hearted Palestinians.
Ammouta says mental strength and a wicked counter attack are key to Jordan’s success
January 30 – Jordan crashed their way into the quarter finals on Monday evening, overcoming the odds to score twice in added time against high-flying Iraq.
Jordan hammer in two goals in added time to snatch victory from Iraq in an explosive last 16 tie
By Harry Ewing in Doha
January 29 – The most pulse-raising, heartbreaking and inspiring match at the Asian Cup this year, Jordan netted twice in added time to snatch victory from 10-man Iraq, sending the Khalifa Stadium in Doha into absolute bedlam.
Ceferin shrugs off Boban departure saying Congress will decide if UEFA has term limits
January 29 – UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin insists the organisation is united and democratic despite last week’s surprise resignation of Director of Football Zvonimir Boban.
No need for Salah. Congo knock Egypt out of AFCON with penalty shootout win
January 29 – Congo knocked seven-time champion Egypt out of the Africa Cup of Nations with an 8-7 penalty shootout win after the teams finished 1-1 after extra time on Sunday in the round of 16.
Belgian Pro League rules Anderlecht-Genk to be replayed after VAR error affects result
January 29 – In what is believed to be the first move of its kind, a top-flight European domestic game is to be replayed in full because of an error made by the video assistant referee.
Who will blink first? Uzbekistan and Thailand evenly matched ahead of last 16 tie
January 29 – Someone is going to lose their no-loss record in tomorrow’s last 16 clash, with unbeaten Uzbekistan and Thailand set to lock horns at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar.
Fan fighting halts West Brom vs Wolves FA Cup clash
January 29 – In a rare throwback to the dark days of English football hooliganism, an FA Cup match between fierce rivals West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers had to be suspended on Sunday after “dangerous and inexcusable” crowd trouble.
MG drives EV product line with Arsenal sponsorship
January 29 – MG Motor UK has become Premier League Arsenal’s Official Automotive Partner in a multi-year deal.