Head-to-head stats: JOR vs VIE, THA vs CHN, IRA vs OMA
January 19 – The first games of the AFC Asian Cup last 16 knockout rounds begin today with Jordan facing Vietnam, Thailand vs China and Iran against Oman.
Match Previews
War games: Qatar and Saudi in shoot out to top group
By Paul Nicholson in Abu Dhabi
January 17 –Last night Iran and Iraq treated us to a fractious encounter. Two proud nations who have a political history of conflict delivered an at times niggly if not quite full-on encounter. Tonight the Asian Cup delivers War GamesII – Qatar vs Saudi Arabia, the blockbuster game to end the group stages.
Grp B: Aussie vs Syria reprise WC showdown, Palestinians ready to make history
January 14 – Defending champions Australia, Palestine and Syria will battle on Tuesday for the remaining knockout spots in Group B. Jordan, the surprise package of the tournament so far, have already qualified as group winners.
UAE vs Thailand: Hosts target win to top group
January 13 – United Arab Emirates coach Alberto Zaccheroni (pictured) is focused on claiming top spot in Group A as the Asian Cup hosts aim to secure their place in the last 16 when they face Thailand in their final group game on Monday.
Qatar seek win over North Korea to set up Saudi showdown
January 12 – Qatar coach Felix Sanchez has emphasised his team’s style will not be altered when they play DPR Korea in their Group E clash. The Qatari will seek three points and qualification after Saudi Arabia gained top spot with a 2-0 win over Lebanon on Saturday.
Asian Cup favourites Iran expect pacy Vietnam to come at them with no fear
January 12 – Carlos Queiroz and Iran will not take Vietnam lightly as the sky-high favourites in the Asian Cup 2019 seek three points and qualification from Group D.
Lippi defends his record as China prepares to knock over Philippines to secure last 16 slot
January 10 – Marcello Lippi has defended his tenure at the helm of the Chinese national team, citing the emergence of young players as a long-term benefit. On Friday three points against the Philippines will ensure China’s progress to the knockout stages of the 2019 Asian Cup.
UAE and Zaccheroni under pressure as India line up for ‘make-or-break’ battle
January 10 – Under pressure UAE coach Alberto Zaccheroni (pictured) has described the game with India as a “make-or-break” Asian Cup encounter for the hosts. In the opposition dugout he faces a buoyant Indian coach in Stephen Constantine who has vowed that his team will play for all three points.
Match preview Iran vs Vietnam: Good form and confident coaches promise a tight finish
January 7 – With Iran having set down an emphatic marker with their 5-0 win over Yemen, the battle between the two other group D teams Iraq and Vietnam assumes even greater importance in the bid to secure the top two automatic last 16 qualifying slots.
Match preview Iran vs Yemen: Queiroz wary of unknown Yemenis
January 6 – Iran have not won the Asian Cup since 1976 and as Team Melli chase a fourth continental title Carlos Queiroz has stressed that Iran are not underestimating Yemen in their opening fixture, calling it “a crucial game”.
Match preview: Thais eager to reverse poor form, India desperate to build a winning culture
By Samindra Kunti in Abu Dhabi
January 5 – India and Thailand will focus on kicking off their Asian Cup campaign in winning style on Sunday at the Al Nahyan Stadium as the two nations have subdued tournament expectations after enduring a troublesome build-up to the finals.
Asian Cup 2019 opener: UAE edge Bahrain in head-to-head stats
By Abdelaziz Abuhamar
January 5 – The 2019 Asian Cup opener today between the host nation UAE and Bahrain will be only the second encounter between the two national teams in this competition. The first was in the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia. UAE won 2-1.