AL-AIN, United Arab Emirates (AFP) - AFP Sport looks at five things we learnt from the opening round of group games at the Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates:
1. Home advantage countsÂ
It has been a long time since Iran or Saudi Arabia were kings of Asia but with the tournament back in the Middle East, they have looked in ominous form.
Iran, Asia's top-ranked team, swamped Yemen, the lowest in the competition at 135 on the FIFA listings, 5-0 in the biggest win of the first round. Iran haven't lifted the trophy since 1976, when they completed a run of three straight victories - two of them on home soil.
Three-times winners Saudi Arabia, who last won the title in UAE, a short hop over their shared border, in 1996, were also impressive in their 4-0 win over North Korea.
After Jordan stunned defending champions Australia, and Uzbekistan became the only side from outside the region to beat a Middle Eastern team, it's tempting to think that home comforts count for much.
2. Don't mind the gap
Reputations increasingly mean little in international football but when Turkmenistan and the Philippines are playing the continent's best, expectations are understandably low.
However, a thunderous first-half strike put Turkmenistan 1-0 up against four-time winners Japan, who eventually escaped 3-2, while the Philippines repeatedly troubled South Korea, runners-up in 2015, before narrowly losing 1-0.
They were far from isolated incidents: Jordan dealt a heavy blow to Australia's title defence with a 1-0 upset win, and Kyrgyzstan were 1-0 up against China before an own goal put Marcello Lippi's team on course for a face-saving 2-1 victory.
Meanwhile, India's 4-1 win over Thailand rocked the record five-time Southeast Asian champions so much that they promptly sacked their coach, Milovan Rajevac.
3. Bring me Son-shine
Despite the surprises and moments of quality so far, a dash of star power would not go amiss and it's not just South Korea who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Son Heung-min.
The Tottenham Hotspur forward will significantly boost the Korean front line when he joins the competition after Friday's game against Kyrgyzstan, under a deal struck with his Premier League club.
Son led South Korea to the Asian Games title last year, and memorably struck their second as they knocked holders Germany out of the World Cup in Russia.
He will also help raise the profile of a tournament which is not blessed with a great number of personalities well known outside of Asia, apart from some of the coaches who include Lippi, Sven-Goran Eriksson, Carlos Queiroz and Hector Cuper.
4. It's not just cricket
Indian sports fans have a new idol to love - and he's not a cricketer. When Sunil Chhetri plundered a brace in the shock win over Thailand, he moved past Lionel Messi and behind Cristiano Ronaldo in the goal-scoring charts for active international players.
Chhetri's achievement added extra excitement as India celebrated their first Asian Cup win since 1964. A strong run in the tournament will do India's burgeoning football scene no harm at all but despite the success, headlines remained dominated by cricket as it coincided with India sealing their first Test series win in Australia.
5. Politics never far awayÂ
Qatar's journey to UAE in the middle of the Gulf blockade was never going to be easy but so far they have dealt with the situation admirably, shrugging off any outside distractions to beat Lebanon handily in their opening match.
It is the first time Qatar's national team has visited UAE since the start of the crisis in the middle of 2017, when neighbouring countries cut ties and enforced a blockade of the resource-rich state which will host the 2022 World Cup.
Sanctions-hit Iran also complained of a variety of problems in the build-up to the tournament, while Yemen are in the midst of a full-blown war and humanitarian crisis, Syria have long been wracked by conflict and Iraq's situation remains turbulent.
Football: Iran coach Carlos Queiroz set for Colombia switch
Arsenal inflict first domestic defeat on Solskjaer to surge into top four March 12, 2019 LONDON (AFP) - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blamed Manchester United's lack of ruthlessness as the Norwegian suffered his first domestic defeat as caretaker manager in a 2-0 loss at Arsenal on Sunday night.
Arsenal inflict first domestic defeat on Solskjaer to surge
Jan 10, 2019 · José Mourinho, pictured at the Primeira Liga match between Vitória and Santa Clara in December, has ruled himself out of the Benfica job. Photograph: Rui Minderico/EPA José Mourinho has spoken
Football news- Jose Mourinho rules himself out of Benfica job
Football: AC Milan miss out on top-four finish in Serie A despite win over SPAL. AC Milan players applaud fans after the Italian Serie A soccer match against SPAL Ferrara in Ferrara, Italy, on May
AC Milan miss out on top-four finish despite SPAL win
Sterling by Music Man StingRay 5 Electric Bass, 5-String, Mint Green With its basswood body, heavy-duty humbucking pickup, and 2-band active EQ, the Sterling StingRay 5 was made to bring the house down with its huge low end.
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Ray4 Electric Bass Guitar
Atletico Madrid the greatest threat to Barcelona's La Liga hopes, says Ernesto Valverde Description: Barcelona have made four signings in the January transfer window, their latest move a 75-million-euro ($85.5 million) deal for Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who will arrive in July.
Atletico 'the greatest threat to Barca's La Liga hopes
"He's unstoppable," said Klopp afterwards. "Obviously we couldn't defend the free-kick. Klopp hails Salah's goal against Chelsea. Salah targets place in Liverpool record books.
Klopp on 'amazing' Liverpool, Salah, wind - ProSoccerTalk
HISTORYMAKER Homes is the premiere DFW home builder offering new DFW and Houston homes for sale in numerous beautiful new communities.
Google Переводчик
If she's taking her sweet time to get back to you, it's one of the biggest signs for how to tell if a girl is playing hard to get. Playing hard to get often means making the other person wait, even when it personally pains you to do so.
Is it ever a good idea to play hard to get — when you're
Chhetri rues missed chances in game of 'small margins' Safuwan scores to salvage Singapore draw in Hong Kong friendly . Singapore geared up for Tuesday's all-important AFC Asian Cup qualifier
Singapore prepare in Doha desert heat for crucial Asian Cup
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on December 16, 2018, with the headline 'Abramovich steps in amid racism outrage'. Print Edition | Subscribe.
Outrage Over Racism Rekindled Amid Two Viral Videos | Newsmax.com
Norway is bordered by Finland and Russia to the north-east, and the Skagerrak strait to the south, with Denmark on the other side. Norway has an extensive coastline, facing the North Atlantic Ocean and the Barents Sea. Harald V of the House of Glücksburg is the current King of Norway.
Citizenship - nyinorge.no
0 comments:
Post a Comment