Jan 22 (Reuters) – Talking factors from the week in Asian soccer:
QATAR MAINTAIN PERFECT START TO ASIAN CUP TITLE DEFENCE
Defending champions and tournaments hosts Qatar turned the primary nation to progress to the final 16 of the Asian Cup, the place they’ve been joined by Australia, Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Qatar’s 1-0 win over Tajikistan adopted their opening 3-0 victory over Lebanon and assured progress to the subsequent spherical.
Australia beat Syria 1-0 to advance whereas Iran’s 1-0 victory over Hong Kong took them by way of. Saudi Arabia secured their berth with a 2-0 win over Kyrgyzstan.
Pre-tournament favourites Japan suffered a shock 2-1 defeat by Iraq whereas South Korea wanted a stoppage time personal aim from Yazan Al Arab to say a 2-2 draw with Jordan.
SOUTH KOREANS LOSE FIRST-CHOICE GOALKEEPER KIM
South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu has been dominated out for the rest of the Asian Cup after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament throughout coaching.
Coach Juergen Klinsmann confirmed on Friday his first-choice goalkeeper will miss the remainder of the event because the Koreans look to win the title for the primary time in 64 years.
“We’re very unhappy about Seung-gyu’s harm nevertheless it’s a part of sport, it occurs in tournaments however we now have to maneuver on,” Klinsmann mentioned.
“We maintain him in our ideas and we struggle for him. What I instructed the workforce was that we’re right here and we now have a mission, that’s to remain until the tip of the event.”
Soccer-Sepahan Handed Fine, Stadium Ban After Al-Ittihad Cancellation
WELLINGTON STAY TOP IN AUSTRALIA AFTER LATE RUFER PENALTY
Wellington Phoenix held Melbourne Victory 1-1 on Friday because the New Zealand-based membership maintained their slender lead in Australia regardless of taking part in the second interval with 10 males after Tim Payne was despatched off in first-half stoppage time.
Alex Rufer’s ninety fifth minute penalty cancelled out Connor Chapman’s 78th minute opener to earn Wellington a share of the factors.
“We knew going into halftime it was going to be a battle,” mentioned Rufer. “We conceded a poor aim however … we knew we’d get an opportunity and (the penalty) was the prospect. We took it and we’re actually, actually pleased with the purpose.”
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CHINESE SIDE DALIAN PRO CLOSES DUE TO ‘HISTORICAL DEBTS’
Chinese Super League membership Dalian Pro introduced on Wednesday their dissolution with rapid impact after failing to be granted a licence for the upcoming season.
The membership, as soon as coached by Rafa Benitez, completed fifteenth within the 16-team prime flight final season to keep away from relegation however is not going to take part within the new marketing campaign.
“Despite the efforts of many events, the membership was unable to function usually resulting from historic money owed that would not be resolved and in the end didn’t cross the league admission for the 2024 season,” Dalian mentioned in an announcement.
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