The Vietnamese fairy-tale continued in the Round of 16, as Park Hang-seo's side came from a goal behind to overcome Jordan in a penalty shootout, claiming the nation's first ever AFC Asian Cup knockout stage win.
Their next challenge comes in the form of the competition's most successful ever team; four-time champions Japan, who made it four wins from four with a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.
CHINA PR v ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi - 20:00, January 24
Still unbeaten, and still yet to concede a goal, Islamic Republic of Iran are building nicely as they look to win their first AFC Asian Cup title since 1976 - with their comprehensive 2-0 Round of 16 win over Oman underlining their smooth progress.
China PR appear in the last eight for the second consecutive edition of the tournament, having come from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Thailand in the first knockout round.
KOREA REPUBLIC v QATAR
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi - 17:00, January 25
Korea Republic's quest to end their 59-year title drought faces what is arguably their most challenging obstacle yet, with Qatar having won all four of their matches without having conceded a single goal.
The match will feature the coming together of one of Asia's most celebrated stars, Korea' Republic's Tottenham Hotspur ace Son Heung-min, and one of its brightest emerging talents in seven-goal Qatari striker Almoez Ali.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES v AUSTRALIA
Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain - 20:00, January 25
Both United Arab Emirates and Australia emerged from epic Round of 16 tussles to ultimately prevail against Central Asian opposition, and book the first meeting between the AFC Asian Cup hosts and reigning champions since Vietnam met Japan in the 2007 edition.
The sides also met in the 2015 semi-final, and Alberto Zaccheroni's men will eager to square the ledger after the Socceroos won 2-0 on the way to claiming the Continental crown.
AFC Asian Cup 2019: All you need to know about VAR to be used from quarterfinals
The AFC Asian Cup 2019 has now entered its fag end and we’re all set for the quarterfinals which commence on Thursday, 24th January. But there’s one huge addition which will be made to the tournament at this stage – the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Here are a few things you need to know about VAR before we get down with the last-eight action.
First-ever VAR at the Asian Cup
Australia’s Christopher Beath will be the first-ever Video Assistant Referee at the Asian Cup while his two assistants will be Muhammad Taqi Bin Jahari from Singapore and Paolo Valeri from Italy. The trio will oversee the first quarterfinal of the tournament between Vietnam and Japan.
System tested during round-of-16 matches
The VAR system was tested through the course of the round-of-16 matches of the tournament at the four quarterfinal venues – Zayed Sports City Stadium and Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain and the Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai.
VAR restricted to four game-altering decisions
– Goal or no goal
Whether there has been a foul in the lead up to the goal by the scoring team OR if there was an offside which the linesman didn’t pick OR if the ball had gone out of the field of play – these will be taken into account by the VAR.
– Penalty decisions
The VAR will have to keep a special eye on decisions where one of the sides has or has not been awarded a spot kick.
These include – incorrect penalty awarded; a foul inside the box not awarded as a penalty; if the foul was committed inside or outside the box; if the ball had gone outside the field of play before a penalty was awarded; if the penalty-taker or the goalkeeper commits a foul while the spot-kick is being taken and if players from the attacking or defending team who get involved in the play after rebound from the spot-kick haven’t committed a foul while the kick was being taken.
– Red cards
Only direct red cards fall under the consideration of the VAR and not second yellow cards. The direct red offences include – denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity, rash tackle, spitting/biting or other violent actions and use of foul/offensive language.
– Mistaken identity
In case the on-field referee penalises, books or sends off the wrong player, then the VAR can be asked to step in and clarify. In such cases, only the mistake in identity can be looked into by the VAR and not the original decision.
Is VAR’s word final?
No, the VAR will only be used to correct/review the decisions made by the on-field referee only in all the above-mentioned cases. The final word will be of the on-field official.
To put it in a straightforward manner, the VAR is only an extension of the head referee’s on-field assistants.
Every decision is looked at by VAR but the final word is of on-field referee
The VAR will monitor each and every decision taken by the referee, and will inform him/her if a match-altering incident needs to be reviewed. Subsequently, if the referee feels he/she has missed one such incident, they can ask for a VAR review.
Thought the VAR can suggest that a review be taken, it will be the referee’s call whether to go ahead with the review or not. In simpler words, only the referee can initiate a review.
What if there is a failure in the VAR setup?
The match will continue nonetheless, without the VAR assistance – just like the group stage and round of 16 matches of the Asian Cup.
The underdogs' story: How the continent upstarts have defined the tournament AFC Asian Cup
In a tournament of many favourites, it is the region's rising football powers who have announced their arrival.
The FIFA World Cup 2014 witnessed something out of the ordinary in the Round of 16. In a tournament that sees the top teams walk away with easy wins, (bar the occasional surprise) the likes of USA, Switzerland, Algeria, Mexico, and Chile gave their far more decorated opposition a run for their money before succumbing to them in the closing stages of the match.
The same trend was seen again in the newest edition of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 when several underdogs took the fight to their more fancied opposition in what could be termed as a very equal competition, different from the selective victories from before. In the UAE at present, a welcome change has been set alight. The 2019 Asian Cup’s main story looks in all likelihood to be written by the underdogs.
Teams like Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Bahrain, Kyrgyzstan, and Thailand adopted a no-fear attitude while facing superior opponents. The White Wolves especially have been a delight to watch in the ongoing tournament. They trumped Oman in the opening game despite being pegged back for the majority of the contest. In the group decider, they took the lead against tournament favourites Japan before succumbing to the Blue Samurai in a closely contested game.
In the Round of 16, the Uzbeks went toe-to-toe with the continent superpower Australia but unfortunately lost in the penalties. However, keeping aside the disappointing exit, Hector Cuper’s side has displayed profound energy that helped them finish second in a tough group and take the fight to the Aussies.
Vietnam also ousted a fighting Jordan in penalties. Jordan had established themselves as a potent force in the tournament, defeating Australia in their tournament opener and topping Group B. While doing so, they also defeated Syria who were placed 35 positions above them in the latest FIFA ranking.
In a similar style to the 2014 World Cup, both Bahrain and Kyrgyzstan frustrated South Korea and the hosts United Arab Emirates respectively before falling in extra time. Bahrain equalized after falling behind before the end of the first half while Kyrgyzstan recovered twice to equalize in the dying stages of the match and send the match into extra time.
Adding one more to the list, Thailand also gave China a run for their money. The War Elephants took the lead against their opponents, who sit a comfortable 42 positions above them in the FIFA Ranking Table, but unfortunately saw the match turned over within a space of four minutes in the second half.
Despite the fact that the stronger teams have progressed, there is an air of unfamiliarity surrounding the tournament, a feeling eerily similar to FIFA World Cup 2014. One that ultimately led to a giant-culling of sorts, both during and before the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The smaller teams have displayed a sort of resilience and maturity that has made neutrals hooked to the game during this tournament. And it is not just by parking the bus, one can safely assume.
The comparatively weaker teams have played every match with real vigour and drive that has increased the quality in the tournament. Their evident sense of purpose when they set foot on the field has created a more balanced atmosphere around a tournament that is normally dominated by the top teams.
For the continent of Asia, which has largely played second fiddle to the likes of Europe and South America such an entertaining change in attitude can prove fruitful in their quest to catch up to the superpowers. The underdogs have made the Asian Cup a feast for the neutrals and in their own way have engraved a sentiment in the minds of the viewers. Such a positive attitude towards football can contribute immensely to the growth and development of the sport in the community and it is high time that Asia has become a part of it.
AFC Asian Cup 2019: The Lost Superstars of Japanese football
As the Blue Samurai entered the AFC Asian Cup 2019 quarterfinals, we take a look back at how football in the Japanese archipelago has modified itself over the years.
Ignore "pocket full of Dirham " Referees at your own peril. I am expecting a controversial Penalty in favour of UAE atleast. Australia will need to be careful.
Qatar has done a good job with their foreign born players. Sudan born Almoez Ali is a Phenomenal talent- 7 goals already in the tournament. 17 goals so far in his short 2 year career and European scouts are now scampering for him.
Comments
Who, when, where?
VIETNAM v JAPAN
Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai - 17:00, January 24
The Vietnamese fairy-tale continued in the Round of 16, as Park Hang-seo's side came from a goal behind to overcome Jordan in a penalty shootout, claiming the nation's first ever AFC Asian Cup knockout stage win.
Their next challenge comes in the form of the competition's most successful ever team; four-time champions Japan, who made it four wins from four with a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.
CHINA PR v ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi - 20:00, January 24
Still unbeaten, and still yet to concede a goal, Islamic Republic of Iran are building nicely as they look to win their first AFC Asian Cup title since 1976 - with their comprehensive 2-0 Round of 16 win over Oman underlining their smooth progress.
China PR appear in the last eight for the second consecutive edition of the tournament, having come from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Thailand in the first knockout round.
KOREA REPUBLIC v QATAR
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi - 17:00, January 25
Korea Republic's quest to end their 59-year title drought faces what is arguably their most challenging obstacle yet, with Qatar having won all four of their matches without having conceded a single goal.
The match will feature the coming together of one of Asia's most celebrated stars, Korea' Republic's Tottenham Hotspur ace Son Heung-min, and one of its brightest emerging talents in seven-goal Qatari striker Almoez Ali.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES v AUSTRALIA
Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain - 20:00, January 25
Both United Arab Emirates and Australia emerged from epic Round of 16 tussles to ultimately prevail against Central Asian opposition, and book the first meeting between the AFC Asian Cup hosts and reigning champions since Vietnam met Japan in the 2007 edition.
The sides also met in the 2015 semi-final, and Alberto Zaccheroni's men will eager to square the ledger after the Socceroos won 2-0 on the way to claiming the Continental crown.
http://www.the-afc.com/asiancup/news/the-elite-eight-quarter-final-cast-confirmed
AFC Asian Cup 2019: All you need to know about VAR to be used from quarterfinals
The AFC Asian Cup 2019 has now entered its fag end and we’re all set for the quarterfinals which commence on Thursday, 24th January. But there’s one huge addition which will be made to the tournament at this stage – the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Here are a few things you need to know about VAR before we get down with the last-eight action.
First-ever VAR at the Asian Cup
Australia’s Christopher Beath will be the first-ever Video Assistant Referee at the Asian Cup while his two assistants will be Muhammad Taqi Bin Jahari from Singapore and Paolo Valeri from Italy. The trio will oversee the first quarterfinal of the tournament between Vietnam and Japan.
System tested during round-of-16 matches
The VAR system was tested through the course of the round-of-16 matches of the tournament at the four quarterfinal venues – Zayed Sports City Stadium and Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain and the Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai.
VAR restricted to four game-altering decisions
– Goal or no goal
Whether there has been a foul in the lead up to the goal by the scoring team OR if there was an offside which the linesman didn’t pick OR if the ball had gone out of the field of play – these will be taken into account by the VAR.
– Penalty decisions
These include – incorrect penalty awarded; a foul inside the box not awarded as a penalty; if the foul was committed inside or outside the box; if the ball had gone outside the field of play before a penalty was awarded; if the penalty-taker or the goalkeeper commits a foul while the spot-kick is being taken and if players from the attacking or defending team who get involved in the play after rebound from the spot-kick haven’t committed a foul while the kick was being taken.
– Red cards
Only direct red cards fall under the consideration of the VAR and not second yellow cards. The direct red offences include – denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity, rash tackle, spitting/biting or other violent actions and use of foul/offensive language.
– Mistaken identity
In case the on-field referee penalises, books or sends off the wrong player, then the VAR can be asked to step in and clarify. In such cases, only the mistake in identity can be looked into by the VAR and not the original decision.
Is VAR’s word final?
No, the VAR will only be used to correct/review the decisions made by the on-field referee only in all the above-mentioned cases. The final word will be of the on-field official.
To put it in a straightforward manner, the VAR is only an extension of the head referee’s on-field assistants.
Every decision is looked at by VAR but the final word is of on-field referee
The VAR will monitor each and every decision taken by the referee, and will inform him/her if a match-altering incident needs to be reviewed. Subsequently, if the referee feels he/she has missed one such incident, they can ask for a VAR review.
Thought the VAR can suggest that a review be taken, it will be the referee’s call whether to go ahead with the review or not. In simpler words, only the referee can initiate a review.
What if there is a failure in the VAR setup?
The match will continue nonetheless, without the VAR assistance – just like the group stage and round of 16 matches of the Asian Cup.
https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/afc-asian-cup/1026265/afc-asian-cup-2019-all-you-need-to-know-about-var-to-be-used-from-quarterfinals/
The underdogs' story: How the continent upstarts have defined the tournament AFC Asian Cup
In a tournament of many favourites, it is the region's rising football powers who have announced their arrival.
The FIFA World Cup 2014 witnessed something out of the ordinary in the Round of 16. In a tournament that sees the top teams walk away with easy wins, (bar the occasional surprise) the likes of USA, Switzerland, Algeria, Mexico, and Chile gave their far more decorated opposition a run for their money before succumbing to them in the closing stages of the match.
The same trend was seen again in the newest edition of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 when several underdogs took the fight to their more fancied opposition in what could be termed as a very equal competition, different from the selective victories from before. In the UAE at present, a welcome change has been set alight. The 2019 Asian Cup’s main story looks in all likelihood to be written by the underdogs.
Teams like Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Bahrain, Kyrgyzstan, and Thailand adopted a no-fear attitude while facing superior opponents. The White Wolves especially have been a delight to watch in the ongoing tournament. They trumped Oman in the opening game despite being pegged back for the majority of the contest. In the group decider, they took the lead against tournament favourites Japan before succumbing to the Blue Samurai in a closely contested game.
In the Round of 16, the Uzbeks went toe-to-toe with the continent superpower Australia but unfortunately lost in the penalties. However, keeping aside the disappointing exit, Hector Cuper’s side has displayed profound energy that helped them finish second in a tough group and take the fight to the Aussies.
Vietnam also ousted a fighting Jordan in penalties. Jordan had established themselves as a potent force in the tournament, defeating Australia in their tournament opener and topping Group B. While doing so, they also defeated Syria who were placed 35 positions above them in the latest FIFA ranking.
In a similar style to the 2014 World Cup, both Bahrain and Kyrgyzstan frustrated South Korea and the hosts United Arab Emirates respectively before falling in extra time. Bahrain equalized after falling behind before the end of the first half while Kyrgyzstan recovered twice to equalize in the dying stages of the match and send the match into extra time.
Adding one more to the list, Thailand also gave China a run for their money. The War Elephants took the lead against their opponents, who sit a comfortable 42 positions above them in the FIFA Ranking Table, but unfortunately saw the match turned over within a space of four minutes in the second half.
Despite the fact that the stronger teams have progressed, there is an air of unfamiliarity surrounding the tournament, a feeling eerily similar to FIFA World Cup 2014. One that ultimately led to a giant-culling of sorts, both during and before the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The smaller teams have displayed a sort of resilience and maturity that has made neutrals hooked to the game during this tournament. And it is not just by parking the bus, one can safely assume.
The comparatively weaker teams have played every match with real vigour and drive that has increased the quality in the tournament. Their evident sense of purpose when they set foot on the field has created a more balanced atmosphere around a tournament that is normally dominated by the top teams.
For the continent of Asia, which has largely played second fiddle to the likes of Europe and South America such an entertaining change in attitude can prove fruitful in their quest to catch up to the superpowers. The underdogs have made the Asian Cup a feast for the neutrals and in their own way have engraved a sentiment in the minds of the viewers. Such a positive attitude towards football can contribute immensely to the growth and development of the sport in the community and it is high time that Asia has become a part of it.
https://khelnow.com/news/article/afc-asian-cup-2019-tournament-of-underdogs
As the Blue Samurai entered the AFC Asian Cup 2019 quarterfinals, we take a look back at how football in the Japanese archipelago has modified itself over the years.