14th Jan, 2011: India vs Bahrain PreviewTonight India will face off against west Asian powerhouse Bahrain in a do or die Group C clash. The match will come live on Star Sports at 9:45 PM IST. For the detailed preview and tactical news about the match, check – http://www.thehardtackle.com/index.php/asian-cup-preview-india-vs-bahrain/In the other match scheduled for tonight, Australia will take on South Korea and a winning result for any of the teams will ensure them of a second round berth. The match starts at 6:45 PM IST.
13th Jan, 2011: Jordan 1-0 Soudi Arabia, Japan 2-1 SyriaA 42nd minute strike by Baha’a Abdulrahman knocked Soudi Arabia out of the Asian Cup campaign. Jordan kept their hopes alive to reach knock out stage of the tournament with this vital win. Now both Japan and Jordan are tied on points at the top of the Group-B table, with Japan having a slight advantage as they scored 3 goals compared to Jordan’s 2. Jordan will face Soudi Syria in their last group match and a draw in that match will ensure them of a second round berth.In the second match of the day Japan took the lead in the 35th minute through captain M. Hasebe. However Syria restored parity in the 71st minute when Japan custodian Kawashima got a straight red after committing a foul on Sanharib Malki. Firas Al Khatib did not make any mistake to equalize from the spot. But the drama was far from over. Japan got a penalty in the 82nd minute when Shinji Okazaki was fouled inside the box by Belal Abduldaim. Star striker Keisuke Honda stepped up and slotted home the resulting penalty. Japan will qualify for the next round if they can get one point from the tie against Soudi Arabia. Syria remain on course for a second round berth, a win against Jordan will see them through to the knock out stage.
12th Jan, 2011: Uzbekistan 2-1 Kuwait; China 0-2 Qatar–Server Djeparov, the star performer for the Uzbek side against Qatar in the opening match, once again played impressively for the White Wolves to help his country to a 2-1 win against Kuwait. Maskim Shatskikh drew the first blood for Uzbekistan in the 41st minute, but Bader Al-Murtawa restored parity just after the break scoring from the spot. However, Djeparov came up with a long range screamer in the 66th minute to score the winner for Uzbekistan and arn them a ticket for the next round. Kuwait, who had lost their opening match against China, are out of the tournament.–Hosts Qatar kept their hopes alive as they blank a strong Chinese outfit by 2-0 margin. Yusef Ahmed scored twice in the first half for Bruno Metsu’s side to earn a memorable 2-0 victory. Now both Qatar and China have 3 points from 2 matches and a win over bottom placed Kuwait in the last group match would almost confirm the hosts of a second round berth. China now have a tough task at hand when they face group leaders Uzbekistan in their last league match. Only a 2 goal win over Uzbekistan and a favorable result in Qatar vs Kuwait match would see them propel to the next stage.
11th Jan, 2011: Korea DPR 0-0 UAE ; Iraq 1-2 Iran–
The evenly contested match ended goal-less. Korea DPR’s number 10 Young-Jo Hong had a goal cancelled in the 8th minute for offside. Korea DPR enjoyed a ball possession of 52% compared to UAE’s 48%, however it was UAE who looked more likely to break the dead-lock with 5 attempts on target; Korea had only 1 shot on target.
In the second match of the day Iran got the better of neighbors Iraq to script a 2-1 win. Younis Mahmoud gave Irag the lead in the 12th minute. but Iran equalized at the stroke of half time whistle through G Rezaei, who was assisted by A Teymourian. I Mobali then scored the winning goal for Iran in the 84th minute. Iran dominated the match with 61% ball possession
10th Jan, 2011: Clinical Korea Republic With a 2-1 Win Against BahrainJa-Cheol Koo scored twice for South Korea in 40th and 52nd minute as they saw off the Bahrain challenge with a comfortable 2-1 win. Tae-Hwi Kwak received marching orders in the 83 minute. Korea had to play with 10 men for the remaining duration and Bahrain took the man advantage to reduce the deficit in the 85th minute through Fawzi Mubarak. However, Korea defended well to ensure that they starts off the campaign with a win.
10th Jan, 2011: Socceroos Trounce India 4-0India began their AFC Asian Cup campaign with a 4-0 defeat against Australia. Tim Cahill scored a brace while Harry Kewell and Brett Holmon scored the other two goals. For India, goalkeeper Subrata Pal had a brilliant game. Winger Rahim Nabi was impressive as well. However the absence of the injured skipper Baichung Bhutia was felt throughout, as India lacked an inspirational figure on the pitch to motivate its players. To know more about how the match shaped up, click here.
9th Jan, 2011: Live Match – Saudi Arabia v SyriaThanks for being with us. Tomorrow, minnows India look to ruffle the feathers of the Socceroos.FT – SAUDI ARABIA 1-2 SYRIA – A huge, huge upset by Syria. They celebrate like they have just won the cup. What celebrations! Football is a special special sport.91′ Saudi Arabia 1-2 Syria: Sensational save by the Syrian goalkeeper, stretching behind himself to save a ball that had gone past him via a Saudi header. Into four minutes of stoppage time..90′ Saudi Arabia 1-2 Syria: Unbelievably, the Saudis lead the possession stat 65-35. The supremacy hasn’t translated into a favourable scoreline, though.85′ Saudi Arabia 1-2 Syria: The Syrians are camped in their penalty box, making it so compact for the Saudis. No way through for the favourites!80′ Saudi Arabia 1-2 Syria: Ten minutes to go for a huge upset..64′ Saudi Arabia 1-2 Syria: GOOOALLLLLL!! Oh my! Same player. Similar goal. Syria regains the lead through another deflected goal by Alhussein. What a match.59′: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Syria: GOAAAL! Al Jassam fires in a header from the edge of the penalty box that catches the keeper unsighted. The game is level. Syria, watch out!55′: Saudi Arabia 0-1 Syria: Syria have been off the blocks quickly in the second half.45′: Saudi Arabia 0-1 SyriaHALF TIME: Saudi Arabia 0-1 Syria – an upset on the cards..38′: Saudi Arabia 0-1 Syria: GOOOAAAL! Alhusein gives Syria the lead. It was a tame shot but it took a deflection!25′: Saudi Arabia 0-0 Syria: Still even-stevens! Saudis spurn a glorious chance to go ahead.15′: Saudi Arabia 0-0 Syria: Great atmosphere and a feisty game, but the chances are at a premium!3′: Saudi Arabia 0-0 Syria: Syria have made a bright, aggressive start! Perhaps, attack is the best form of defense?1′: Saudi Arabia 0-0 Syria – The game kicks off. Favourites Saudi will do well to not take Syria lightly.
9th Jan, 2011: Live Match – Japan vs JordanFT: Final Score : Japan 1-1 Jordan – The honors are shared. Jordan took a surprise lead late in the first half, but Japan snatches a point by equalizing at the fag end of the match.90′: GOOOAAALLLL !!! Japan equalizes just at the stroke of final whistle. M. Yoshida is the scorer.80′: Japan 0-1 Jordan – Score-line remains as it is. Japan trailing by the solitary goal scored by Fattah.75′: Japan 0-1 Jordan – Only 15 more minutes remain for Japan to salvage one point if they can.70′: Japan 0-1 Jordan – Can Japan stage a come-back here? Time is running out quickly for the AFC No.2 team.60′: Japan 0-1 Jordan – Jordan is still maintaining their one goal advantage.55′: Japan 0-1 Jordan – Japan trying hard to get the elusive equalizer. Unsuccessful so far.HT’: GOOOAAALLLL !!! Jordan Scores. Hassan Abdel Fattah is the scorer.35′: Japan 0-0 Jordan – Jordan players continue to frustrate the Japanese with their physical play.30′: Japan 0-0 Jordan – We are into the half hour mark. No team could find the back of the net so far.15′: Japan 0-0 Jordan – Still goalless.5′: Japan 0-0 Jordan – No goals yet. Japan looking for an early lead here.1′: Japan 0-0 Jordan – The Group-B match kicks-off between three times Champions Japan and Jordan.
9th Jan, 2011: Sushil Singh suspended for two matches, AIFF unawareSushil Singh, India striker was banned for elbowing a player in AFC Challenger Cup 2010. He was supposed to serve a two match ban. These two matches coincide with India’s first two Asian Cup games. Curiously AIFF was not aware of this scenario and Sushil was picked by Houghton, despite the player being not available for most of the group league. Not only that, he had been training with Chhetri in last 2 days together meaning that Houghton had chosen Suni-Sushil as his first choice striker pair.AIFF once again commits a massive blunder.For More Details, Click HERE
8th Jan, 2011: Live Match : Kuwait vs China
FULL-TIME: Kuwait 0-2 China – China’s man advantage told in the end. Kuwait’s campaign has got off to a disaster and the remaining games against Qatar and Uzbekistan are going to be pose a difficulty in qualifying further.85′ Kuwait 0-2 China: China playing come fancy football. They were close to scoring a third on two occasions.75′ Kuwait 0-2 China: China happy to play on the backfoot and hit on the counter. A handicapped Kuwait struggling to respond.66′ Kuwait 0-2 China: GOAL! Deng Zhuoxiang’s wonderful left-footed free kick virtually seals the game for China.59′ Kuwait 0-1 China: GOAL! Zhang Linpeng puts the Chinese ahead through a deflected goal.
55′ Kuwait 0:0 China
Half-Time Kuwait 0:0 China: Goalless at the break, but Kuwait are a man down.35′ Kuwait 0:0 China: KUWAIT RED CARD – a very silly kick-out by Mesaed Alenezi in retaliation of a foul and the referee rightly sends him off.25′ Kuwait 0:0 China: Kuwait hold the upper hand. China happy to be slightly defensive.15′ Kuwait 0:0 China: Still even-stevens!5′ Kuwait 0:0 China : Kuwait is one of THE strongest teams in Asia now. They won both West Asian Championship as well as Gulf Cup a few months ago.Pre-Match: Match about to kick-off. Good news for Kuwait as superstar Bader Al Mutawa is fit and starts the match. China on the other hand, have brought one of their youngest ever squads to the Asian Cup.
8th Jan, 2011: AIFF rubbishes media claims : Baichung still hopefulAIFF rubbishes the media claims of Baichung Bhutia being ruled out of the AFC Asian Cup. AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das was quoted saying, “He is not yet ruled out of the tournament. There is some time to take a decision.” Bhutia himself stated, “I am training hard. I want to play in the Asian Cup. My chances are 50-50 as I am feeling very uncomfortable on the pitch.” So still there is hope and Indian faithful will pray in unison for a quick recovery of the marquee player.
–7th Jan, 2011: Uzbekistan Begins Asian Cup Campaign On A Winning NoteHosts Qatar tasted defeat in the opening AFC Asian Cup fixture as they went down 0-2 against a dominating Uzbekistan outfit. The Uzbek’s took the lead through a fabulous strike by O. Ahmedov around the hour mark and went on to double their lead in the 78th minute – thanks to a goal by S. Djeparov.–Now it will be really difficult for Qatar to win their next two matches against Kuwait and China to make it to the next round. Tomorrow China will face Kuwait in the second match of Group-A. Keep a tab here at TheHardTackle to follow the live score updates as the match unfolds.
7th Jan, 2011: Today’s Opening Match LIVE UPDATES:
Full Time: Final Score Qatar 0-2 Uzbekistan. It’s all over for Qatar. Uzbekistan starts their campaign on a winning note.85′: Qatar 0-2 Uzbekistan78′: Uzbekistan doubles their lead. Qatar 0-2 Uzbekistan. S. Djeparov is the scorer.75′: Qatar 0-1 Uzbekistan65′: Qatar 0-1 Uzbekistan58′: Qatar 0-1 Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan breaks the dead-lock. O. Ahmedov is the scorer.55′: Qatar 0-0 UzbekistanHalf Time : Qatar 0-0 Uzbekistan35′: Qatar 0-0 Uzbekistan30′: Qatar 0-0 Uzbekistan20′: Qatar 0-0 Uzbekistan10′: Qatar 0-0 Uzbekistan
7th Jan, 2011: Bhutia out of Asian Cup, Rafi to be includedIndia’s AFC Asian Cup hopes have been rocked by news that star player Baichung Bhutia has been ruled out of the tournament.Bhutia, who has featured for English side Bury during a glittering club career, was a amjor doubt ahead of the Asian showpiece event due to a calf problem, an injury that has now excluded the 34-year-old East Bengal favourite from playing any part in Qatar.
“It’s a big jolt for the team,” a senior team official told the Telegraph newspaper.
‘Bhutia is not only the senior most member of the team, he is also our best player. India’s Asian Cup dream would not have been realised without Bhutia.”
For More Details, Click HERE
6th Jan, 2011: Indian Opponents – Australia, Bahrain, Korea Rep – Strengths & Weaknesses
India, playing in AFC Asian Cup for the first time since 1984, has been placed in Group C against Asian powerhouses Australia, Bahrain and Korea Republic. What are their strengths and weakness? How would India fair against strong physical football? TheHardTackle takes a look at India’s opponent teams and evaluates India’s chances against them.For More Details, Click HERE
5th Jan, 2011: Opening Match Dedicated to UN FAO
The Asian Football Confederation has joined hands with United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in the fight again hunger. AFC is going to dedicate the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 between hosts Qatar and Uzbekistan for spreading the awareness about the campaign.For More Details, Click HERE
5th Jan, 2011: Australia To Host Asian Cup 2015
Asian Football Confederations Executive Committee today decided that the next edition of AFC Asian Cup will be organized by Australia in 2015. AFC President Mohamed Bin Hamman made the announcement in Doha after the Executive Committee meeting.For More Details, Click HERE
3rd Jan, 2011: India Team Profile
After a long 26 years wait, Baichung Bhutia-led Indian football team once again made it to the final stage of the Asian Cup 2011. TheHardTackle’s takes a look at Team India’s Final-23 squad and analyzes their strengths and weaknesses. Find out more about the expectations, reality and the expected first team squad.To Read The Detailed Article, Click HERE
1st Jan, 2011: India’s Past Performances in Asian Cup
Do you know India finished runners-up in Asian Cup 1964? Who were the brave soldiers? How did they perform? Which edition of Asian Cup marks team India last participation? It’s an interesting read with such trivia and facts; TheHardTackle brings you “India In AFC Asian Cup: Past Imperfect”.To Read The Detailed Article, Click HERE
30th Dec, 2010: Final-23 Finalised for Each Participating Nations
Each of the 16 countries participating in 2011 AFC Asian Cup completed the formalities to submit the list of final 23 member squad list. The team list for every participating nation have been updated on the AFC official website.For More Details Click HERE
29th Dec, 2010: All hopes not lost for Rafi and other excluded players
Team India may recall any of the 14 players who have been excluded from the final 23 if there is any injury crisis among the selected players. The criteria laid by AFC clearly states that teams are allowed to make modifications in the final squad list up until six hours before the first match kick-off time.Bob Houghton indicated that India may need to use this clause if the players struggling with long term injuries fail to clear the fitness test ahead of the match against Australia. However the condition also states that the replacement must be named among the initially registered players, in India’s case the final 37. Hence any hope of seeing Mehtab Hussain or Robin Singh in national colors in the Asian Cup can be ruled out. However Mohammed Rafi still has a chance to make it to the final squad at the eleventh hour.
For More Details Click HERE
29th Dec, 2010: India selects slogan for it’s team bus
India’s slogan will be – “Eleven players, Hundred crore heart-beats“Excerpt from AFC Site:
The 45-seater vehicles will transfer players and coaching staff to and from their official hotels to matches and training sessions and each has also been emblazoned with a slogan or nickname chosen by fans in a competition conducted on the-afc.com.
Defending champions Iraq will travel around Qatar in a bus bearing the team’s nickname, ‘The Lions of Mesopotamia’ while Australia’s Socceroos will be ferried around in a bus proclaiming ‘We’re the Thunder from Down Under’.
The move was hailed by Asian Football Confederation general secretary Alex Soosay.
“This is the first time the AFC has done something like this, along with the QLOC,” said the Malaysian.
“The slogans are selected by the fans and it gives a very vibrant look to the buses and a burst of pride for the players.
“We’ve been inside and the buses are very comfortable. It’s the first time we have done something like this. I’m sure the players will be very motivated to see such an initiative.”
For More Details Click HERE
28th Dec, 2010: AIFF Appoints New Manager For Team India
After the recent fall-out between coach Bob Houghton and team manager Pradip Choudhury, AIFF tried its best to make a reconcilation, but it has been learned that the later is in no mood to change his initial decision of not travelling with the squad to Doha.In the absence of the veteran manager, who, according to AIFF, will miss the trip to Doha due to personal and health issues, Raul Carmo Fernandes has been appointed as the “Manager” of the Indian Team for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar, 2011. AIFF Vice President Subrata Dutta has been appointed as “Chef the Mission” while Executive Committee member Larsing L Sawayan will also accompany the team as the ” Head of Delegation”.
For More Details Click HERE
28th Dec, 2010: Baichung Hopeful Of Recovering In Time
Indian Captain Baichung Bhutia, who is in the process of recovering from the recurring right calf muscle injury, is hopeful to regain full match-fitness before India takes the field for their opening encounter to face the mighty Aussies on 10th January.A kolkata-based daily “The Telegraph” has quoted Bhutia saying, “My chances of making the starting line-up in the opener against Australia is 50-50. I am seeing my doctor in the next couple of days and would try my best to make a comeback before the tournament starts”.
The whole country is praying in unison for Sikkimese Sniper’s quick recovery.
For More Details Click HERE
27th Dec, 2010: Team India Declares The Final Squad
Indian coach Bob Houghton has revealed the final 23 who will be representing the country in the prestigious AFC Asian Cup starting from 7th Jan, 2011. The surprise selection is AIFF XI goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who was not the initial list of 37 probables. Injured Arindam Bhattacharya will make way for the young shot-stopper.Striker Mohammed Rafi faced a shocking axe, as Bob decided to pick Sushil Kumar Singh ahead of the Churchill Brothers striker. The rest of the selections are on the expected lines.
Talismanic striker and the icon of Indian football – Baichung Bhutia – will be wearing the skipper’s armband and Climax Lawrence will act as his deputy.
The Indian Squad:
–
Goal-keepers : Subrata, Subhasish, Gurpreet
Defenders : Surkumar, Gaurmangi, Anwar, Mahesh, Deepak, Manju, Rakesh, Nabi, Govin
Midfielders : Dias, Pradeep, Climax, Miranda, Renedy, Mehraj, Baldeep
Forwards : Baichung [c], Sunil, Abhishek, SushilFor More Details Click HERE