East Asia Leagues Wrap: Kubo brace keeps FC Tokyo on top

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

East Asia Leagues Wrap: Kubo brace keeps FC Tokyo on top

Kuala Lumpur: Ahead of the FIFA International break, the weekend's domestic matches in the East saw plenty of action and entertainment with young star Takefusa Kubo continuing to excite ahead of his 18th birthday.

With the Leagues in Chinese Taipei, Macau and Mongolia having already entered the international break - and the domestic season for Hong Kong, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands already concluded - the focus was on last weekend's fixtures in Japan, Korea Republic and China PR.

Asian Watch: Ueki ruled out, Hwang’s stunning comeback, Sornpao’s delight

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Asian Watch: Ueki ruled out, Hwang’s stunning comeback, Sornpao’s delight

Kuala Lumpur: Just six days remain until the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 kick-off, with Korea Republic taking on France in the tournament’s opening match.

With the curtains ready to be drawn on the biggest stage in women’s football, Asia’s five representatives have all touched down in Europe, where they are adding the final touches to four years of hard work.

In this week’s Asian Watch: A rising Japanese star forced out of the tournament by injury, an inspiring reappearance on the world stage for Korea Republic’s Hwang Bo-ram and Tiffany Darunee Sornpao’s World Cup selection joy.

Australia, Thailand suffer defeats in final warm-up matches

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Australia, Thailand suffer defeats in final warm-up matches

Kuala Lumpur: Australia and Thailand fell to defeats in their final 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France warm-up matches on Saturday.

Australia lost 3-0 to the Netherlands in Eindhoven while Thailand suffered a 6-1 defeat against Belgium in Leuven as both Asian sides enter the last phase of preparations for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France which kicks off on Friday.

Korea Republic unfazed by Japan match-up

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Korea Republic unfazed by Japan match-up

Tychy: Korea Republic's spectacular 2-1 win over Argentina in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland not only took the East Asians into the Round of 16 but also set up an enticing clash with regional rivals Japan.

Goals by Oh Se-hun (42nd minute) and Cho Young-wook (57th) meant Korea Republic were always in control of the tie despite Argentina pulling one back through Cristian Ferreira in the 88th minute.

The win, however, wasn't enough to secure the Group F top spot as Korea Republic's inferior goal difference meant Argentina finished top despite both collecting six points.

Sugasawa ready to power Japan 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Sugasawa ready to power Japan 

Tokyo: Physicality has never been associated with Japanese forwards, who are renowned for their technique and pace. In Yuika Sugasawa, however, the Nadeshiko unusually have an aerial specialist willing to mix it with opposition centre-backs.

Standing at 1.68m tall, the 28-year-old is among the tallest members of Asako Takakura's 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France squad. The Urawa Reds player also boasts speed and times her shots to perfection.

These qualities were on show in the final of the Asian Games 2018’s Women’s Football Tournament. Japan had struggled to break down a full-strength China PR, but following a last-gasp counter-attack, Sugasawa’s diving header from an Emi Nakajima cross grabbed them the trophy.

Five young guns set to shine in France

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Five young guns set to shine in France

Kuala Lumpur: All five of Asia’s representatives at FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 have their share of top-level international experience, but a legion of a new stars are ready to leave their mark on the game’s biggest stage.

With one week until the Finals, the-AFC.com highlights five talented youngsters, all appearing in their first senior World Cup, to keep an eye on in France.

Japan fight back to hold Spain

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Japan fight back to hold Spain

Le Tonquet: A late goal from Yuika Sugasawa gave Japan a share of the spoils, as the Asian champions completed their FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 preparations with a 1-1 draw against Spain on Sunday.

The Urawa Red Diamonds striker hit the back of the net with five minutes remaining, levelling the tie after Japan trailed for more than an hour following Jennifer Hermoso’s first half penalty kick.

With their France 2019 build-up now complete, Asako Takakura’s side will turn their gaze to their opening assignment in the tournament proper, against Argentina in Paris on June 10.