Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic are set for an Asian-record 10th FIFA World Cup campaign, although uncharacteristic struggles in qualifying suggest a tough test in Russia 2018.
Nevertheless, with Son Heung-min – arguably Asia's finest footballer currently playing – and several other young attacking talents in the ranks, the Taeguk Warriors have the potential to excite.
Overview
Set for their ninth consecutive FIFA World Cup, Korea Republic have had a number of pre-Russia 2018 warm-up matches over the last six months with a wide variety of opponents and a series of mixed results. Wins over Moldova, Latvia and Honduras; a draw with Jamaica; losses to Northern Ireland, Poland and Bosnia and Herezegovina.
At the time of writing, Shin Tae-yong's side are yet to face Bolivia and Senegal in their final ties before they kick off their World Cup campaign against Sweden on June 18, but it seems the side are yet to settle on a line-up with a 3-5-2 formation the latest experiment in the defeat to Bosnia.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/cover_page_son.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/shin_tae-yong-korea_republic-afp_2.html
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Salzburg: Having arrived at their training camp in Leogang, Austria, Korea Republic head coach Shin Tae-yong is focused on getting his squad fully ready for their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia challenge.
Korea Republic, who will be appearing in the FIFA World Cup for the 10th time, are not the finished article just yet, admitted Shin after his team fell 3-1 to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday.
"We will prepare thoroughly for the World Cup once we have settled in at the training camp," Shin told the media prior to leaving for Austria on Sunday.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Incheon: Korea Republic departed for Austria on Sunday to set up their pre-FIFA World Cup 2018 camp, 15 days before their first group stage match in Russia.
Head coach Shin Tae-yong and his 23 players will settle down in Leogang, in the state of Salzburg, and play two more tune-up matches there before hopping over to Saint Petersburg on June 12.
Drawn in Group F, the 61st-ranked Korea Republic are scheduled to play World No 23 Sweden at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod on June 18, followed by the 15th-ranked Mexico at Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don, on June 23.
The Taeguk Warriors' final Group F opponents will be Germany, the defending champions and World No 1, at Kazan Arena in Kazan on June 27.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: There have been some classic combinations of colours and designs in the clothing Asia's football sides have worn on the world stage. With IR Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Korea Republic and Australia representing the continent at Russia 2018, we look back at five of their stand-out FIFA World Cup kits.
For football fans around the globe, a team’s kit often serves as an everlasting visual representation of certain memories. Nowhere is this truer than in the FIFA World Cup, where the four-year gap means kits usually change from one edition of the competition to the next.
Some kits have been immortalised due to their unique designs, while others remain forever associated with the team’s success.
Here are five unforgettable kits from the Continent’s representatives in this year’s World Cup. View them below and then pick your favourite .
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The Samurai Blue head into the 2018 FIFA World Cup on the back of a comprehensive continental qualifying campaign. Despite recent changes at the helm, there remains a reliance on the golden generation with household names back in the fold.
Overview
Japan’s preparation for Russia 2018 has not been the most straightforward of Asia's representatives, with coach Vahid Halilhodzic departing the helm just two months before the competition to be replaced with technical director Akira Nishino.
The former Gamba Osaka boss attempted a new three-man defence in his first match in charge, a 2-0 defeat at home to Ghana on May 30, as well as offering a reprieve to big names Shinji Kagawa, Keisuke Honda, and Shinji Okazaki, whose places were in doubt under Halilhodzic.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran qualified for back-to-back FIFA World Cups for the first time in their history, and having retained coach Carlos Queiroz for seven years, continuity is Team Melli’s greatest asset.
Overview
With three of their six planned pre-World Cup friendlies cancelled, IR Iran’s preparations have been less than ideal. But with an abundance of talent across the squad, Queiroz will still be confident of a strong showing in Russia.
Drawn in the so-called “Group of Death” alongside the last two European champions; Spain and Portugal as well as Morocco, many believe Team Melli have their work cut out for them.
However, a defence that conceded just five goals in their 18 qualifiers’ games and an attack line boasting some of the continent’s finest forwards could cause upsets if the Portuguese coach gets his tactics right.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Seoul: Korea Republic will be counting on talisman Son Heung-min to bring his sparkling English Premier League form to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia as they attempt to advance from a devilishly tricky group.
The Koreans exited in the first round of the 2014 tournament in Brazil and have their work cut out to avoid the same fate in Russia, where they have been drawn alongside holders Germany, Sweden and Mexico.
But they boast genuine star quality in snake-hipped Tottenham attacker Son, who lit up the Premier League this season, helping Spurs finish third and secure a UEFA Champions League place.
One of the best players to emerge from Asia, the 25-year-old scored 18 goals in all competitions in a brilliant campaign with the London club and once again carries the hopes of a nation heading into the FIFA World Cup.