Matildas have a chance to create history, says van Egmond

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Matildas have a chance to create history, says van Egmond

Newcastle: Matildas superstar Emily van Egmond is confident Australia and New Zealand’s successful 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup bid will finally put football Down Under, and in particular the W-League competition, on the map.

The ‘AsOne’ combined AUS/NZ bid edged Colombia in a FIFA Council vote early on Thursday, confirming the world’s biggest women’s sporting competition would officially be held in Australia and New Zealand in two years' time.

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Flashback: Saudi Arabia's Al Owairan recalls taking on the world in 1994

Fri, 28 Oct, 2022

Flashback: Saudi Arabia's Al Owairan recalls taking on the world in 1994

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia were not expected to make an impact when they made their FIFA World Cup Finals debut in USA '94.

While the West Asian nation had already made a name for themselves at the continental level, with two AFC Asian Cup titles in 1984 and 1988, a tough group meant expectations were low going into the global showpiece.

The tournament, however, did not go according to the script as forward Saeed Al Owairan fondly recalls in this 30 June 2020 interview with the-AFC.com. 

Oumari: Fernando Torres motivated me to raise the bar

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Oumari: Fernando Torres motivated me to raise the bar

Tokyo: Lebanese defender Joan Oumari never imagined that his move to Japan in 2018 would be the opportunity of a lifetime. He has added new experiences to the ones he had in Germany, United Arab Emirates and Turkey, and has made some fantastic friends.

Since arriving in the East Asia, Oumari has experienced a football style that was new to him and played alongside a host of stars who have made FIFA World Cup history – from Andres Iniesta, Fernando Torres and David Villa, who became world champions with Spain at South Africa 2010, to Lukas Podolski, who won the title with Germany at Brazil 2014.

The 31-year-old defender sat down with FIFA.com to talk about what he has learned from playing in Japan, what it is like to share the dressing room with some big names, and Lebanon's chances in the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

East Asia & ASEAN Wrap: Jeonbuk open up four-point lead

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

East Asia & ASEAN Wrap: Jeonbuk open up four-point lead

Kuala Lumpur: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors have moved four points clear at the top of the K League after securing a 2-0 victory over Ulsan Hyundai as the top two in Korea Republic faced off on Sunday. 

The latest round of fixtures in Vietnam saw Ho Chi Minh City FC move top of the standings, while the defending champions Hanoi FC also enjoyed a return to form as the V.League begins to take shape after six games.

Elsewhere, there was a huge result for a Japanese international in Germany, a Guangzhou derby in China PR and a pair of big announcements in Southeast Asia, as well as unbridled joy in Australia, so join the-AFC.com as we pick out the biggest stories from East Asia and ASEAN.

Magical Moments: Uzbekistan storm to 2018 title

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Magical Moments: Uzbekistan storm to 2018 title

Kuala Lumpur: When Andrey Sidorov struck in the final minute of extra-time to help Uzbekistan seal the AFC U23 Championship China 2018 title, it capped a truly remarkable campaign by the Central Asian nation.

The victory was, in truth, just rewards for a side that – after an initial wobble – rarely looked back. A richly deserved trophy for a team which played attacking, expansive football, for players who all skipped to the same beat. Players who were united by their desire to succeed.

Asia’s Greatest FIFA World Cup Goals – Semi-final 1

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Asia’s Greatest FIFA World Cup Goals – Semi-final 1

Kuala Lumpur: They are the goals that made entire nations roar. Every four years, the FIFA World Cup makes football the centrepiece of the world and ignites the hopes of millions of fans.

This June and July, the-AFC.com celebrates Asia’s contribution to the greatest show on earth by reliving 20 of the continent’s best FIFA World Cup goals.

5 of the Best: Volleys

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

5 of the Best: Volleys

Kuala Lumpur: There's nothing quite like seeing a sweetly struck volley fly into the back of the net, and this week the-AFC.com shines the '5 of the Best' spotlight on these aesthetically pleasing goals. 

We've previously looked at free-kicks, long-range efforts, solo brilliance and acrobatic stunners, and our latest compilation will not disappoint. So here's five volleys to recall some of the best and most dramatic 'no bounce' strikes the AFC Cup has seen.

Don't forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article!