Tokyo Olympics: Japan to play Sweden in quarter-finals, Australia get Great Britain

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tokyo Olympics: Japan to play Sweden in quarter-finals, Australia get Great Britain

Tokyo: The cast for the Tokyo Olympics Women's Football tournament was finalised following the conclusion of the group stage on Tuesday.

Two of Asia's three representatives - hosts Japan and Australia - advanced after a nail-biting day which saw China PR exiting the tournament following their 8-2 defeat to the Netherlands.

Tokyo Olympics: Gustavsson hails Australia's adaptability after US draw sends them to last eight

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tokyo Olympics: Gustavsson hails Australia's adaptability after US draw sends them to last eight

Kashima: It wasn’t quite the dashing Australia many have come to expect, but head coach Tony Gustavsson walked away pleased after they qualified for the Tokyo Olympics Women’s Football knockout stage with a 0-0 draw against the United States on Tuesday.

In a match featuring sides that had gone toe-to-toe in a 5-3 shootout in their previous clash in 2019, there were few chances and a lower intensity than expected, with the draw ultimately helping both sides reach the quarter-finals.

Tokyo Olympics: Takakura optimistic as Japan get set for Sweden

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tokyo Olympics: Takakura optimistic as Japan get set for Sweden

Rifu: Head coach Asako Takakura praised Japan's resilience in their 1-0 win over Chile on Tuesday, a result which ultimately was enough for the hosts to advance to the Tokyo Olympics Women’s Football tournament quarter-finals.

While Japan were in firm control of the match - registering 21 shots on target - it took substitute Mina Tanaka’s 77th minute strike to ensure them the three points in the Group E tie as the Nadeshiko advanced to the knockout stage as one of two best third-placed teams, along with Australia from Group G.

Tokyo Olympics: Steep learning curve will only benefit China PR’s future stars, says Jia

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tokyo Olympics: Steep learning curve will only benefit China PR’s future stars, says Jia

Yokohama: Although disappointed, head coach Jia Xiuquan looked at the positives after China PR’s exit from the Tokyo Olympics Women's Football tournament on Tuesday. 

The Steel Roses fell to a 8-2 defeat in their final Group F tie against the Netherlands at the Yokohama International Stadium, a result which confirmed their elimination, having collected one point from three matches.

Tokyo Olympics - Preview: Japan's Moriyasu calls for focus ahead of France showdown

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tokyo Olympics - Preview: Japan's Moriyasu calls for focus ahead of France showdown

Yokohama: Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu has called on his players to maintain their focus ahead of their crucial clash with France as the Olympic Games hosts eye a place in the knockout rounds of the men’s football tournament on Wednesday.

A draw will be enough for the Japanese to seal top spot in Group A and set up a quarter-final meeting with the runners-up from Group B as the nation looks to secure their first Olympic medal in 53 years.

The Japanese go into the game off the back of consecutive wins over South Africa and Mexico, but Moriyasu is taking nothing for granted against a French side that needs to win to have any hope of advancing.

Tokyo Olympics – Preview: Australia confident of plugging gaps in crucial Egypt clash

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tokyo Olympics – Preview: Australia confident of plugging gaps in crucial Egypt clash

Rifu: Coming into the final match of Group C needing only a point against Egypt to advance to the Tokyo Olympics Men's Football tournament knockout stage looks a golden opportunity for Australia but they will have to overcome significant personnel losses to get the result they need.

It is a scenario that any Australian would have gleefully signed up for before the competition began.

Drawn into the tournament’s group of death – re-framed as the “group of dreams” by their upbeat head coach Graham Arnold – the Olyroos stunned Argentina 2-0 in their opening match, then held Spain scoreless for 80 minutes before finally succumbing to a 1-0 defeat.

Tokyo Olympics – Preview: Korea Republic eye place in quarter-finals as Honduras rematch looms

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tokyo Olympics – Preview: Korea Republic eye place in quarter-finals as Honduras rematch looms

Yokohama: Korea Republic's destiny is in their own hands as they aim to advance to the Tokyo Olympics Men's Football tournament knockout rounds ahead of their final Group B game against familiar foes Honduras on Wednesday. 

Bronze medalists in 2012, Korea have made the quarter-finals in three of the past four editions of the Games and, currently sat top of Group B on goal difference, they need only a point against Honduras at Yokohama International Stadium to secure qualification.

But with all four teams in the group – the others being New Zealand and Romania – sat level on three points following a win and a defeat each, the situation could barely be any closer ahead of the final round of fixtures.