ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Phnom Penh champions of Cambodia; Three Towns extend lead in China PR

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Phnom Penh champions of Cambodia; Three Towns extend lead in China PR

Hong Kong: Phnom Penh Crown emerged the league champions for a record eighth time by defeating Boeung Ket 5-0 on a thrilling final day of the Cambodian Premier League season after three teams went into it with a chance to clinch the title.

In China PR, Brazilian striker Marcao scored a league-leading 23rd goal of the campaign as Wuhan Three Towns established a three-point lead at the top of the Chinese Super League following a 4-0 win over Cangzhou Mighty Lions on Sunday. 
 
Kitchee SC are through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup in Hong Kong after overcoming Sham Shui Po while Southern reduced the deficit to leaders Lee Man to two points in the league. 
 
Join the-AFC.com as we review this week’s action from across ASEAN and East Asia.  

Preview - Ro16: Japan v Croatia

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

Preview - Ro16: Japan v Croatia

Al Wakrah: Yuto Nagatomo has called on his Japanese teammates to show their samurai spirit when they take on Croatia for a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Al Janoub Stadium on Monday.

Japan will be looking to secure a spot in the last eight for the first time in the nation’s history, with memories still fresh of the heart-breaking injury time defeat to Belgium at the same stage of the competition in Russia four years ago.

Skipper Son eyes 'another miracle' against Brazil

Sun, 04 Dec, 2022

Skipper Son eyes 'another miracle' against Brazil

Doha: Son Heung-min wants his Korea Republic side to pull off "another miracle" and beat Brazil on Monday in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 last 16 after their last-gasp heroics against Portugal.

The Koreans' tournament looked to be over until substitute Hwang Hee-chan popped up in injury time to score the winner in a 2-1 victory over already qualified Portugal on Friday in Qatar.

That propelled them into the knockout rounds and a daunting date with Brazil, one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Preview - Ro16: Brazil v Korea Republic

Tue, 06 Dec, 2022

Preview - Ro16: Brazil v Korea Republic

Doha: Korea Republic head coach Paulo Bento bemoaned fixture congestion ahead of his side’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 clash against Brazil on Monday.

The Taeguk Warriors had sealed qualification to the second round after a gruelling 2-1 comeback on Friday against Bento’s native Portugal, thanks to Kim Young-gwon’s first-half strike and Hwang Hee-chan’s added time winner.

Australia's Arnold calls for more support

Sun, 04 Dec, 2022

Australia's Arnold calls for more support

Al Rayyan: Australia head coach Graham Arnold left the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on Saturday calling for greater investment in the sport in the country having seen his Socceroos knocked out by Lionel Messi’s Argentina at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

Messi scored the opener as the Copa America champions won 2-1 with Julian Alvarez capitalising on an error by Maty Ryan to double the lead before Craig Goodwin’s shot was redirected into his own net by Enzo Fernandez to give the Australians a sliver of hope.
 
That goal set up a grandstand finish that saw Aziz Behich and Garang Kuol denied late opportunities to equalise and take the game into extra-time as the Argentinians moved through to a quarter-final meeting with the Netherlands on Friday.

Kane: Mature England ready for France battle

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

Kane: Mature England ready for France battle

Al Khor: Harry Kane hailed England's serene progress to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-finals after scoring his first goal of the tournament in a 3-0 win over Senegal in the last 16.

The Three Lions have now won a knockout game in three consecutive major tournaments for the first time to set up a mouthwatering clash against reigning champions France in the last eight on Saturday.

Winning the title is my obsession says Mbappe

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

Winning the title is my obsession says Mbappe

Doha: Kylian Mbappe said on Sunday he dreamed of winning the FIFA World Cup for a second time after his brace helped France to a 3-1 win over Poland  which advanced the holders to the quarter-finals in Qatar 2022.

"Of course, this World Cup is an obsession for me, it's the competition of my dreams," said the 23-year-old who burst onto the global stage by starring when France won the title in Russia four years ago."