Tokyo Olympics: Kubo looking forward to facing familiar foes as Japan get set for Spain

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tokyo Olympics: Kubo looking forward to facing familiar foes as Japan get set for Spain

Saitama: Takefusa Kubo has reason to relish Japan’s Tokyo Olympic's Men's Football semi-final against Spain more than most as Hajime Moriyasu readies his team for a shot at a place on the podium at Saitama Stadium on Tuesday.

The tournament hosts are looking to win their first Olympic medal in the men’s football tournament since claiming bronze in Mexico City in 1968, with the nation standing between the Japanese and a place in Saturday’s final the one that has largely shaped Kubo’s career.

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Tokyo Olympics: Australia will be ready for United States, vows Kerr

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tokyo Olympics: Australia will be ready for United States, vows Kerr

Yokohama: It was only 10 minutes since the final whistle had blown on Australia’s narrow 1-0 loss to Sweden in the Tokyo Olympics Women’s Football Tournament semi-finals when Sam Kerr explained that it was all still too “fresh” for her to look ahead to the next game – but then the 27-year-old changed her mind: “We know that we’re a special team and we know that we can do something special. Now is the time.

"We won’t be happy coming home empty handed. Unless we go home with something around our neck, it’s going to be a disappointment for us. We have a bronze medal we can still win.”

Tokyo Olympics: Australia’s Gustavsson looks forward to “unfinished business” against USA

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tokyo Olympics: Australia’s Gustavsson looks forward to “unfinished business” against USA

Yokohama: A disappointed Tony Gustavsson will turn his focus to Australia’s bronze medal match against the United States, after their bid for Olympic gold was ended by a 1-0 semi-final defeat to Sweden on Monday.

The Matildas had a 42nd-minute Sam Kerr goal disallowed before Fridolina Rolfo struck the decisive blow in the first minute of the second half, taking the unbeaten Swedes through to Friday’s gold medal decider against Canada.

Clubs set to discover road to AFC Cup 2021 Final

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Clubs set to discover road to AFC Cup 2021 Final

Kuala Lumpur: The pathway to the AFC Cup 2021 Final will be unveiled for participating clubs when the Knockout Stage draw is held virtually in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Wednesday.

With all the Knockout Stage matches changed to single leg ties from the home-and-away format, the AFC Cup campaign is poised for an exciting finish with clubs aiming to be crowned the 2021 champion.

Uzbekistan star Shomurodov joins Mourinho’s Roma

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Uzbekistan star Shomurodov joins Mourinho’s Roma

Rome: Eldor Shomurodov has completed one of the biggest transfers in the history of Uzbek football, joining former Italian champions AS Roma from Genoa on Tuesday.

The striker joined the Serie A club on a five-year deal worth an initial €17.5 million, making him the first player from Uzbekistan to join the club once called home by the likes of Cafu, Francesco Totti and Gabriel Batistuta.

Japan's Furuhashi hopes to emulate Nakamura impact at Celtic

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Japan's Furuhashi hopes to emulate Nakamura impact at Celtic

Glasgow: Japan forward Kyogo Furuhashi hopes to emulate the impact of Shunsuke Nakamura at Scottish Premiership side Celtic.

Furuhashi became the latest Japan international to join the club when he arrived in Glasgow from Vissel Kobe in July.

The 26-year-old follows in the footsteps of Nakamura, who scored 33 goals in four seasons with Celtic from 2005, including a memorable winner against Manchester United in the Champions League.

Qatar’s Almoez Ali scoops 2021 Gold Cup Top Scorer Award

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Qatar’s Almoez Ali scoops 2021 Gold Cup Top Scorer Award

Las Vegas: Almoez Ali of Qatar has won the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup Top Scorer Award with four goals in five games.

Qatar were the guest team of this year’s Gold Cup and didn’t disappoint, scoring 12 goals in five matches. Ali was a big part of that with his quartet of goals.