Sadio Mane joins Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr

Wed, 02 Aug, 2023

Sadio Mane joins Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr

Riyadh: Al Nassr confirmed the signing of Bayern Munich striker Sadio Mane on Tuesday as the Senegal star prepares to team up with five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

The twice African Footballer of the Year is the latest high profile player to join the Saudi Pro league, following the footsteps of Karim Benzema, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Riyad Mahrez, Allan Saint-Maximin and others.

Shui: China PR will learn and bounce back stronger

Wed, 02 Aug, 2023

Shui: China PR will learn and bounce back stronger

Adelaide: China PR coach Shui Qingxia vowed to quickly learn the lessons from the disappointment of her team’s exit from the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 after the Steel Roses suffered a 6-1 loss against European champions England at Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Stadium on Tuesday.

Lauren James scored twice for Sarina Wiegman’s side while Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly were also on the scoresheet as the Chinese struggled to match the technical and physically commanding Lionesses, who advance to the last 16 as Group D winners.
 
Shui’s side, meanwhile, exit the competition having finished in third place in the group behind runners-up Denmark, meaning China PR have been knocked out at the opening phase for the first time in eight appearances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals.

Experience will boost Vietnam's development, says Mai

Wed, 02 Aug, 2023

Experience will boost Vietnam's development, says Mai

Dunedin: Vietnam's FIFA Women's World Cup debut may have ended on a low note but head coach Mai Duc Chung believes the future is bright for the game in the Southeast Asian nation.

Vietnam found the Netherlands too strong in their final Group E match at the Dunedin Stadium on Tuesday, with the 2019 runners-up cruising to a 7-0 win.

Stajcic parts ways with the Philippines on high note

Tue, 01 Aug, 2023

Stajcic parts ways with the Philippines on high note

Manila: The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) bid goodbye to women’s national team head coach Alen Stajcic following a hugely successful period at the helm, where the Australian guided the team to their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.

The contracts of both Stajcic and assistant coach Nahuel Arrarte expired after the conclusion of Philippines' FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 campaign where their committed performances saw them earning a magnificent 1-0 win over hosts New Zealand.

Gustavsson proud of Australia's response

Tue, 01 Aug, 2023

Gustavsson proud of Australia's response

Melbourne: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson praised his players for showing maturity and determination to claim an impressive 4-0 victory over Canada and punch their ticket into the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 on Monday.

Australia bounce back from their 3-2 defeat to Nigeria with Hayley Raso scoring a brace and Mary Fowler and Steph Catley netting one each against Olympic champions Canada to leave the packed Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in raptures.
 
The victory meant Australia finished top of Group B and they will face the Group D runners-up in the Round of 16 on August 7.

Ikeda the mastermind as Japan send warning

Mon, 31 Jul, 2023

Ikeda the mastermind as Japan send warning

Wellington: Japan head coach Futoshi Ikeda's coaching acumen was on full display in Japan's impressive 4-0 win over Spain in their FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group C tie on Monday. 

Spain, one of the pre-tournament favourites, went into the match at the Wellington Regional Stadium favoured to win but were blown away in blustery conditions by a tactically disciplined Japan who sealed top spot and a Round of 16 meeting with Norway on Saturday. 
 
While Ikeda went to great lengths to praise his players, it was obvious that victory was due to his well-laid plans with Barcelona stars Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati reduced to being mere passengers with Spain not creating a single chance.