Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Among the many star names who will take to the field in the United Arab Emirates are ones who have graced the AFC Asian Cup previously and may very well be doing so for the last time on the continental stage.
Next in the-AFC.com's '10 of the Best' series, we've compiled a list of veterans who continue to perform at the very highest level for club and country, and will be striving to inspire their nations to glory come January.
https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/photo/10_of_the_best_swansongs.html
10 of the Best: Swansongs
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: As the 24 teams battle for the Continental crown in January, goals will be the most valuable currency. The-AFC.com kicks off our weekly Asian Cup UAE 2019 series '10 of the Best' with a look at 10 target men whose nations will rely on to deliver the goals.
UAE's Ali Mabkhout nipped the top scorer award in 2015 with five goals. But with the tournament expanded from 16 to 24 teams this time around, the goals race is set to be even more heated. Here are a selection of leading candidates who could take the mantle from the Emirati this January.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: There are just seven days until the big kick-off of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, with teams and fans beginning to descend on the United Arab Emirates.
As ever, the group stage will throw up a number of intriguing clashes between the nations, so, next in the '10 of the Best' series, the-AFC.com has picked out 10 standout fixtures to keep an eye out for.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Cup has showcased the Continent’s greatest players over the years, with many making their name in the competition. Next in our '10 of the Best' series, we feature talents who will arrive in the United Arab Emirates full of promise as they get set to make their tournament bow.
Four years ago in Australia, Massimo Luongo was the pick of the bunch as the Socceroo was voted the MVP, while a 20-year-old Sardar Azmoun was twice on the scoresheet for the Islamic Republic of Iran. As the 2019 edition rapidly approaches, here’s a list of 10 more youngsters to keep an eye out for.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: With a number of veterans either retiring or left out by coach Moriyasu Hajime, 24-year-old Shoya Nakajima will be looking to impress as one of the stars of the next generation in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
He might be the shortest player in the Japan squad, but less than a year after making his senior debut, Nakajima has grown into one of the most influential players in the Samurai Blue setup as they seek a record-extending fifth AFC Asian Cup title.
Nationality: Japan Date of birth: 23/08/1994 Position: Midfielder Current club: Portimonense (Portugal) Previous clubs: Tokyo Verdy, FC Tokyo, Kataller Toyama (All Japan)
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: Cardiff City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge said he hopes to be part of Philippines’ AFC Asian Cup team in the future after he was left out of the national squad for UAE 2019 owing to his Premier League commitments.
Had he been selected, his Cardiff City schedule would have allowed him to play one game for his country — against Korea Republic on January 7 — which he felt would have been unfair to other aspirants for the job, the 28-year-old said after manager Sven-Goran Eriksson named his 23-man squad on Thursday.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to make,” Etheridge told Philippines media. “As people know, I’ve worked so hard to be playing every week in the Premier League. After a long discussion with people involved, it would be unfair for me to take a spot of another player.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Isa Town: Bahrain's buildup to the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 received another boost as they defeated DPR Korea 4-0 in an international friendly at the Khalifa Sports City Stadium on Saturday.
Bahrain, who will play hosts UAE in the opening match of the Continental showpiece on January 5, took the lead through Mohammed Al Romaihi in the ninth minute.
Ahmad Jumaa doubled Bahrain's advantage in the 35th minute.
Jamal Rashed added the third for Bahrain, who defeated Lebanon 1-0 in a friendly on December 26, in the 65th minute before Kameel Al Aswad sealed an emphatic win for Miroslav Soukup's side just a minute later.