Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Beijing: Guangzhou Evergrande striker Elkeson has been named in Marcello Lippi's China PR squad ahead of next month’s Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.
The move sees the Brazilian-born forward become the first player without Chinese heritage to be called up by the East Asian powerhouse.
Elkeson, who never featured for Brazil’s senior team, is eligible to play for China after plying his trade in the country since 2013.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bishkek: Kyrgyz Republic head coach Aleksandr Krestinin is certain to be well-acquainted with his next squad after calling up 14 players from club side FC Dordoi for the national team camp ahead of next month’s Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 clash with Tajikistan.
Fans of Dordoi, also coached by Krestinin, are likely to feel a sense of familiarity when the Akshumkar meet Tajikistan in Dushanbe next month, with more than half of the 27-strong contingent provided by the Bishkek-based club.
FC Ilbirs, Abdish-Ata Kant and current league leaders FC Alay Osh are the other domestic clubs to provide players for the extended squad, with a further eight plying their trade overseas.
The players will gather in Bishkek on September 1, with the final squad to be cut to 23 ahead of their opening Asian Qualifiers fixture against neighbouring Tajikistan four days later.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Beijing: The age of 30 is a pivotal year for the Chinese. It’s a period during which a man should "establish his firm place in the world" as Confucius defined.
That words of wisdom rings true for China PR midfielder Wu Xi, who has recently hit the headlines due to his solid performances.
The dynamic midfielder, who turned 30 in February, has been on top of his game for both club and country. Wu has excelled so far in his captaincy role with Jiangsu Suning, as his club are maintaining their place among the top six in the Chinese Super League.
While at international level, he was instrumental throughout China’s AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 campaign where they were ultimately knocked out at the quarter-final stage.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Jeddah: Newly appointed head coach Hervé Renard has declared that a sense of unity will be key if Saudi Arabia are to have a successful future.
The Frenchman joined the Green Falcons ahead of their imminent FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian Qualifiers campaign, which begins in early September.
Renard - who became the first coach in history to win the Africa Cup of Nations title with two different nations when he led Zambia to glory in 2012 and succeeded again with Côte d’Ivoire three years later – was appointed following his resignation as Morocco national team head coach last month.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: With their challengers all ranked higher than them, Guam are counting on home ground advantage to make a mark in the Asian Qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.
Guam are in Group A of the Asian Qualifiers with China PR, Maldives, Philippines and Syria the teams they have to face.
It will be a tough challenge as Guam, at 198, are the lowest ranked team in the group.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia will face their toughest challenge yet following the result of the Asian Qualifiers draw for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 but the Blue Wolves are determined to continue charting history.
Head coach Michael Weiss’ side will be making their first-ever appearance in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers with Japan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Myanmar to contend with in Group F.
Despite being in unfamiliar territory, Weiss is relishing the prospect of meeting heavyweights such as four-time AFC Asian Cup champions Japan.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Head coach Marc Wilmots has described the Asian Qualifiers draw as not easy but Islamic Republic of Iran's target will be to win the group.
Iran, Asia's top ranked team, were drawn in Group C for Round Two of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Joint Qualifiers.
Team Melli will have to get past Iraq, Bahrain, Hong Kong and Cambodia to advance to the third round, which will not only take them a step closer to a third consecutive FIFA World Cup Finals appearance but also seal them a place in the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Finals.