Sousa: Bahrain want to be Asia’s best

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Sousa: Bahrain want to be Asia’s best

Doha: After 50 years of waiting, Bahrain finally achieved their first Gulf Cup title after defeating Saudi Arabia in the 2019 final in Doha last December.

The achievement came just four months after Bahrain clinched the West Asian Football Federation Championship (WAFF) as head coach Helio Sousa, who took charge of the team in March 2019, made an immediate impact on the squad.

the-AFC.com spoke to the 50-year-old Portuguese about his experience with Bahrain, their recent achievements and the future of Bahraini football.

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UAE part ways with Jovanović

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

UAE part ways with Jovanović

Dubai: The United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAE FA) announced on Monday that Serbian Ivan Jovanović has been relieved of his position as the national team head coach. 

The 57-year-old coach took charge of the UAE national team in late December, replacing Bert van Marwijk who was sacked after a disappointing performance by UAE in the 2019 Gulf Cup.

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes 

Tue, 01 Nov, 2022

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes 

Kuala Lumpur: Over the years a number of Asian players have produced the goods at the FIFA World Cup, lighting up arenas around the globe and providing incredible moments that have gone down in the Continent’s footballing folklore. 

With the kick-off for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 only days away, we turn back the clock to highlight the achievements of five Asian players who have shone brightest on the global showpiece.

You can tell us who you think is the best Asian player at the FIFA World Cup by voting at the bottom of the article. 

Asia's greatest national teams: Saudi Arabia 1980-90s

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Asia's greatest national teams: Saudi Arabia 1980-90s

Kuala Lumpur: Over the past few decades, Asian football has produced some iconic national teams. In this series, the-AFC.com looks at some of those generations that shaped the sport in the world’s largest continent.

When Japan defeated China PR to be crowned continental champions in 2004, that was the first AFC Asian Cup final not to feature Saudi Arabia for 24 years. This incredible stat is perhaps the best testament to how dominant the Green Falcons had been in the last part of the 20th century.

Free-scoring Shomurodov out to make history with Uzbekistan

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Free-scoring Shomurodov out to make history with Uzbekistan

Tashkent: It seems that every time Uzbekistan excel in Asia's FIFA World Cup preliminaries, a new star emerges.

Alexander Geynrikh was the player who dazzled in their Germany 2006 campaign, striking four times as his side stormed all the way through to the Asian play-off - only to lose out, heartbreakingly, to Bahrain on away goals. Then national legend Maksim Shatskikh rose to the occasion on the road to South Africa 2010, racking up eight goals to fire his side to the final qualifying round.

The Central Asians also came close in the Brazil 2014 preliminaries being edged out by Korea Republic on goal difference and, on that occasion, captain Server Djeparov led by example with outstanding performances that included four goals.

Afif: 2019 was just the beginning for Qatar

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Afif: 2019 was just the beginning for Qatar

Doha: Qatar were the dominant force on the Asian football scene in 2019, the year they won their maiden AFC Asian Cup. Thanks to impressive results at the continental championship and in the Asian Qualifiers, as well as their participation in the Copa America, Al-Annabi were logically the highest climbers in the FIFA World Ranking in 2019.

Qatar’s achievements were the result of hard work and long-term planning, which finally paid dividends last year. This unprecedented success came as no surprise, given the excellent performances at both team and individual level. Indeed, Qatari stars claimed the individual awards at last year’s AFC Asian Cup, and their rising star, Akram Afif, was named AFC Player of the Year.

Keeping eyes on the prize helps Irvine focus on long-term goals

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Keeping eyes on the prize helps Irvine focus on long-term goals

Sydney: While the Socceroos journey to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is in its early stages, Jackson Irvine is maintaining focus by thinking of the prize at the finish line.

The Melbourne-born midfielder had the privilege of running out in all three of the Green and Gold’s matches at the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia, as a substitute, and they are memories he cherishes.