Unlikely cult figure Grant eyes FIFA World Cup after near-tragedy

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Unlikely cult figure Grant eyes FIFA World Cup after near-tragedy

Kuwait City: “Everything went peaceful and quiet under the water. I got ready to just let it happen. I thought, ‘This is it’.” That was how Australia and Sydney FC full-back Rhyan Grant described his near-death experience in 2018 to PlayersVoice.

Wild surf and a freak leg-rope tangle on a protruding pipe saw Grant trapped underwater with no escape seemingly possible, only for the rope to unexpectedly free itself.

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China PR's Li Tie applauds Wu Lei's performance in Asian Qualifiers win against Guam

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

China PR's Li Tie applauds Wu Lei's performance in Asian Qualifiers win against Guam

Suzhou: Head coach Li Tie praised two-goal striker Wu Lei after the Espanyol striker led China PR to a comfortable 7-0 win over Guam as the two teams resumed their Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 campaigns on Sunday.

Wu Lei scored his side’s opener from the penalty spot before adding his team’s third while Wu Xi, Ai Kesen and Jin Jingdao were also on the scoresheet before A Lan added a late brace to move the Chinese into sole possession of second place in Group A.

Moriyasu hails players after win over Myanmar takes Japan through to third round of Asian Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Moriyasu hails players after win over Myanmar takes Japan through to third round of Asian Qualifiers

Chiba: Hajime Moriyasu commended his players’ relentless approach after the Samurai Blue booked their place in the third round of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with a thumping 10-0 win over Myanmar.

The Japanese also sealed their spot at the Finals of the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 as Group F winners with the victory, their sixth in a row in the current phase of qualifying, as Moriyasu’s side confirmed their progress to the next phase with two games remaining.

Iniesta-inspired Dimas out to defend Indonesian pride in Asian Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Iniesta-inspired Dimas out to defend Indonesian pride in Asian Qualifiers

Jakarta: Indonesia's Evan Dimas is all too aware that his team’s hopes of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 have already been extinguished. But AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualification is still on the cards and a fresh approach means reason for optimism when action resumes next week.

With five straight losses, the Southeast Asians can no longer finish top two in a fascinating group which also features Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and United Arab Emirates. The disappointing results not only cost coach Simon McMenemy his job, but also dented the team's confidence.

The new boss in charge is none other than former Shin Tae-yong, who guided Korea Republic to a famous 2-0 defeat of world champions Germany at Russia 2018. With the memory of that amazing victory still fresh in mind, Dimas is hoping that Indonesia can produce similar heroics under Shin.

East Asia & ASEAN Wrap: Suwon storm to 'Super Match' victory

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

East Asia & ASEAN Wrap: Suwon storm to 'Super Match' victory

Hong Kong: Suwon Samsung Bluewings produced a resounding display to post a 3-0 victory over FC Seoul in Korea Republic's 'Super Match' on Saturday and stay within three points of K League 1 leaders Ulsan Hyundai. 

In Japan, Kawasaki Frontale left it late but the table-toppers edged Kashima Antlers 2-1 as they extended their lead at the J1 League summit to 15 points, while the league season came to a close in Hong Kong.

Elsewhere, the battle for top-six finishes and a place in Australia's Finals Series continues, and there was action in Macau and the Northern Mariana Islands, so join the-AFC.com as we review the best of the action from across East Asia and ASEAN.

Aurelio Vidmar takes over at BG Pathum United

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Aurelio Vidmar takes over at BG Pathum United

Bangkok: Australian Aurelio Vidmar will lead BG Pathum United into the group phase of the 2021 AFC Champions League after he was unveiled as the Thai League 1 champions’ new head coach on Sunday.

Vidmar, who famously led Adelaide United to the final of the competition in 2008, was most recently head coach of Singapore Premier League side Lion City Sailors and he previously coached BG Pathum United when they were known as Bangkok Glass in the 2016-17 campaign.

2021 AFC Cup (West): Group Stage in Numbers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Cup (West): Group Stage in Numbers

Manama: After a whirlwind week, the 2021 AFC Cup (West) group stage drew to a close on Thursday as four teams advanced to the West Zonal Semi-finals and seven were eliminated.

As the continental competition takes a break, the-AFC.com looks back at some of the numbers that stood out in the 2021 AFC Cup (West) Zone.