Tokyo Olympics: Australia's gold medal dream ended by Sweden

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tokyo Olympics: Australia's gold medal dream ended by Sweden

Yokohama: Australia’s bid for a maiden Olympic women’s football gold medal came to an end with a 1-0 semi-final defeat to Sweden at Yokohama International Stadium on Monday.

Appearing in the final four at a global tournament for the first time, Tony Gustavsson’s side were undone by Fridolina Rolfo’s goal in the first minute of the second half, with Sweden to face Canada - who defeated the United States 1-0 in the other semi-final - in Friday’s gold medal match in Tokyo.

The Matildas’ defeat means their attention now turns to the battle for bronze, but they’ll need to defeat defending world champions the United States on Thursday if they are to become the first Australian team to win an Olympic medal.

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Tokyo Olympics: Australia’s Gustavsson looks forward to “unfinished business” against USA

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tokyo Olympics: Australia’s Gustavsson looks forward to “unfinished business” against USA

Yokohama: A disappointed Tony Gustavsson will turn his focus to Australia’s bronze medal match against the United States, after their bid for Olympic gold was ended by a 1-0 semi-final defeat to Sweden on Monday.

The Matildas had a 42nd-minute Sam Kerr goal disallowed before Fridolina Rolfo struck the decisive blow in the first minute of the second half, taking the unbeaten Swedes through to Friday’s gold medal decider against Canada.

Tokyo Olympics: Australia will be ready for United States, vows Kerr

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tokyo Olympics: Australia will be ready for United States, vows Kerr

Yokohama: It was only 10 minutes since the final whistle had blown on Australia’s narrow 1-0 loss to Sweden in the Tokyo Olympics Women’s Football Tournament semi-finals when Sam Kerr explained that it was all still too “fresh” for her to look ahead to the next game – but then the 27-year-old changed her mind: “We know that we’re a special team and we know that we can do something special. Now is the time.

"We won’t be happy coming home empty handed. Unless we go home with something around our neck, it’s going to be a disappointment for us. We have a bronze medal we can still win.”

Clubs set to discover road to AFC Cup 2021 Final

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Clubs set to discover road to AFC Cup 2021 Final

Kuala Lumpur: The pathway to the AFC Cup 2021 Final will be unveiled for participating clubs when the Knockout Stage draw is held virtually in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Wednesday.

With all the Knockout Stage matches changed to single leg ties from the home-and-away format, the AFC Cup campaign is poised for an exciting finish with clubs aiming to be crowned the 2021 champion.

Japan's Furuhashi hopes to emulate Nakamura impact at Celtic

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Japan's Furuhashi hopes to emulate Nakamura impact at Celtic

Glasgow: Japan forward Kyogo Furuhashi hopes to emulate the impact of Shunsuke Nakamura at Scottish Premiership side Celtic.

Furuhashi became the latest Japan international to join the club when he arrived in Glasgow from Vissel Kobe in July.

The 26-year-old follows in the footsteps of Nakamura, who scored 33 goals in four seasons with Celtic from 2005, including a memorable winner against Manchester United in the Champions League.

Uzbekistan star Shomurodov joins Mourinho’s Roma

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Uzbekistan star Shomurodov joins Mourinho’s Roma

Rome: Eldor Shomurodov has completed one of the biggest transfers in the history of Uzbek football, joining former Italian champions AS Roma from Genoa on Tuesday.

The striker joined the Serie A club on a five-year deal worth an initial €17.5 million, making him the first player from Uzbekistan to join the club once called home by the likes of Cafu, Francesco Totti and Gabriel Batistuta.

Kyrgyz Republic's Murzaev embarks on new adventure with Chennaiyin FC

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Kyrgyz Republic's Murzaev embarks on new adventure with Chennaiyin FC

Chennai: Mirlan Murzaev is set to become the first Kyrgyz Republic player to play in the Indian Super League (ISL) after penning a one-year deal with Chennaiyin FC.

The towering striker is the second international recruit for the Chennai-based club ahead of the 2021-22 season, joining Brazilian midfielder Rafael Crivellaro who has been with Chennaiyin since 2019.