Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: National teams old and new have set out with the ultimate goal of bringing the World Cup back to Asia, but only one has succeeded.
The Japanese women’s national team of 2011 became Asia’s world champions at the senior level, overcoming tournament hosts and defending champions Germany in the quarter-final before outlasting the United States in a classic final and providing a boost to a nation still reeling from a painful natural disaster.
That remarkable win in Germany represented the peak of their success, but it was far from the Nadeshiko’s only breakthrough success, with first-time titles in the Asian Games and AFC Women’s Asian Cup and a FIFA World Player of the Year title for team leader Homare Sawa all materialising in an unprecedented four-year period.
https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/norio_sasaki_-_2008_olympics.html
https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/nadeshiko_-_2010_asian_games.html
https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/aya_sameshima_-_2011_fifa_womens_world_cup.html
https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/karina_maruyama_-_2011_fifa_womens_world_cup.html
https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/japan_2002_fifa_womens_world_cup_-_afp_2.html
https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/afc_womens_asian_cup_2014_-_japan_vs_australia.html
https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/homare_sawa_-_2002_fifa_womens_world_cup_-_afp.html
https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/asako_takakura_-_afc_womens_asian_cup.html
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Think you know everything about the Asian game from Jordan to Japan and from Beirut to Brisbane? Take on the Asian Football Quiz!
Also Try:
The Asian Football Quiz - Round 1
The Asian Football Quiz - Round 2
The Asian Football Quiz - Round 3
The Asian Football Quiz - Round 4
The Asian Football Quiz - Round 5
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Cardiff City and Philippines goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has established himself as one of Asian football’s biggest stars after becoming the first player from Southeast Asia to play in the English Premier League and helping the Azkals climb up the continental rankings.
In the first of a two-part interview with the-AFC.com, the 30-year-old custodian talks about life under lockdown, the challenges of the last 12 months and the difficult decision to not play at last year’s AFC Asian Cup Finals.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: It's that time of the week when the-AFC.com looks back at some of the finest goals the AFC Champions League has witnessed during its rich history, with the latest '5 of the Best' taking in chips, lobs and scoops.
Following on from the opening four editions – acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys and long-range stunners – this week's compilation sees beautifully executed finishes from Saudi giants Al Ittihad and Al Hilal as well as entrants from FC Seoul, Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Guangzhou Evergrande, so sit back and enjoy!
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: In the fourth edition of our AFC Champions League legends series, we turn the spotlight on Japan and highlight five icons who have graced Asia's premier club competition over the years.
Three J.League clubs have tasted Continental glory in the AFC Champions League era, with Urawa Red Diamonds, Gamba Osaka and Kashima Antlers all having lifted the prestigious trophy, and players from the trio feature heavily in our selection.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: With much of the Continental game on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the-AFC.com continues our series, The Story Behind, where we delve deeper to reveal some of Asian football's fascinating flavour.
After featuring club nicknames in the first edition, we next look at six different sides from across the breadth of the Asian Football Confederation and explore the meaning behind their unique club crests.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tehran: A burgeoning continental competition, a full stadium in Tehran, and an era-defining victory for Iranian football - The events of April 10, 1970, and Taj Tehran’s Asian Club Championship Final win over Israel’s Hapoel Tel Aviv, remain burned in the memories of those who participated.
In only the third staging of the continental tournament, Taj - known as FC Esteghlal from 1979 - became the first Iranian winners, and the first club from outside Israel to lift trophy, winning 2-1 after extra-time in front of an estimated 35,000 fans at the original Amjadieh Stadium.