England looking forward to 'huge' clash with Matildas

Sun, 13 Aug, 2023

England looking forward to 'huge' clash with Matildas

Sydney: England say they are relishing playing in front of what promises to be a partisan 80,000 home crowd in their FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 semi-final against co-hosts Australia on Wednesday.

The European champions had a taste of what awaits when they fought back from a goal down to beat Colombia 2-1 on Saturday during what felt like a home game for the well-supported South Americans.
 
The Lionesses will be back at the imposing Stadium Australia in Sydney on Wednesday with both teams attempting to win the Women's World Cup for the first time.
 
Alessia Russo scored the winner in the 63rd minute against a physical Colombia and the Arsenal forward said she had enjoyed playing in front of a hostile crowd.

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Gustavsson: Australia destined for greater heights

Sun, 13 Aug, 2023

Gustavsson: Australia destined for greater heights

Brisbane: Head coach Tony Gustavsson is confident Australia can create more history following their 7-6 penalty shootout victory against France in their FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 quarter-final on Saturday.

The Matildas showed perseverance and outlasted a resilient France side at the Brisbane Stadium to seal a first appearance in the semi-finals.

Future bright for Japan, says Ikeda

Sat, 12 Aug, 2023

Future bright for Japan, says Ikeda

Auckland: Japan head coach Futoshi Ikeda said his team could take pride in their run at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 despite being knocked out in the quarter-finals in a 2-1 defeat by Sweden on Friday.

The Nadeshiko had been touted as candidates to go all the way after cruising through the group stage with three wins out of three, including a 4-0 demolition of Spain, before seeing off Norway in the last 16.
 
A win over Sweden in Auckland would have set up another meeting with Spain, but Ikeda's side fell short at Eden Park, going two goals down early in the second half before attempting a late comeback.

#AsianCup2023 five-month countdown: Fan-voted all-time AFC Asian Cup™ Dream XI revealed

Fri, 11 Aug, 2023

#AsianCup2023 five-month countdown: Fan-voted all-time AFC Asian Cup™ Dream XI revealed

Kuala Lumpur: With five months to go to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, the final all-time Dream XI for the AFC Asian Cup™ has been determined by the passionate fans of Asian football.

The formidable line-up was voted for out of a pool of 48 players who left their mark in the proud and storied history of the Continent’s most prestigious national team competition.

Son named Spurs captain after Kane departure

Sun, 13 Aug, 2023

Son named Spurs captain after Kane departure

London: Son Heung-min was named Tottenham's new captain on Saturday on the day the club's all-time top goalscorer Harry Kane joined Bayern Munich.

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has been Spurs skipper since 2015, but the Frenchman's future at the club is in doubt.
 
Kane was expected to take over had he remained in north London rather than moving to Germany in pursuit of the first silverware of his career. New signing James Maddison and Argentine centre-back Cristian Romero have been named vice-captains.

Firmino hits hat-trick on Al Ahli debut

Sat, 12 Aug, 2023

Firmino hits hat-trick on Al Ahli debut

Jeddah: Brazilian forward and former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino hit a hat-trick on his Saudi Pro League debut on Friday as Al  Ahli Saudi FC defeated Al Hazem 3-1.

The 31-year-old skipper found the net in the sixth, 10th and 72nd minutes for the promoted team who also fielded fellow new signings Riyad Mahrez, Allain Saint Maximin, Frank Kessie and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.