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.

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Paralluelo lives up to expectations for history-making Spain

Sat, 12 Aug, 2023

Paralluelo lives up to expectations for history-making Spain

Wellington: Teenager Salma Paralluelo was ecstatic to have played a defining role in Spain's 2-1 win over the Netherlands in their FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 quarter-final on Friday. 

In an exciting tie at the Wellington Regional Stadium, Mariona Caldentey scored an 81st-minute penalty for Spain, only for Stefanie van der Gragt to equalise in added time.
 
The 19-year-old Paralluelo, however, ensured penalties would not be needed as she produced a brilliant solo finish in the 111th minute to put Spain into the semi-finals for the first time, with Sweden up next on Tuesday. 

Preview - Q-final: Australia v France

Fri, 11 Aug, 2023

Preview - Q-final: Australia v France

Brisbane: Australia are determined to create history when they face France in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 quarter-finals on Saturday.

The Matildas will be aiming to secure a place in the semi-finals with victory against familiar foes France at the Brisbane Stadium.

Australia will go into the last eight tie on a high, having recovered from a shock 3-2 defeat to Nigeria to beat Olympic champions Canada 4-0 before goals from Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso earned them a win over Denmark in the Round of 16.

Preview - Q-final: England v Colombia

Fri, 11 Aug, 2023

Preview - Q-final: England v Colombia

Sydney: Colombia head coach Nelson Abadia is treating their FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023  clash on Saturday against England like a chess game, confident his side's strength of character will carry them through to the semi-finals.

The fourth-ranked European champions will be favourites to win in Sydney, but the South Americans stunned world number two Germany in the group phase and are brimming with confidence.

Excitement builds ahead of AFC Champions League™ Preliminary and Playoff Stages

Fri, 11 Aug, 2023

Excitement builds ahead of AFC Champions League™ Preliminary and Playoff Stages

Kuala Lumpur: The race to book a place in the Group Stage of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 will kick off on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, when 21 teams from the East and West Zones of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) begin their Preliminary and Playoff Stage journeys. 

The 2023/24 edition of the AFC Champions League™ will mark the first instance of Asia’s premier club competition shifting from its erstwhile Spring-Autumn calendar to that of an Autumn-Spring season.

Nakamura signs for Ligue 1 club Reims

Fri, 11 Aug, 2023

Nakamura signs for Ligue 1 club Reims

Lille: Japan international Keito Nakamura has signed a five-year deal with French club Reims for a reported fee of 10 million euros from Austrian club LASK, the Ligue 1 side said on Thursday.

The 23-year-old forward scored 20 goals in all competitions for LASK and had reportedly been the subject of interest from other clubs including Lille.

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.