Ma: Scoring the first Women's World Cup goal was special

Wed, 17 Nov, 2021

Ma: Scoring the first Women's World Cup goal was special

Kuala Lumpur: The goal Rose Lavelle scored in a 2-0 victory against Netherlands to conclude the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™ Final marked the 917th strike in the global showpiece since the inaugural event in China PR. Among all these goals scored across a total of 284 matches in eight editions, though, one remains unique - the opener notched by former China PR defender Ma Li in the tournament curtain-raiser between the hosts and Norway in the 1991 Women's World Cup. 

The date was 16 November 1991 and the Tianhe Stadium in Guangzhou was the place. The hosts were pitted against the Norwegians in a historic encounter - the opening game of the first-ever Women's World Cup. 

Playing on home soil and spurred on by the home supporters, the Steel Roses proved dominant from the outset. And it took them just 22 minutes to break the deadlock, China PR's Ma Li got herself between a series of defenders to head home the tournament’s first goal. The opener sent the home crowd into raptures and set China PR on the path to a memorable 4-0 victory. Over a quarter of a century has now elapsed, but the memory remains vivid for the goalscorer.

Preview - Group A: Syria in the way as IR Iran pursue another triumph

Wed, 17 Nov, 2021

Preview - Group A: Syria in the way as IR Iran pursue another triumph

Amman: Group A leaders Islamic Republic of Iran will aim to cement their position in the summer when they take on bottom-placed side Syria at King Abdullah II on Matchday Six of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar on Tuesday.

Having been so evenly matched in the 2018 qualifiers, drawing both their games, the two sides have had contrasting fortunes this time around.

Preview - Group A: Korea Republic wary as Iraq seek first win

Wed, 17 Nov, 2021

Preview - Group A: Korea Republic wary as Iraq seek first win

Doha: Korea Republic will look to extend their unbeaten run to six matches when they take on an Iraq side chasing their first win on Matchday Six of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar as the business end of the campaign begins with the two teams in the midst of contrasting fortunes.

The Taeguk Warriors are in second place after three wins and two draws and have a six-point cushion over Lebanon in third but trail leaders the Islamic Republic of Iran by two, while Iraq sit in fourth place after four draws and a loss, and are still battling hard to finish at least in third place, the playoff spot.

Preview - Group A: Lebanon, United Arab Emirates out to revive campaign

Wed, 17 Nov, 2021

Preview - Group A: Lebanon, United Arab Emirates out to revive campaign

Saida: Lebanon will look to bounce back from stoppage time heartbreak, while United Arab Emirates will be desperate to revive their stuttering AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar campaign when the two sides meet at Saida Municipal Stadium on Tuesday.

The Cedars went within minutes of pulling off a major upset against group leaders Islamic Republic of Iran last Thursday, but goals from Sardar Azmoun and Ahmad Noorollahi cancelled out Soony Saad’s opener as Team Melli snatched a crucial 2-1 win in the dying moments of the game.

While victory would have greatly boosted Lebanon’s bid for a top two finish – and with it, direct access to next year’s FIFA World Cup - Ivan Hašek’s players remain in pole position in the race for a playoff position, and their hopes can be further boosted by success against a UAE side still searching for their first win in the Final Round.

Preview - Group B: Saudi Arabia aim to stay top, Vietnam out for first points

Tue, 16 Nov, 2021

Preview - Group B: Saudi Arabia aim to stay top, Vietnam out for first points

Hanoi: Bottom hosts top in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar on Tuesday as Vietnam welcome Saudi Arabia to My Dinh Stadium. 

The visitors are currently three points clear of Australia at the top of the standings at the midway stage, while Vietnam sit last in the six-team group as they continue to target their first points of the campaign. 

Preview - Group B: Yoshida rallies Japan ahead of Oman rematch

Tue, 16 Nov, 2021

Preview - Group B: Yoshida rallies Japan ahead of Oman rematch

Muscat: Hidemasa Morita will miss Japan’s meeting with Oman in Muscat on Tuesday in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatarwith the Portugal-based midfielder ruled out due to suspension.

Morita started Japan’s matches against Australia and Vietnam, both of which ended in victory as Hajime Moriyasu’s side have pulled themselves back into contention for a top two finish in Group B and one of the automatic berths at Qatar 2022.

Preview - Group B: Australia bid return to victorious ways as China PR loom

Tue, 16 Nov, 2021

Preview - Group B: Australia bid return to victorious ways as China PR loom

Sharjah: Second-placed Australia will be eager to get back to winning ways when they face China PR in a crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers – Road to Qatar meeting on Tuesday.

The Socceroos looked a class above when they beat them 3-0 in Doha in September, and had established a six-point gap over Li Tie’s side at the end of Matchday Two, but both sides have earned an identical four points from their last three matches in an increasingly competitive Group B.