Preview - 3rd Place Playoff: Sweden v Australia

Sat, 19 Aug, 2023

Preview - 3rd Place Playoff: Sweden v Australia

Brisbane: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson has told his deflated team they have "no time to dwell" on their FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 semi-final loss to England, with a third-placed playoff still to come.

The Matildas slumped 3-1 to a clinical England on Wednesday to shatter not only their dreams of lifting the trophy for the first time, but the hopes of an expectant nation captivated by their exploits.
 
Despite the gut-wrenching disappointment, they must lift themselves one last time to take bronze against Sweden in Brisbane on Saturday, with a new legion of fans wanting more.

Players gave it their all, says Australia's Gustavsson

Thu, 17 Aug, 2023

Players gave it their all, says Australia's Gustavsson

Sydney: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson urged his players to walk with their heads held high despite missing out on the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 final following their 3-1 defeat to England on Wednesday.

Sam Kerr canceled out Ella Toone’s first half opener after the break but Gustavsson’s charges couldn’t contain England, who scored twice to seal the semi-final win in front of a sold-out Stadium Australia.

Kerr calls for more support after historic run

Thu, 17 Aug, 2023

Kerr calls for more support after historic run

Sydney: Sam Kerr's FIFA Women's World Cup dream may have been ended by England on Wednesday but the forward is hoping Australia's heroics will result in more support and funding for development. 

Kerr started for the first time in the tournament after a calf injury had ruled her out of the group stage but despite scoring a stunning goal, England claimed a semi-final victory through strikes from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo at Stadium Australia.

Wiegman living in a 'fairytale' as England reach final

Thu, 17 Aug, 2023

Wiegman living in a 'fairytale' as England reach final

Sydney: England head coach Sarina Wiegman said she felt she was living in a "fairytale" after her team advanced to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 final with a 3-1 win over Australia in Sydney.

Wednesday's semi-final victory saw Wiegman become the first coach to guide two different countries to a Women's World Cup final, after she took her native Netherlands to the 2019 showpiece match, where they were defeated by the United States.
 
It also left reigning European champions England, who face fellow first-time Women's World Cup finalists Spain in Sunday's title decider in Sydney, on course for a notable double.

#ACL: Race for Group Stage set to be a sizzler

Thu, 17 Aug, 2023

#ACL: Race for Group Stage set to be a sizzler

Kuala Lumpur: The cast for the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Playoffs was finalised on Wednesday following the conclusion of the preliminary stage.

Hong Kong's Lee Man FC were the final team to book their spot following a 5-1 win over Indonesia's Bali United.

Lee Man's Paulissen relishing Urawa showdown

Thu, 17 Aug, 2023

Lee Man's Paulissen relishing Urawa showdown

Hong Kong: Mitchel Paulissen is hoping his two-goal haul on his debut for Lee Man will give last year’s Hong Kong Premier League runners-up a major boost going into their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 playoff clash with defending champions Urawa Red Diamonds next week.

Dutch midfielder Paulissen claimed a brace while Gil Martins, Everton Camargo and Jose Angel were also on target as Lee Man notched up an impressive 5-1 win over Bali United at Hong Kong Stadium on Wednesday to set up the meeting with Urawa on Tuesday.
 
A place in the Group Stage of the AFC Champions League 2023/24 will be at stake when Lee Man travel to Japan and the former Cambuur playmaker will go into the meeting with the J1 League side confident after a goal-scoring start to his career in Hong Kong.

Al Ahli stay perfect; Senegal's Diallo joins Al Shabab

Fri, 18 Aug, 2023

Al Ahli stay perfect; Senegal's Diallo joins Al Shabab

Riyadh: Al Ahli Saudi FC continued their fine start to the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League season with a 3-1 win over Al Khaleej on Thursday.

Al Sbabab, meanwhile, signed Senegalese striker Habib Diallo as they look to bolster their challenge for the title.