Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Jeddah: When Jorge Solari’s Saudi Arabia side arrived in the USA in the summer of 1994 for the FIFA World Cup, expectations were not especially high given that it was the country’s maiden appearance at the global showpiece.
Against all odds, however, The Green Falcons made history by qualifying for the Round of 16 on their World Cup debut. After losing their opening game to the Netherlands, they recorded their first victory at the Finals with a 2-1 defeat of Morocco. They then stunned the footballing world by overcoming Belgium thanks to Saeed al Owairan’s fantastic individual effort, which remains one of the most memorable FIFA World Cup moments.
And although Saudi Arabia took part in four of the next six World Cup editions, their USA 1994 appearance remains the most notable. FIFA.com sat down with Fuad Anwar, the first player to score for Saudi Arabia at the World Cup, and asked him about that historic maiden appearance and why The Green Falcons have been unable to replicate that success in subsequent editions.
www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup/video/asia’s_greatest_fifa_world_cup_goals_–_final.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/saudi_arabia-1998_world_cup-afp.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/saudi_arabia_v_egypt-2018_world_cup-afp.html
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tashkent: National team head coach Vadim Abramov is set to make the most of the current Uzbekistan Super League hiatus, calling up 32 players for a week-long training camp in the national’s capital.
With foreign-based stars like Odil Ahmdeov and Eldor Shomurodov occupied with club duties, the squad for the camp – which will run from August 3 to 10 – is entirely comprised of players from Uzbekistan’s domestic competition.
Among them are stalwarts like Egor Krimets and Anzur Ismailov, who are two of the 13 players from defending Super League champions FC Pakhtakor to have been selected.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Barcelona: Al Sadd head coach Xavi has said he is "fine" after testing positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Xavi has been quarantined in Doha after catching COVID-19 and missed Al Sadd's 2-1 win against Al Khor in the Qatar Stars League on Saturday.
"I feel good, although isolated, logically. And I'm looking forward to training soon," he said in an interview with sports newspaper Marca.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The return of the prodigal son. It is a footballing plot point nearly as old as the game itself, with the reappearance of a long-departed local hero possessing a special ability to stir the passions of even the most jaded of fans.
Asia has had no shortage of these storylines, with a range of pioneering football exports and national team icons going back to where it all started to cap off their careers.
To coincide with FC Seoul’s signing of former Korea Republic captain Ki Sung-yueng, the-AFC.com looks at eight local heroes who returned, and thrived, after years abroad.
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, Round 2, Round 3, Round 4, Round 5, Round 6, Round 7, Round 8, Round 9, Round 10, Round 11, Round 12, Round 13, Round 14, Round 15, Round 16, Round 17.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: As the-AFC.com continues to look back at the stars from recent AFC Champions League campaigns, there is another glittering cast on offer this week as we shine the spotlight on the best midfielders from the 2018 tournament.
After selecting the 2018 competition's best goalkeeper and the four men to take their place in the backline, this week we move on to the more attacking positions by turning our attention towards the midfield positions and highlighting 10 standout performers.
A tournament that saw Barcelona legend Xavi finally make his AFC Champions League debut had no shortage of creative flair, so review the nominees and don't forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article!
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 Cup has witnessed over the years, with the latest '5 of the Best' taking in chips, lobs and scoops.
With our series so far including acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys, long-range screamers, free-kicks, last-minute winners, curlers and flicks, tricks and backheels, this week's compilation sees beautifully executed finishes from teams from Pyongyang, Bacolod, Yangon and more so sit back and enjoy!