Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kazan: A one-time A-League reject who sought to reignite his career in Malaysia's top flight, Australia's Andrew Nabbout is poised to cap a remarkable career revival with a 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia debut against France on Saturday.
And if the rookie Australia striker gets the nod from coach Bert van Marwijk, he has pledged to make it count.
"If I do get the honour to lead the line, you know what you're going to get out of me," Nabbout said at the Socceroos training camp in Kazan on Wednesday.
"I'm going to work hard up there and do exactly what I've been doing the last few games."
The 25-year-old front man from Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds scored his maiden goal for Australia in a recent 4-0 friendly win over the Czech Republic.
He now has a golden chance to stake his claim for the sole striker's spot in van Marwijk's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation during this FIFA World Cup campaign.
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Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Moscow: The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia kicks off on Thursday with Asia represented by a historic five teams - Australia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Korea Republic, Japan and Saudi Arabia.
The Continent's top five teams all harbour hopes of advancing to the Knockout Stage and the-AFC.com takes a look at the challenges ahead. We kick off the series by analysing Group A, which will see Saudi Arabia playing Russia in the opening match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Thursday.
The Green Falcons, who will be appearing in the FIFA World Cup for the fifth time, are aiming to advance to the Knockout Stage for a second time - having featured in the Round of 16 in the 1994 edition.
It will be a challenge as besides hosts Russia, who will be desperate to extend their 2018 FIFA World Cup adventure for as long as possible, Saudi Arabia also have to contend with Uruguay and Egypt.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Moscow: Islamic Republic of Iran were sublime in qualifying and that is the form they will want to carry into Group B of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
The luck of the draw saw Team Melli grouped with 2010 FIFA World Cup winners Spain, reigning European champions Portugal and Morocco and all, on paper, look to be very tough opposition.
IR Iran, however, are famous for their resilience and with astute tactician Carlos Queiroz guiding them, the three-time Asian champions can meet their target of advancing to the Knockout Stage for the first time.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Moscow: Australia will go into the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia as Asia's top-ranked team and the Socceroos are clear of their target - to achieve another new high.
Their best achievement in the FIFA World Cup was their appearance in the Round of 16 in the 2006 edition and Australia, who qualified for Russia 2018 after a gruelling campaign, are quietly optimistic of their chances of equalling, if not bettering, that.
They will have to be at their best though for 1998 World Cup winners France, Denmark and Peru will be formidable opposition.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Moscow: Korea Republic's magical run to the semi-finals of the 2002 edition remains Asia's best achievement at the FIFA World Cup and the current generation of the Taeguk Warriors will be aiming for a spectacular performance of their own in Russia 2018.
It will be Korea Republic's ninth consecutive appearance in the FIFA World Cup, and 10th overall, with Shin Tae-yong's side facing a steep challenge with the likes of defending champions Germany, Sweden and Mexico to contend with.
The two-time AFC Asian Cup champions, however, are confident they will be able to match their opponents and seal a place in the Knockout Stage.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Moscow: Japan's target will be to emulate, if not better, their previous best of two appearances in the Round of 16 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
A well-balanced squad has given head coach Akira Nishino hope that the Blue Samurai will advance from Group H despite the challenge posed by Poland, Senegal and Colombia.
Nishino will be counting on the senior players to play a key role in Japan's sixth appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Philip Younghusband has no doubt that Asia's finest will impress in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
Younghusband said Asian football has made tremendous inroads in the last 10 years and the Philippines captain expects one, if not several, to enjoy extended runs in Russia 2018.
"Asian teams are competing against the best from Europe and South America and I will not be surprised if one, if not more, do very well in the World Cup," said Younghusband, who is preparing for the Philippines' maiden appearance at the AFC Asian Cup in UAE 2019.