Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
St. Petersburg: Korea Republic captain Ki Sung-yueng is one of those players who isn't afraid to express his thoughts and feelings.
In a recent friendly match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ki threw away his captain's armband in the locker room during the halftime break after his side conceded two goals at home.
After Korea Republic were held to a 0-0 draw against Bolivia in their pre-2018 FIFA World Cup Russia tune-up match in Austria, the Swansea City midfielder told reporters that he felt like he was a "liar" since he couldn't keep his word to fans with the poor results.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/korea-train1-afp.html
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
Leogang: Korea Republic head coach Shin Tae-yong is satisfied with his team's pre-2018 FIFA World Cup Russia training in Austria despite the Taeguk Warriors not winning either of the two friendly matches played.
Korea Republic have been based in Leogang, Austria, since June 3 with their squad of 23 players. They will depart for their FIFA World Cup base camp in Saint Petersburg, Russia, later on Tuesday.
Shin said he was satisfied with what his team had worked on in Austria, despite being held 0-0 by Bolivia last Thursday and suffering a 2-0 loss to Senegal on Monday.
Korea Republic focused on tactics during their stint in Austria, which Shin said was crucial.
"Those who look from the outside just say that I'm doing experiments, but it really wasn't the case," he said.