Qatar to kick off FIFA World Cup 2022

Fri, 12 Aug, 2022

Qatar to kick off FIFA World Cup 2022

Zurich: The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will kick off with an even greater celebration for local and international fans as host country Qatar will now play Ecuador on 20 November at 19:00 (local time) as part of a stand-alone event.

The opening match and ceremony of this year’s tournament at Al Bayt Stadium have been brought forward one day following a unanimous decision taken by the Bureau of the FIFA Council on Thursday.

Consequently, the encounter between Senegal and the Netherlands has been rescheduled from 13:00 to 19:00 on Monday, 21 November.

Bright start for title holders Japan

Fri, 12 Aug, 2022

Bright start for title holders Japan

Alajuela: Japan kicked off their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title defence with a 1-0 win over Netherlands in Group D on Thursday. 

Yuzuki Yamamoto’s first half goal proved enough for the young Nadeshiko to bag all three points to sit second behind USA, who beat Ghana 3-0 in the day’s earlier fixture.

Japan will face Ghana next on Sunday.

Wu Lei rejoins Shanghai Port

Thu, 11 Aug, 2022

Wu Lei rejoins Shanghai Port

Shanghai: China PR international Wu Lei has joined Shanghai Port from Espanyol.

The striker, who signed for Espanyol in 2019, scored 16 goal in 126 appearances for the Spanish side, becoming the first Chinese player to score in the La Liga.

Australia fight back to overwhelm Costa Rica in opener

Thu, 11 Aug, 2022

Australia fight back to overwhelm Costa Rica in opener

San Jose: Australia came back from a goal down to defeat Costa Rica 3-1 in their 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Group A fixture at the National Stadium of Costa Rica on Wednesday.

The hosts took the lead through Alexandra Gonzales but the young Matildas struck twice with goals from Sarah Rose Hunter and Bryleeh Henry to take a 2-1 lead going into the break before Kristy Fenton sealed the victory with 18 minutes left on the clock.

Australia lead the standings ahead of Brazil and Spain, who played to a 0-0 draw, while Costa Rica lie bottom of Group A.

2022-23 Iran Pro League Season Preview

Thu, 11 Aug, 2022

2022-23 Iran Pro League Season Preview

Dubai: In an exceptional football season that will see play halted while Islamic Republic of Iran take part in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in November and December, the new Iran Pro League season is set to get underway on Friday with five fixtures.

Only one Iranian team, Foolad FC, remain in contention in the AFC Champions League™ 2022 knockout stage, meaning the focus of Tehran duo Esteghlal FC and Persepolis FC and others will be solely on the domestic front, further fueling competition in the new season.

Yokohama F. Marinos charting a new era under Muscat

Wed, 10 Aug, 2022

Yokohama F. Marinos charting a new era under Muscat

Yokohama: In little over a year since replacing Ange Postecoglou as manager, Australian Kevin Muscat has taken Yokohama F. Marinos back to the top of the J1 League standings and, as he tells the-AFC.com, his sights are set on a run deep into this year’s AFC Champions League™. 

Following in the footsteps of Postecoglou, the AFC Asian Cup™-winning Australian who steered Yokohama F. Marinos to the 2019 J1 League title, would be a daunting proposition for many coaches.