Group D: Yamamoto strike takes Japan through

Sun, 28 Jul, 2024

Group D: Yamamoto strike takes Japan through

Bordeaux: Rihito Yamamoto struck eight minutes from time as Japan survived a late penalty miss by Cheickna Doumbia to pick up a 1-0 win over Mali in Bordeaux on Saturday that ensures Go Oiwa’s side will advance to the quarter-finals of the Men's Olympics Football Tournament Paris 2024 from Group D.

Yamamoto’s close range finish came against the run of play for a Japan side that had goalkeeper Leo Kokubo to thank for keeping the African side at bay as the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ champions notched up a second victory four days after defeating Paraguay.

The win, secured when Doumbia pulled his spot-kick wide of Kokubo’s goal six minutes into injury time, means Japan’s six-point haul will be enough to take Oiwa’s team into the next round of the competition as they chase the country’s first Olympic medal since 1968.

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Group B: Iraq undone by Argentina

Sun, 28 Jul, 2024

Group B: Iraq undone by Argentina

Lyon: Iraq suffered their first loss at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024, going down 3-1 to Argentina in their Group B tie on Saturday.

With Ukraine defeating Morocco 2-1, the group is set for a tantalising final day on Tuesday with all four teams in the running for a place in the knockout stage.

Group C: Uzbekistan’s dream ended by Egypt

Sun, 28 Jul, 2024

Group C: Uzbekistan’s dream ended by Egypt

Nantes: Uzbekistan’s hopes of advancing to the knockout stage of the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 were dashed after they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Egypt in their Group C tie at the Stade de la Beaujoire on Saturday.

A first half strike by Ahmed Koka ultimately separated the sides as a second consecutive defeat meant Uzbekistan have no chance of advancing despite still having a match to play.

The win took Egypt to four points, two behind Spain who defeated Dominican Republic 3-1 in the group’s earlier tie on Saturday. 

Preview - Woman’s MD2

Sat, 27 Jul, 2024

Preview - Woman’s MD2

Paris: Having endured similar outcomes in their respective opening matches at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024, both Japan and Australia need to step up their game on Matchday 2 to stay in the competition.

Japan were beaten 2-1 by Spain while Australia were handed a 3-0 defeat by Germany on Thursday with both teams also keen to improve not only the result but also their performances.

Ikeda urges Japan to refocus

Fri, 26 Jul, 2024

Ikeda urges Japan to refocus

Nantes: Head coach Futoshi Ikeda immediately turned his attention to the next challenge after his Japan side fell to a 2-1 defeat in their opening Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Group C match on Thursday.

Despite going ahead through Aoba Fujino’s spectacular free-kick, Japan were pegged back by Aitana Bonmati’s strike before Mariona Caldentey found the winner for reigning world champions Spain.

Explaining his tactics, Ikeda admitted caution was a big part of the strategy but now wants a complete shift of focus as they look to get points on the board in the remaining two matches. 

Matildas will bounce back, vows Gustavsson

Sun, 28 Jul, 2024

Matildas will bounce back, vows Gustavsson

Marseille: Head coach Tony Gustavsson admitted that Australia were outclassed following their 3-0 defeat to Germany in Group B of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 on Thursday.

Set-pieces were a thorn in the Matildas’ side, with Germany scoring twice from headed corners before sealing victory with a second half tap-in from Juli Brand.

Haruna Takata: We’re excited and ready for the AFC Women’s Champions League™

Fri, 26 Jul, 2024

Haruna Takata: We’re excited and ready for the AFC Women’s Champions League™

Kuala Lumpur: With the inaugural edition of the AFC Women’s Champions League™ set to kick off next month, the-AFC.com highlights the inspiring journey of Haruna Takata, Chairperson of Japan’s WE League, one of the fastest-growing leagues on the Continent.

As a key figure in the WE League, Takata has become a driving force in women's football in the island nation and has dedicated herself to elevating the women’s game both domestically and internationally.