Australia's Gustavsson bullish despite Kerr's absence

Mon, 22 Jul, 2024

Australia's Gustavsson bullish despite Kerr's absence

Kuala Lumpur: Tony Gustavsson says Australia could compensate for the loss of talismanic captain Sam Kerr at the Olympic Games with greater tactical flexibility as his squad look to overcome the loss of the AFC Women’s Player of the Year to win the country’s first-ever football medal.

The Matildas are seeking a podium spot at the Paris Games after a fourth-place finish in Tokyo in 2021 but will go into the campaign without Kerr after the Chelsea striker injured her anterior cruciate ligament in January.

Gustavsson, however, is encouraged by his side’s performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand last year, when his team also reached the semi-finals despite missing Kerr for much of the tournament due to a calf injury.

Iraq return to Olympics with high hopes under Shenaishil

Wed, 10 Jul, 2024

Iraq return to Olympics with high hopes under Shenaishil

Basra: Iraq coach Radhi Shenaishil has set his sights on a place in the knockout rounds at the Olympic Games later this month as he leads his team to Paris following their third place finish at the AFC U23 Asian Cup in Qatar earlier this year.

The Iraqis will be returning to the Olympics for their third appearance after a memorable run to the semi-finals in Athens in 2004 and their qualification for Rio de Janeiro 12 years later.

And while the country’s most recent involvement ended in a group phase elimination, Shenaishil is looking to emulate the achievements of the squad led by Younis Mahmood and Nashat Akram by securing a place in the second phase of the competition.

Oiwa: Japan have the means to win medal

Thu, 25 Jul, 2024

Oiwa: Japan have the means to win medal

Kuala Lumpur: Go Oiwa will take his Japan team to the Paris Olympics with his sights set on a medal-winning performance and his spirits buoyed by the nation’s recent AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ success.

The former Kashima Antlers coach, who led the J1 League side to the AFC Champions League title in 2018, steered his team to victory in the continental championship in May to secure the country’s eighth successive Olympic Games qualification.

Oiwa’s team defeated Uzbekistan in the final in Doha to lift the trophy for the second time as the Japanese continued their record of qualifying for every Olympic Games since 1996 and the head coach is targeting further success for his team later this summer.

Exquisite new trophy unveiled for landmark #AWCL

Thu, 18 Jul, 2024

Exquisite new trophy unveiled for landmark #AWCL

Kuala Lumpur: The latest milestone in the evolution of women’s football in Asia was fittingly marked by the reveal of the stunning new AFC Women’s Champions League™ trophy on Thursday afternoon.

The exquisite silverware was unveiled at the official draw ceremony for the Preliminary Stage and Group Stage for the maiden 2024/25 season by AFC Women’s Football Committee Chairperson, Ms. Kanya Keomany, with Japanese icon Mana Iwabuchi in attendance.

#AWCL pathway determined

Thu, 18 Jul, 2024

#AWCL pathway determined

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Women’s Champions League™ 2024/25 hopefuls learnt their path to glory following the conclusion of the draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The inaugural season kicks off with the preliminary stage which saw 13 teams divided into four groups. Matches will be played between August 25 and August 31.

Singapore on cloud nine after Macau win

Wed, 17 Jul, 2024

Singapore on cloud nine after Macau win

Singapore: Danelle Tan and Putri Syaliza led the charge as Singapore cruised to a 9-0 win over Macau in an international friendly at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Tuesday.

Borussia Dortmund’s Tan starred with a hat-trick while Putri, who plays for Oakland University in the United States, grabbed a brace as Singapore registered their biggest ever victory since their 6-0 win over Maldives in 2007.

Japan stay Asia’s best

Thu, 18 Jul, 2024

Japan stay Asia’s best

Kuala Lumpur: Japan maintained their position as Asia’s top side in the latest FIFA Men's World Ranking released on Thursday.

The East Asian dropped one spot to 18th, with Islamic Republic of Iran unchanged at 20th.

Pizzi takes charge of Kuwait

Thu, 18 Jul, 2024

Pizzi takes charge of Kuwait

Kuwait City: Kuwait Football Association (KFA) has announced the appointment of Juan Antonio Pizzi as the men’s national team head coach.

Spaniard Pizzi took over the role vacated by Rui Bento after the Portuguese helped Kuwait return to the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time since the 2006 edition.

Al Nassr snap up Bento, Ryan seals Roma move

Thu, 18 Jul, 2024

Al Nassr snap up Bento, Ryan seals Roma move

Riyadh: Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr moved to shore up their defence with the capture of Brazilian goalkeeper Bento Matheus.

Bento moved from Athletico Paranaense on a four-year contract and has already joined the team in their pre-season training in Spain.