Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tokyo: Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu has announced his 23-player squad for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 next month, but has also dropped beteran Shinji Kagawa from the Samurai Blue outfit, opting instead for a team filled with young Europe-based talents.
Moriyasu selected several players with only a handful of caps to their names for Asia's showcase football tournament in the United Arab Emirates starting in January.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Already a legend at club level with Shanghai SIPG, 27-year-old Wu Lei is looking to emulate his goal-scoring exploits in China PR colours at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 in January.
Although he has never played his club football abroad, Wu Lei is widely regarded as one of the top players to have emerged from China PR over the past decade. His two nominations of the AFC Player of the Year award - he finished third in both 2016 and 2017 - are testament to his status in Asian football.
Nationality: China PR
Date of birth: 19/11/1991
Position: Winger
Current club: Shanghai SIPG
Previous clubs: None
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
New Delhi: With January’s AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 set to see India return to the Continent’s biggest stage for the first time in eight years, this wasn’t captain Sunil Chhetri simply hoping for safe passage to the United Arab Emirates in time for the tournament. It’s his vision for where his nation’s footballing aspirations should be pointed.
As the only remaining member of the side that reached the 2011 edition, which ended a hiatus that exceeded a quarter of a century, bombastic platitudes would be an easy card to play. But talking up potential upsets and derailing the continental giants are far from the 34-year-old’s priorities. The big picture is what dominates his outlook.
“I was really dejected when we missed out on the last edition,” he admitted to FIFA.com.
“I think it’s very, very important for a country like us to keep qualifying for this big tournament, because that tells you where you are and if you’re doing well.
“It also gives you a chance to rub shoulders with the biggest teams in Asia. If you do well, other teams take notice of you.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Having brought you the lowdown on the capital Abu Dhabi, we continue our series of venue guides, exploring the four 2019 AFC Asian Cup host cities, this time with Dubai.
One of the world's top holiday destinations, Dubai is famous for its serene beaches, luxurious attractions and being home to the World's tallest building, Burj Khalifa. The UAE's most populous city hosts eight group-stage matches and three more in the knock-out stages.
City: Dubai Population: 3.1 million Local Clubs: Al Nasr, Al Wasl, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, Hatta
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: Since its inception in 1956, the AFC Asian Cup has seen 32 nations grace the ultimate stage. The decision to expand the 17th edition of Asia’s crown jewel to 24 teams made an instant impact with Kyrgyz Republic, the Philippines and Yemen marking the first time the tournament will see three debutants since the 2004 edition in China PR.
As the Continent’s most-anticipated showpiece draws closer, the three debutants are leaving nothing to chance in their quests to confirm their deserving place amongst Asia’s elite.
Philippines extended their outstanding form beyond their Qualifiers, impressing with a six-match unbeaten run since March, which included commendable draws against Bahrain, Oman and Thailand before their narrow defeat to Vietnam in the AFF Cup semi-finals last week.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Dubai: With the biggest and best AFC Asian Cup less than one month away, passionate fans from across the Continent and beyond have confirmed the Team Bus slogans for the 24 participating teams.
After shortlisting the thousands of entries in phase one, each nation was then given a selection of three catchphrases to choose from in the second phase, which ended on November 1, 2018.
The month-long contest, which was launched to give football fans the opportunity to showcase their passion and be a part of the continental showpiece, was a major hit on social media with the second phase receiving over 105,000 votes across the AFC’s digital platforms.
Islamic Republic of Iran led the Continent in engagement numbers, garnering over 25,000 votes, with the winning slogan – Eighty Million People, One Nation, One Heartbeat – securing over 11,000 votes.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tehran: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz has named a provisional squad of 35 players for the AFC Asian Cup 2019.
Queiroz, preparing Iran for what Team Melli hope will be a first AFC Asian Cup title since 1976, will announce his final squad on December 15 ahead of the training camp in Doha, Qatar.
Iran are also scheduled to play a friendly match with Qatar during the training camp.
Three-time champions Iran are in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 along with Iraq, Yemen and Vietnam.