Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tokyo: Hajime Moriyasu was named as the new manager of the Japanese men's senior national team by the Japan Football Association on Thursday.
The 49-year-old Moriyasu, who in October took over as head coach of the Japanese men's team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, fills the void left by Akira Nishino after the Samurai Blue's 2018 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 defeat by Belgium in Japan's sixth World Cup appearance.
Nishino took the reins following the dismissal of predecessor Vahid Halilhodzic in April, two months before the World Cup, and his brief run as Japan coach ended in July when his contract expired.
Moriyasu, who remains as the Under-21 Japan coach, pledged to bring new blood to the top national side.
"There will be generational changes. There will be integration of various generations of players," he told a press conference.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: There was success, disappointment and lessons learned as the five Asian teams concluded their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaigns. They will all now turn their attention to AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 with a continental crown up for grabs.
Coach Vahid Halilhodzic's departure from the Japan helm shortly before the World Cup might not have seemed the ideal preparation for Russia 2018 with Akira Nishino stepping into the breach in a temporary role.
Nevertheless, Japan's campaign in Russia proved to be the highlight of Asia's representatives, as they repeated their efforts of 2002 and 2010 in reaching the Round of 16 - the only side from the continent to do so at Russia 2018 - before bowing out bravely to eventual third-placed side Belgium.
A high level of performances all-around at the World Cup was unquestionably a boost ahead of UAE 2019, but can the next generation step up to replace the outgoing veterans?
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Asia’s best will head into the next six months with the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 firmly in their sights.
The expanded AFC Asian Cup 2019 will see 24 teams in action, which sets the stage for exciting matches in the Continental showpiece and the-AFC.com takes a look at Groups D, E and F.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Dubai: The draw for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 is just two days away with the six groups set to be unveiled during a glittering ceremony at the Armani Hotel Ballroom in the UAE’s iconic Burj Khalifa on Friday.
It was an arduous campaign as 45 teams competed in a qualifying campaign that began in March 2015. Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the 12 teams who will be in Pots 1 and 2 of the draw for the expanded 24-team AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.