Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Team Melli have been drawn in the 2018 FIFA World Cup's "Group of Death", but our Islamic Republic of Iran expert believes they can reach the Round of 16.
A talented squad featuring a number of players who ply their trade in Europe in addition to stability in the form of coach Carlos Queiroz, who has been with the side since 2011, are reasons for optimism as Islamic Republic of Iran appear in back-to-back FIFA World Cups for the first time in their history.
We spoke to Tehran-based experienced journalist Pejman Rahbar, Editor-in-chief of Varsesh3, Iran's leading sports website. He has been covering Iranian football for over 20 years.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/mehdi_mahdavikia_persepolis_ls_jpg.html
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The continental champions go into their fifth FIFA World Cup with hopes of repeating or surpassing their Round of 16 finish at the 2006 edition. Our Socceroos specialist runs his eyes over Bert van Marwijk's men.
Two Group Stage eliminations have followed Australia's celebrated progression to the World Cup's last 16 some 12 years ago, and coach van Marwijk has been tasked with taking the Socceroos to new heights.
We continue our series of Expert Views with a look at the Green and Gold's chances at Russia 2018 with a focus on tactics, key players and predictions.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The Samurai Blue will make their sixth appearance at the FIFA World Cup at Russia 2018. Despite recent change at the helm, our Japanese journalist is cautiously optimistic of their chances.
A squad filled with big-name veterans and a vastly experienced coach in Akira Nishino at the helm, Japan will hope to channel the spirit of 2002 and 2010 when they reached the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup.
Our Japan expert is Etsuko Motokawa, a Japanese football journalist and author. Motokawa has covered football for over 24 years, attending her first FIFA World Cup in 1994, and she currently writes on Japanese football for several newspapers and websites.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia are back at the FIFA World Cup for a fifth time, after a 12-year absence. The-AFC.com called on the opinion of a Saudi Arabian expert to run the rule over the Green Falcons' chances.
In four attempts since their historic 1994 debut where they reached the Round of 16, Saudi Arabia have not been able to navigate the group stage, and with their last appearance going all the way back to 2006, the Green Falcons will be hoping to show a different side to them in Russia 2018.
Part of our Expert View series, we look at how Juan Antonio Pizzi's men will line up at the World Cup, their chances, key players and predictions.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Moscow: Boosted by a turnout of fans at their open training session in Moscow, Islamic Republic of Iran are raring to get their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia campaign started.
Having been the first team to arrive for Russia 2018, IR Iran underwent a one-hour open session at the Strogino Stadium on Saturday and the presence of the fans has motivated Carlos Queiroz's squad even more as they await their first Group B match against Morocco on June 15.
"I am glad to see the supporters around. It really gives us energy. I am sure our fans' support will be an advantage for us in the World Cup," said midfielder Vahid Amiri.
Team Melli draw strength from their phenomenal fan base with matches in Tehran always drawing capacity crowds.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: With the 2018 FIFA World Cup now just days away, we sought the views of five football experts from across the continent. We begin the series with Korea Republic.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia is set to boast the largest contingent of sides representing the Asian continent with Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Islamic Republic of Iran and Australia all set to take to the field against the world's best.
The-AFC.com reached out to experts from each of the five countries, for a representative to give their thoughts on their country's chances and how they see things potentially playing out.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Asian nations and players have produced some of the biggest World Cup moments throughout the years, but some of the Continent's finest talents were unfortunate not to participate in the tournament. Here are six of the best, choose your favourite in the poll.
Hong Myung-bo, Sami Al Jaber, Mehdi Mahdavikia, Tim Cahill. Just some of the names of Asia's footballing elite to have left their mark on the global stage. But how about those stars of the Continental game who have not been so fortunate, for one reason or another, to represent their nation at the FIFA World Cup?
We review and recognise six of those players from Kirkuk in Iraq to Sydney, Australia and invite you to pick your favourite in the voting poll at the end of the article.