Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Saudi Arabia were the dominant force at the AFC Asian Cup, winning the Continental title in their first two appearances – in 1984 and 1988 – and finishing as runners-up to Japan in 1992.
But as the clock ticked towards the 1996 Finals in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia were under pressure. Coach Ze Mario had been fired following a disappointing showing at the Gulf Cup and new man Nelo Vingada given a month to prepare his team for the Finals.
Despite the difficulties, the Portuguese coach would lead Saudi Arabia to a record-equalling third continental title, the last time – to date – the country would claim the most prestigious trophy in the Asian game.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/vingada_mas_jpg_2.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/japan-1992_asian_cup_champs-afc.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/sami_al_jaber-saudi_arabia-afp.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/mohammed_al_khilaiwi-saudi_arabia-afp.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/saudi_arabia_v_iraq-1996_asian_cup-afp.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/saudi_arabia_v_iran-group_stage_1996_asian_cup-afp.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/youssef_al_thuniyan-saudi_arabia-afp.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/saudi_arabia_v_china-qfinal_1996_asian_cup-afp.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/saudi_arabia_v_iran-semi_1996_asian_cup-afp.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/saudi_arabia_vs_iran-asian_cup_1996_semis-afp.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/saudi_arabia-fans-1996_asian_cup-afp.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/saudi_arabia_v_uae-1996_asian_cup-afp_2.html
www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/video/1996_afc_asian_cup_final_uae_vs_saudi_arabia.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/saudi_arabia-champs-1996_asian_cup-afp.html
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Beijing: It has been a whirlwind 18 months for England-born midfielder Li Ke, who moved to Beijing FC last January before taking up Chinese citizenship and making his debut under FIFA World Cup winner Marcello Lippi. He tells the-AFC.com about his new life in China PR.
Li Ke admits to being apprehensive the first time he was called up for the China national team, when the former Arsenal and Brentford midfielder was included by Marcello Lippi in his squad to face the Philippines in Guangzhou last June.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: With the 2020 AFC Champions League currently on hiatus, the-AFC.com continues its series of articles to determine your best sides from the last four editions of the Continental competition.
Last week we presented the candidates for the 2017 edition's best goalkeeper, and now it's time to turn our attention to defenders.
So, here are 14 players in contention for the four places in the backline. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite defenders for this all-star XI in the respective polls.
Mon, 31 Oct, 2022
Kuala Lumpur: With the countdown for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 gaining pace, the-AFC.com has dug into its archives in search of classic matches and momentous occasions involving Asian teams.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: When Korea Republic’s Park Ji-sung arrived at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Finals he was already a well-established and highly regarded member of the Taeguk Warriors squad.
Indeed, with the Koreans sharing the tournament’s hosting duties alongside regional rivals Japan, much was expected of both Park and the rest of Guus Hiddink’s squad ahead of their campaign against the world’s elite. Neither were to disappoint.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: It’s home to some of the game’s biggest clubs and many of the greatest players, not to mention one of world football’s most compelling rivalries.
La Liga, the top division of Spanish football, holds a place in the consciousness of fans throughout the globe, and it is also a nation which has played host to some standout players from the world’s largest continent.
In increasing numbers, Asian players are flocking to Spain, with some of the continent’s brightest prospects now making it their first port of call in European football.
With La Liga resuming this week, we invite you to decide which Asian player has made the biggest impact in Spanish football.
Here are our nominees:
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: It's that time of the week when the-AFC.com brings you some of the finest goals from over the years, with the latest of our '5 of the Best' series focusing on solo goals from the AFC Cup.
We kicked off the series with a look back at some fabulous free-kicks, before shining the spotlight on memorable long-range efforts. This week, we turn our attention to individual brilliance and review five incredible goals where players have taken matters into their own hands and emphatically produced the goods.
So, enjoy the trip down memory lane and don't forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article!