Japan's Muto leaves Newcastle

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Japan's Muto leaves Newcastle

Japan international Yoshinori Muto has parted company with English Premier League side Newcastle United after the striker’s contract was cancelled by mutual consent.

Muto, who was a member of the Japan squad that reached the final of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates, leaves Newcastle after three years of a four-year contract signed upon his arrival from German side Mainz 05.

Tokyo Olympics: Australia's dream dashed by United States

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tokyo Olympics: Australia's dream dashed by United States

Ibaraki: Australia’s bid for a maiden women’s Olympic football medal came to an end with a 4-3 defeat to the United States in the Tokyo 2020 bronze medal match on Thursday.

Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd both scored twice as the world champions capitalised on persistent defensive errors from the Matildas, for whom Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord got on the scoresheet before Emily Gielnik added a further goal in the dying moments.

Despite their defeat, Australia’s fourth place finish is their best ever showing in women’s football at an Olympic Games, equalling the men’s effort from 1992 in Barcelona.

Tokyo Olympics - Preview: Moriyasu counting on seniors to lead Japan's medal charge against Mexico

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tokyo Olympics - Preview: Moriyasu counting on seniors to lead Japan's medal charge against Mexico

Saitama: Hajime Moriyasu will look to his senior players to lead Japan to their first Olympic medal in more than half a century as the Tokyo Games hosts prepare to take on Mexico in the bronze medal match at Saitama Stadium on Friday.

Captain Maya Yoshida and right-back Hiroki Sakai are both going into the third place playoff at the Olympics for the second time in their careers after the pair were involved in the bronze medal match against Korea Republic in London 2012.

Tokyo Olympics: Japan need to be sharper against Mexico to win bronze, admits Moriyasu

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tokyo Olympics: Japan need to be sharper against Mexico to win bronze, admits Moriyasu

Ibaraki: Hajime Moriyasu acknowledged his Japan team needs to improve in front of goal if they are bounce back from the disappointment of their Tokyo Olympics Men's Football semi-final defeat against Spain on Tuesday and claim the country’s first medal in 53 years.

Marco Asensio scored the only goal of the game deep into the second period of extra-time to leave Japan facing the prospect of a bronze medal match against Mexico at Saitama Stadium on Friday.

2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage – 5 of the Best: Team Goals

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage – 5 of the Best: Team Goals

Kuala Lumpur: The-AFC.com's '5 of the Best' spotlight on 2021 AFC Champions League group stage action this week highlights goals that are far more about the collective than the individual.

Having already reviewed some sensational strikes in the form of long-range rockets and set-piece specials we turn to moves that were perfected on the training ground before being played out on the continental stage. After reviewing the five teams goals, vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article.

2021 AFC Cup knockout stage finalised

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Cup knockout stage finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The pathway to the AFC Cup 2021 Final was decided following the completion of the Knockout Stage draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Wednesday.

The Knockout Stage virtual draw saw the participating clubs placed in two Pots – West Zone and Inter-Zone Play-off – based on their Zonal representations without any seeding or country protection.

Malaysia’s Soh Chin Ann tops FIFA’s Century Club, five Asian legends in top 10

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Malaysia’s Soh Chin Ann tops FIFA’s Century Club, five Asian legends in top 10

Kuala Lumpur: Five of Asia’s finest players are in the top 10 of FIFA’s Century Club with Malaysia’s Datuk Soh Chin Ann occupying the number one spot.

Soh made 195 international appearances for Malaysia and leads the exclusive circle of players who have played 100 or more "A" internationals for their country.

Asia has 141 representatives in FIFA’s Century Club, with some of the continent's finest players in the list.