East Asia Wrap: Marinos back on top; Ulsan down Jeonbuk

Mon, 21 Aug, 2023

East Asia Wrap: Marinos back on top; Ulsan down Jeonbuk

Hong Kong: Reigning champions Yokohama F. Marinos returned to the top of the table in Japan on Saturday as a last-gasp 2-1 victory against FC Tokyo helped them leapfrog Vissel Kobe who dropped points in a 1-1 draw with Kashiwa Reysol. 

In Korea Republic, defending champions Ulsan Hyundai and last season’s runners-up Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors met in a heavyweight clash on Saturday, and it was Hong Myung-bo’s side that emerged as 1-0 winners with Um Won-sang scoring the goal that kept the leaders 11 points ahead at the front.  
 
Beijing FC and Shanghai Shenhua also renewed their rivalry in China PR and it was the capital city club who held on for a 2-1 win in front of more than 52,000 fans at Workers’ Stadium while there were also matches in Hong Kong, China and Guam, so join the-AFC.com as we bring you up to speed with the action from across East Asia. 

Gomis sold on 'Project Kawasaki'

Mon, 21 Aug, 2023

Gomis sold on 'Project Kawasaki'

Kawasaki: Two-time AFC Champions League™ winner Bafetimbi Gomis has said the desire to help Kawasaki Frontale return to the upper reaches of Japanese football was his principal motivation for joining the J1 League club.

The former Al Hilal forward, who led Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal SFC to the continental title in 2019 and 2021, has signed an initial six-month contract with Kawasaki with the option for an additional year and he is focused on lifting the club out of their current slump.

Scholz determined to take Urawa past Lee Man

Sun, 20 Aug, 2023

Scholz determined to take Urawa past Lee Man

Saitama: Urawa Red Diamonds’ Danish defender Alex Scholz has his eyes set on victory over Lee Man on Tuesday as the defending champions prepare to take on the Hong Kong Premier League runners-up in their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 playoff at Saitama Stadium.

Lee Man handed Indonesia’s Bali United a 5-1 defeat last week to advance to the final preliminary round, but Scholz is determined that the three-time winners will be the side that progresses into Thursday’s draw for the Group Stage.

The Playoffs and beyond

Sat, 19 Aug, 2023

The Playoffs and beyond

Kuala Lumpur: The final eight places up for grabs in the AFC Champions League™ 2023-24 will be confirmed on Tuesday after the conclusion of eight playoff matches across the continent.

For some sides, qualification to the group stage would rank as a historic achievement, while others would immediately set their sights on going deep into the tournament, and perhaps even ending the campaign as kings of Asia.
 
It’s a long journey from the playoffs to the final – the-AFC.com has looked back through the archives to find out which teams have delivered standout performances after clearing the final qualification hurdle.

Playoffs: Ones to Watch

Fri, 18 Aug, 2023

Playoffs: Ones to Watch

Kuala Lumpur: The final cast for the AFC Champions League™ 2023-24 is set to be determined on Tuesday as 16 teams from across the continent get set to take part in the playoff round with eight spots in the continental competition up for grabs. 

The tournament is likely to see its most star-studded cast to date with global icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema – among many others – having made the move to the Saudi Pro League in recent months. 
 
With defending champions Urawa Red Diamonds and Ronaldo's Al Nassr among the sides competing in the final round of qualifiers, the-AFC.com has selected eight players to look out for.

#FIFAWWC: Asia in Review

Sun, 20 Aug, 2023

#FIFAWWC: Asia in Review

Sydney: The curtains came down on the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 on Sunday with Spain lifting the title for the very first time in their history.

Despite the trophy eluding Asia, it was a successful outing for the continent's six representatives so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at how they fared.

Japan's Miyazawa claims Golden Boot

Sun, 20 Aug, 2023

Japan's Miyazawa claims Golden Boot

Sydney: Japan's Hinata Miyazawa claimed the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Golden Boot award following the conclusion of the tournament on Sunday.

Although Japan were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Sweden, Miyazawa's five goals saw her emerge topscorer.
 
It is a richly deserved award, with the midfielder emerging as one of the success stories of the tournament.

Spain edge England to win title for the first time

Sun, 20 Aug, 2023

Spain edge England to win title for the first time

Sydney: Spain won the FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time in their history with skipper Olga Carmona sweeping in the only goal for a deserved 1-0 victory over England in Sunday's final.

In front of a crowd of nearly 76,000 at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Spain were the more accomplished side and had more chances, including missing a second-half penalty.
 
Spain's triumph is vindication for Jorge Vilda and the Spanish football federation, who stuck with the head coach even after 15 players last year said they no longer wanted to represent their country under him.
 
England head coach Sarina Wiegman, who has now suffered back-to-back defeats in the final, and her European champions can have few complaints.

Miyazawa to Bonmati: Players of the tournament

Sat, 19 Aug, 2023

Miyazawa to Bonmati: Players of the tournament

Sydney: The FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand concludes on Sunday with either Spain or England to be crowned first time champions. 

It has been a hugely successful tournament with numerous players standing out. We take a look at five of the best. 

Gustavsson: Long term investment needed for Australia to continue thriving

Sun, 20 Aug, 2023

Gustavsson: Long term investment needed for Australia to continue thriving

Brisbane: Head coach Tony Gustavsson said there must be long-term investment in Australian women's football, warning they were at a "crossroads moment" following their fourth-placed finish on Saturday at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.

There was to be no consolation prize for the co-hosts in front of nearly 50,000 in Brisbane as they were beaten 2-0 by Sweden in the third-place playoff.
 
But this was still the Matildas' best World Cup ever and they have captivated the nation and won legions of new fans.