East Asia Wrap: Top two level in Japan; Port extend lead

Mon, 07 Aug, 2023

East Asia Wrap: Top two level in Japan; Port extend lead

Hong Kong: League leaders Vissel Kobe dropped points for the second game running in Japan as they were beaten 2-0 by third-from-bottom Yokohama FC on Sunday allowing defending champions Yokohama F. Marinos to tie them on points following a goalless draw against Urawa Red Diamonds. 

With 10 games left of the league campaign, Shanghai Port are in the driver’s seat in China PR as they have a 14-point advantage at the top of the table after a 2-1 win over Tianjin Jinmen Tiger on Thursday while Shandong Taishan emerged as their closest challengers pipping Shanghai Shenhua to second place. 
 
In Korea Republic, reigning champions Ulsan Hyundai shared the spoils in a goalless draw against Daegu FC on Saturday, but second-placed Pohang Steelers failed to capitalise as they dropped points against FC Seoul in a 2-2 draw on Friday, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from East Asia.

Focus, unity driving Japan

Mon, 07 Aug, 2023

Focus, unity driving Japan

Wellington: Japan's polished performances have changed their status from darkhorses to potential FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 winners, a shift which head coach Futushi Ikeda has attributed to his players' determination to excel. 

A perfect group stage campaign was followed by an impressive 3-1 win over Norway in the Round of 16 to set up a quarter-final against Sweden in Auckland on Friday. 

Jonker admits relief after Netherlands survive South Africa scare

Mon, 07 Aug, 2023

Jonker admits relief after Netherlands survive South Africa scare

Sydney: Netherlands head coach Andries Jonker did not hide his relief after side avoided becoming the latest to be on the end of a FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 shock on Sunday.

The 2019 runners-up defeated South Africa 2-0 in their Round of 16 tie but had goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar to thank for keeping the African champions at bay in the first half.
 
Jill Roord scored after nine minutes to put the Dutch on their way against a team ranked 45 places below them and featuring in the knockout rounds for the first time.
 
South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart then made a mess of an innocuous Lineth Beerensteyn shot midway through the second half to give the Dutch a second.

Sweden's Musovic praises teammates, devastated Rapinoe heads home

Mon, 07 Aug, 2023

Sweden's Musovic praises teammates, devastated Rapinoe heads home

Melbourne: Goalkeeper Zecira Musovic hailed her teammates after Sweden edged the United States on penalties to advance to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 quarter-finals on Sunday. 

The defending champions found Musovic a stumbling block in the shoot-out following a goalless stalemate over 120 minutes, with Sweden to face Japan in Auckland on Friday. 

Quest for AFC Cup™ 2023/24 Group Stage set to begin

Thu, 03 Aug, 2023

Quest for AFC Cup™ 2023/24 Group Stage set to begin

Kuala Lumpur: The qualifying journey for the AFC Cup™ 2023/24 Group Stage begins on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 as the first of 13 matches in the Preliminary and Playoff Stages kick off.

Seven spots are on offer across all five AFC Zones for the 19th edition of the AFC Cup, with the slot allocations determined in June.