East Asia Wrap: Vissel and Marinos remain level; Gangwon stun Ulsan

Mon, 14 Aug, 2023

East Asia Wrap: Vissel and Marinos remain level; Gangwon stun Ulsan

Hong Kong: Yuya Osako scored his 17th goal of the ongoing campaign in Japan with a brilliant free-kick as leaders Vissel Kobe remained level on points with defending champions Yokohama F. Marinos following their 1-0 win over last season’s runners-up Kawasaki Frontale on Saturday. 

In a battle between two sides at the opposite ends of the table in Korea Republic, it was relegation battlers Gangwon who emerged as 2-0 winners over leaders and reigning champions Ulsan Hyundai on Sunday, but second-placed Pohang Steelers stay 11 points behind Hong Myung-bo's side after a 1-1 draw with Gwangju FC. 
 
In China PR, Zhejiang Professional overcame Shanghai Port 4-3 on Saturday inflicting only a second defeat of the season on the league leaders while there were also matches taking place in Guam, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from East Asia.

Gustavsson: Australia destined for greater heights

Sun, 13 Aug, 2023

Gustavsson: Australia destined for greater heights

Brisbane: Head coach Tony Gustavsson is confident Australia can create more history following their 7-6 penalty shootout victory against France in their FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 quarter-final on Saturday.

The Matildas showed perseverance and outlasted a resilient France side at the Brisbane Stadium to seal a first appearance in the semi-finals.

Arnold credits instincts for penalty heroics

Sun, 13 Aug, 2023

Arnold credits instincts for penalty heroics

Brisbane: Australia’s Mackenzie Arnold revealed that it was gut instincts that helped her game against France in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 on Saturday.

The goalkeeper was the hero, producing three saves to help the Matildas to a 7-6 penalty shootout win over France and into a semi-final showdown against European champions England.

England looking forward to 'huge' clash with Matildas

Sun, 13 Aug, 2023

England looking forward to 'huge' clash with Matildas

Sydney: England say they are relishing playing in front of what promises to be a partisan 80,000 home crowd in their FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 semi-final against co-hosts Australia on Wednesday.

The European champions had a taste of what awaits when they fought back from a goal down to beat Colombia 2-1 on Saturday during what felt like a home game for the well-supported South Americans.
 
The Lionesses will be back at the imposing Stadium Australia in Sydney on Wednesday with both teams attempting to win the Women's World Cup for the first time.
 
Alessia Russo scored the winner in the 63rd minute against a physical Colombia and the Arsenal forward said she had enjoyed playing in front of a hostile crowd.

Future bright for Japan, says Ikeda

Sat, 12 Aug, 2023

Future bright for Japan, says Ikeda

Auckland: Japan head coach Futoshi Ikeda said his team could take pride in their run at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 despite being knocked out in the quarter-finals in a 2-1 defeat by Sweden on Friday.

The Nadeshiko had been touted as candidates to go all the way after cruising through the group stage with three wins out of three, including a 4-0 demolition of Spain, before seeing off Norway in the last 16.
 
A win over Sweden in Auckland would have set up another meeting with Spain, but Ikeda's side fell short at Eden Park, going two goals down early in the second half before attempting a late comeback.

Son named Spurs captain after Kane departure

Sun, 13 Aug, 2023

Son named Spurs captain after Kane departure

London: Son Heung-min was named Tottenham's new captain on Saturday on the day the club's all-time top goalscorer Harry Kane joined Bayern Munich.

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has been Spurs skipper since 2015, but the Frenchman's future at the club is in doubt.
 
Kane was expected to take over had he remained in north London rather than moving to Germany in pursuit of the first silverware of his career. New signing James Maddison and Argentine centre-back Cristian Romero have been named vice-captains.

#AsianCup2023 five-month countdown: Fan-voted all-time AFC Asian Cup™ Dream XI revealed

Fri, 11 Aug, 2023

#AsianCup2023 five-month countdown: Fan-voted all-time AFC Asian Cup™ Dream XI revealed

Kuala Lumpur: With five months to go to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, the final all-time Dream XI for the AFC Asian Cup™ has been determined by the passionate fans of Asian football.

The formidable line-up was voted for out of a pool of 48 players who left their mark in the proud and storied history of the Continent’s most prestigious national team competition.