Japan end 2022 on top

Thu, 22 Dec, 2022

Japan end 2022 on top

Kuala Lumpur: Japan are Asia’s best ranked team following the latest FIFA Men’s World Ranking released on Thursday. 

The Samurai Blue had a thrilling FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign, which saw them beat former champions Germany and Spain (both 2-1) to top Group E, before falling to eventual third-place finishers Croatia on penalties in the Round of 16.

Asian Highs at Qatar 2022

Tue, 20 Dec, 2022

Asian Highs at Qatar 2022

Doha: The dust is settling on an exceptional FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and Asia can look back at the tournament with much pride as teams from the continent produced some of the most stunning results in their history. 

Four years ago at Russia 2018, Asia recorded its highest points tally in a FIFA World Cup and that feat was topped in Qatar as, for the very first time, three teams representing the Asian Football Confederation made it to the knockout stages.
 
Australia, Japan and Korea Republic were the nations who scripted history with their Round of 16 appearances, but the Islamic Republic of Iran, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, who hosted a truly superb FIFA World Cup, all had tournaments which they can look back on with fond memories. 
 
With Argentina’s triumph over France in a thrilling finale at Lusail Stadium on Sunday bringing the curtain down on a competition that will live long in the memory, the-AFC.com looks back at some of Asia’s best moments from Qatar 2022 as the FIFA World Cup visited the continent for only the second time. 

Qatar 2022: Asia in Numbers

Wed, 21 Dec, 2022

Qatar 2022: Asia in Numbers

Doha: The 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup will be remembered as one of the finest as Qatar hosted a spectacular festival of football that produced classic matches, incredible upsets, late drama and, in the end, saw Lionel Messi finally get his hands on the prize he craved most.

For the Asian Football Confederation, meanwhile, it was collectively a best-ever campaign as the six sides from the continent posted some of the greatest results in their history as they broke new ground on the world stage. 

With the sun now set on Qatar 2022, the-AFC.com highlights some of the stats and facts that caught the eye with Asia’s six representatives.

Qatar 2022: Australia scale new peak

Thu, 22 Dec, 2022

Qatar 2022: Australia scale new peak

Kuala Lumpur: The curtains came down on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on Sunday with Argentina lifting the trophy for a third time after a thrilling win over France at the Lusail Stadium.

In masterminding Argentina's triumph, Lionel Messi ensured his trophy cabinet now has the one title that he really craved.

While Messi and Argentina bask in glory, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 also saw Asia's cast making their impact felt in the global showpiece. The-AFC.com revisits the Asian performance, starting with Australia.

Vietnam, Malaysia kick off on front foot

Thu, 22 Dec, 2022

Vietnam, Malaysia kick off on front foot

Vientiane: Former champions Vietnam and Malaysia kicked off their bids for the 2022 AFF Cup on winning notes on Wednesday.

Vietnam, champions in 2008 and 2018, were in a class of their own as they defeated Laos 6-0, with six players getting on the scoresheet in Vientiane.
 
Malaysia, who lifted the title in 2010, faced tougher opposition in Myanmar but carved out a 1-0 win in Yangon.

Serbia's Vidakovic named Lion City Sailors head coach

Wed, 21 Dec, 2022

Serbia's Vidakovic named Lion City Sailors head coach

Singapore: Lion City Sailors FC have appointed Serbian Risto Vidakovic as head coach.

The 2021 Singapore Premier League champions announced the appointment of the 53-year-old, who holds a UEFA Pro Coaching licence, on Tuesday.

He replaces Korea Republic's Kim Do-hoon, who stepped down in August with the role filled on an interim basis by academy technical director Luka Lalic till the season ended.

Korea Republic's Song joins J1 League's Shonan Bellmare

Wed, 21 Dec, 2022

Korea Republic's Song joins J1 League's Shonan Bellmare

Seoul: Korea Republic goalkeeper Song Bum-keun has signed for J1 League club Shonan Bellmare.

Song joins Shonan Bellmare from Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, having played five seasons for the Korea Republic giants.