Real Madrid sign 'Japanese Messi' Kubo

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Real Madrid sign 'Japanese Messi' Kubo

Madrid: Real Madrid confirmed the signing of Japanese teenager Takefusa Kubo on Friday.

The 18-year-old joins from FC Tokyo and will play for Madrid's B team, Castilla, next season.

"Takefusa Kubo will join Castilla next season," a Real Madrid statement read. "He is one of the most promising young players in world football, an attacking midfielder with excellent technique and great vision for the game."

Japan held, Vietnam defeat Thailand, India fall to Curacao

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Japan held, Vietnam defeat Thailand, India fall to Curacao

Toyota: Japan dominated but were left frustrated by Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Marvin Phillip as Wednesday's international friendly ended in a 0-0 draw. 

Japan attacked from the first blow of the whistle but could not find a way past the Trinidad defence and Phillip.

Japan next take on El Salvador at Hitomebore Stadium Miyagi on Sunday before leaving for the Copa America, which gets under way on June 14.

Japan will play in Group C of the Copa America with Chile, Ecuador and Uruguay also in the fray. Asian champions Qatar will play in Group B with Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay to contend with.

Nagai double fires Japan past El Salvador

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Nagai double fires Japan past El Salvador

Miyagi: Forward Kensuke Nagai struck twice as a new-look Japan beat El Salvador 2-0 at home in their final Copa America tune-up on Sunday.

The FC Tokyo striker smashed home the opener after 19 minutes in Miyagi before adding his second just before half-time with a clinical finish to give the Samurai Blue a winning send-off.

Tournament guests Japan face Chile, Uruguay and Ecuador in Group C at the Copa America, which kicks off on Thursday.

Wins for Singapore, India, penalty heartbreak for Vietnam

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Wins for Singapore, India, penalty heartbreak for Vietnam

Kuala Lumpur: There was a winning start for new Singapore head coach Tatsuma Yoshida, Igor Stimac recorded his first triumph as India head coach but there was a penalty shootout heartbreak for Vietnam on another night of international friendlies on Saturday.

SINGAPORE 4-3 SOLOMON ISLANDS

Yoshida, who took charge of Singapore just last week, saw his team take the lead against Solomon Islands in the fourth minute through Faris Ramli's header.

Gagame Feni equalised for the visitors three minutes into the second half and Solomon Islands went ahead 10 minutes later through Andrew Abba.

Qatar fall to early Brazilian goals

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Qatar fall to early Brazilian goals

Brasilia: Early strikes by Brazil saw Qatar fall to a 2-0 defeat against the South American giants in an international friendly at the Mané Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia on Wednesday.

Richarlison opened the scoring in the 17th minute but Brazil suffered a blow just after as talisman Neymar departed with pain in his right ankle.

Gabriel Jesus added a second goal in the 23rd minute and despite AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar's best efforts, the West Asians couldn't find a way past the Brazil defence.

Wins for Korea Republic, China PR, Uzbekistan

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Wins for Korea Republic, China PR, Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: On a busy night of international friendlies, Korea Republic edged Australia 1-0 while China PR saw off the challenge of the Philippines with a 2-0 win on Friday.

KOREA REPUBLIC 1-0 AUSTRALIA

Busan: Hwang Ui-jo was the star of the night with his second half goal as Korea Republic defeated Australia 1-0.

A tight first half saw the teams heading into the break level at a packed Busan Asiad Stadium.

Taremi stars as IR Iran defeat Syria

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Taremi stars as IR Iran defeat Syria

Tehran: Mehdi Taremi fired a hat-trick as Islamic Republic of Iran defeated Syria 5-0 in an international friendly at the Azadi Stadium on Thursday.

Both teams are preparing for the second round of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 Joint Qualification which kicks off in September but Iran were in a class of their own as new head coach Marc Wilmots got off to a winning start.