Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tehran: Islamic Republic of Iran will be based in Doha, Qatar for their final phase of training for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
The Iran squad, led by head coach Carlos Queiroz, will be based at the Aspire Academy in Doha on December 10-January 2.
Three-time AFC Asian Cup winners Iran are seeking a first title since 1976, having not advanced past the quarter-final stage for the last three editions of the Continental showpiece.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Seoul: Midfielder Jung Woo-young has been released from the Korea Republic squad for the international friendlies against Australia and Uzbekistan after suffering an ankle injury.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) said Asan Mugunghwa midfielder Ju Se-jong will replace Jung for the matches in preparation for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
Jung, who has two goals in 37 appearances for the Taeguk Warriors, has been one of the core central midfielders for Korea Republic since Paulo Bento took the helm as head coach in August.
The 28-year-old, who is with Qatari side Al Sadd, has featured in the last four friendly matches under Bento.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Sydney: Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold named a 23-player squad for Australia’s international friendly against Korea Republic at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on November 17, and explained that he will name a second list of 23 players, for his team’s clash with Lebanon at the ANZ Stadium.
In total, 27 players will convene in Brisbane from Monday onward, with Arnold having rewarded the strong A-League form of Thomas Deng (Melbourne Victory), Rhyan Grant (Sydney FC), Craig Goodwin (Adelaide United), and Dimitri Petratos (Newcastle Jets) with places as train-on players for the November window as he continues to cast his eyes over as many players as possible ahead of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
The second 23-player list for the Socceroos’ international friendly against Lebanon will include Jamshedpur FC attacker Tim Cahill, who will make his 108th and final appearance for Australia in a farewell match against the Cedars at the ANZ Stadium on November 20.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Turning 40 next April, evergreen striker Lee Dong-gook is still scoring goals at the continental level for club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. We rewind the clock 18 years, to when a fresh-faced young forward from Pohang made the world take notice at the 2000 AFC Asian Cup.
Lee's impressive career, that keeps recording new milestones for goals and longevity, can be considered to have truly begun on the biggest stage at the 2000 AFC Asian Cup in Lebanon.
The prodigiously talented young forward had already shown his ability at the 1998 AFC U-19 Championship, where he was named Top Scorer and MVP, and had also helped Pohang Steelers win the 1997-1998 Asian Club Championship.
But it was in the AFC's most prestigious national team tournament that the then 21-year-old made his mark in.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: As we edge ever closer to the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 in January, teams enter the final stages of their preparations with the latest run of matches this month.
Asian football fans will get the chance to take a glimpse at how their favourite teams are shaping up ahead of the big date in the UAE in January. With the bulk of the 24 sides contesting the continental title in action this month, we look at five exciting things to watch for during the coming international break.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Dubai: Thousands of football fans will have the opportunity to be part of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 thanks to the support of businesses that are signing up to become patrons for the biggest sporting event ever held in the region.
Launching this week at the Diplomat’s Club in Dubai, the Patron’s Programme saw a team of businesses pledge their support to work closely within their communities, donating tickets for a number of matches throughout the AFC Asian Cup, which kicks off in less than two months on January 5.
Speaking on the launch of the Patrons Programme, Tournament Director for the Local Organising Committee, His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani commented:
“The Patrons Programme allows businesses to add extra incentives to their great ongoing community work, rewarding individuals or community groups with tickets to games during the tournament.
"As the UAE is home to many diverse cultures and communities, we want everybody to feel a part of the tournament. The Patrons Programme is just another example of how business and the community work side by side to support each other in the UAE."
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Dubai: With the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 just two months away, school children in the UAE were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when two-time AFC Asian Cup winner Majed Abdullah paid a surprise visit to Jumeira Baccalaureate School, as the excitement grows for the AFC’s flagship competition.
AFC Asian Cup ambassador Abdullah unveiled a replica of the new AFC Asian Cup trophy, during the football activities and hosted a special question and answer session on his glistening career, which saw him clinch the Asian Footballer of the Year award on three occasions.
Bringing the celebration of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 closer to communities, hundreds of thrilled children showcased their football passion, skills and knowledge as well as goalscoring celebrations alongside Abdullah, who netted over 70 goals for Saudi Arabia during his playing career.