Preview - Semi-final: China PR v Japan

Fri, 25 Feb, 2022

Preview - Semi-final: China PR v Japan

Pune:  Head coaches Shui Qingxia and Futoshi Ikeda expect a tough encounter when China PR face Japan in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ semi-finals on Thursday.

Both sides come into the tie having won 10 titles between them, with China PR chasing a record extending ninth while Japan are two wins away from winning a hat-trick of AFC Women’s Asian Cup crowns.

A win for the Steel Roses will bring Shui’s charges closer to the title they last won in 2006, while Japan are aiming to become only the third team to win three consecutive titles.

Preview - Semi-final: Korea Republic v Philippines

Fri, 25 Feb, 2022

Preview - Semi-final: Korea Republic v Philippines

Pune: Korea Republic head coach Colin Bell is expecting a tough challenge from a vibrant Philippines side when they face off in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ semi-finals on Thursday. 

Korea Republic are no strangers to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup semi-finals, having played at this stage on five previous occasions but the Philippines will be making their debut and Bell expects the Southeast Asian to play with no fear at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune.

Playoff: Vietnam defeat Thailand to boost FIFA Women's World Cup hopes

Thu, 03 Feb, 2022

Playoff: Vietnam defeat Thailand to boost FIFA Women's World Cup hopes

Navi Mumbai: Vietnam took a huge step forward in their bid for a first ever FIFA Women's World Cup qualification with a 2-0 win over Thailand at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday.

A win for Vietnam against Chinese Taipei in the round robin playoff on Sunday will seal the remaining automatic slot for the Southeast Asian side, with China PR, Japan, Korea Republic, the Philippines and co-hosts Australia having already qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia/New Zealand 2023.

Thailand's hopes hang by a thread, with victory over Chinese Taipei needed on Friday if they are to stand a chance, failing which the Southeast Asian side will advance to the Inter-Confederation playoffs. 

Arnold confident of Australia’s chances despite Oman setback

Wed, 02 Feb, 2022

Arnold confident of Australia’s chances despite Oman setback

Muscat: Head coach Graham Arnold remains optimistic of Australia’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification hopes despite being held to a 2-2 draw by Oman on Tuesday.

The result means Australia are third in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar on 15 points – four behind leaders Saudi Arabia with Japan three ahead in second.
 
Australia play Japan and Saudi Arabia in their final two matches in March and Arnold said the Socceroos’ destiny was very much in their own hands.

Mixed emotions for Hasek, Petrovic after Lebanon, Iraq stalemate

Wed, 02 Feb, 2022

Mixed emotions for Hasek, Petrovic after Lebanon, Iraq stalemate

Saida: Lebanon head coach Ivan Hasek didn’t hide his disappointment following his side’s 1-1 draw with Iraq in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar on Tuesday.

Both sides had to settle for a share of the points after Maher Sabra’s late first-half equaliser cancelled the opener by Iraq forward Ayman Hussein, a result neither side wanted in their respective bids to finish third and seal a place in the playoff.
 
Lebanon are on six points and Iraq one behind with United Arab Emirates sitting on nine with just two matches remaining.  

Skocic happy with resolute IR Iran performance, Marwijk rues UAE's missed opportunity

Wed, 02 Feb, 2022

Skocic happy with resolute IR Iran performance, Marwijk rues UAE's missed opportunity

Tehran: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Dragan Skocic was happy with his side’s 1-0 home win against United Arab Emirates in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar on Tuesday.

Mehdi Taremi’s late first half strike extended Iran's unbeaten run in the Qualifiers to eight matches although the home team had to dig deep to get the victory after playing nearly the entire second half with 10 men.