Pany Varela brace powers Portugal to FIFA Futsal World Cup title

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Pany Varela brace powers Portugal to FIFA Futsal World Cup title

Kaunas: Pany Varela's brace steered Portugal to a 2-1 in the final of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Lithuania 2021 at the Kaunas Arena on Sunday.

Varela scored in the 15th and 28th minutes as Portugal dethroned 2016 champions Argentina to lift the title for the first time. Claudino pulled one back for Argentina in the 28th minute but Portugal held on for the title, adding it to the UEFA Futsal EURO crown they already hold.

AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar: How Group B stands

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar: How Group B stands

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar moves on to its Matchday Three and Four fixtures with the next set of games taking place on October 7 and 12 and the six sides in Group B returning for more vital match-ups. 

A huge shock on Matchday One saw Oman defeat Japan in Osaka to gain the best possible start, while powerhouses Saudi Arabia and Australia began with two wins from two. China PR and Vietnam, meanwhile, both suffered back-to-back defeats.

Leading the way at present is Graham Arnold's Australia, who got off to a flying start as goals from Awer Mabil, Martin Boyle and Mitchell Duke secured a comfortable 3-0 win over China in Doha, before Rhyan Grant's first international goal edged a narrow 1-0 victory against Vietnam in Hanoi.

AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar: How Group A stands

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar: How Group A stands

Kuala Lumpur: With the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar returning on October 7 for another crucial pair of double-headers, the-AFC.com brings you up to speed with how things look in Group A. 

After two rounds of fixtures, the heavyweights of Islamic Republic of Iran and Korea Republic have already stamped their authority on the group, with the Iranians leading the way following back-to-back wins over Syria and Iraq, and the Koreans two points back after drawing against Iraq and beating Lebanon.

Dragan Skocic's Iran have been arguably the most impressive side in the AFC Asian Qualifiers to date, with Alireza Jahanbakhsh rediscovering his mojo since returning to the Eredivisie to join Feyenoord. The former Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder netted the only goal on Matchday One as his side edged Syria before opening the scoring in an emphatic 3-0 win over neighbours Iraq.

Kwon Chang-hoon pulls out of Korea Republic squad

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Kwon Chang-hoon pulls out of Korea Republic squad

Seoul: Kwon Chang-hoon has withdrawn from Korea Republic’s squad for their upcoming matches in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar with an injury to his left ankle.

The 27-year-old, who scored the only goal in Korea Republic’s win over Lebanon in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers last month, netted the winner in Suwon Samsung Bluewing’s 1-0 victory against Incheon United on Saturday before being substituted with 21 minutes remaining.

India impress in emphatic win over UAE

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

India impress in emphatic win over UAE

Dubai: India continued their preparations for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022 with a 4-1 win over United Arab Emirates in a friendly match in Dubai on Saturday.

Manisha (20th minute), Pyari Xaxa (27th), Sweety Devi (41st) and Anju Tamang (75th) scored for India in a match that was played behind closed doors at the UAE FA Stadium in Dubai.

Futoshi Ikeda confirmed as Nadeshiko boss

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Futoshi Ikeda confirmed as Nadeshiko boss

Tokyo: Futoshi Ikeda will lead defending champions Japan at AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022, after he was confirmed as the new Nadeshiko head coach.

The 50-year-old replaces Asako Takakura, who led the team to the 2018 continental title in Jordan before resigning following a quarter-final exit at the recent Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

It is expected that Ikeda will head the women’s national team at three major tournaments in as many years, with the imminent AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 to be followed by the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand as well as the 2024 Paris Olympics, should Japan qualify.

Arnold picks settled squad as Australia get set for Oman, Japan matches

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Arnold picks settled squad as Australia get set for Oman, Japan matches

Doha: Head coach Graham Arnold has opted for limited changes to the Australia squad for the Socceroos' upcoming AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar matches against Oman and Japan.

Australia, who lead Group B after opening their campaign with wins over Vietnam and China PR, play Oman in Doha on October 7 and Japan five days later at Saitama Stadium.