Hasegawa: Japan's 2011 champions made me dream of winning World Cup

Tue, 14 Mar, 2023

Hasegawa: Japan's 2011 champions made me dream of winning World Cup

Manchester: Yui Hasegawa has revealed that seeing Japan create history by lifting the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup instilled a burning desire in her to one day play in – and win – the tournament.

Having won numerous titles with Japan at both junior and senior level, Hasegawa achieved the first part of that dream by appearing in – and scoring at – the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France as she developed into an integral part of the Nadeshiko side after making her debut in 2017. 

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Europe Wrap: Kerr steers Chelsea to the summit; Lee scores against Kubo’s Sociedad

Thu, 16 Mar, 2023

Europe Wrap: Kerr steers Chelsea to the summit; Lee scores against Kubo’s Sociedad

Kuala Lumpur: Australia international Sam Kerr produced a sumptuous winner as Chelsea defeated Manchester United 1-0 on Sunday to go top of the Women’s Super League in England while Korean ace Son Heung-min scored in Tottenham Hotspur's win in the Premier League. 

In Spain, his compatriot Lee Kang-in was on target for Real Mallorca as the youngster met his former teammate and Japan attacker Takefusa Kubo’s Real Sociedad, while Islamic Republic of Iran striker Mehdi Taremi scored FC Porto’s winner against Estoril Praia in Portugal.  
 
Ritsu Doan netted a late winner for SC Freiburg against Hoffenheim in Germany, Jordan’s Musa Al Taamari scored a stunning solo goal in Belgium and Aaron Mooy and Kyogo Furuhashi were on target for Celtic in Scotland, so join the-AFC.com as we find out how the Asian stars performed in Europe over the past week. 

Thailand 2023 - Facts & Figures

Tue, 14 Mar, 2023

Thailand 2023 - Facts & Figures

Pattaya: The AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ makes a return after four years with Pattaya, Thailand to host the 2023 edition. 

Ahead of the action kicking off on Thursday, join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the facts and figures of a highly exciting tournament. 

Preview - SF: Uzbekistan v Korea Republic

Wed, 15 Mar, 2023

Preview - SF: Uzbekistan v Korea Republic

Tashkent: Ravshan Khaydarov called on his Uzbekistan players to be more ruthless in front of goal as they look to overcome Korea Republic and book a place in the final of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 when the nations meet at Bunyodkor Stadium on Wednesday.

The tournament hosts needed extra-time and a penalty shoot-out to progress against Australia in the quarter-finals and Khaydarov wants his team to be more clinical when they face the Koreans in front of an expected full house.

Preview - SF: Iraq v Japan

Wed, 15 Mar, 2023

Preview - SF: Iraq v Japan

Tashkent: Iraq head coach Emad Mohammed recalled his personal success against Japan in the 2000 edition of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ to motivate his players as the two teams lock horns in the semi-finals of Uzbekistan 2023 at JAR Stadium on Wednesday.

As an 18-year-old, former striker Mohammed bagged both goals in the final, including a Golden Goal in extra time as the young Lions of Mesopotamia beat Japan to win the last of their four continental titles at U20 level.
 
Nearly 23 years later, Mohammed’s hopes of winning the title as a coach hinge on him overcoming the Samurai Blue once more to face the winners between hosts Uzbekistan and record champions Korea Republic in Saturday’s final.

Bae adamant nerves not an issue, Kholdorkhonov counting on home support

Tue, 14 Mar, 2023

Bae adamant nerves not an issue, Kholdorkhonov counting on home support

Tashkent: Bae Jun-ho will look to overcome pre-match nerves and a vibrant home crowd to steer Korea Republic into the final of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 when his side goes head-to-head with hosts Uzbekistan in Wednesday’s semi-final.

With a place in Saturday’s final at stake, another 34,000 capacity crowd is expected for the clash and the Daejeon Citizen forward admits he will be taking a step into the unknown when he walks out of the tunnel at Bunyodkor Stadium.

Yamane lays out career aspirations, Raad excited for last four clash

Tue, 14 Mar, 2023

Yamane lays out career aspirations, Raad excited for last four clash

Tashkent: Japan midfielder Riku Yamane believes beating Iraq in the semi-finals and then winning the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 title could be important steps towards achieving his dream of representing the Samurai Blue at the FIFA World Cup one day.

Yamane and company are two games away from picking up a second continental title at this level for Japan, who had been crowned champions in Bahrain 2016. Their upcoming obstacle will be Wednesday’s semi-final clash against five-time winners Iraq at JAR Stadium.