Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: With Saturday's official draw for next year's FIFA Women's World in France looming large, the-AFC.com completes its series of team profiles with a look at a 2011 winners and current Asian champions Japan.
It may seem difficult to believe, but it is now seven years since a golden generation of Japanese players led by Homare Sawa became world champions by beating the United States on penalties in Germany.
World Cup-winning head coach Norio Sasaki then led Japan to a first ever AFC Women's Asian Cup title in 2014, and another World Cup final the following year, but a failed attempt to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics was the catalyst for the Nadeshiko's new generation to take their chance.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/japan_champions_-_afc_womens_asian_cup_2018_2.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/japan_v_norway_-_friendly_credit.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/asako_takakura_-_afc_womens_asian_cup_jordan_218.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/saki_kumagai_-_japan_-_afc_womens_asian_cup.html
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Once the standard bearers in Asian women's football, China PR are looking to return to the summit of the global game. With the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 draw just two days away, the-AFC.com profiles Jia Xiuquan's side.
Semi-finalists in 1995, and runners-up four years later, China PR were once among the teams to avoid in a Women's World Cup draw, but the Steel Roses are now considered to be among the global game's second-tier nations.
But, while progression beyond the quarter-finals has eluded the national team since 1999, the current generation of Chinese players have shown signs of genuine improvement, particularly since the arrival of Jia as head coach in May.
A breakout star and creative force in AFC Women's Player of the Year Wang Shuang, a miserly defence which has conceded just twice in 12 matches since August, and consistent goals from Wang Shanshan and Li Ying have all contributed to a steady rise in form and confidence.
Their current world ranking of 15th may suggest otherwise, but China PR remains a team many should hope to steer clear of when the draw is made on Saturday.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: As the countdown to Saturday's FIFA Women's World Cup official draw continues, the-AFC.com profiles Asia's highest-ranked nation - Australia.
For the first time in their history, sixth-ranked Australia are expecting to be among the seeded teams when the official draw pots are revealed on Friday, with Alen Stajcic's charges hoping they can avoid the type of 'group of death' they have endured in a number of recent major tournaments.
Their rise to become one of the world's top half-dozen sides has included memorable scalps - none more so than the historic 2017 win over defending World Champions the United States - and has seen Sam Kerr emerge as one of the world's best players.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: With just four days remaining until the official draw ceremony for next year's FIFA Women's World Cup in France, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on Thailand, who return to the global stage after a memorable 2015 debut.
The Chaba Kaew experienced a mixed bag in Canada three years ago, enduring heavy defeats to former world champions Germany and Norway before earning a historic maiden World Cup win against Ivory Coast, and their recent fortunes suggest they remain a team capable of the good, bad and ugly.
At the heart of head coach Nuengrutai Srathongvian's outfit is an experienced core featuring the likes of Sunisa Srangthaisong, Kanjana Sung-Ngoen and Duangnapa Sritala, but the AFC Women's Asian Cup provided the platform for a number of younger players to emerge.
US-raised 21-year-old Suchawadee Nildhamrong adds the ability to hold the ball up and bring teammates into the game as a central striker, while Silawan Intamee, 24, produced a series of strong displays in midfield in 2018.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: With Saturday's FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 official draw firmly on the horizon, the-AFC.com profiles the five Asian competitors for next year's football extravaganza, starting with Korea Republic.
Having earned their first ever FIFA Women's World Cup win en route to a maiden knockout stage appearance in Canada three years ago, Korea Republic have now qualified for successive World Cups for the first time.
They will return to the global stage with a relative wealth of experience. The nine most capped players in the team's history are all still active, and team leaders like Cho So-hyun and Ji So-yun have broken the 100-game barrier despite being aged just 30 and 27 respectively.
Cho and Ji are the team's key duo, but Lee Min-a - the 2017 Korean Player of the Year now plying her trade in Japan - also enjoyed a terrific AFC Women's Asian Cup Jordan 2018, contributing three memorable goals.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Five referees and eight assistant referees from Asia will represent the Continent as match officials in the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019, following FIFA's announcement on Monday.
Referees
Kate Jacewicz (Australia), Casey Reibelt (Australia), Qin Liang (China PR), Yoshimi Yamashita (Japan) and Ri Hyang-ok (DPR Korea)
Assistant Referees
Cui Yong Mei (China PR), Fang Yan (China PR), Hong Kum-nyo (DPR Korea), Makoto Bazono (Japan), Maiko Hagio (Japan), Naomi Teshirogi (Japan), Kim Kyoung-min (Korea Republic) and Lee Seul-gi (Korea Republic)
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: After nearly 400 matches spread across 20 months of international competition, the 24 qualifiers for the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 have been finalised.
New Zealand became the 24th and final nation to seal their ticket to the global Finals after they defeated Fiji 8-0 to lift the OFC Women's Nations Cup on Saturday.
They are joined by Cameroon, who defeated Mali 4-2 on Friday to secure qualification with a third place finish at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.