Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Japan will kick off their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign against Colombia on June 19, before taking on Senegal and Poland in their second and third Group H ties. The-AFC.com takes a look at the Samurai Blue’s top three moments at the World Cup so far.
Ever since making their debut at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, Japan have experienced many highs and lows over the years. Here are some of their best moments on the global stage in the five tournaments they have featured in since then:
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/niigata_stadium.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/morishima_tunisia.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/endo_denmark.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/okazaki_denmark.html
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tokyo: New Japan coach Akira Nishino has flagged his 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia hopes by turning to his big hitters for the home friendly with Ghana on May 30.
Talismanic Japan forward Keisuke Honda and playmaker Shinji Kagawa were included by Nishino among a group of 27 players.
Nishino, who took over from Vahid Halilhodzic after the latter's firing last month, is scheduled to name his final 23-man World Cup squad on May 31.
"Of course I expect to pick the World Cup squad from these 27 players," Nishino said.
"Honda and Kagawa have been core players of the national team and I've called them up in the hope that they will be able to contribute."
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
The FIFA World Cup always produces a collection of sensational and memorable goals, and over the years a number of Asian players have contributed to this rich collection of historic FIFA World Cup moments.
With the 2018 FIFA World Cup just weeks away from kicking off in Russia, with Saudi Arabia playing the host nation in the opening match in Moscow on 14 June, we take a look at five iconic goals scored by Asian players in FIFA World Cup history.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: As the countdown to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia starts to heat up, we take a look at five Asian players that could make a name for themselves next month.
The FIFA World Cup is without a doubt the grandest stage in world football, and it comes as no surprise that a strong showing at just one tournament could massively shape a player's career in the years to come. As such, here are a number of players that could possibly propel themselves into the spotlight when the tournament kicks off in just over two weeks' time.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: As coaches announce their national team squads ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the eight AFC Champions League quarter-finalists are sending 14 players to the global event in Russia.
With the final eight of the 2018 AFC Champions League decided and the draw conducted, eyes of Asian football fans turn to Russia for the FIFA World Cup, where five Asian nations will be present. Fans of AFC Champions League quarter-finalists will have one eye on their respective clubs' players looking to make a name for themselves in Russia.
A total of 14 players will be representing seven of the eight finalists, testament to the growing profile of the top club competition in Asia. Qatar's Al Duhail are the only side of the eight with no representatives amongst the 736 players competing for international glory next month.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tehran: Islamic Republic of Iran President Hassan Rouhani welcomed the national football team at the presidential palace on Sunday.
Rouhani was handed replicas of the Iran national football team No 12 jerseys and he wished the team well ahead of their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia preparations.
“I would like to express my happiness to participate at Team Melli’s farewell ceremony. I want to thank you because you made Iranian people happy by booking a place in the 2018 World Cup,” Rouhani said.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Seoul: Gangwon FC striker Lee Keun-ho has been ruled out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia with a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee, the Korea Football Association (KFA) said on Tuesday.
Lee sustained the injury during a K League 1 game against Gyeongnam FC last Saturday.
Though Lee was stretchered off the field, his K League 1 club initially said the injury wasn't serious and he'd be able to compete in the FIFA World Cup. But further tests revealed more severe damage, and Lee has joined a few others on the Korea Republic injury list.
It's the latest injury blow to head coach Shin Tae-yong, who was already without Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors defender Kim Min-jae, who would have been a first-choice centre-back if not for a stress fracture in his right leg.
Also ruled out was Suwon Samsung Bluewings midfielder Yeom Ki-hun, a crafty playmaker who is nursing a broken rib. Kim and Yeom weren't picked for the 28-man provisional roster announced on May 14.