Ikeda pleased after Nadeshiko overcome adversity to book last eight spot

Thu, 01 Aug, 2024

Ikeda pleased after Nadeshiko overcome adversity to book last eight spot

Nantes: Head coach Futoshi Ikeda was a relieved man after Japan produced a clinical performance to beat Nigeria 3-1 to seal a place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024.

Recovering from losing their Group C opener against Spain, Japan won their next two matches to set up a meeting with four-time champions United States on Saturday.

It hasn’t been an easy campaign with injuries affecting selection but improving conditions allowed Ikeda more flexibility, especially in Wednesday’s win that confirmed them as group runners-up.

Outgoing Gustavsson hails Matildas’ spirit despite early exit

Thu, 01 Aug, 2024

Outgoing Gustavsson hails Matildas’ spirit despite early exit

Paris: Australia may have bowed out of the Women's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 at the group stage for the first time in 24 years, but head coach Tony Gustavsson was full of praise for his team’s dedication and spirit.

Australia’s Olympic hopes were hanging by a thread after the United States held off a late fightback to leave the Stade de Marseille as 2-1 winners with goals from Trinity Rodman and Korbin Albert.

Canada’s subsequent 1-0 win over Colombia confirmed Australia’s exit, marking the first time since Sydney 2000 that the Matildas failed to progress beyond the group stage.

Women’s knockout stage lineup finalised

Thu, 01 Aug, 2024

Women’s knockout stage lineup finalised

Paris: Japan will represent Asia in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 after the conclusion of the group stage on Wednesday.

Japan will face four-time champions and Group B winners the United States in the quarter-finals after the Nadeshiko beat Nigeria 3-1 in their final match to finish second in Group C on Wednesday.

It will be a repeat of the 2012 final which the United States won 2-1, having lost the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup final to Japan.

Group B: Australia bow out after defeat to USA

Thu, 01 Aug, 2024

Group B: Australia bow out after defeat to USA

Marseille: Australia’s hopes of advancing to the Women's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 quarter-finals were dashed after they suffered a 2-1 defeat to the United States in Group C on Wednesday.

The result meant the Matildas exited the tournament with Colombia (Group A) and Brazil (Group C) progressing as the two best third-placed teams, joining France, Canada, the United States, Germany, Spain and Japan in the quarter-finals.

A dominant United States side saw Trinity Rodman breaking the deadlock at the stroke of half-time before Korbin Albert sealed the win with a long range effort with 15 minutes remaining before Alanna Kennedy scored a late consolation.

Group C: Japan defeat Nigeria to advance

Thu, 01 Aug, 2024

Group C: Japan defeat Nigeria to advance

Nantes: Japan's gold medal dreams remained intact after they defeated Nigeria 3-1 to advance to the quarter-finals of the Women's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 on Wednesday.

The result, coupled with Spain's 2-0 win over Brazil enabled Japan to finish second in Group C to book their berth in the last eight where they will meet Group B winners the United States on Saturday.

Elneny moves to Al Jazira, Honda heads to Bhutan

Wed, 31 Jul, 2024

Elneny moves to Al Jazira, Honda heads to Bhutan

Abu Dhabi: Egyptian international Mohamed Elneny was unveiled as a new signing by UAE Pro League side Al Jazira Club on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old midfielder parted ways with English club Arsenal after spending eight seasons with the Premier League outfit and will now work with head coach Hussein Ammouta at Al Jazira.

Elneny is currently at the Paris Olympics 2024 with Egypt, having helped his team advance to the quarter-final stage as Group C winners after beating Spain on Tuesday.

Preliminary battles to kick-start #ACLElite 2024/25

Wed, 24 Jul, 2024

Preliminary battles to kick-start #ACLElite 2024/25

Kuala Lumpur: Five teams will embark on their quest to scale the pinnacle of Asian men’s club football this month when the Preliminary Stage of the AFC Champions League Elite™ (ACL Elite) 2024/25 takes place from August 6 to 13.

Having each been allocated indirect slots for the prestigious competition, Qatar’s Al Gharafa SC, Islamic Republic of Iran’s Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan SC and United Arab Emirates’ Shabab Al Ahli will vie for one berth in the League Stage (West), while China PR’s Shandong Taishan FC will square off against Thailand’s Bangkok United to decide likewise for the East.