Ikeda urges Japan to refocus

Fri, 26 Jul, 2024

Ikeda urges Japan to refocus

Nantes: Head coach Futoshi Ikeda immediately turned his attention to the next challenge after his Japan side fell to a 2-1 defeat in their opening Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Group C match on Thursday.

Despite going ahead through Aoba Fujino’s spectacular free-kick, Japan were pegged back by Aitana Bonmati’s strike before Mariona Caldentey found the winner for reigning world champions Spain.

Explaining his tactics, Ikeda admitted caution was a big part of the strategy but now wants a complete shift of focus as they look to get points on the board in the remaining two matches. 

Matidas will bounce back, vows Gustavsson

Fri, 26 Jul, 2024

Matidas will bounce back, vows Gustavsson

Marseille: Head coach Tony Gustavsson admitted that Australia were outclassed following their 3-0 defeat to Germany in Group B of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 on Thursday.

Set-pieces were a thorn in the Matildas’ side, with Germany scoring twice from headed corners before sealing victory with a second half tap-in from Juli Brand.

Group B: Australia concede to Germany

Fri, 26 Jul, 2024

Group B: Australia concede to Germany

Marseille: Australia fought hard but succumbed to a 3-0 defeat against Germany in Group B of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 at the Stade de Marseille on Thursday.

Marina Hegering’s towering header separated the sides going into the break before goals from Lea Schuller and Jule Brand sealed the win for Germany.

Australia face a must-win game against Zambia on Sunday to revive their campaign with Germany to play the United States on Matchday Two.

Group C: Japan denied by Spain

Fri, 26 Jul, 2024

Group C: Japan denied by Spain

Nantes: Japan put up a strong resistance but it wasn’t enough as they were defeated 2-1 by Spain in their opening Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Group C encounter at La Beaujoire Stadium on Thursday.

It was 4-0 to Japan when the  teams met in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 but the Nadeshiko had to play second fiddle in this game and now face a real fight to reach the next round of the competition.

Oiwa expects more from Japan

Thu, 25 Jul, 2024

Oiwa expects more from Japan

Bordeaux: Despite picking up an emphatic 5-0 win in their opening Men's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Group D match against Paraguay, head coach Go Oiwa believes his Japan team is capable of much more.

While pleased with the result, Oiwa has demanded even more as he felt Japan did not take full advantage of their opportunities against Paraguay.

The South Americans were reduced to 10 men shortly after going behind to Shunsuke Mito’s opener in the 19th minute but Japan could not capitalise on their advantage until midway through the second half.

Hussein applauds Iraq’s strong character

Thu, 25 Jul, 2024

Hussein applauds Iraq’s strong character

Lyon: Aymen Hussein lauded the strength of character shown by his teammates after Iraq came from behind to edge Ukraine 2-1 in their opening Men's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Group B tie on Wednesday.

Hussein struck the equaliser from the spot four minutes after Ukraine had gone ahead through Valentyn Rubchynskyi with Ali Jasim’s spectacular winner settling the contest in favour of the West Asians.

The 28-year-old forward praised the resoluteness of the Iraqi side as they fought back to earn three points after being put under tremendous pressure by Ukraine for much of the game.

Kapadze praises Uzbekistan's positive attitude

Thu, 25 Jul, 2024

Kapadze praises Uzbekistan's positive attitude

Paris: Proud of a brave effort that saw Uzbekistan push Spain to the limit in their Men's Olympic Football Tournament opener at Paris 2024, head coach Timur Kapadze expressed contentment with his team's performance and highlighted their collective spirit.

Uzbekistan's debut at the Olympics was marked by a spirited display against the former champions. Eldor Shomurodov’s penalty leveled the score after Abel Ruiz’s opener, but a second-half goal by Sergio Gomez ultimately sealed the victory for Spain.

Jasim signs for Como, Diaby joins Al Ittihad

Thu, 25 Jul, 2024

Jasim signs for Como, Diaby joins Al Ittihad

Paris: Young Iraqi sensation Ali Jasim will make his return to European football after Como confirmed the capture of the forward in a statement released on Wednesday.

Having previously played for Antalyaspor in the Turkish League in 2023, Jasim made a quick return to Iraq to join Al Kahrabaa SC before being loaned out to Air Force Club but his phenomenal displays have earned him the opportunity to feature in the Italian Serie A.

Jasim was prolific with Air Force Club, netting four in the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24, then won the Top Goalscorer award at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ before scoring Iraq’s winner in their Paris Olympics 2024 match against Ukraine on Wednesday.