Japan stay top, Palestine biggest movers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Japan stay top, Palestine biggest movers

Kuala Lumpur: Japan remain as Asia's best with Palestine the biggest movers as they improved three spots to 103 in the latest FIFA World Ranking released on Thursday.

With limited matches played since the last FIFA World Ranking, Asia's top 15 remained unchanged with Japan ranked 28th, followed by Islamic Republic of Iran at 31st.

Palestine retain Bangabandhu Gold Cup title

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Palestine retain Bangabandhu Gold Cup title

Dhaka: Palestine retained the Bangabandhu Gold Cup with a 3-1 win over Burundi in the final on Saturday.

Victory was sealed in a first half blitz which saw Palestine take a 3-0 lead into the break.

Khaled Salem gave Palestine a dream start with his opener after just three minutes and Sameh Maraaba doubled their advantage seven minutes later.

The title was practically sealed after Layth Kharoub made it 3-0 for Palestine in the 26th minute.

Asman Ndikumana pulled one back for Burundi in the 60th minute but it was to prove to be a mere consolation.

Skocic determined to get IR Iran's campaign back on track

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Skocic determined to get IR Iran's campaign back on track

Tehran: Dragan Skocic has promised to revive Islamic Republic of Iran's Asian Qualifiers campaign for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

Iran's campaign suffered a setback when Team Melli lost back-to-back matches to Bahrain and Iraq, leaving them third in the Group C standings, although they have a match in hand.

Rising Tien Linh eyes big things with Vietnam

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Rising Tien Linh eyes big things with Vietnam

Hanoi: Twenty two-years-old. Dauntless. Having scored two goals in his FIFA World Cup qualifying debut, this was how Vietnam striker Nguyen Tien Linh impressed the media and fans alike in Asia's qualifying for Qatar 2022.

The Becamex Binh Duong forward failed to find the back of the net in Vietnam's goalless draw against Thailand in the opener, but he showed a glimpse of his genius when he was on target in their 3-1 victory in Indonesia.

Then came his finest moment of the qualifying campaign thus far: he scored the lone goal against United Arab Emirates with the victory moving Vietnam to the top of Group G of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, a group many anticipated to be tricky and too tough to call.

Ivankovic: I have great ambitions with Oman

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Ivankovic: I have great ambitions with Oman

Muscat: Head coach Branko Ivankovic has several goals for Oman, the first of which is to steer the West Asian side to a historic FIFA World Cup Finals appearance.

The much-decorated Croatian was unveiled as head coach last week, replacing Erwin Koeman, and Ivankovic said he was excited to be part of Oman's football project.

Proud Li Tie says coaching China 'a very important dream'

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Proud Li Tie says coaching China 'a very important dream'

Beijing: Former Everton midfielder Li Tie says that he has realised a childhood dream by becoming head coach of China PR.

The 42-year-old, who succeeds Italian FIFA World Cup winner Marcello Lippi, also revealed that his initial contract is only until the middle of this year.

Li was named to the top job in Chinese football on Thursday, tasked with reviving their hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Finals.

Shin Tae-yong to chart Indonesia's fortunes

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Shin Tae-yong to chart Indonesia's fortunes

Jakarta: The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) officially unveiled Shin Tae-yong as the men's national team head coach on Saturday.

Former Korea Republic head coach Shin, who replaces Simon McMenemy of Scotland, signed a four-year contract.

PSSI President Police Commissioner General Dr H. Mochamad Iriawan said Shin's experience was a key factor in Indonesia's decision to hire him as the head coach.