K-League allows practice matches as COVID-19 fears ease

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

K-League allows practice matches as COVID-19 fears ease

Seoul: Korea Republic football clubs will be allowed to hold practice matches behind closed doors from Tuesday, the K-League said, with the season delayed by two months so far over the coronavirus epidemic.

Korea Republic endured one of the worst early outbreaks of the COVID-19 pandemic outside China PR, but appears to have brought it under control thanks to its extensive "trace, test and treat" programme.

The outbreak had prompted sports leagues to suspend or delay their seasons across the country.

Philippines' Etheridge takes challenges in stride

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Philippines' Etheridge takes challenges in stride

Kuala Lumpur: Cardiff City and Philippines goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has established himself as one of Asian football’s biggest stars after becoming the first player from Southeast Asia to play in the English Premier League and helping the Azkals climb up the continental rankings.

In the first of a two-part interview with the-AFC.com, the 30-year-old custodian talks about life under lockdown, the challenges of the last 12 months and the difficult decision to not play at last year’s AFC Asian Cup Finals.

Zhang, Huynh and Elias latest to lend voice behind the #BreakTheChain campaign

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Zhang, Huynh and Elias latest to lend voice behind the #BreakTheChain campaign

Kuala Lumpur: China PR and Beijing Guoan’s Zhang Xizhe, Vietnamese women’s team captain Huynh Nhu as well as Thailand and Port FC’s Elias Dolah are the latest Asian stars to offer their support in the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) #BreakTheChain public awareness campaign.

The #BreakTheChain series, which has connected with millions of fans to share the inspiring messages in the battle against the current coronavirus pandemic, has gathered more than 100 Asian icons to promote the health and safety guidelines from the World Health Organization.

West Asia Social Wrap: At home with the stars

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

West Asia Social Wrap: At home with the stars

Doha: With all football activities in West Asia halted due to the coronavirus pandemic, players have been keeping themselves active as they #StayAtHome in order to #BreakTheChain.

Member Associations, clubs and players are playing an important role in spreading awareness as they urge fans to stay at home to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dream XI – Dejan Damjanovic

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Dream XI – Dejan Damjanovic

Kuala Lumpur: Since first leaving his homeland in 2006 for a short stint in Saudi Arabia, Daegu FC striker Dejan Damjanovic has spent a long and fruitful career in Asia. 

During that time, the 38-year-old has represented Montenegro with esteem, become the second-highest goalscorer in the AFC Champions League’s history and claimed a number of titles along the way.

Looking back at his spells with clubs including FC Seoul and Suwon Samsung Bluewings in Korea Republic and China PR’s Beijing FC, as well as with the national team, Damjanovic tells the-AFC.com what his Dream XI among those he has played alongside would be.

Spurs' Son begins three-week military training: report

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Spurs' Son begins three-week military training: report

Seoul: Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heung-min began his three-week military training at a marines boot camp on Monday, a report said, with the Premier League on hold over the coronavirus pandemic.

All able-bodied Korea Republic men are obliged to serve in the military for nearly two years but Son was among the footballers who earned an exemption by winning gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

The 27-year-old's Premier League season ended even before the coronavirus outbreak spread to Europe when he broke his arm against Aston Villa on February 16, and Spurs said he returned to Korea Republic for "personal reasons".

Zhao reflects on the far-fetched dream that became reality

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Zhao reflects on the far-fetched dream that became reality

Beijing: The story of former China PR international Zhao Junzhe realising his childhood dream is indeed an inspirational one.

In 1992, a 12-year-old Zhao - then a player of Liaoning's provincial youth team - openly stated his goals in front of the media: "I will work hard and try to take China to the World [Cup]."

Talented though he was, it seemed little more than a typical dream of any child footballer. Not to mention the world's most populous country had failed in qualifying for the previous three FIFA World Cups and for many, they seemed far from ready to mount a serious challenge for World Cup qualification.