Korea Republic's Kim relishing return to action as U23 side get set to take on senior Taeguk Warriors

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Korea Republic's Kim relishing return to action as U23 side get set to take on senior Taeguk Warriors

Paju: Much has changed since Korea Republic won the AFC U23 Championship Thailand 2020 title in January.

The title meant Korea Republic would lead Asia's challenge in the Tokyo Olympics and it was a mission head coach Kim Hak-bum was relishing.

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, brought the world to a screeching halt as the Tokyo Olympics, pushed to next year, was among numerous sporting events either postponed or cancelled.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup/video/afcu23_-_thailand_2020_highlights.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/korea_republic-eaff_2019-afp.html

ACL 2020 Allianz Goal of the Week: Mehdi Abdi Qara (Persepolis FC)

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ACL 2020 Allianz Goal of the Week: Mehdi Abdi Qara (Persepolis FC)

Kuala Lumpur: The-AFC.com announced on Wednesday that Persepolis FC's Mehdi Abdi Qara is the winner of this week’s Goal of the Week presented by Allianz for the 2020 AFC Champions League.

Analysis: Resilient Persepolis find a way through again in AFC Champions League

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Analysis: Resilient Persepolis find a way through again in AFC Champions League

Doha: Ten-man Persepolis FC advanced to the AFC Champions League final for the second time in three years after overcoming Al Nassr on penalties following a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Saturday's semi-final at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. 

The 2018 runners-up Persepolis went into the tie on the back of a string of resolute performances while Al Nassr, competing in the semi-final for the first time, were looking to become the second successive Riyadh side to reach the final.

After going a goal down to Abderrazak Hamdallah's first-half penalty Persepolis got back into the game just minutes later and then, despite going down to 10 men in extra time, held on for penalties before keeping their nerve from 12 yards to progress.

AFC Champions League Semi-final (WEST) Toyota Player of the Week: Shojae Khalilzadeh

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Champions League Semi-final (WEST) Toyota Player of the Week: Shojae Khalilzadeh

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Doha: Persepolis' Shojae Khalilzadeh has been voted by the fans as the 2020 AFC Champions League Semi-final (WEST) Toyota Player of the Week.

Recalibrated Matildas united by Kangaroo Route

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Recalibrated Matildas united by Kangaroo Route

Sydney: One of the fascinating aspects in women’s football over recent years has been how quickly the landscape can change. Be it a massive upswing in crowds, growing on-field standards or media interest. 

Europe’s collective statement of intent at last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, and widespread investment in a dynamic club scene are yet more significant examples in the continent.

Shandong Luneng replace Li Xiaopeng with Hao Wei

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Shandong Luneng replace Li Xiaopeng with Hao Wei

Beijing: Former China PR women’s national team head coach Hao Wei has been named as successor to Li Xiaopeng at Shandong Luneng, the Chinese Super League club announced on Monday.

Li stood down from his role at the helm of the team due to health reasons after two-and-a-half seasons in the lead coaching position, having replaced Germany’s Felix Magath in December 2017.

Al Mazmi: I want to take UAE past the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup group stage

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Mazmi: I want to take UAE past the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup group stage

Dubai: Mohamed Bashir Al Mazmi is not one to balk at a challenge. In recent years, the United Arab Emirates beach soccer coach has proven he can overcome difficulties, both on and off the pitch. He led the country to two consecutive editions of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and earlier this year overcame COVID-19.

Last May, Al Mazmi announced he had tested positive for COVID-19 after coming in contact with someone who had the virus. The up-and-coming coach had to self-isolate for more than two weeks until he recovered and resumed normal life.

After his self-isolation was over, FIFA.com chatted with Al Mazmi about this difficult experience and how he overcame the virus. He also spoke about his aspirations to take the UAE to the Beach Soccer World Cup in Russia next year.