https://www.scmp.com/rss/513262/feed Hong Kong will compete in the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in 54 years when the footballing event kicks off in 2023. After China withdrew from hosting the tournament, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia and Qatar all submitted bids to step in, with a decision expected in October 2022. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse India could be banned from world football for the second time in three years after Fifa and the Asian governing body demanded it implement a new constitution by October 30 or risk suspension. World governing body Fifa and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) sent a joint letter to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey expressing “profound concern” at the continued failure to finalise and adopt the constitution. “Failure to meet this schedule will leave us with no... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323329/hong-kong-asian-cup-opponents-india-could-face-second-fifa-ban-three-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323329/hong-kong-asian-cup-opponents-india-could-face-second-fifa-ban-three-years?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Aug 2025 08:16:07 +0000 Chung Mong-gyu said he felt a sense of “responsibility” after being elected president of the Korean Football Association for a fourth time on Wednesday, despite being dogged by controversy. Chung, 63, who has led the Korea FA since 2013, has been widely criticised for his decision-making, but remains as the country’s top football official after securing around 85 per cent of votes. He has been under fire for an attempt to pardon players banned for life for match-fixing and the unpopular... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3300314/south-korea-re-elect-controversial-football-chief-who-tried-overturn-match-fixings-bans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3300314/south-korea-re-elect-controversial-football-chief-who-tried-overturn-match-fixings-bans?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Feb 2025 03:49:31 +0000 Australia have submitted an expression of interest (EOI) to host the 2031 men’s Asian Cup, while Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have launched a joint bid for the continental showpiece. Australia, who hosted and won the 2015 tournament and will stage the Women’s Asian Cup next year, submitted their EOI to the Asian Football Confederation on Monday, Football Australia said. “Football Australia is delighted to confirm that it has submitted an Expression of Interest to host the AFC Asian Cup... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299983/2031-asian-cup-australia-interested-hosting-central-asian-nations-launch-joint-bid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299983/2031-asian-cup-australia-interested-hosting-central-asian-nations-launch-joint-bid?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Feb 2025 02:11:35 +0000 Asian champions Qatar have parted ways with coach Marquez Lopez after a poor showing in World Cup qualifiers and promoted his assistant Luis Garcia as new boss, the Qatar Football Association announced on Wednesday. Spaniard Lopez led Qatar to their second Asian Cup title in a row in February after replacing Carlos Queiroz last December. Former Spain international Garcia, who has also managed LaLiga team Espanyol, joined Qatar as his No 2 at the same time. “All appreciation and gratitude to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3290362/asian-champions-qatar-sack-marquez-lopez-coach-amid-poor-world-cup-qualifying-campaign?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3290362/asian-champions-qatar-sack-marquez-lopez-coach-amid-poor-world-cup-qualifying-campaign?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:00:17 +0000 China’s 2026 Fifa World Cup exploits could be as good as over if they fail to beat Thailand in a crucial “six-pointer” qualifier on Thursday. However, should China prevail at Shenyang Olympic Sports Centre, they would progress to the third qualification round before their final game against South Korea at the Seoul World Cup Stadium next Tuesday. The men’s national side currently sit second in Group C in the Asian section of World Cup qualification with seven points, three points behind leaders... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3265475/china-vow-aggressive-offensive-approach-crucial-world-cup-qualifier-against-thailand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3265475/china-vow-aggressive-offensive-approach-crucial-world-cup-qualifier-against-thailand?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Jun 2024 02:00:14 +0000 If China and India are Asia’s sleeping giants, then where does that leave Indonesia? At the moment, fans in that football-mad country of 270 million are too busy celebrating to answer. Passion there probably outstrips many places in the region – even more so lately after breakthroughs at the Asian Cup, the Olympics and possibly the World Cup – but this popularity has long attracted those who seek to use the game for their own ends. It means that most football news about Indonesia filtering... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3263483/indonesia-asian-footballs-sleeping-tiger-ready-roar-after-asian-cup-success-and-almost-making?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3263483/indonesia-asian-footballs-sleeping-tiger-ready-roar-after-asian-cup-success-and-almost-making?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 May 2024 12:00:23 +0000 Jorn Andersen’s bid to upgrade the outlook of the Hong Kong Football Association has extended to a heavy influence in its partnership with a fashion designer, which will supply his players with suits to wear for national team duty. Head coach Andersen was keen for Hong Kong to show a “professional” and united front when they journeyed to the Asian Cup finals in Qatar this year. Dressed in their sharp, matching white suits, the team and staff arrived in the Middle East “with elegance”. The “dress... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3255686/hong-kong-national-team-footballers-aim-be-more-italy-2021-liverpool-1996-they-suit-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3255686/hong-kong-national-team-footballers-aim-be-more-italy-2021-liverpool-1996-they-suit-success?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 Mar 2024 09:00:14 +0000 Lee Kang-in was named in South Korea’s squad on Monday for World Cup qualifiers this month despite a bust-up with skipper Son Heung-min at the Asian Cup. Tottenham star Son was left with a dislocated finger after clashing with Paris Saint-Germain attacker Lee before South Korea’s semi-final loss to Jordan last month. Lee subsequently apologised after Yonhap news agency said the 23-year-old had tried to punch Son. Lee’s representatives have denied there was a punch. Son later posted a picture on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3254914/lee-kang-son-heung-min-set-feature-south-korea-world-cup-qualifiers-despite-pairs-table-tennis-fight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3254914/lee-kang-son-heung-min-set-feature-south-korea-world-cup-qualifiers-despite-pairs-table-tennis-fight?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Mar 2024 05:23:44 +0000 The Korea Football Association (KFA) said on Friday it had sacked national team coach Juergen Klinsmann after their semi-final exit at the Asian Cup and amid criticism of his leadership. The National Team Committee, a KFA advisory body, had recommended the sacking of Klinsmann on Thursday, with KFA Technical Director Hwangbo Kwan saying there were “various reasons” to doubt his ability to exercise leadership over the team. South Korea’s exit from the Asian Cup following a 2-0 loss to Jordan in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3252157/south-korea-sack-boss-klinsmann-after-asian-cup-disappointment-officials-say-various-reasons-move?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3252157/south-korea-sack-boss-klinsmann-after-asian-cup-disappointment-officials-say-various-reasons-move?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Feb 2024 05:52:35 +0000 South Korea’s top football officials said coach Jurgen Klinsmann should be fired, believing “leadership change is necessary” after their Asian Cup semi-final exit and in-fighting among star players. “We’ve reached a consensus that Klinsmann cannot exercise his leadership as national team head coach for various reasons and that a change of leadership is necessary,” Hwangbo Kwan of the Korea Football Association’s national team committee said. The committee is not a decision-making body but will... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3252064/south-korea-football-officials-recommend-firing-coach-jurgen-klinsmann-say-german-has-lost-publics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3252064/south-korea-football-officials-recommend-firing-coach-jurgen-klinsmann-say-german-has-lost-publics?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:20:09 +0000 The team that eats together, stays together, or so the adage suggests. Ping pong diplomacy, meanwhile, passed into legend as having helped to end the Cold War. But try telling that to South Korean footballer Son Heung-min, who reportedly dislocated a finger in an altercation with teammates about table tennis and dining etiquette during the recent AFC Asian Cup. Son was seen with his fingers taped when he returned to club action with Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League at the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3251951/son-heung-min-reportedly-dislocated-finger-south-korea-duty-ping-pong-diplomacy-fails?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3251951/son-heung-min-reportedly-dislocated-finger-south-korea-duty-ping-pong-diplomacy-fails?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Feb 2024 08:59:36 +0000 Qatar retained their Asian Cup title at Lusail Stadium on Saturday, beating Jordan 3-1 in a game where Akram Afif scored a hat-trick from the penalty spot. Chinese referee Ma Ning, who became the first official from the Mainland to take charge of the continental showpiece, awarded the penalties from which Afif scored in the 22nd, 73rd and 95th minutes Afif finished on top of the scoring charts with eight goals and as the Asian Cup’s MVP. His side became the first team to successfully defend the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3251655/afc-asian-cup-qatar-retain-trophy-jordan-pay-penalty-indiscipline-lacklustre-end-tournament?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3251655/afc-asian-cup-qatar-retain-trophy-jordan-pay-penalty-indiscipline-lacklustre-end-tournament?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Feb 2024 04:23:18 +0000 Few would have picked Jordan’s Musa Al-Taamari to be one of the stand-out players at the Asian Cup in Qatar, but the energetic forward has lit up the tournament and helped guide his side into their first ever final. Jordan qualified for the knockout stages as one of the four best third-placed teams, but since they entered the last 16 have charted a spectacular rise with Montpellier winger Al-Taamari leading from the front. In a tournament that was headlined by Premier League stars such as South... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3251581/afc-asian-cup-jordanian-messi-al-taamari-key-teams-hopes-making-winning-debut-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3251581/afc-asian-cup-jordanian-messi-al-taamari-key-teams-hopes-making-winning-debut-final?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Feb 2024 04:00:14 +0000 Captain Hassan Al Haydos credited the spirit within the Qatar camp for the defending champions’ return to the Asian Cup final on Saturday, as the tournament hosts look to become the first nation to retain the title in 20 years. Al Haydos will lead his side out against surprise package Jordan at the magnificent Lusail Stadium, scene of Argentina’s World Cup win over France in December 2022, aiming to win the title five years after the nation’s first Asian Cup success in the United Arab... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3251569/afc-asian-cup-qatar-captain-hails-team-spirit-country-stands-brink-history-ref-ma-ning-set-make-his?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3251569/afc-asian-cup-qatar-captain-hails-team-spirit-country-stands-brink-history-ref-ma-ning-set-make-his?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Feb 2024 11:00:17 +0000 Amir Ghalenoei said Iran’s 3-2 defeat in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup to hosts Qatar was “one of the worst days in my life”, as he apologised for his team’s failure to make the final. Almoez Ali scored the decisive third for Marquez Lopez’s team eight minutes from time, in a game that had more drama than quality. There was a late red card for Iran’s Shojae Khalilzadeh and Alireza Jahanbakhsh hit the post in the dying seconds. The Iranians were looking to reach the final for the first time... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3251325/afc-asian-cup-irans-semi-final-loss-all-my-fault-and-worst-day-my-life-says-coach-ghalenoei?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3251325/afc-asian-cup-irans-semi-final-loss-all-my-fault-and-worst-day-my-life-says-coach-ghalenoei?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Feb 2024 01:57:57 +0000 Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei told his players to forget their historic quarter-final win over Japan and focus on booking a place in the Asian Cup final for the first time since 1976 by securing victory over hosts and defending champions Qatar on Wednesday. The 2-1 win was Iran’s first over the Japanese in five attempts at the Asian Cup and avenged a semi-final loss five years ago that prolonged Iran’s continental frustration. Once the dominant force in Asian football, with three consecutive title... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3251197/afc-asian-cup-iran-seek-first-final-48-years-coach-questions-choice-kuwaiti-referee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3251197/afc-asian-cup-iran-seek-first-final-48-years-coach-questions-choice-kuwaiti-referee?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Feb 2024 01:48:48 +0000 Jurgen Klinsmann said he would not resign as South Korea boss despite accepting responsibility for his side’s failure to break a 64-year Asian Cup drought. South Korea were dumped out of the competition in Qatar on Tuesday by Jordan, who won the semi-final 2-0 and await the winner’s of Wednesday match between Iran and the defending champion hosts. Second half goals from Yazan Al Naimat and Mousa Al Tamari where enough to sink Son Heung-min and company at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, meaning South... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3251196/afc-asian-cup-angry-south-korea-boss-klinsmann-says-he-wont-resign-despite-teams-semi-final-defeat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3251196/afc-asian-cup-angry-south-korea-boss-klinsmann-says-he-wont-resign-despite-teams-semi-final-defeat?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Feb 2024 01:33:27 +0000 The region’s top football teams have been competing in the knockout stages of the Asian Cup in Qatar ahead of Saturday’s final. Sadly, Hong Kong and China were not among them, having been eliminated in the group stages. Perceptions of the two teams’ performances, however, were very different. Hong Kong, which although part of China fields its own team in international competitions, was competing in the finals for the first time since 1968 and the lowest ranked participant. Although losing all... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3251168/hong-kong-and-china-have-much-learn-asian-cup-elimination?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3251168/hong-kong-and-china-have-much-learn-asian-cup-elimination?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Feb 2024 22:30:18 +0000 Jurgen Klinsmann continues to smile serenely as the pressure grows on his South Korea side the closer they edge towards the country’s first Asian Cup title since 1960, the German exuding an air of composure and calm ahead of Tuesday’s semi-final against Jordan in Doha. The 59-year-old has been a lightning rod for criticism due to a perceived lack of coaching quality since his appointment last year, but the 1990 World Cup winner understands the burden of expectation on his players as they look to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3251122/afc-asian-cup-south-korea-roll-jurgen-klinsmann-says-semi-final-offers-path-first-title-64-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3251122/afc-asian-cup-south-korea-roll-jurgen-klinsmann-says-semi-final-offers-path-first-title-64-years?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:23:07 +0000 Son Heung-min said South Korea have “no excuses” not to win the Asian Cup after he scored an extra-time winner to beat Australia 2-1 on Friday and set up a semi-final against Jordan. It was another great escape for the Koreans, who needed a 96th-minute penalty from Hwang Hee-chan to stay alive after Australia took the lead in the first half through Craig Goodwin. Tottenham’s Son, Asia’s best player and South Korea’s skipper, had yet to fully make his mark at the tournament in Qatar but he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3250818/afc-asian-cup-son-heung-min-says-no-excuses-south-korea-trophy-quest-after-they-sneak-past-australia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3250818/afc-asian-cup-son-heung-min-says-no-excuses-south-korea-trophy-quest-after-they-sneak-past-australia?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Feb 2024 04:18:20 +0000 Hong Kong’s gamers have been forced to withdraw from the AFC eAsian Cup in Qatar on the day the competition was expected to start, because organisers could not display the team’s full name correctly. According to a statement from the city’s football association, days of negotiations to get ‘Hong Kong, China’ on the screen, rather than just Hong Kong, failed to resolve the issue. After consulting the city’s Sports Federation and Olympic Committee officials opted to pull out, based on guidelines... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3250617/hong-kong-gamers-forced-withdraw-their-afc-easian-cup-after-organisers-fail-get-teams-name-right?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3250617/hong-kong-gamers-forced-withdraw-their-afc-easian-cup-after-organisers-fail-get-teams-name-right?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Feb 2024 12:22:41 +0000 Iran will meet pre-tournament favourites Japan in the Asian Cup quarter-finals after surviving extra time with 10 men before defeating Syria 5-3 on penalties on Wednesday. Japan beat Bahrain 3-1 despite another mistake from goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, as Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma made his first appearance in Qatar after injury. Skipper Ehsan Hajsafi scored the winning penalty for Iran, who are ranked 70 places above Syria and were comfortably the better team for much of the game. Iran played the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3250502/afc-asian-cup-iran-survive-red-card-penalty-drama-book-last-eight-clash-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3250502/afc-asian-cup-iran-survive-red-card-penalty-drama-book-last-eight-clash-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Feb 2024 02:02:07 +0000 Roberto Mancini said he “didn’t want to disrespect anyone” by disappearing down the tunnel before South Korea took the penalty that eliminated his Saudi Arabia team from the Asian Cup. Mancini walked back to the dressing room at Doha’s Education City Stadium after Abdulrahman Ghareeb missed a second Saudi penalty and handed match point to South Korea. Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan tucked it away to send the Koreans into a quarter-final against Australia, dumping Mancini’s side... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3250367/afc-asian-cup-saudi-arabia-boss-mancini-sorry-walking-south-korea-won-penalty-shoot-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3250367/afc-asian-cup-saudi-arabia-boss-mancini-sorry-walking-south-korea-won-penalty-shoot-out?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Jan 2024 01:42:18 +0000 Hosts and holders Qatar fought back to defeat Palestine 2-1 and reach the Asian Cup quarter-finals on Monday, joining a Jordan side who struck twice in injury time to stun Iraq. Qatar will face the winner of Tuesday’s last-16 meeting between Uzbekistan and Thailand, the lowest-ranked team left in Doha at 113th in the world. Palestine coach Makram Daboub said he was proud of his team as their best Asian Cup came to an end in the last 16. Palestine were playing in the knockout rounds for the first... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3250227/afc-asian-cup-qatar-end-palestines-run-comeback-win-jordan-stun-10-man-iraq-late-show?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3250227/afc-asian-cup-qatar-end-palestines-run-comeback-win-jordan-stun-10-man-iraq-late-show?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Jan 2024 01:30:55 +0000 Asian Cup debutants Tajikistan celebrated making more history on Sunday, as they stunned the United Arab Emirates on penalties to join Australia in the quarter-finals. After the game ended 1-1 in Doha following 120 tense minutes, Tajikistan won a dramatic shootout 5-3 with Alisher Shukurov holding his nerve with the final spot-kick. The Central Asians, ranked 106th in the world and at their first Asian Cup, will now face either Jordan or the 2007 champions Iraq in the last eight. Goalkeeper... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3250095/afc-asian-cup-minnows-tajikistan-stun-uae-last-16-make-more-history-join-australia-quarter-finals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3250095/afc-asian-cup-minnows-tajikistan-stun-uae-last-16-make-more-history-join-australia-quarter-finals?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Jan 2024 01:25:13 +0000 Hong Kong head coach Jorn Andersen says Matt Orr’s move to Sichuan Jiuniu in the Chinese Super League is positive for local football because the country’s mainland offers a stronger competition. Striker Orr, who started all three of Hong Kong’s matches at the AFC Asian Cup this month, was in demand after a 15-goal season for Guangxi Pingguo Haliao in China League One last year. The 27-year-old sought advice from Andersen before plumping for newly promoted Sichuan, who will relocate to Shenzhen... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3250064/mainland-china-opportunities-help-hong-kong-players-boss-jorn-andersen-says-and-he-explains-who-will?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3250064/mainland-china-opportunities-help-hong-kong-players-boss-jorn-andersen-says-and-he-explains-who-will?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Jan 2024 10:18:21 +0000 Wu Chun-ming said Hong Kong’s footballers would be abdicating their professional responsibility if they report for the next international window in anything other than peak physical condition. Increased athleticism and endurance were the bedrock of the team’s competitive performances against superior opposition at the Asian Cup in Qatar. The topic of what was required to ruffle both United Arab Emirates and Iran, and beat China in a pre-tournament friendly, featured prominently as staff and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3250005/afc-asian-cup-hong-kong-midfielder-wu-urges-discipline-players-seek-avoid-domestic-hangover?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3250005/afc-asian-cup-hong-kong-midfielder-wu-urges-discipline-players-seek-avoid-domestic-hangover?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Jan 2024 08:00:28 +0000 Son Heung-min’s South Korea will face Saudi Arabia in a heavyweight last-16 clash at the Asian Cup with Thailand, Jordan, Bahrain and Indonesia also all going through at the end of the group phase on Thursday. South Korea were unconvincing once more as they conceded a 105th-minute equaliser in a madcap 3-3 draw with minnows Malaysia, whose competition was already over going into the game. Jurgen Klinsmann’s side finished runners-up in Group E behind Bahrain, meaning they avoided pre-tournament... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249821/afc-asian-cup-south-korea-avoid-japan-last-16-after-malaysia-draw-indonesia-sneak-knockout-stage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249821/afc-asian-cup-south-korea-avoid-japan-last-16-after-malaysia-draw-indonesia-sneak-knockout-stage?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Jan 2024 01:48:07 +0000 Yapp Hung-fai fears the Hong Kong national team’s vibrant AFC Asian Cup performances in Qatar will leave no meaningful legacy, because “the sports industry is not important” in the city. The goalkeeper, who has 90 international caps, will celebrate his 10-year anniversary with Premier League club Eastern this summer, following a career spent entirely in the local league. He was part of Hong Kong’s two stand-out tournament displays, the tight encounters – ultimately both lost – with 2019... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249762/afc-asian-cup-hong-kong-will-squander-legacy-without-investment-and-culture-change-goalkeeper-yapp?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249762/afc-asian-cup-hong-kong-will-squander-legacy-without-investment-and-culture-change-goalkeeper-yapp?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Jan 2024 11:00:16 +0000 Head coach Hajime Moriyasu said Japan have a long way to go to reach the high level required to compete with their main rivals for the Asian Cup in Qatar. Japan were far too strong for Indonesia on Wednesday, the final 3-1 scoreline flattering the underdogs, who stay in with a chance of qualifying for the last-16. Doubts remain over the top-ranked team’s title credentials, however, after the pre-tournament favourites were outplayed by Iraq in a 2-1 defeat last Friday. Japan were expected to win... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249688/afc-asian-cup-japan-head-coach-moriyasu-tells-his-top-ranked-side-improve-or-risk-early-end-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249688/afc-asian-cup-japan-head-coach-moriyasu-tells-his-top-ranked-side-improve-or-risk-early-end-title?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Jan 2024 04:00:17 +0000 Yue Tze-nam stood with his deflated Hong Kong teammates, beneath their fiercely proud supporters, and dissolved into floods of tears. The brilliant right-back sobbing uncontrollably into the chest of goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai at Doha’s Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium will be an enduring image of a night when a line was drawn under the national team’s return to major tournament football. Yue was one of eight players who began all three of Hong Kong’s AFC Asian Cup finals matches in Qatar. And the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249647/afc-asian-cup-cheers-and-tears-hong-kongs-footballers-reach-end-road-i-would-die-team?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249647/afc-asian-cup-cheers-and-tears-hong-kongs-footballers-reach-end-road-i-would-die-team?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Jan 2024 11:10:59 +0000 Jorn Andersen said Hong Kong would continue closing the gap on the continent’s big guns, after a stirring Asian Cup campaign finally ran aground with defeat by Palestine on Tuesday. Hong Kong gave their supporters plenty to shout about in Qatar, notably taking traditional powerhouse Iran to the wire in a high-quality second match. But Andersen conceded his side were down on energy by “10 to 20 per cent” against Palestine, after running non-stop to compete with the United Arab Emirates and the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249560/afc-asian-cup-hong-kong-closing-gap-better-teams-attacking-quality-still-missing-says-andersen?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249560/afc-asian-cup-hong-kong-closing-gap-better-teams-attacking-quality-still-missing-says-andersen?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Jan 2024 04:00:21 +0000 Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said he “strongly objected” to those who “violated the human rights” of Zion Suzuki, after the goalkeeper received racist abuse on social media following last week’s shock loss to Iraq at the AFC Asian Cup. Moriyasu’s team, the highest ranked at the tournament in Qatar, play their final group game against Indonesia on Wednesday, and anything other than a victory to banish memories of Friday’s defeat would qualify as a major shock. Born in the United States to a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249528/afc-asian-cup-racist-abuse-violated-human-rights-japan-goalkeeper-zion-suzuki-coach-hajime-moriyasu?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249528/afc-asian-cup-racist-abuse-violated-human-rights-japan-goalkeeper-zion-suzuki-coach-hajime-moriyasu?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Jan 2024 23:30:14 +0000 Hong Kong’s uplifting AFC Asian Cup finals exploits are over after a 3-0 defeat at the hands of an inspired Palestine in Doha on Tuesday night. Jorn Andersen’s gutsy team will return home pointless; their time in Qatar was anything but. The 500-strong boisterous mob of Hong Kong supporters filled their section of the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium 45 minutes before kick-off, and nothing that unfolded on the field punctured their mood. The question now will turn to whether Hong Kong can keep hold... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249536/afc-asian-cup-hong-kong-dreams-extinguished-inspired-palestine-andersens-team-draw-blank-and-exit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249536/afc-asian-cup-hong-kong-dreams-extinguished-inspired-palestine-andersens-team-draw-blank-and-exit?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Jan 2024 17:06:11 +0000 Mainland Chinese football fans have slammed their team’s AFC Asian Cup showing – with one suggesting minnows Hong Kong would do a better job of representing the wider country. After a lacklustre 1-0 defeat to a much-changed Qatar on Monday, supporters at the stadium in Doha shouted “you should be ashamed of yourselves” and ironically chanted “happy new year” towards China’s players. The result, which consigned China to third place in their group, came with the country’s biggest annual holiday... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249497/afc-asian-cup-chinese-football-fans-slam-their-teams-efforts-weibo-suggest-hong-kong-would-represent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249497/afc-asian-cup-chinese-football-fans-slam-their-teams-efforts-weibo-suggest-hong-kong-would-represent?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Jan 2024 09:35:06 +0000 Aleksandar Jankovic denied that mainland Chinese football was going backwards and insisted he did not fear the sack following another wretched night for the national team at the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar. China were left needing help from other results to reach the last 16 after being beaten 1-0 on Monday by the hosts, who fielded a second-choice team. Jankovic’s side failed to score in their three Group A matches, and went through the tournament’s opening stage winless for only the second time,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249441/afc-asian-cup-chinese-football-not-going-backwards-coach-aleksandar-jankovic-says-after-another-low?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249441/afc-asian-cup-chinese-football-not-going-backwards-coach-aleksandar-jankovic-says-after-another-low?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Jan 2024 04:06:55 +0000 Jorn Andersen has issued a compelling statement of intent on the eve of one of the biggest matches in Hong Kong’s recent history. The city’s side take on Palestine in Doha on Tuesday, with hopes of reaching the last 16 of the Asian Cup at stake. Calling the match a “final for Hong Kong...a pressure game”, the Norwegian promised his side would go all out to chase victory, after defeats against the United Arab Emirates and Iran drew praise for the performance, but produced one goal across 180... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249392/afc-asian-cup-head-coach-andersen-says-palestine-game-his-teams-final-vows-attack-start?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249392/afc-asian-cup-head-coach-andersen-says-palestine-game-his-teams-final-vows-attack-start?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Jan 2024 23:30:18 +0000 China are on the brink of an embarrassing AFC Asian Cup finals group stage exit following a 1-0 defeat by much-changed – and already qualified – hosts Qatar. A match devoid of quality and urgency was lit up by a glorious deciding strike from Hasan Al-Haydos midway through the second half on Monday night. The Qatar captain was introduced, along with tournament top-scorer Akram Afif, after 64 minutes, as Qatar head coach Marquez Lopez grew impatient with his plodding second string. Afif grabbed... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249400/afc-asian-cup-goalless-china-brink-exit-following-qatar-defeat-jankovics-team-fail-exploit-hosts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249400/afc-asian-cup-goalless-china-brink-exit-following-qatar-defeat-jankovics-team-fail-exploit-hosts?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Jan 2024 17:07:54 +0000 Hong Kong football fans are breaking the bank to follow their team at the Asian Cup, with some saving thousands of dollars by flying circuitous routes and another jetting to London between matches in Qatar. Around 500 supporters are in the Middle East to back Hong Kong at the team’s first continental finals since 1968. One of those, Tom Hui, limited his financial hit by spending 21 hours in Doha for the opening clash with United Arab Emirates last Sunday, then flying to England for four nights... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249330/afc-asian-cup-hong-kongs-army-fans-spending-thousands-and-flying-across-world-follow-teams-historic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249330/afc-asian-cup-hong-kongs-army-fans-spending-thousands-and-flying-across-world-follow-teams-historic?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Jan 2024 09:45:12 +0000 Shinichi Chan hopes Hong Kong’s exploits in the Asian Cup will lead to an exodus of the city’s best players to clubs overseas. The Kitchee defender said the “proper games” against the United Arab Emirates and Iran were completely different to the weekly contests in the Hong Kong Premier League. Only five of the 26-man squad in Qatar earn their living outside the city, and while Jorn Andersen’s side lost both matches, Hong Kong largely competed as equals. A win over Palestine on Tuesday could get... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249312/afc-asian-cup-defender-chan-hopes-qatar-showing-leads-hong-kong-exodus-citys-best?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249312/afc-asian-cup-defender-chan-hopes-qatar-showing-leads-hong-kong-exodus-citys-best?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Jan 2024 06:00:47 +0000 Vas Nunez says Hong Kong are growing more competitive with every AFC Asian Cup game, and the fire among players and supporters will drive their push for a knockout spot when they face Palestine on Tuesday. A group of invited fans mingled with their heroes at the team hotel in Doha at the weekend, hours after a gallant showing in defeat by Iran left Hong Kong needing to beat Palestine in their final group outing to maintain their last-16 hopes. Nunez, integral to a defensive effort that subdued... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249250/afc-asian-cup-whole-hong-kong-behind-us-make-or-break-clash-vas-nunez-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249250/afc-asian-cup-whole-hong-kong-behind-us-make-or-break-clash-vas-nunez-says?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Jan 2024 04:00:19 +0000 Aleksandar Jankovic said China were in a “privileged position”, with the under-fire national team’s Asian Cup destiny in their own hands ahead of Monday’s decisive game against hosts Qatar. China were short of imagination in stalemates with Tajikistan and Lebanon but a point from each leaves them second in Group A. However, head coach Jankovic’s team are vulnerable to being overhauled by either of their previous opponents if they lose to the defending champions at Khalifa International... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249261/afc-asian-cup-china-coach-jankovic-says-team-privileged-position-critical-qatar-clash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249261/afc-asian-cup-china-coach-jankovic-says-team-privileged-position-critical-qatar-clash?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Jan 2024 00:45:15 +0000 Michael Udebuluzor says he is “putting my ego aside” as Hong Kong fight to make AFC Asian Cup finals history, after the teenage striker had to settle for substitute assignments in the opening two matches in Qatar. The city’s national side must beat Palestine on Tuesday to stand any chance of a groundbreaking knockout-round appearance, on their return to the tournament after a 56-year absence. Udebuluzor, who made his international debut in September, played the final 17 minutes of Hong Kong’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249245/afc-asian-cup-hong-kong-striker-michael-udebuluzor-putting-ego-aside-team-pushing-palestine-start?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249245/afc-asian-cup-hong-kong-striker-michael-udebuluzor-putting-ego-aside-team-pushing-palestine-start?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Jan 2024 10:35:22 +0000 Defender Tyias Browning swatted away suggestions China were suffocating under a weight of expectation at the Asian Cup, and said “pressure is the thrill of the game”. Fans on the mainland were dismayed by their side’s opening two performances in Qatar, with plodding 0-0 draws against Tajikistan and Lebanon. Browning said he did not blame supporters for being angry, and acknowledged China “should be beating these teams”. Still, China’s two points could be enough to stop them tumbling out at the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249226/afc-asian-cup-china-defender-browning-embraces-thrill-pressure-ahead-crunch-meeting-form-hosts-qatar?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249226/afc-asian-cup-china-defender-browning-embraces-thrill-pressure-ahead-crunch-meeting-form-hosts-qatar?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Jan 2024 06:43:02 +0000 Jorn Andersen said Hong Kong remained in the fight to reach the last 16 of the Asian Cup, after his side harried Iran to distraction during a narrow 1-0 defeat in Al Rayyan on Saturday. And it could have been a night to remember, if Everton Camargo and Philip Chan Siu-kwan had not wasted glorious first-half opportunities to score, either side of Mehdi Ghayedi bagging the winner with Iran’s first shot on target after 24 minutes. Hong Kong ruffled their higher-ranked opponents, forcing a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249163/afc-asian-cup-andersen-maintains-hong-kong-last-16-ambition-proud-players-after-pushing-iran-close?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249163/afc-asian-cup-andersen-maintains-hong-kong-last-16-ambition-proud-players-after-pushing-iran-close?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Jan 2024 04:00:18 +0000 Hong Kong will have to beat Palestine on Tuesday to have any chance of progressing to the next stage of the Asian Cup after a 1-0 defeat by Iran in Al Rayyan on Saturday morning. The bare details of Hong Kong’s fate do not begin to tell the story of a breathless performance from Jorn Andersen’s side. Iran are now unbeaten in 15 matches since the 2022 Fifa World Cup, and of their 13 victories in that sequence, few can have been as hard-earned as this, with Mehdi Ghayedi’s 24th-minute goal all... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249156/afc-asian-cup-hong-kong-frighten-powerhouse-iran-narrow-defeat-leaves-progress-hinging-palestine?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249156/afc-asian-cup-hong-kong-frighten-powerhouse-iran-narrow-defeat-leaves-progress-hinging-palestine?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Jan 2024 19:30:09 +0000 Jurgen Klinsmann says South Korea will fight for Asian Cup glory on behalf of Kim Seung-gyu, after a serious training-ground injury ended the veteran goalkeeper’s tournament in Qatar. Head coach Klinsmann will turn to Jo Hyeon-woo, who was in goal at the 2018 World Cup but has been out of favour since the German’s appointment last February. Aiming for a first Asian crown since 1960, South Korea will advance to the last 16 if they beat Jordan at Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday. But their opening... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249137/afc-asian-cup-jurgen-klinsmann-having-lot-fun-coaching-son-heung-min-and-co-south-korea-lose-keeper?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3249137/afc-asian-cup-jurgen-klinsmann-having-lot-fun-coaching-son-heung-min-and-co-south-korea-lose-keeper?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Jan 2024 12:23:02 +0000 Everton Camargo is aiming to capture the attention of scouts from outside Hong Kong with his performances at the Asian Cup in Qatar. Head coach Jorn Andersen last week called Camargo “Hong Kong’s best footballer”, and the Brazil-born attacker’s thrusting display in Sunday’s opening defeat by the United Arab Emirates justified his billing, on the continent’s biggest stage. Camargo, who is represented by Brazilian agency Lodi Assessoria Esportiva and has another two years to run on his current... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3248992/afc-asian-cup-hong-kong-best-player-camargo-hopes-dazzling-qatar-displays-attract-foreign-suitors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3248992/afc-asian-cup-hong-kong-best-player-camargo-hopes-dazzling-qatar-displays-attract-foreign-suitors?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Jan 2024 04:00:23 +0000 Barring a huge shock when they meet Iran on Saturday, Hong Kong will have to beat Palestine to make the next stage of the Asian Cup after their Group C rivals produced a herculean performance to draw 1-1 with the United Arab Emirates. Palestine, who had a man advantage for 51 minutes on Friday after a red card for UAE defender Khalifa Mubarak, were slick, courageous, and ambitious. They will be tremendously difficult opponents for Jorn Andersen’s team on Tuesday. And on the evidence from a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3248990/afc-asian-cup-palestine-make-point-qatar-send-warning-hong-kong-over-formidable-final-group-fixture?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3248990/afc-asian-cup-palestine-make-point-qatar-send-warning-hong-kong-over-formidable-final-group-fixture?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Jan 2024 02:00:25 +0000 Hong Kong take on Iran in the Asian Cup on Saturday, and head coach Jorn Andersen promised his side would be unrecognisable from the one that lost 4-0 to the same opponents in November. Andersen has had the relative luxury of a four-week training camp to prepare for the rematch in Qatar, and the strides made in that period were apparent in their luckless opening 3-1 defeat by United Arab Emirates on Sunday. Iran too may not pose the same threat they did in the World Cup qualifier in Tehran, with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3248941/afc-asian-cup-hong-kong-boss-andersen-promises-side-will-come-out-fighting-clash-heavyweights-iran?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3248941/afc-asian-cup-hong-kong-boss-andersen-promises-side-will-come-out-fighting-clash-heavyweights-iran?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Jan 2024 00:00:35 +0000