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☆ Son bags double for South Korea as top sides win in Asian qualifiers
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Japan, Australia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia all won, while Kuwait and North Korea scored a flurry of goals en route to victories. Australia and Palestine players stood for a minute's silence ahead of their game, which was played in Kuwait due to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Son was in top form as South Korea completed back-to-back wins at the start of their challenge for a place at the 2026 finals. Players held a minute's silence ahead of kickoff before Souttar scored the game's only goal with an 18th-minute header. Kuwait, meanwhile, thrashed Afghanistan 4-0 away to move into second place in Group A behind Qatar.

Persons: Korea's Son Heung, Min, Tingshu Wang, Ueda, Heung, Son, Yan Junling, Lee Kang, Jung Seung, Yan, Thais, Suphanat Mueanta, Mano Polking's, Ayase Ueda, Hajime Moriyasu's, Jong Il Gwan, Harry Souttar, Kuwait's Jaber Al, Souttar, Oston Orunov, Igor Sergeev, Mohanad Ali, Jesus Casas, Darren Lok, Amadoni Kamolov, Saudi Arabia's Saleh Al Shehri, Jordan, Abdalla, Ali Mabkhout, Michael Church, Angelica Medina, Toby Davis Organizations: Soccer Football, AFC, Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre, REUTERS, China, Japan, North Korea, Thailand, Singapore, North, Syrians, Syria, Palestine, Ahmad, Iraq, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, United, Bahrain, Thomson Locations: China, Republic of Korea, Shenzhen, Republic, Korea's, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Qatar, Korea, Myanmar, Syria Australia, Palestine, HONG KONG, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, North, Israel, Syria, Jeddah, North Korea, Yangon, Australia's, Gaza, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Iran, Hong Kong, Turkmenistan, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Manila, Oman, India, Yemen, Nepal, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Islamabad, Saudi, Afghanistan

☆ Goals flow as Asia's top nations make winning start to World Cup qualifying
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Doan scored the fifth four minutes from time with a cool finish as the Japanese made light work of their visitors. Australia were also untroubled as they completed a 7-0 demolition of Bangladesh in Group I with Jamie Maclaren stepping off the bench to score a second half hat-trick. Maclaren did all the damage in the second half, scoring from a Jordan Bos cross shortly after the restart before pouncing again in the 70th when a Massimo Luongo shot pinged off goalkeeper Mitul Marma. The South Koreans, meanwhile, scored four times in the second half to hand Singapore a 5-0 defeat at Seoul World Cup Stadium, with captain Son Heung-min among the scorers. Cho Gue-sung put Juergen Klinsmann's team in front a minute before the halftime break and Hwang Hee-chan added the second four minutes into the second half.

Persons: Japan's Ayase Ueda, Hajime Moriyasu, Ueda, Takumi Minamino's lofted, Daichi Kamada, dink, Doan, Jamie Maclaren, Mitchell Duke, Harry Souttar, Brandon Borrello, Duke, Maclaren, Jordan Bos, pouncing, Massimo Luongo, pinged, Mitul Marma, Lewis Miller, Son Heung, Cho Gue, Juergen, Hwang Hee, Hwang Ui, Lee Kang, Michael Church, Ian Ransom, Ken Ferris Organizations: Myanmar, Suita, 183rd, Melbourne, South, Seoul, Thomson Locations: OSAKA, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Syria, Jeddah, Osaka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Singapore, Korea

☆ Al-Dawsari, Kerr take Asian confederation's Player of the Year awards
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 31 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's Salem Al-Dawsari has been named the Asian Football Confederation's Player of the Year with Chelsea and Australia forward Sam Kerr taking the women's title at the regional body's awards ceremony in Doha on Tuesday. Al-Dawsari, who scored Saudi Arabia's winner in their shock 2-1 victory over Argentina at the World Cup last year, took the men's award after also leading Al-Hilal to the final of the Asian Champions League and the Club World Cup. The awards were being held for the first time in four years as a result of the disruption caused to the game across the continent by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kerr, who on Monday had finished as runner-up in the Ballon d'Or vote in Paris, won her award for the second time having previously been named the confederation's best female player in 2017. Shui Qingxia claimed the honours in the women's coaching category after she led China to the Women's Asian Cup last February in India, the country's first continental title since 2006.

Persons: Salem, Dawsari, Sam Kerr, Qatar's Almoez Ali, Mathew Leckie of, Kerr, Aya Miyama, Homare Sawa, China's Zhang Linyang, Saki Kumagai, Japan's Hajime Moriyasu, Shui Qingxia, Michael Church, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Football, Chelsea, Saudi Arabia's, Asian Champions League, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Australia, Doha, Argentina, Al, Hilal, Saudi Arabia, Paris, China's, Japan, Germany, Spain, China, India

☆ New Zealand PM praises resilient All Blacks despite World Cup final loss
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 29 (Reuters) - New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins praised the All Blacks for their resilience and determination despite seeing Ian Foster's side slip to a narrow defeat against South Africa in the final of the Rugby World Cup in Paris on Saturday. "It's been incredible to see the team bounce back from that tough opening game against France and set the tournament alight. "New Zealand looks forward to welcoming the team home and celebrating their achievements." The All Blacks reached the final to defy lowly pre-tournament expectations, after a first-ever home series loss to Ireland and defeats against South Africa and Argentina in the Rugby Championship last year. "It's been an incredible seven weeks of rugby and the team has done New Zealand proud.

Persons: Chris Hipkins, Ian Foster's, Sam Cane's, Hipkins, It's, Ian Foster, Sam Cane, Grant Robertson, Michael Church, William Mallard Organizations: Zealand, Blacks, South, Rugby, . New Zealand, All Blacks, France, Rugby Championship, New Zealand, Springboks, Thomson Locations: South Africa, Paris, ., Japan, Argentina, France, New Zealand, Zealand

☆ Second half show earns Shandong win in Asian Champions League
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

HONG KONG, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Shandong Taishan moved to the top of Group G of the Asian Champions League on Wednesday as Brazilian striker Cryzan and former Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini scored in the second half to secure a 2-0 win over hosts Incheon United. Only the winners of each of the 10 groups in the Asian Champions League are certain to progress to the last 16, where they will be joined by the three runners-up from the eastern and western halves of the continent with the best records. Thailand's Bangkok United maintained their perfect start in Group F by coming from behind to beat Kitchee 2-1 in Hong Kong. Austria international Jakob Jantscher, a summer signing for the Hong Kong champions, gave Kitchee a seventh-minute lead but Rungrath Phumichantuk levelled four minutes into first half stoppage time. In Group H, first half goals from Alessandro Lopane and Jamie Maclaren saw Melbourne City secure a 2-0 win over Buriram United in Thailand to move onto seven points from three games.

Persons: Cryzan, Marouane Fellaini, Fellaini, Kota, Kenyu Sugimoto, Anderson Lopes, Kevin Muscat's, Jakob Jantscher, Kitchee, Rungrath Phumichantuk, Willen Mota, Fernando, Thais, Bassel, Dan Petrescu's, Alessandro Lopane, Jamie Maclaren, Japan's Ventforet Kofu, Lucas Possignolo, Nyasha Mushekwi, Michael Church, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Asian Champions League, Manchester United, Incheon United, Chinese Super League, South, Incheon, Yokohama F Marinos, Kaya FC, Kota Mizunuma, Bangkok United, Kitchee, Hong, Jeonbuk Motors, Lion City, Melbourne City, Buriram United, Australians, Thomson Locations: HONG KONG, Shandong Taishan, Shandong, Iloilo, Philippines, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Austria, Thailand

☆ Ronaldo double keeps Al-Nassr perfect in Asian Champions League
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Ismaeel Mohammad and Almoez Ali pulled Al Duhail back into contention before Ronaldo's 81st-minute volley restored their two-goal cushion, only for Michael Olunga to hit Al Duhail's third with five minutes remaining to ensure a tense finish. The win moves Al-Nassr three points clear of Iran's Persepolis, who saw Alireza Beiranvand make a seventh-minute penalty save from Senin Sebai before winning 2-0 in Tehran against FC Istiklol of Tajikistan. Saeid Sadeghi scored twice to earn the home side their second win in three games and go five points clear of Al Duhail and Istiklol, who have a solitary point each. The win takes Al-Ain to nine points from three games, six points clear of Al-Fayha, Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan and Ahal. Reporting by Michael Church, Editing by Clare FallonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Nassr, Anderson, Sadio Mane, Ronaldo, Ismaeel Mohammad, Almoez Ali, Al Duhail, Michael Olunga, Al Duhail's, Alireza, Senin, Saeid Sadeghi, Alfred Schreuder's, Soufiane Rahimi, Nawaf Al Harthi, Kouaido, Kaku, Erik, Al Harthi, Rahimi, Pakhtakor, Azizbek Turgunboyev, Hojimat Erkinov, Michael Church, Clare Fallon Organizations: Asian Champions League, Saudi Pro League, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Senin Sebai, FC Istiklol, Saudi, United Arab, Al, Azizbek, Thomson Locations: Riyadh, Al Duhail, Qatar, Persepolis, Tehran, Tajikistan, Ain, Paraguayan, United Arab Emirates, Al, Pakhtakor, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tashkent

☆ Opening win over Sydney leaves Popovic confident Victory have improved
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"We put (last season) behind us after the last game that we lost, to Brisbane at home," said Popovic. However, after a lengthy preseason working with his team, Popovic is confident they will improve on last season's showing. "I think the performance showed that we're not the same team as last year. Getting an away win against Sydney in the Big Blue, the fans going home happy, that's the icing on the cake. "But I thought the performance showed where we're heading and there's a lot more to come."

Persons: Tony Popovic, Bruno Fornaroli, Zinedine Machach, Popovic, we're, Michael Church, William Mallard Organizations: Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC, FFA, Melbourne City, Sydney, Thomson Locations: Brisbane

☆ Lee must stay humble, says coach Klinsmann of PSG playmaker
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 15 (Reuters) - South Korea coach Juergen Klinsmann has called on Lee Kang-in to keep his feet on the ground as the Paris Saint-Germain playmaker continues his emergence as the country's next great hope. "It's just a joy to work with him because he's always in a good mood, he's always smiling, but he's also hungry," Klinsmann said. It's not easy for Kang-in to stay hungry because here, he's getting treated like a pop star, which is not good because a pop star doesn't score goals. "Every time he will come back to Korea, there will be I don't know how many people screaming for him," Klinsmann said. "When a club like Paris Saint-Germain takes a player from Korea, it means that it's a very special player.

Persons: Juergen Klinsmann, Lee Kang, Germain, Lee, he's, Klinsmann, Kang, Paris Saint, Michael Church, Muralikumar Organizations: Paris Saint, Asian Games, La Liga, Real Mallorca, Champions League, Thomson Locations: South Korea, Paris, Tunisia, Seoul, China, Spain, Korea, South, Europe

☆ Indonesia wants to co-host 2034 World Cup with Australia, Malaysia, Singapore
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"We are discussing (a bid) with Australia," PSSI President Erick Thohir was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald. When asked for comment on a possible joint bid, Football Australia referred Reuters to a statement last week that said it was "exploring the possibility of bidding for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and/or the FIFA World Cup 2034". The PSSI, Football Association of Malaysia and Football Association of Singapore have not responded to a Reuters request for comment. The 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams, will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. "The potential to win if we join with Australia, Malaysia and Singapore is bigger too."

Persons: Erick Thohir, Akmal, Michael Church, Peter Rutherford Organizations: FIFA, Sydney Morning Herald, Football Australia, Reuters, Asian Football Confederation, Football Association of Malaysia and Football Association of Singapore, Qatar, Indonesian, Soccer, Herald, Thomson Locations: Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Asia, Oceania, Spain, Morocco, Portugal, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Bali, Peru, Malang

☆ Neymar on target as Al-Hilal secure Asian Champions League win
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 3 (Reuters) - Neymar scored his first goal since his high profile move to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday as Al-Hilal defeated Iran's Nassaji Mazandaran 3-0 in Tehran's Azadi Stadium in the group phase of the Asian Champions League. Neymar doubled Al-Hilal's lead with a perfectly timed left-foot strike in the 58th minute and substitute Saleh Al Shehri put the seal on a comfortable win in injury time. Al Ain backed up their opening round win over Pakhtakor with an impressive attacking performance in front of their own fans as Brazilian midfielder Erik put the former champions ahead in the fourth minute with a clinical finish. Al Ain now have a three-point cushion over Ahal and Al Fayha, who had a goal in each half from Abdelhamid Sabiri to thank for their 2-0 win at home over Pakhtakor. ($1 = 0.9551 euros)Reporting by Michael Church, Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Neymar, Hilal, Iran's, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ma Ning, Hilal's Salman Al Faraj, Nassaji's Amir Houshmand, Saleh Al Shehri, Hilal's, Navbahor, Jamshid Iskanderov, Jasurbek, Doniyor Abdumannopov, Al, Turkmenistan's Ahal, Pakhtakor, Al Fayha, Al Ain, Erik, Soufiane, Kodjo Laba, Elman Tagayew, Kouame Kouadio, Dayanch, Michael Church, Toby Davis Organizations: Iran's Nassaji, Tehran's Azadi, Asian Champions League, Saudi Pro League, Paris St Germain, Al, Mumbai, United Arab Emirates, Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabia, Al, Iran's Nassaji Mazandaran, Paris, Saudi, Mumbai City, Hilal, Al Ain, Pakhtakor

☆ Ronaldo sparks fightback as Al-Nassr given Asian Champions League scare
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 2 (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo was on target as Al-Nassr survived a scare in the Asian Champions League on Monday with the Saudi Pro League side coming from a goal down to hand Tajikistan's Istiklol a 3-1 defeat in Riyadh. The Asian Football Confederation said the game, which was due to be played in Isfahan's Naghsh-e Jahan Stadium, had been "cancelled due to unanticipated and unforeseen circumstances". In Group B, Uzbekistan's Nasaf climbed into pole position after claiming their second win in a row when Azizbek Amonov struck twice in a 3-1 win over Al Sadd of Qatar. Ruzikul Berdiev's team hold a two point lead over Sharjah from the United Arab Emirates, who beat Jordan's Al-Faisaly thanks to a 20th minute goal from Moussa Marega, an Asian Champions League winner with Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal in 2021. Reporting by Michael Church, Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Nassr, Senin Sebai, Istiklol, Ronaldo, Anderson Talisca, Luis Castro's, Al Duhail, Omid Alishah, Qasem Soleimani, Ali Jasim, Sanzhar Tursunov's, Siavash Haghnazari, Nasaf, Azizbek Amonov, Al, Ruzikul, Jordan's, Moussa Marega, Saudi Arabia's Al, Michael Church, Ken Ferris Organizations: Asian Champions League, Saudi Pro League, Brazilian, Iran's Persepolis, Iran's Sepahan, Saudi, Asian Football Confederation, Air Force Club, AGMK, Air Force, United Arab Emirates, Thomson Locations: Riyadh, Dushanbe, Saudi, Qatar, Isfahan's, Uzbekistan, Al, Ittihad, Al Sadd, Sharjah, Hilal

☆ Neymar makes debut as Al-Hilal hand Al-Riyadh 6-1 thrashing
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Sept 16 (Reuters) - Brazil's all-time leading goal scorer Neymar made his Saudi Pro League debut for Al-Hilal on Friday, coming off the bench to feature for the final 26 minutes of his new club's 6-1 demolition of Al-Riyadh. Aleksandar Mitrovic had put Al-Hilal in front with a 30th minute penalty before goals from Yassir Al-Shahrani and Nasser Al-Dawsari gave the league leaders a comfortable advantage. Neymar, who surpassed Pele's record as Brazil's leading scorer when he netted twice in last Friday's 5-1 win over Bolivia, had not played for Al-Hilal since moving to Saudi Arabia due to an ankle injury. Fans jeered as Al-Hilal captain Salem Al-Dawsari opted to take an 87th minute penalty as Neymar watched on, the Saudi Arabia winger converting before adding his side's sixth goal in injury time. ($1 = 0.9385 euros)Reporting by Michael Church, Editing by Kim CoghillOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Neymar, Germain, Michael, Malcom, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Shahrani, Nasser Al, Dawsari, Salem, Michael Church, Kim Coghill Organizations: Saudi Pro League, Al, Paris Saint, Yassir, Salem Al, Thomson Locations: Hilal, Al, Riyadh, Paris, Bolivia, Saudi Arabia

☆ Asian confederation cancels commercial deal 'with immediate effect'
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Soccer Football - AFC Asian Cup - Final Draw - Katara Opera House, Doha, Qatar - May 11, 2023 General view outside the venue before the draw REUTERS/Mohammed Dabbous/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsHONG KONG, Sept 15 (Reuters) - The Asian Football Confederation terminated its commercial relationship with Football Marketing Asia "with immediate effect" on Friday, less than three years into an exclusive eight-year deal with the Hong Kong-based company. "The AFC's decision takes into careful consideration the new challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving post-pandemic commercial environment," the confederation said in a statement. The original deal was renegotiated in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent global shutdown caused significant complications ahead of the start of the contract. The AFC have since moved the 24-nation tournament to Qatar and have postponed the finals until January. "The AFC are now in the process of appointing a new exclusive partner for the 2023-2028 term with more details to be announced in due course," the confederation said.

Persons: Mohammed Dabbous, FMA, Michael Church, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer Football, AFC, Opera House, Asian Football Confederation, Football Marketing, DDMC Fortis, FMA, Lagardere Sports, Entertainment, Wuhan DDMC Culture, Sports, Thomson Locations: Doha, Qatar, HONG KONG, Hong Kong, Wuhan

☆ Mexico game Souttar's chance to 'show world what he can do', says Arnold
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"My message to him is simple and that is this is your stage," said Arnold. "He's got to use that motivation to go out there and show everyone that's watching this game who Harry Souttar is and everyone will remember him from the World Cup. The game is the latest in a series of high profile friendlies for the Australians, who played World Cup winners Argentina in Beijing in June and are lined up to face England at Wembley in October. Arnold will be without Mathew Leckie after the Melbourne City forward was injured in training, ruling him out for at least six weeks. Reporting by Michael Church in Hong Kong, Editing by Michael PerryOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Graham Arnold, Harry Souttar, Souttar, Enzo Maresca, Cameron Burgess, Arnold, He's, he's, Mathew Leckie, it's, Michael Church, Michael Perry Organizations: Socceroos, Leicester City, Premier League, January's, Leicester, Argentina, England, Wembley, Melbourne City, Thomson Locations: Australia, Mexico, Dallas, Qatar, Leicester, Beijing, Melbourne, Hong Kong

☆ At Taser maker Axon, ex-staff say loyalty meant being tased, tattooed
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Scottsdale | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +34 min

Reuters also interviewed 63 current and former Axon employees, including nine former executives. No one with whom Reuters spoke was aware of deaths or lawsuits stemming from tasings of Axon staff. Axon has faced fewer lawsuits since 2009, the year it introduced a new Taser model with a lower charge. Screenshots from an Axon promotional video show CEO Rick Smith taking a Taser hit in 1993, the year he co-founded the business. And that’s off-putting.”Gorman, the former Axon lawyer, said he “vividly” remembers an executive asking him if he was going to be tased.

Persons: Ross Blank, Blank, Steve Tuttle, Shawn Gorman, ”, Jennifer Chatman, Rick Smith, Andrea James, ” James, Axon’s, tasings, ” Blank, Tuttle, Staff tasings, “, Valencia Gibson, Gibson, Reuters –, Axon’s “, Bro, Josh Isner, Isner, James, –, Ann Rosenthal, Rosenthal, ” Rosenthal, Sigma Chi, Smith, ” Smith, ” Michael Church, Hans Marrero, Marrero, ” Marrero, “ I’m, ’ ” Smith, “ It’s, ” Gibson, ” ‘, impressionable, squinting, Keara, Rylan, Mihir Shah, ” Shah, Mario Barth, “ Willing, It’s, Isaiah Fields, Wayne Guay, Lamar Cousins, Cousins, Kevin De Rosa Jr, De Rosa, ” Isner, Smith’s, De Rosa bellowed, They’re, ” Gorman, You’re, Jeffrey Dastin, Paresh Dave Art, John Emerson, Julie Marquis Organizations: Enterprise Inc, Reuters, Haas School of Business, University of California, Staff, Scottsdale, Yorker, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, . Occupational Safety, Health Administration, federal, Safety, Health, Labor, Sigma, Harvard, Sigma Chi, Boston Magazine, Harvard’s Sigma Chi, U.S . Marine Corps, YouTube, Employment, Los, Keara Berlin, ” Employees, Los Angeles Police Department, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, strapping, Culture Locations: Berkeley, Rome, United States, Arizona, U.S, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, “, Berlin, Sacramento, San Jose , California, tasings, Mandalay, Scottsdale, wasn’t

☆ Champions Urawa advance to Asian Champions League group phase
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-22 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Soccer Football - AFC Champions League - Final - Second Leg - Urawa Red Diamonds v Al-Hilal - Saitama Stadium, Saitama, Japan - May 6, 2023 Urawa Red Diamonds' Hiroki Sakai and Shusaku Nishikawa and teammates celebrate with trophy on the podium after winning the AFC Champions League REUTERS/Issei Kato/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsTOKYO, Aug 22 (Reuters) - Holders Urawa Red Diamonds booked their berth in the group stages of the Asian Champions League on Tuesday as Maciej Skorza's side defeated Hong Kong outfit Lee Man 3-0, but China's Shanghai Port were knocked out by BG Pathum United of Thailand. Yoshio Koizumi gave Urawa the perfect start at Saitama Stadium with a second minute strike and Shinzo Koroki doubled the lead when he headed in Hiroki Sakai's cross from the right four minutes later. Reds, who have won the title three times, will now feature in Thursday's group phase draw in Kuala Lumpur alongside BG Pathum United, Chinese Super League side Zhejiang FC and Incheon United of South Korea. BG Pathum United advanced after a hat-trick by Igor Sergeyev saw the Thai side hand 2018 Chinese champions Shanghai Port a Igor Sergeyev 3-2 defeat. The Uzbekistan international struck again in the 61st minute and, while Markus Pink netted with four minutes remaining to ensure a nervous finish for the visitors, BG Pathum United held on to advance.

Persons: Hiroki Sakai, Shusaku Nishikawa, Issei Kato, Maciej Skorza's, Lee, Yoshio Koizumi, Shinzo Koroki, Hiroki Sakai's, Takahiro Sekine, Igor Sergeyev, Sergeyev, Mirahmetjan Muzepper, Markus Pink, Cheon Seong, Gerso, Franko Andrijasevic's, Michael Church Organizations: Soccer Football, AFC, League, Diamonds, Urawa, AFC Champions League REUTERS, Rights, Urawa Red Diamonds, Asian Champions League, Shanghai Port, BG Pathum United, Saitama, Reds, Super League, Zhejiang FC, Incheon United, Port, Uzbekistan, Pathum United, Vietnam's, Port FC, Michael, Michael Church Our, Thomson Locations: Hilal, Saitama, Japan, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Thailand, Urawa, Kuala Lumpur, South Korea, Thai, Vietnam's Haiphong, Zhejiang

☆ Paulissen strikes twice as Lee Man set up Urawa playoff clash
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

HONG KONG, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Defending champions Urawa Red Diamonds will take on Lee Man in the Asian Champions League playoffs next week after last season's Hong Kong Premier League runners-up cruised to a 5-1 win over Bali United at Hong Kong Stadium on Wednesday. Mitchel Paulissen put Lee Man in front after only eight minutes and, while the Indonesians equalised through a Tsui Wang Kit own goal four minutes later, the home side went back in front in the 13th minute with Gil Martins' acute finish. Defender Jose Angel added the fifth four minutes from time with a close range header. Lee Man complete the line-up for the east Asian playoffs, with Vietnam's Haiphong defeating Hong Kong Rangers on Tuesday to set up a meeting with Incheon United from South Korea. (This story has been corrected to rectify the spelling of Mitchel Paulissen in paragraph 2)Reporting by Michael Church, Editing by Alexandra HudsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Lee, Mitchel Paulissen, Tsui Wang Kit, Gil Martins, Everton Camargo, Jose Angel, Lee Man, Michael Church, Alexandra Hudson Organizations: Urawa Red Diamonds, Asian Champions League, Hong Kong Premier League, Bali United, Hong Kong, Wednesday, Everton, Vietnam's Haiphong, Hong Kong Rangers, Incheon United, Zhejiang FC, Port FC, Shanghai Port, Pathum United, Alexandra Hudson Our, Thomson Locations: HONG KONG, South Korea, Zhejiang, Thailand, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur

☆ Shabab Al-Ahli set up Al-Nassr clash in Asian Champions League playoffs
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

HONG KONG, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Shabab Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates will face Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr for a berth in the group phase of the Asian Champions League next week after the club from Dubai defeated Al-Wehdat 3-0 in a playoff on Tuesday. Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr his team mates will host the 2015 Asian Champions League runners-up in Riyadh next Tuesday after second half goals from Azizjon Ganiev, Renan and Munas Dabbur earned Shabab Al-Ahli victory over the Jordanians. Khurshid Giyosov scored the game's only goal two minutes into the second half to set up a clash with Qatari side Al-Arabi. In the eastern side of the draw, Vietnam's Haiphong equalised in the 88th to take their game against Hong Kong Rangers into extra time and they went on to win 4-1 win. The draw for the group phase of the Asian Champions League will be held in Kuala Lumpur on Aug. 24 with matches kicking off on Sept. 18.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Nassr, Azizjon Ganiev, Renan, Munas Dabbur, Luanzinho, Uzbekistan's AGMK, Martin Boakye's, Khurshid Giyosov, Yumemi Kanda, Nguyen Tuan Anh, Yuri Mamute's, Mamute, Martin Lo, Lee, Michael Church, Ken Ferris Organizations: United, Saudi Pro League, Al, Asian Champions League, Dubai, League, Shabab Al, India's, Qatari, Vietnam's, Hong Kong Rangers, Hong Kong Premier League, Incheon United, Urawa Red Diamonds, Bali, Thomson Locations: HONG KONG, Shabab Al Ahli, United Arab Emirates, Riyadh, Shabab, Sharjah, India's Bashundhara, Iran, Seeb, Oman, Arabi, Haiphong, South Korea, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur

☆ Asian confederation boosts prize fund in revamped club competition from 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Kicking off in September 2024, the leading 24 club sides from across the continent will play in the new AFC Champions League Elite, with the winners earning US$12 million. The AFC Champions League Elite headlines a new three-tier set-up and replaces the existing format, in which clubs complete in either the AFC Champions League or the secondary AFC Cup. "Today the AFC is embarking on a new and historic era with these forward-looking initiatives in both men's and women's Asian club football," AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said in a statement. Details about the AFC Women's Champions League, including start date, prize fund and the number of clubs involved, have yet to revealed. The playoff rounds of the 2023/24 AFC Champions League, the last under the current model, are due to kick off on Tuesday.

Persons: Marius Hoibraten, Alexander Scholz, Issei Kato, HONG KONG, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Michael Church, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Soccer Football, AFC, League, Diamonds, Urawa, AFC Champions League REUTERS, Asian Football Confederation, Champions League, AFC Champions League Elite, US, League Elite, AFC Champions League, AFC Challenge League, AFC Women's Champions League, Thomson Locations: Hilal, Saitama, Japan, HONG, Asia

☆ Gustavsson hails game-changing Matildas as Australia celebrates win
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Record-breaking television and streaming figures plus blanket coverage on the front and back pages of the nation's newspapers greeted the win, and Gustavsson believes his players can be the catalyst for change throughout Australian society. "I genuinely really believe that this team can create history in so many ways, not just winning football games," Gustavsson said. "The why is so much bigger than just football and when that drives you...that is a powerful tool that can be very difficult to stop. Neither nation has ever advanced to a Women's World Cup final and the 49-year-old Swede, who was appointed Australia coach almost three years ago, is relishing another winner-takes-all clash. I know that they're going to celebrate this one, but from tomorrow they're going to be focused again, they're extremely professional and they're on the mission.

Persons: Asanka Brendon Ratnayake BRISBANE, Tony Gustavsson, Herve Renard's, Gustavsson, Swede, they're, Michael Church, Jamie Freed Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Brisbane, REUTERS, France, AFL, England, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Australia, France, Brisbane, Wednesday's

☆ Van Domselaar delights Jonker as Dutch advance to quarter-finals
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"If you compare her with other keepers, I think she's developed a lot," Jonker said after van Domselaar repeatedly kept the Banyana Banyana at bay. The gloss was taken off the Dutch victory, however, when Danielle van de Donk received her second booking of the tournament to rule her out of the meeting with Spain. "We made the early goal, and Daphne saved a few balls which were dangerous," said Jonker. "Of course, there were some moments South Africa was there, but I think we deserved to make another goal. "In the end, we deserved to win the game but it was a quite difficult first half by our own fault and the good work of South Africa."

Persons: Andries Jonker, Carl Recine, Daphne van Domselaar, Jonker, van Domselaar, we've, Daphne, they've, Jill Roord, Beerensteyn, Kaylin Swart, Danielle van de Donk, Michael Church, Simon Cameorn Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Sydney Football Stadium, REUTERS, Aston Villa, Sydney Football, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Netherlands, South Africa, Sydney, Australia, Spain, Wellington, Africa

☆ Foster sweating on duo ahead of All Blacks' World Cup squad announcement
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Aug 6 (Reuters) - All Blacks coach Ian Foster faces concerns over the fitness of experienced second row forward Brodie Retallick and centre Braydon Ennor ahead of naming his squad for the Rugby World Cup on Monday. The pair suffered knee injuries during their 23-20 win over Australia in Dunedin on Saturday, leaving Foster in doubt over their availability with less than five weeks until New Zealand's World Cup opener against France on Sept. 8. The All Blacks have a perfect record so far in 2023 and face South Africa in a World Cup warm-up on Aug. 25 at Twickenham before taking on the French in their tournament opener. New Zealand have also been drawn to face Italy, Uruguay and Namibia in the group phase of the World Cup as they seek to win the title for a fourth time. "The overall objective was to win this test but also get this squad to the starting line of the World Cup all in a good space."

Persons: Ian Foster, Brodie Retallick, Foster, We've, Richie Mo'unga, Michael Church, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: Blacks, Rugby, Australia, New, France, Twickenham, All Blacks, Wallabies, Thomson Locations: Dunedin, South Africa, Zealand, Italy, Uruguay, Namibia, Melbourne, New

☆ Germany exit Women's World Cup after draw with South Korea
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BRISBANE, Aug 3 (Reuters) - Twice former winners Germany crashed out in the opening phase of the Women's World Cup for the first time after being held to a 1-1 draw with South Korea in their final Group H match on Thursday. Casey Phair, who became the Women's World Cup's youngest ever player earlier in the tournament, almost gave the Koreans the lead when the 16-year-old saw her second minute effort pushed onto the post by goalkeeper Merle Frohms. Germany were frustrated by the hard-pressing Koreans, but in the 42nd minute the former champions levelled as Popp out-jumped the defence to meet Svenja Huth's right wing cross and loop her header beyond Kim Jung-mi. Voss-Tecklenburg's side threw everything forward after the interval, with Popp's 57th minute header ruled out on review by VAR as the striker strayed offside following a clever flick by Lea Schuller. Reporting by Michael Church, editing by Pritha SarkarOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Cho, hyun, Alexandra Popp, Casey Phair, Merle Frohms, Colin Bell's, Lee Young, Popp, Svenja, Kim Jung, Lea Schuller, Kim, Sydney Lohmann thumped, Michael Church, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: BRISBANE, Germany, South, Thomson Locations: South Korea, Colombia, Perth, Germany, Voss

☆ Shui vows to revive China as Steel Roses wilt on global stage
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

But coach Shui Qingxia is unlikely to meet the same fate as her predecessor, Jia Xiuquan, who left his post after the Olympic exit. A victory at last year's Women's Asian Cup should be enough to earn the 56-year-old former midfielder a reprieve. But Wang Shuang, the darling of the Steel Roses squad, surprised fans in China by saying her team's elimination in the group phase was "not necessarily a bad thing". "It allows us all to see the gap between us and premier league teams, the teams in the U.S.," the 28-year-old Racing Louisville forward said. Reporting by Michael Church, additional reporting by Martin Quin Pollard in Beijing, Editing by Robert BirselOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Shui Qingxia, Hannah Mckay ADELAIDE, Sarina Wiegman, England's, Jia Xiuquan, Shui, Wang Shuang, Michael Church, Martin Quin Pollard, Robert Birsel Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, England, Hindmarsh, World, Olympic, Asian Games, Olympics, Steel Roses, Racing Louisville, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, China, Adelaide, Australia, Netherlands, United States, India, Denmark, England, Paris, Europe, U.S, Racing, Beijing

☆ Cummings focused on celebrations as Mariners squad faces break-up
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-04 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

But while the Scottish-born forward's contract is due to expire at the end of June, Cummings stressed his immediate intention was to celebrate the Mariners' first title since 2013. Mariners operate on one of the A-League's smallest budgets and Montgomery acknowledged that Cummings was unlikely to be the only departure. "We're a selling club, the club needs to sell players to survive," he said. The possible departures include Montgomery, who has seen his stock rise after overcoming significant financial limitations to end the Mariners' trophy drought. "The world's his oyster," Cummings said of Montgomery, who took over at the Mariners' two years ago.

Persons: Jason Cummings, Nick Montgomery's, Cummings, Montgomery, We'll, I've, Michael Church, Robert Birsel Organizations: Central Coast Mariners, Australia, League, Melbourne City, Parramatta, Mariners, Dundee, Thomson Locations: Scottish, Central Coast, Australia, Montgomery

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