Oman’s French coach heartbroken for home
HEARTBROKEN Oman coach, Frenchman Paul Le Guen, expressed sorrow for the victims of Wednesday’s Charlie Hedbo massacre in Paris.
Asian Cup
Aussie summer puts Koreans in a sweat
KOREA Republic coach Uli Stielike admits he is concerned by the 4pm kick in forecast 30C heat for his side’s Asian Cup opener against Oman on Saturday.
Football amongst the dictatorships
WE’D love to bring you the most provoking thoughts from North Korea’s inner sanctum this week as they prepare for the Asian Cup, but …
Asian Cup to smash viewing records
A RECORD 800 million people are expected to tune in to the Asian Cup in Australia, smashing the mark set at the 2011 tournament in Qatar.
Why the Socceroos’ Cup history matters
AS host nation, Australia’s hopes for the 2015 Asian Cup are high — but tinged with realism about the task at hand. It hasn’t always been so.
Feral fans warned they will be banned
KNOWN troublemakers will be banned from Friday night’s historic Asian Cup opener in Melbourne as thousands embrace the biggest soccer tournament ever staged in Australia.
Ange sticks true to faith in youth
ANGE Postecoglou has never been afraid of throwing raw talents into a cauldron and will show that tonight with Massimo Luongo and Trent Sainsbury tonight.
Dummies’ guide to the Asian Cup
FROM the best non-Socceroos games, to the players to watch, and why you can’t have vuvuzelas, here’s everything you didn’t know about the Asian Cup.
Bring it on! Why Socceroos are ready
IT’S game time. There’s high expectations about the Socceroos, but a tinge of anxiety too. Here’s why Ange Postecoglou’s side are ready to impress.
Jedinak: Past pain pushing Socceroos
CAPTAIN Mile Jedinak says the Socceroos will use the pain of their 2011 Asian Cup final defeat as motivation to win the tournament on home soil.
Secretive Saudis go off the grid
SAUDI Arabia have gone to extraordinary lengths to prepare for the Asian Cup, with police ordering media to leave as the team conducted training at an unauthorised venue.
‘Even at 12 Matty was a tenacious bugger’
SOCCEROOS veteran Matt McKay is proof hard work will always be more important than natural talent, says his junior coach.
Pride at stake as Kuwait look for fast start
KUWAIT coach Nabil Maaloul says all the pressure is on Ange Postecoglou’s Socceroos in Friday night’s opening Asian Cup clash at AAMI Park.
‘I’m looking forward to feeling a bit of love’
AFTER a horror run on the road, the Socceroos are looking forward to a warm home embrace when they walk out onto AAMI Park on Friday night.
Neill tells Socceroos to make most of occasion
FORMER Socceroos captain Lucas Neill has broken his silence to urge the country to back Australia at the Asian Cup – though he insists he will never retire.
Jordan prince tipped to replace Blatter
JORDAN coach Ray Wilkins says Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein is the perfect man to challenge Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency.
Socceroos must pass opening day history test
THE Socceroos are going to have to overcome almost 50 years of history if they are to defeat Kuwait at AAMI Park on Friday night.
Bresciano talks up in-form Troisi for opener
BELGIUM-based midfielder James Troisi looks set to be the bolter for the Socceroos Asian Cup opener against Kuwait on Friday night..
The big five Asian Cup stories to follow
FROM underdogs to the super rich Gulf teams and North Korea’s secrecy, here are five Asian Cup stories you should watch out for.
Kuwait playmaker would ‘love’ A-League move
KUWAIT playmaker Aziz Mashaan is hoping to attract the attention of A-League clubs with his performances during the Asian Cup.
Ange dismisses Asian FIFA rankings
SOCCEROOS coach Ange Postecoglou is dismissive of FIFA’s rankings that don’t have an Asian nation in the top 50, but said the Asian Cup could be a turning point.
What’s it like at North Korea training?
EVER wondered what it’s like watching the world’s most mysterious national football team train for a major tournament? Well, different.
Tough times steeled Ange for challenges ahead
ANGE Postecoglou’s iron-clad self-belief was forged seven years ago and just eight kilometres from where the Socceroos face their date with destiny on Friday night.
Kuwait spoiling for an upset
THEY lost their best player and changed coaches in the build up to the Asian Cup but Kuwait are still confident they can surprise the Socceroos.
Beach balls, horns banned from Asian Cup
SOCCER chiefs say they’re not the fun police, despite banning beach balls, horns, hooters and vuvuzelas from the Asian Cup.
Mallorca break revived worn-out Leckie
SOCCEROOS attacker Mathew Leckie revealed that a club-mandated post-Brazil sabbatical to Mallorca two rounds into the season has turned his fortunes around.
Roos wary of opening night banana skin
THE Socceroos are going to have to overcome almost 50 years of history if they are to defeat Kuwait at AAMI Park on Friday night.
Asian Cup cheat sheet: group guide
VIDEO: We know all about the Socceroos, but what about the other nations aiming for Asian Cup glory? Get ahead with our group-by-group preview.
Tight-lipped North Korea sneaks into Australia
THE North Korean soccer team has dashed to the privacy of their hotel after arriving quietly for the Asian Cup.
Decision day: Ange to reveal XI to players
WEDNESDAY is the first time Socceroos players will get an idea of the starting XI for Friday night’s Asian Cup opener against Kuwait at AAMI Park.
Perrin hopeful of taking China to next level
IF China coach Alain Perrin needed any reminding that the Asian Cup was only a few days away, he got it at his team’s official welcome in Brisbane.
‘Expectations are big and Ange must deliver’
THE Socceroos won the world’s respect in Brazil, but former boss Pim Verbeek declared it was time for coach Ange Postecoglou to deliver at the Asian Cup.
Family ties keep Wilkinson on fitness track
IF IT weren’t for Alex Wilkinson’s brother-in-law, the Socceroos centre back might not have been in a position to play in Friday night’s Asian Cup opener.
Saudi Arabia keep star striker under wraps
STAR Saudi Arabia attacker Nasser Al-Shamrani was kept in cotton wool as his teammates prepared for Saturday night’s Asian Cup clash against China.
Uzbekistan quietly confident of big tournament
SEMI-FINALISTS last time around, Uzbekistan will head into the Asian Cup with hopes of at least a repeat performance – despite the bookmakers begging to differ.
‘We’re on right path for this and World Cup’
MATTHEW Spiranovic says the Socceroos are primed, not just for an assault on this month’s Asian Cup title, but also to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
Robbie Slater’s Asian Cup preview
AHEAD of the three-week Asian Cup, Robbie Slater runs the rule over all 16 teams, picking key players and listing reasons why they could do well.
Studs Up: race heats up for Roos XI
STUDS UP: With Ange Postecoglou yet to decide his Socceroos XI, there’s plenty to talk about as five players potentially vie for one spot.
The 10 Asian Cup stars set to shine
FROM Japan megastar Keisuke Honda, Saudi Arabia firebrand Nasser Al-Shamrani and Korea’s Son Heung-min, here are 10 stars set to shine at the Asian Cup.
Al-Shamrani all smiles on arrival
TEMPERENTAL Saudi Arabia star Nasser Al-Shamrani was in a happy mood as he arrived in Brisbane ahead of the Asian Cup clash against China.
Cahill: I dieted to keep my spot
SUPERSTAR Tim Cahill has revealed that a fear for his Socceroos future drove him to drop to 75kg — his lightest weight in 18 years.
Roos not reliant on Cahill for goals: Ange
SOCCEROOS boss Ange Postecoglou has backed Tim Cahill’s supporting cast to score Asian Cup goals.
Kuwait undaunted by Socceroos opener
KUWAITI midfielder Abdullah Al Buraiki insists his team is not scared of the Socceroos ahead of Friday night’s eagerly anticipated Asian Cup opener.
Asian Cup build-up has ‘Roos bouncing
SOCCEROOS forward Mathew Leckie says the switch has been flicked on the Asian Cup hype, four days ahead of their Group A opener against Kuwait.
Kick-off times in spotlight as heat causes concern
THE Asian Cup’s “ridiculous” kick-off times and an A-League match played in dangerous 41C today is a warning Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup organisers cannot ignore.
The day two old pros grounded wild child Kruse
ROBBIE Kruse burst onto the A-League scene in 2007 but within two years his professional career was on the ropes. Six years later and he’s flying again.
Tommy to rebound from less than Oarsome Cup
AFTER failing to produce his best football at the World Cup, Tommy Oar wants Socceroo redemption – individually and collectively – at the Asian Cup.
Bozza’s five Asian Cup games not to miss
IT should be no surprise that there are two Australia games in Mark Bosnich’s top five games he is looking forward to most at the Asian Cup.
Bahrain making big impression in Ballarat
THE positive effects of the Asian Cup on Ballarat will be remembered long after the friendly result between Bahrain and Jordan on Sunday night is forgotten.
Fortress Australia: Socceroos tough at home
THE Socceroos are unbeaten at home in 20 matches and veterans Mile Jedinak and Mark Bresciano say the team is a different proposition in Australia.
Ban benefits Milligan’s Socceroos preparations
MARK Milligan’s three-week A-League suspension for elbowing Terry Antonis may have inadvertently helped his Asian Cup cause.
Franjic keen on A-League loan return
RUSSIA-BASED Socceroo Ivan Franjic revealed that he is eager to return to the A-League on loan once his Asian Cup commitments are completed.
Disagreement leads to UAE-Kuwait cancellation
KUWAIT’S preparations for their Asian Cup opener against Australia suffered a setback when their scheduled warm-up against the UAE was cancelled.
I’m ready to explode: Kruse exudes confidence
ROBBIE Kruse has revealed that he was too “distressed” to watch the Socceroos’ World Cup matches, but boldly declared he’ll “explode” at the Asian Cup.
No guarantees as Ange keeps players guessing
JASON Davidson says no one feels secure in the Socceroos starting line-up heading in to the Asian Cup – except maybe for captain Mile Jedinak.
Art of preparation: Socceroos cover all angles
THE fans see the friendly matches and the two-week training camp. But in truth the Socceroos Asian Cup preparations truly began in Brazil six months ago.
Luongo out to make impression on home soil
SWINDON Town’s Massimo Luongo feels he better placed to make an impact on the Asian Cup than the World Cup, where he was an unused substitute.
‘Where we sit right now I’m pretty pleased’
SOCCEROOS coach Ange Postecoglou was beaming after his squad got through their first high-intensity session ahead of Friday’s Asian Cup opener.
Ange has entire squad on edge for Kuwait game
ANGE Postecoglou has told every player to be ready for Kuwait on Friday as the mercury rises in Socceroos camp ahead of the Asian Cup opener.
Jedinak declares time for results is now
AFTER eight losses in 12 games, Socceroos skipper Mile Jedinak says the time for results is now, insisting Brazil 2014 has them primed for the Asian Cup.
McKay lauds Socceroos’ midfield riches
SOCCEROO Matt McKay cited the midfield omissions of Oliver Bozanic and James Holland as proof competition for places has intensified since the World Cup.
Persistence pays off for Socceroo Behich
IF AT first you don’t succeed, try and try again. Socceroos caps are reward for good performances at club level and Aziz Behich is a prime example of that.
Focused Mile leaves Palace dramas behind
A jetlagged Mile Jedinak said that his focus was on the Asian Cup, despite the crisis that has engulfed his Premier League club Crystal Palace.
Juric slams ‘unprofessional’ Al-Shamrani
SOCCEROO Tomi Juric has lit the fuse for a potentially explosive second-round Asian Cup clash, slamming Saudi Arabia firebrand Nasser Al-Shamrani.
Sainsbury gunning for old teammate’s spot
THEY may be former Mariners teammates, but Trent Sainsbury wants to snatch the Socceroos’ central defensive position from World Cup incumbent Alex Wilkinson.
In-form Leckie ready to play big Cup role
MATHEW Leckie says his roaming role in attack for German side Ingolstadt has him perfectly placed to be an asset for Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou.
Troisi revels in day he beat Ryan from halfway
JAMES Troisi’s stunning halfway strike for his Belgian club four weeks ago is still being talked about, especially as it came at the expense of Mat Ryan.
Ange finally gets all 23 players in camp
ANGE Postecoglou has for the first time, his full 23-man squad at his disposal, with Mile Jedinak, Chris Herd and Aziz Behich arriving in Melbourne.
Video: Saudi spitter hits fan in Geelong
CONTROVERSIAL Saudi Arabia striker Nasser Al-Shamrani has been filmed hitting one of his own country’s fans ahead of an Asian Cup friendly in Geelong.
Video: Saudi spitter hits fan in Geelong
CONTROVERSIAL Saudi Arabia striker Nasser Al-Shamrani has been filmed hitting one of his own country’s fans ahead of an Asian Cup friendly in Geelong.
Bahrain impress in Geelong warm-up win
A BRACE from star striker Ismaeel Abdullatif powered Bahrain to an impressive 4-1 win over Saudi Arabia in a pre-Asian Cup friendly.
Cone of silence: North Korea’s Australia plan
IT’S the case of the disappearing footballers – an entire squad enveloped in as much mystery as you might expect when they hail from North Korea.
’I’d love to start and I’m pushing for that’
LEADING A-League goal-scorer Nathan Burns is determined to cash his sparkling domestic form in for a starting berth in Australia’s Asian Cup opener.
RVP, Alexis put Spira in good frame of mind
MATTHEW Spiranovic said matching it with the world’s best in Brazil and the Champions League has him primed to make an impact at the Asian Cup.
Kruse wants Victory fairytale swansong
SOCCEROOS Asian Cup forward Robbie Kruse has revealed he’d love a fairytale finish to his career with former club Melbourne Victory in the A-League.
Japan lose star defender on Asian Cup eve
DEFENDING champions Japan have suffered an Asian Cup blow with star defender Atsuto Uchida ruled out of the tournament because of a knee injury.
I feel no pressure, I’m relaxed: Cahill
TIM Cahill says he feels no pressure being the Socceroos pin-up boy in a tournament he believes Iran and Japan are Australia’s major rivals.
Cahill’s pride over Antonis call
TIM Cahill spoke of his pride in Terry Antonis’s Asian Cup call up and says he expects to spend some time on the bench.
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain set for Geelong friendly
SAUDI Arabia and Bahrain will launch their assaults on next month’s Asian Cup with a friendly at Geelong’s Simonds Stadium on Tuesday night.
I’m not here to achieve universal love: Ange
SOCCEROOS coach Ange Postecoglou said he’s not interested in winning any popularity contests, declaring that he’s sticking to a long-term mission.
Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/football/asian-cup/page/16