Latest news with #AsianCupQualifier
South China Morning Post
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong fans aim ire at head coach Ashley Westwood after poor draw with Nepal
Hong Kong drew a heated friendly 0-0 with 10-man Nepal on Thursday, extending their record unbeaten run to nine matches – although the best that could be said for the home side's performance was that they did not lose. While the hosts were largely dominant, head coach Ashley Westwood was booed by the home supporters before and after the game, and the Englishman will be left to ponder his team's inability to break down the world's No 175-ranked team. India will provide much sterner opposition for next Tuesday's Asian Cup qualifier at Kai Tak Stadium. Perhaps a number of fans were saving themselves for that box-office clash, because just 6,092 turned up at Hong Kong Stadium, and there was a sizeable number of Nepal fans in that number. Rather than the expected phoney war, ahead of more important business for both teams, this was a competitive and watchable encounter. Hong Kong's Yue Tze-nam is sent flying during his side's game against Nepal. Photo: Elson Li It was not just opponents getting stuck into each other, either. After Stefan Pereira wastefully lifted over a 23rd-minute free-lick, Juninho aimed a verbal volley towards his teammate, who returned in kind.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Hard to celebrate PSG's Champions League win over Italian colleagues, says Donnarumma
Gianluigi Donnarumma found it difficult to celebrate Paris St Germain's Champions League win over Inter Milan with so many Italian teammates on the other side, the Italy keeper and captain said on Wednesday. Donnarumma was a spectator for much of Saturday's final in Munich, with PSG strolling to a 5-0 win, and after the final whistle was seen consoling Inter's shell-shocked players. The former AC Milan keeper has now joined up with Inter's Alessandro Bastoni, Federico Dimarco, Nicolo Barella and Davide Frattesi at Italy's training camp ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifiers and was asked what he said to them. 'Nothing. There was a real heartfelt hug with those teammates after the game and I'm happy about that,' Donnarumma told reporters. 'I also struggled to enjoy the Champions League victory to the fullest because on the other side, there were my brothers with whom I share a lot. Here, we haven't spoken about that match, not even a few jokes. We only spoke about the next two games and giving everything together,' he added. Donnarumma, who has one year left on his PSG contract, has been linked with a move to Inter and was again asked about those media reports after his agent was seen at Inter's headquarters on Wednesday morning. ALSO READ | India loses to Thailand in FIFA international friendly ahead of Asian Cup Qualifier 'I didn't know he was at Inter, I'm fine in Paris and the club will decide on the renewal or not,' Donnarumma said. 'I'm ready for anything, but now my first option is Paris because I'm fine, the fans love me, and the team loves me. I hope to stay there for many years,' he added. Donnarumma has not always convinced Italian fans and media, despite his penalty shootout saves leading to Italy's Euro 2020 triumph, with the keeper often criticised for errors. Now, however, he feels he is in the best form of his career, and a lot of that is down to PSG manager Luis Enrique. 'When you return to your own country and you're not welcomed as you deserve, it's not easy,' Donnarumma said. 'Now I'm happy to have found confidence, balance and mentality. I am happy to have convinced all Italians. With Luis Enrique I found balance on everything. He gave me a lot especially on a mental level,' he noted. Italy begins its qualifying campaign in Norway on Friday, before hosting Moldova on Monday, having failed to reach the last two World Cups.
News18
2 days ago
- General
- News18
India vs Thailand Live Score: Blue Tigers Take On Changsuek In Exhibition
India vs Thailand Live Score, Football Match Today: The Indian football team face off against the Thailand side at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani on Wednesday in an international friendly. India play the exhibition fixture against Thailand as a tune-up event ahead of the Blue Tigers' Asian Cup Qualifier against Hong Kong, while Thailand are set to take on Turkmenistan in the qualifiers. The hosts boast a better head-to-head record against India with 12 wins for Thailand, 7 for India and 7 draws, however, the Blue Tigers can seek to draw inspirtation from their recent victories against the Changsuek as India managed to beat Thailand 4-1 at the AFC Asia Cup 2019, and 1-0 in the King's Cup. Thailand, who have climbed 14 places since Japanese coach Masatada Ishii took charge in December 2023, stand 99th in the FIFA rankings as compared to the 127th-placed India. Indian Lineup for the game against Thailand: India: Vishal Kaith, Anwar Ali, Apuia, Asish Rai, Abhishek Tekcham, Sandesh Jhingan, Ashique Kurunian, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, Ayush Chhetri, Sunil Chhetri Thailand: Khammai; Dolah, Ballini, Haiprakhon, Kraikruan; Songkrasin, Doloh, Davis, Wonggorn, Panya; Chaided
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong coach hits back at supporters, defends omission of fan favourite striker Lau
Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood has hit back at supporters who have questioned his decision to leave in-form striker Lau Chi-lok out of his latest squad. Advertisement The Englishman launched a staunch defence on Wednesday of his decision to leave the 31-year-old uncapped, and pointed out that none of his predecessors had opted to pick the BC Rangers player either. Lau was not named in the 24-man squad who will take on Nepal at Hong Kong Stadium on Thursday, despite scoring 18 goals in domestic football this season. And with few changes expected for next Tuesday's crunch Asian Cup qualifier against India at Kai Tak Stadium, the 31-year-old's first cap looks as far away as ever. Fans eager to see their hero included were left even angrier by a first call-up for recently naturalised Manuel Bleda, who has played just eight times for Eastern since he returned from a 19-month lay-off in March. Lau Chi-lok (right) scored 18 goals in domestic football this season for BC Rangers. Photo: BC Rangers Westwood said he had 'nothing against [Lau] personally', adding the striker did not have a permanent black mark against his name.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Argentina's Facundo Garcés joins Harimau Malaya
FORMER Deportivo Alavés centre-back Facundo Garcés was today announced as the latest addition to the national football squad under head coach Peter Cklamovski. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), in a statement, said the 25-year-old player is expected to bring quality, experience and strong leadership to a team working to strengthen itself and become the squad that Malaysians aspire to see. 'Having played in Argentina's top-tier league and recently completed a season with Deportivo Alavés in La Liga, Garcés has fulfilled all registration and eligibility requirements, and is now available for selection by Cklamovski. 'He is a player of great character, a composed defender, and one who brings strong personality and vast experience. He is extremely passionate about representing Malaysia and making the country proud,' the statement said. Garcés also expressed his excitement at representing Malaysia. 'Being part of this national team is an incredible honour. Since arriving, I've felt the warmth, sense of family and genuine support from everyone. 'If this is just the beginning, I can only imagine how amazing it will be when the whole country and its fans stand behind us. I'm ready to give my all for Malaysia,' he said. According to the statement, Garcés has joined the national team's training camp during the current FIFA window and will be eligible for selection in the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifier against Vietnam on June 10.
