TOURNAMENTS & COMPETITIONS

The tournaments, championships and competitions shaping football across Asia — from national teams to the continental club game.

ANALYSIS

Van Marwijk’s genius rewards UAE FA’s brave U-Turn

“Those who cannot change their minds, cannot change anything,” goes the quote attributed to Irish playwright George Bernard…

ANALYSIS

Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan prepare for do-or-die battle

After nearly two years of extended gameplay, Round 2 of FIFA World Cup qualification in Asia draws to…

ANALYSIS

Asia readies itself for pivotal fortnight

A 10-0 victory for Japan over Myanmar on Friday. A 7-0 win for China over Guam on Sunday. Following…

ANALYSIS

Hidalgo holds Sri Pahang’s hopes in his hands

On a humid night in Kuantan, on the East Coast of the Malaysias peninsular, a young and diminutive…

ANALYSIS

Fortune favours the brave in expanded ACL

After an adrenaline-fuelled 60 matches across 16 days, the AFC Champions League group stage has drawn to a…

ANALYSIS

Istiklol ready to fly the flag for Tajik football

This week marks the return of this year’s AFC Champions League. While it emerges later than planned, hosted…