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Michael Church
Michael Church first started writing about football in Asia when he moved to Hong Kong in 1995 and he has covered every Asian Cup since 1996 and every World Cup since the finals were held in France in 1998. He spends much more time than is healthy sitting on planes and loitering in hotel lobbies and is also a committed fan of most things featuring loud, distorted guitars.
New-look competition kicks off on Monday, with general secretary Windsor John promising a ‘variety of flavours’ for fans to enjoy.
China face uphill battle to get through next qualifying stage, but head coach Branko Ivankovic says side ‘has quality’ to compete with best.
Referee Ma Ning awards hosts hat-trick of spot kicks in disappointing end to enthralling month of football.
Victory will see hosts become first team in 20 years to defend title, making them part of an elite group. Ma Ning is the first Chinese official to take charge of an Asian Cup final.
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Qatar’s Almoez Ali scores winner eight minutes from time, as defending champions set up final against Jordan.
Last chance for Iran’s veterans to win this tournament, coach Amir Ghalenoei says before semi-final against holders and hosts Qatar.
Jurgen Klinsmann says he accepts responsibility for semi-final loss to Jordan, but is now focused on country’s World Cup qualifying campaign
Coach says ‘confidence is there because we came through difficult games’ as they take on Jordan in Tuesday’s first semi-final in Qatar.
West Asia is the dominant financial power in the game but it remains to be seen whether that transfers to the pitch.
Hong Kong’s Lee Man shown yawning gap to bridge to the continent’s best as they are denied place in Thursday’s draw for the 40-team group phase.
Assistant coach says Hong Kong Premier League side can make history in Tuesday’s daunting clash with Urawa Red Diamonds.
Urawa Red Diamonds head coach Maciej Skorza admits Japanese side ‘are not looking good in the physical aspect’ ahead of AFC Champions League play-off.
Prolific former striker insists ‘time will cure’ the ‘misunderstandings’ from his last few months at Hong Kong Premier League giants, after confirming his retirement.
Gao’s advice follows the national team’s exit from the current World Cup edition, making it the first time the team have failed to reach the knockouts.
Rebuilding process begins for Steel Roses, as gulf between reigning Asian champions and the best in Europe grows by the tournament.
Lionesses run riot against in Adelaide to seal their place in the last 16, as Steel Roses limp out in group phase for the first time.
Head coach Shui Qingxia could turn to Wang Shuang after striker came off the bench to score winner against Haiti and keep China’s campaign alive.
China must beat England on Tuesday and hope Haiti can pull off a miracle against Denmark if they are to avoid becoming the first Steel Roses team to make knockout stages of women’s tournament.
Substitute Wang Shuang scores from spot 16 minutes from time as China overcome early red card for Zhang Rui to keep hopes of reaching knockout stages alive.
Defeat in Adelaide, after opening loss to Denmark, would effectively end China’s campaign, but coach Shui Qingxia tells team to ‘put aside the last match and take a good rest and then adjust ourselves’.
Substitute Amalie Vangsgaard scores in 90th minute to earn Denmark 1-0 win in Group D clash at Rectangular Stadium.
China take on Denmark in their opening game in Group D in Perth, looking to return to the final of tournament for the first time since 1999.
Matildas boss Tony Gustavvson refuses to reveal extent of calf injury that kept Sam Kerr out of opening win against Ireland
Poster girl Sam Kerr ruled out of first 2 matches with calf injury that team kept secret. Steph Catley second-half penalty enough to earn side 1-0 win on opening day of competition.
Chelsea striker happy to carry country’s weight of expectation into tournament and first game against Ireland on Thursday.
With a domestic sporting agenda packed with AFL, NRL and an Ashes series in the UK, there is little evidence that one of football’s biggest tournaments has captured the imagination.
‘It’s very rewarding to see my relatives supporting us,’ says defender Sofia Harrison, who welcomes a chance to ‘learn more about my culture and heritage’.
Loss away to Vietnam means Hong Kong have now failed to score in 7 of their past 9 games, but head coach Jorn Andersen says team is improving.
Striker Matt Orr denied by goalkeeper Dang Van Lam and woodwork as Jorn Andersen’s men slip to 1-0 defeat in Haiphong.
Away side’s coach Jorn Andersen insists Hong Kong must play ‘offensive, aggressive football’ as they test themselves against higher-ranked opposition and a familiar face in their dugout.
