‘It’s 50-50’: coaches dodge ‘favourites’ question before Matildas meet Japan in Women’s Asian Cup final

Japan coach Nils Nielsen delivers comic turn at press conference Joe Montemurro calls on Matildas to ‘manage the moments well’ The Matildas are either “shit” or “honey” according to Japan coach Nils Nielsen, who evaded a question on whether his side are favourites in a bemusing final press conference ahead of Saturday’s Women’s Asian Cup decider. Japan are ranked No 6 in the world and easily accounted for the Matildas 4-0 just over a year ago, but the Greenland-born Dane refused to answer a...

By Jack Snape

Iranian women’s soccer team returns home after declining asylum in Australia: report

Iran’s women’s soccer team reportedly returned home after several players sought asylum in Australia. Two players accepted asylum offers and have remained in the country.

Iran women's football team return after asylum tussle

The Iranian women's football team, whose plight has become embroiled in the Middle East war, returned back to Iran on Wednesday where they were promised a welcome ceremony in Tehran. Seven members of the delegation had sought asylum in Australia last week after their decision not to sing the national anthem before their opening game at the Women's Asian Cup.

By FRANCE24

Iran women’s soccer team greeted with a welcome ceremony in Tehran

Members of Iran’s national women’s soccer team were greeted with a welcome ceremony upon their return to the Islamic Republic after several of the players sought asylum in Australia

Australia must be 'smart and adapt' to beat Japan in Asian Cup final: coach

Coach Joe Montemurro told his Australia team Friday they must be adaptable and "smart" to win the Women's Asian Cup for the first time since 2010 and avenge two gut-wrenching losses against Japan in the continental final.While many of the current team were part of their two previous Asian Cup final defeats against Japan, captain Sam Kerr is the sole survivor from the 2010 title side.

Australia chases rare major trophy in Asian Cup decider against formidable Japan

A tournament that has smashed attendance records from all previous editions will conclude with a bumper crowd ​at Stadium Australia in a dream final for local fans and organizers.

Members of Iran women's team return home

Iran's national women's team crossed the Turkish border into Iran on Wednesday to complete a fraught return journey from Australia, after five members withdrew asylum claims they had lodged there.