The week in Asian football
The Straits Times
March 9 - Talking points from the week in Asian football: Read more at straitstimes.com.
March 9 - Talking points from the week in Asian football:
SIMIKAN HEADER KEEPS AL-NASSR ON TOP IN SAUDI PRO LEAGUE
Al-Nassr maintained their hold on top spot in the Saudi Pro League after Mohamed Simikan's stoppage time header earned Jorge Jesus' side a 1-0 win over Neom FC on Sunday.
Simikan nodded in Joao Felix's free kick from the left to give Al-Nassr a win that keeps them two points ahead of Asian champions Al-Ahli, who downed Saudi title holders Al-Ittihad 3-1 in the Jeddah derby on Friday.
NEWCASTLE BATTLE BACK TO MOVE FOUR POINTS CLEAR IN A-LEAGUE
Newcastle Jets extended their lead in the A-League to four points with a 2-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday, while second-placed Auckland FC were held to a 2-2 draw by Perth Glory on Sunday.
MELBOURNE, March 18 - Sidelined for two years by an ACL injury, Australia captain Sam Kerr arrived at the Women's Asian Cup with queries over her fitness and saddled with a heavy burden to restore pride in the Matildas. Read more at straitstimes.com.
BUENOS AIRES, March 17 - The Argentine national soccer team will host Guatemala on March 31 in a friendly match that will serve as a farewell to its fans ahead of summer's World Cup, and following the 'Finalissima' cancellation, the local federation said on Tuesday. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a game-time decision for the matchup after injuring his left knee. Read more at straitstimes.com.
March 17 - Japan have looked unstoppable in the women's Asian Cup, but coach Nils Nielsen's side will face a stern test of their title credentials when they take on South Korea in the semi-finals on Wednesday. Read more at straitstimes.com.
March 17 - Former U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu has pulled out of the Miami Open as she continues her recovery from illness, the WTA said on Monday. Read more at straitstimes.com.
But 32-cap midfielder Song Ui-young misses out as he is still recovering from ankle surgery. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by Egypt in Seattle. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Matosevic was found to have committed five anti-doping rule violations between 2018 and 2020. Read more at straitstimes.com.
The Magpies visit on Wednesday in the Champions League last 16, the tie delicately poised after a 1-1 draw. Read more at straitstimes.com.
They have back-to-back matchups on March 16 (March 17, Singapore time) and March 18 in Houston. Read more at straitstimes.com.
March 16 - Formula One champions McLaren hope to turn past pain into future gain following the double blow of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri failing to start Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix. Read more at straitstimes.com.
March 16 - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola did not need to convince his players that they could overturn a 3-0 Champions League deficit against Real Madrid, he said on Monday, adding that it was a game where many things can happen. Read more at straitstimes.com.
He pockets the biggest PGA Tour win of his career after rattling in five birdies and a bogey in his final round. Read more at straitstimes.com.