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Michael Church
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.

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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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.

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.

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’.

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.

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’.

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.