Introducing our latest edition to The Asian Game Podcast Network... From Dreams to Goals . Following the journey of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers, hosts Gina Bagnulo and Anirudh Nair will take you deep behind the headlines to explore the stories from nations aspiring to qualify for the tournament in Australia next year. Each week From Dreams to Goals will focus on delving deep and telling the story of women's football in countries from Saudi Arabia to India, from Indonesia to Nepal and ev...
Apr 04, 2025•44 min
In a special 'LIVE' edition of the podcast, Scott McIntyre is in South Korea at the Suwon World Cup Stadium as Korea look to cement their spot atop Group B in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026. But a 1-1 draw last week with Oman has only intensified the spotlight on the team and coach Hong Myung-bo. Follow Scott's journey through the game, as we get reaction after last week's 1-1 draw with Oman from star midfielder Hwang In-beom and Oman coach Rashid Jaber. Korean journalist Seo Bowon expla...
Mar 26, 2025•28 min
The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is coming to an end as the AFC Asian Qualifiers reach the penultimate round with so much still to play for. Herve Renard has swung the changes with Saudi Arabia, while Indonesia are preparing for their first foray under the guidance of Patrick Kluivert. Japan, Korea Republic and Iran can all officially seal their spot at the global showpiece, while a huge opportunity awaits Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, Paul Williams is worried for Australia after naming a weakened s...
Mar 18, 2025•23 min
As the final rounds of the AFC Champions League Elite prepare to be hosted in Jeddah, we discuss with the centralised format is the best model for Asian football. We also discuss this week's draw for the Quarter-Finals and which teams stand the best chance of going all the way? Are we set for a West Asian whitewash? Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X: https://twitter.com/TheAsianGame IG: https://instagram.com/theasiangame Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheAsianG...
Mar 18, 2025•26 min
With the final four set for the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Two, we discuss whether Saudi and Japanese clubs are too strong for the second-tier continental competition. We also discuss Lion City Sailors' remarkable triumph, whether Australian sides can make it back-to-back titles or if Al Taawoun are capable of going all the way. Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X: https://twitter.com/TheAsianGame IG: https://instagram.com/theasiangame Facebook: http...
Mar 18, 2025•12 min
It's a massive week in Asian football with the draw for the AFC Champions League Elite Finals, to be held in Jeddah next month, that saw the final eight teams have their path to the final confirmed. Over in the ACL Two, there was controversy after Sanfrecce Hiroshima had their first leg win voided after fielding an ineligible player, which saw Lion City Sailors progress through to the semi-finals. But should Saudi Arabian and Japanese clubs even participate in ACL Two? Meanwhile, the end of FIFA...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr
The #ACLElite Round of 16 is here, and we’ve got a thrilling ASEAN Derby on our hands! Domestic powerhouses Buriram United and Johor Darul Ta'zim face off in a two-legged battle for a spot in the Quarter-Finals and some massive regional bragging rights. With their last meeting ending in a tense 0-0 draw (and a certain red card 👀), how will this high-stakes rematch play out? Host Ryan Walters is joined by Ta Lao and Keesh Sundaresan to preview this epic clash! Thai League making waves—how big is...
Mar 04, 2025•47 min
On the eve of their historic quarter-final in the AFC Champions League Two, we are joined by Lion City Sailors' defender Bailey Wright. The former Socceroos defender talks about becoming a father for the third time, life in his new home of Singapore and the aspiration of his club as they eye domestic and continental success. Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X: https://twitter.com/TheAsianGame IG: https://instagram.com/theasiangame Facebook: https://facebook.com/...
Mar 04, 2025•24 min
The big news of the week came with confirmation of a joint bid from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan for the 2031 AFC Asian Cup. With the tournament having never been hosted in Central Asia, there was much fascination and excitement at the prospect of Asia's showpiece event being taken to a new region. So is Central Asia ready for such an event, and what would it do for football in the region? We are joined by Uzbekistan Football Association's Muhammad Sodik to answer those questions and ma...
Mar 04, 2025•21 min
As the AFC Champions League Elite prepares to enter the knockout rounds, and AFC Champions League Two prepares for a thrilling quarter final stage, we are joined by Emirati journalist Sultan Al-Ali for a full and frank discussion of the AFC's continental competitions. Has the new League Stage format been a success? Should East & West merge from the beginning? Is Saudi and Japanese dominance a good or bad thing? Meanwhile in ACL Two, is Shabab Al Ahli versus Sharjah the most anticipated match...
Mar 04, 2025•28 min
It is a huge show this week with plenty on the agenda from the AFC Champions League, the AFC U20 Asian Cup and bidding for the 2031 AFC Asian Cup. We're joined by Emirati journalist Sultan Al-Ali to discuss the knockout rounds of both the AFC Champions League Elite and AFC Champions League Two, as well as Australia's success in the AFC U20 Asian Cup. We also speak with Lion City Sailors defender Bailey Wright about his time in the city-state, and their Asian ambitions. Finally, we are joined by ...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 13 min
In a special bonus episode, on the eve of the SheBelieves Cup, our resident women's football expert, Alex Bishop, catches up with new Nadeshiko Japan assistant coach, Leah Blayney. Together they discuss her coaching journey in Australia, her first impression of the Japanese players and the emotion of coming up against Australia in her first game. Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X: https://twitter.com/TheAsianGame IG: https://instagram.com/theasiangame Facebook:...
Feb 17, 2025•9 min
The full crew is back for the first time in 2025 ahead of a bumper year in Asian football, with a feast of football coming our way. We're joined from Kuala Lumpur by Keeshanan Sundaresan from Stadium Astro to discuss in-depth the new structure around the Malaysian national team, while we also look at Abdukodir Khusanov's move to Manchester City. Also on the agenda we discuss the return of the AFC Champions League Elite, the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup, another big transfer window in Saudi Arabia,...
Feb 09, 2025•53 min
The new year is not even a week old and already Asian football has its first bombshell, with the news that Indonesia has sacked head coach Shin Tae-yong. Despite significant success during his tenure, PSSI chairman Erick Thohir announced on Monday that his five-year reign as coach had come to an end after an evaluation of the national team programme. Why was the decision made? Is the decision justified? And where do they turn next? We answer those questions and many more with respected Indonesia...
Jan 06, 2025•38 min
In an open and expansive conversation, new DC United midfielder Hosei Kijima sits down with The Asian Game Podcast to discuss his unqiue journey to professional football and why he thinks he wasn't good enough to make it in Japan. We also discuss the Japan national team, his debut season in MLS, the complexities of identity and his love for modern, progressive coaches. Follow Hosei Kijima on X: https://x.com/KijimaHosei Follow Hosei Kijima on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hoseikijima/ Be sure to...
Dec 12, 2024•31 min
The worst kept 'secret' in football has been confirmed: Saudi Arabia will host the FIFA World Cup 2034. After the announcement from FIFA on Thursday evening, the Kingdom now has ten years to prepare to host football global showpiece; just the third time the FIFA World Cup will be played in Asia after Japan-Korea 2002 and Qatar 2022. We're joined by Gulf football expert, Wael Jabir, and Arab News sports editor, Ali Khaled, to discuss what this means for Saudi Arabia, the reaction inside the count...
Dec 12, 2024•51 min
The 15th edition of the ASEAN Championship, otherwise known as the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup, begins this weekend as Southeast Asia's best battle for regional supremacy. Who are the favourites? Who are the dark horses? And who are the stars to watch? Host Ryan Walters is joined by guru Keeshanan Sundaresan to preview the tournament and answer those questions, plus much more! Follow Ryan on X: https://x.com/MrRyanWalters Follow Keeshanan on X: https://x.com/keeshmatstats Follow ASEAN Championsh...
Dec 06, 2024•38 min
In a lively and engaging conversation with ASEAN Game host Ryan Walters, Kuala Lumpur City’s Giancarlo Gallifuoco opens up about his life, career, and the personal choices that define his globe-trotting journey. The man better known as 'GG' delves into formative years in the youth ranks at Tottenham and Swansea, and how that experience contrasts with youth development in Asia. He also sheds light on his nomadic early career that saw him make stops in Australia, England, and Italy, before finding...
Nov 27, 2024•41 min
How did a boy from Kansas City end up playing for the Jordanian national team? Selangor defender Mo Abualnadi joins us to explain his background and his journey to play for Nashama , and why qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup would mean so much for him. We also discuss his recent move to Malaysian side Selangor and his love of the local delicacies! Follow Mo Abualnadu on IG: https://www.instagram.com/moabualnadi/ Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X: https://t...
Nov 12, 2024•20 min
With Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Ahli dominating in the AFC Champions League Elite, is anyone capable of stopping the Saudi clubs? We debate that question, and discuss the other major talking points from the AFC Champions League, while we also discuss ways to improve the AFC Annual Awards. Finally, we preview the upcoming Asian Qualifiers and talk with Jordanian international Mo Abualnadi. Follow Mo Abualnadu on IG: https://www.instagram.com/moabualnadi/ Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Return fixtures may be a thing of the past in the ACL Elite, but we’re not ready to say farewell just yet! In this exciting crossover between K League United and The ASEAN Game, we’re rolling out the red carpet for the return leg as KLU welcomes Ryan back to preview two Malaysia v Korea matches in continental competition! They preview the increasingly common showdown between Johor Darul Ta'zim and Ulsan HD in ACLE, as well as the clash between relegation-threateneed Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Se...
Nov 04, 2024•47 min
Host Ryan Walters is joined by K League United's Paul Neat for a special preview of this week's action across the continent that involves three clashes involving K League sides taking on some of Southeast Asia's best. Fresh off their statement win over Shanghai Shenhua, Malaysia's JDT are in Korea to take on early front-runners, Gwangju FC. Elsewhere in the AFC Champions League Elite, Pohang Steelers travel to Thailand to take on Buriram United. Meanwhile, in AFC Champions League Two, relegation...
Oct 21, 2024•49 min
Adelaide local Joe Gauci experienced the highs and lows in Australia's 3-1 win over China at Adelaide Oval. A product of A-League side Adelaide United, he spoke with the media about playing for the national team in his home city in front of family and friends. Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X: https://twitter.com/TheAsianGame IG: https://instagram.com/theasiangame Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast...
Oct 11, 2024•7 min
After scoring on debut in Australia's 3-1 win over China, winger Nishan Velupillay spoke with the media in the mixed zone at Adelaide Oval to express his delight at a dream debut for the national team. Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X: https://twitter.com/TheAsianGame IG: https://instagram.com/theasiangame Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast...
Oct 11, 2024•3 min
On the eve of a new era in Australian football, with Tony Popovic taking the reigns as national team coach, we're joined by Australia's leading football journalist, Vince Rugari of the Sydney Morning Herald. Speaking from Adelaide Oval ahead of the clash with China, we discuss his expectations of the Tony Popovic era, the legacy of Graham Arnold and the overall state of Australian football. Follow Rhysh Roshan Rai on X: https://x.com/VinceRugari Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social...
Oct 11, 2024•12 min
As the inaugural season of the AFC Women's Champions League gets underway, we speak with one of the stars of the show. US midfielder Meghan Root talks to The Asian Game Podcast about her journey to Vietnam, playing in the AWCL and her best and worst of Vietnamese food. Follow Meghan on X: https://x.com/root_meghan Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X: https://twitter.com/TheAsianGame IG: https://instagram.com/theasiangame Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheAsianGam...
Oct 11, 2024•14 min
Australia kept their FIFA World Cup hopes alive with a come-from-behind 3-1 win over China. Paul Williams was LIVE at Adelaide Oval, speaking with leading Australian journalist Vince Rugari about what to expect from new coach Tony Popovic. We hear from the man himself, as well as midfielder Jackson Irvine, plus we get reaction from Nishan Velupillay and Joe Gauci. Finally, we also take a look at the AFC Women's Champions League and speak with Ho Chi Minh City's American star, Meghan Root....
Oct 11, 2024•55 min
There were big results and plenty of goals across Matchday Two of the Shopee Cup, with 27 goals across all six matches. Host Ryan Walters, who was in Kuala Lumpur for their 1-0 win over Borneo, is back with Claro Manzano to look back over all the action and discuss the major talking points. Follow Ryan on X: https://x.com/MrRyanWalters Follow Claro on X: https://x.com/ClaroManzano Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X: https://twitter.com/TheAsianGame IG: https://i...
Oct 02, 2024•30 min
Paul Williams and Michael Church are joined by commentator Rhysh Roshan Rai and Saudi journalist Najeeb Al-Jedaawi to look ahead to the start of the AFC Champions League Elite and AFC Champions League Two. How will the new format work? Will Saudi teams dominate? Are CSL teams ready to compete again? Follow Rhysh Roshan Rai on X: https://x.com/RhyshRai Follow Najeeb Al-Jadaawi on X: https://x.com/najeebinho Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X: https://twitter.com/...
Sep 13, 2024•18 min
Paul Williams and Michael Church are joined by commentator Rhysh Roshan Rai and Saudi journalist Najeeb Al-Jedaawi to look back over the first two matchdays of the Third Round of AFC Asian Qualifiers. Which teams surprised? Can anyone stop Japan? How did Saudi Arabia get out of jail against China? Is Australia in trouble? We answer those questions and many more. Follow Rhysh Roshan Rai on X: https://x.com/RhyshRai Follow Najeeb Al-Jadaawi on X: https://x.com/najeebinho Be sure to follow The Asia...
Sep 13, 2024•36 min
