1.
Sharjah
–
Sharjah is the third largest and third most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, forming part of the Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman metropolitan area. It is located along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula, Sharjah is the capital of the emirate of Sharjah. Sharjah has been ruled by the Al Qasimi dynasty since the 18th century, the city is a centre for culture and industry, and alone contributes 7. 4% of the GDP of the United Arab Emirates. The city covers an area of 235 km² and has a population of over 800,000. This has helped Sharjah increase the number of Islamic tourists who visit the country, Sharjah has been officially named as a WHO healthy city. The 2016 edition of QS Best Student Cities ranked Sharjah as the 68th best city in the world to be a university student. Sharjah is regarded as the capital of the UAE, and was the Islamic culture capital in 2014 Sharjah is the third largest city in the United Arab Emirates after Dubai. The palace of the ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi is located about 20 kilometres southeast of the city, the city of Sharjah overlooks the Persian Gulf and has a population of over 800,000. Distinctive landmarks include two major covered souks, reflecting Islamic design, and a number of areas and public parks such as Al Montazah Fun Park. The city is notable for its numerous elegant mosques. After the construction boom took place in Dubai in 2005, towering skyscrapers and modern buildings were constructed in areas like Al Khan. These modern tall buildings and the subsequent increase in population coupled with inadequate infrastructure made Sharjah suffer from traffic jams and this was also due to its location between the northeastern emirates and Dubai. Many Sharjah residents travel 15 km to visit Dubai on the weekend, Sharjah is bordered by the cities of Dubai and Ajmān and is about 170 km away from the capital city Abu Dhabi. In the early 18th century, the Qawasim clan established itself in Sharjah, on 8 January 1820, Sheikh Sultan I signed the General Maritime Treaty with Britain, accepting a protectorate to keep the Ottoman Turks out. Like four of its neighbours, Ajman, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah, on 2 December 1971, Sharjah, together with Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Qawain and Fujairah joined in the Act of Union to form the United Arab Emirates. The seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, joined the UAE on 10 February 1972, many of these items feature subjects unrelated to the emirates whose names they bear, and therefore many popular catalogues do not list them. Other researchers link the word Sharqah to the fact that the city is located to the Sharq, or east, of Dubai, hence the Arabic classical form of Sharjah is Al Shareqah. It is the form that is Al Sharjah
2.
United Arab Emirates
–
In 2013, the UAEs population was 9.2 million, of which 1.4 million are Emirati citizens and 7.8 million are expatriates. The country is a federation of seven emirates, and was established on 2 December 1971, the constituent emirates are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain. Each emirate is governed by a monarch, together, they jointly form the Federal Supreme Council. One of the monarchs is selected as the President of the United Arab Emirates, Islam is the official religion of the UAE and Arabic is the official language. The UAEs oil reserves are the seventh-largest in the world while its natural gas reserves are the worlds seventeenth-largest, Sheikh Zayed, ruler of Abu Dhabi and the first President of the UAE, oversaw the development of the Emirates and steered oil revenues into healthcare, education and infrastructure. The UAEs economy is the most diversified in the Gulf Cooperation Council, while its most populous city of Dubai is an important global city, nevertheless, the country remains principally reliant on its export of petroleum and natural gas. The UAE is criticised for its rights record, including the specific interpretations of Sharia used in its legal system. The UAEs rising international profile has led analysts to identify it as a regional. It appears the land of the Emirates has been occupied for thousands of years, there is no proof of contact with the outside world at that stage, although in time it developed with civilisations in Mesopotamia and Iran. This contact persisted and became wide-ranging, probably motivated by trade in copper from the Hajar Mountains, in ancient times, Al Hasa was part of Al Bahreyn and adjoined Greater Oman. Sassanid groups were present on the Batinah coast, in 637, Julfar was an important port that was used as a staging post for the Islamic invasion of the Sassanian Empire. The area of the Al Ain/Buraimi Oasis was known as Tuam and was an important trading post for camel routes between the coast and the Arabian interior. The earliest Christian site in the UAE was first discovered in the 1990s, a monastic complex on what is now known as Sir Bani Yas Island. Thought to be Nestorian and built in 600 AD, the church appears to have been abandoned peacefully in 750 AD and it forms a rare physical link to a legacy of Christianity which is thought to have spread across the peninsula from 50 to 350 AD following trade routes. Certainly, by the 5th century, Oman had a bishop named John – the last bishop of Oman being Etienne, in 676 AD. This led to a group of travelling to Medina, converting to Islam and subsequently driving a successful uprising against the unpopular Sassanids. Following the death of Prophet Muhammad, the new Islamic communities south of the Persian Gulf threatened to disintegrate, with insurrections against the Muslim leaders. The Caliph Abu Bakr sent an army from the capital Medina which completed its reconquest of the territory with the battle of Dibba in which 10,000 lives are thought to have been lost
3.
Forward (association football)
–
Forwards are the players on an association football team who play nearest to the opposing teams goal, and are therefore most responsible for scoring goals. Their advanced position and limited defensive responsibilities mean forwards normally score more goals on behalf of their team than other players, modern team formations generally include one to three forwards, for example, the common 4–2–3–1 formation includes one forward. Unconventional formations may include more than three forwards, or none, the centre-forward is often a tall player, typically known as a target man, whose main function is to score the majority of goals on behalf of the team. Most modern centre-forwards operate in front of the strikers or central attacking midfielders. The present role of centre-forward is sometimes interchangeable with that of an attacking midfielder, a centre-forward usually must be strong, to win key headers and outmuscle defenders. The term centre-forward is taken from the football playing formation in which there were five forward players. The number would become synonymous with the centre-forward position. Strikers are known for their ability to peel off defenders and to run into space via the side of the defender and to receive the ball in a good goalscoring position. They are typically fast players with ball control and dribbling abilities. More agile strikers like Michael Owen have an advantage over taller defenders due to their short burst speed, a good striker should be able to shoot confidently with either foot, possess great power and accuracy, and have the ability to pass the ball under pressure in breakaway situations. Deep-lying forwards have a history in the game, but the terminology to describe their playing activity has varied over the years. Originally such players were termed inside forwards, creative or deep-lying centre-forwards, in fact, a coined term, the nine-and-a-half, has been an attempt to become a standard in defining the position. In Italy, this role is known as a rifinitore or seconda punta, whereas in Brazil, it is known as segundo atacante. An outside forward plays as the forward on the right or left wing – as an outside right or outside left. As football tactics have largely developed, and wingers have dropped back to become midfielders, many commentators and football analysts still refer to the wing positions as outside right and outside left. However, in the British game they are counted as part of the midfield. It is a duty to beat opposing full-backs, deliver cut-backs or crosses from wide positions and, to a lesser extent, to beat defenders. They are usually some of the quickest players in the team, in their Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese usage, the defensive duties of the winger have been usually confined to pressing the opposition fullbacks when they have the ball
4.
Al-Shaab CSC
–
Al-Shaab Cultural & Sports Club is a multi-sports club based in Sharjah, one of the northern emirates in the United Arab Emirates. The clubs football team plays in the UAE Arabian Gulf League, as of UAE Arabian Gulf League, UAE Presidents Cup,11993
5.
United Arab Emirates national football team
–
They were for a time managed by legendary English manager Don Revie. United Arab Emirates home ground varies, most home games have been played at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi with Abu Dhabis Al Jazira Stadium and Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain as other venues. It has made one World Cup appearance, in 1990 in Italy, two years later the UAE took fourth place in the 1992 Asian Cup, and runner-up in 1996 as hosts of the tournament. In both tournaments their final match was lost on penalty kicks and they also won the Gulf Cup of Nations on two occasions – in 2007 when they won a title for the first time in their history and then in 2013. They finished third in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup and will be hosting the next AFC Asian Cup in 2019, the first match of UAE national football team was played on 17 March 1972, four months after the union of the United Arab Emirates. They played against Qatar at Riyadhs Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, then, the team faced three other Arabian countries, losing 4–0 and 7–0 to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait respectively and beating Bahrain 3 nothing. After participating in four Gulf Cup of Nations since 1972, the UAE hosted the 1982 edition and they again finished third, as they did in the two previous tournaments. In 1980, UAE qualified for the first time for the AFC Asian Cup and they were drawn with eventual winners, Kuwait, runner-up South Korea, Malaysia and Qatar in Group B. They drew 1–1 with Kuwait but lost the three matches and finished their first appearance at the tournament in fifth place in their group. They also qualified for two tournaments,1984 in Singapore and 1988 in Qatar and were again eliminated in the group stages in both. Their first victory of the tournament occurred against India on 7 December 1984 under manager Heshmat Mohajerani, in 1984, Mohajerani resigned as UAE head coach and was replaced with former Brazil manager Carlos Alberto Parreira. Parreira led the country at the 1988 AFC Asian Cup and left his position after the tournament and he was succeeded by Brazilian World Cup winning coach Mário Zagallo. Zagallo led the country to qualification for the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, however, Zagallo resigned before the tournament and Parreira returned as head coach to lead UAE at the tournament. They were drawn at Group D along with eventual winner West Germany and they lost 2–0 to Colombia, 5–1 to West Germany and 4–1 to Yugoslavia. They finished fourth with no points, scoring two goals and conceding eleven goals, uAEs first goal at the tournament was scored by Khalid Ismaïl against West Germany. After the tournament, Parreira was sacked, two years later, at the 1992 AFC Asian Cup, UAE finished in fourth place, their best finish up to that date. UAE hosted 1996 AFC Asian Cup and they hired Croatian coach Tomislav Ivić one year before the tournament and were drawn in Group A along with Kuwait, South Korea and Indonesia. They drew 1–1 with South Korea in the match, then defeated Kuwait 3–2
6.
Arabic
–
Arabic is a Central Semitic language that was first spoken in Iron Age northwestern Arabia and is now the lingua franca of the Arab world. Arabic is also the language of 1.7 billion Muslims. It is one of six languages of the United Nations. The modern written language is derived from the language of the Quran and it is widely taught in schools and universities, and is used to varying degrees in workplaces, government, and the media. The two formal varieties are grouped together as Literary Arabic, which is the language of 26 states. Modern Standard Arabic largely follows the standards of Quranic Arabic. Much of the new vocabulary is used to denote concepts that have arisen in the post-Quranic era, Arabic has influenced many languages around the globe throughout its history. During the Middle Ages, Literary Arabic was a vehicle of culture in Europe, especially in science, mathematics. As a result, many European languages have borrowed many words from it. Many words of Arabic origin are found in ancient languages like Latin. Balkan languages, including Greek, have acquired a significant number of Arabic words through contact with Ottoman Turkish. Arabic has also borrowed words from languages including Greek and Persian in medieval times. Arabic is a Central Semitic language, closely related to the Northwest Semitic languages, the Ancient South Arabian languages, the Semitic languages changed a great deal between Proto-Semitic and the establishment of the Central Semitic languages, particularly in grammar. Innovations of the Central Semitic languages—all maintained in Arabic—include, The conversion of the suffix-conjugated stative formation into a past tense, the conversion of the prefix-conjugated preterite-tense formation into a present tense. The elimination of other prefix-conjugated mood/aspect forms in favor of new moods formed by endings attached to the prefix-conjugation forms, the development of an internal passive. These features are evidence of descent from a hypothetical ancestor. In the southwest, various Central Semitic languages both belonging to and outside of the Ancient South Arabian family were spoken and it is also believed that the ancestors of the Modern South Arabian languages were also spoken in southern Arabia at this time. To the north, in the oases of northern Hijaz, Dadanitic and Taymanitic held some prestige as inscriptional languages, in Najd and parts of western Arabia, a language known to scholars as Thamudic C is attested
7.
Association football
–
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball. It is played by 250 million players in over 200 countries and dependencies making it the worlds most popular sport, the game is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end. The object of the game is to score by getting the ball into the opposing goal, players are not allowed to touch the ball with their hands or arms while it is in play, unless they are goalkeepers. Other players mainly use their feet to strike or pass the ball, the team that scores the most goals by the end of the match wins. If the score is level at the end of the game, the Laws of the Game were originally codified in England by The Football Association in 1863. Association football is governed internationally by the International Federation of Association Football, the first written reference to the inflated ball used in the game was in the mid-14th century, Þe heued fro þe body went, Als it were a foteballe. The Online Etymology Dictionary states that the word soccer was split off in 1863, according to Partha Mazumdar, the term soccer originated in England, first appearing in the 1880s as an Oxford -er abbreviation of the word association. Within the English-speaking world, association football is now usually called football in the United Kingdom and mainly soccer in Canada and the United States. People in Australia, Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand use either or both terms, although national associations in Australia and New Zealand now primarily use football for the formal name. According to FIFA, the Chinese competitive game cuju is the earliest form of football for which there is scientific evidence, cuju players could use any part of the body apart from hands and the intent was kicking a ball through an opening into a net. It was remarkably similar to football, though similarities to rugby occurred. During the Han Dynasty, cuju games were standardised and rules were established, phaininda and episkyros were Greek ball games. An image of an episkyros player depicted in low relief on a vase at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens appears on the UEFA European Championship Cup, athenaeus, writing in 228 AD, referenced the Roman ball game harpastum. Phaininda, episkyros and harpastum were played involving hands and violence and they all appear to have resembled rugby football, wrestling and volleyball more than what is recognizable as modern football. As with pre-codified mob football, the antecedent of all football codes. Non-competitive games included kemari in Japan, chuk-guk in Korea and woggabaliri in Australia, Association football in itself does not have a classical history. Notwithstanding any similarities to other games played around the world FIFA have recognised that no historical connection exists with any game played in antiquity outside Europe. The modern rules of football are based on the mid-19th century efforts to standardise the widely varying forms of football played in the public schools of England
8.
One-club man
–
A one-club man is a footballer who has played his entire professional career with only one club. In the strictest definition, one-club men are rare in football due to the effects of the large pay offers from rival clubs, players must have been at their club for a minimum of ten years in order to be included here. Loan spells at other teams players from being counted in the list. Only seasons with appearances in the senior first team are counted, current players who have been at their club since 2008 will be eligible for inclusion in 2018. Edmund Białas, player 1934-1951, manager 1956-1976 with intervals Michael Anhaeuser, player 1994–1998, coach 1999–present Lajos Tichy, player 1953–1971, hakkı Yeten, player 1931–1948, manager 1949 and 1950–1951, club president 1960–1963, 1964–1966 and 1967–1968. Santiago Bernabéu, player 1912–1927, director/assistant manager and manager 1927–1936, ali Sami Yen, player 1905–1909, manager 1916–1917, club president 1905–1918 and 1925 Boris Gavrilov, player 1971–1989, assistant manager 1989–present. Bill Nicholson, player 1938–1955, manager 1958–1974, ledley King, player 1999–2012, club ambassador 2012–present. Lev Yashin, player 1949–1971, club administration 1971–1990, ryan Giggs, player 1990–2014, player-coach 2013–2014, player-manager 2014, assistant manager 2014–2016. Fred Blankemeijer, player 1942-1952, technical director, board member, youth coach, giacinto Facchetti, technical director, board member, worldwide ambassador, vice president, and president. Willie Miller, player 1972–1990, coach 1990–1992, manager 1992–1995, antoon Verlegh, player 1912–1931, manager, chairman, chairman of honour 1931–1960. Vadym Sosnykhin, player 1960–1973, youth-team coach 1974–1991, veterans team director 1992–2003, andriy Tsvik, player 1987–2005, reserves coach 2005–2007, assistant manager 2007–present. Josu Urrutia, player 1987–2003, club president 2011–present, carles Puyol, player 1999–2014, assistant of director of football 2014, and resign in the same year. Ross Caven, player 1982–2002, director 2001–present, les Hart, player 1936–1953, Coach/Physio 1954–1968, Manager 1969–1971, Physio 1972–1980. Last SL Game, Leeds Rhinos vs. Wigan Warriors, last Championship Game, End of Round 7. List of NBA players who have spent their career with one franchise List of NHL players who spent their entire career with one franchise
9.
Heshmat Mohajerani
–
Heshmatollah Mohajerani is a retired Iranian footballer and former football manager. He has been known for creating and development of Irans golden age of football in the 1970s which won many Asian titles, Mohajerani played professional football as a Midfielder in Taj for almost eight years before retiring due to injury. He also played six months for Pas Tehran and he began his coaching career with Iran national football team at three age rank. Mohajerani later managed Al-Shaab and Al-Wahda in UAE League, United Arab Emirates and Oman national football teams, Mohajerani is also one of the founders and co-owner of Aboomoslem located in Mashhad, a club founded in 1970 by Mohajerani and his brothers. Aboumoslem is currently playing in Second Division, Mohajerani was born on 11 December 1936 in Mashhad, Khorasan, as the third out of five sons of Asadoolah Mohajerani and Leila Nassiri. After years, his family moved to Tehran and his brothers began playing football in Tajs youth teams. He also began his career at Taj in 1955 when he was nineteen years old. In his senior years, Mohajerani joined Taj SC and played for this club until his pre-mature retirement at the age of 27 years. After the World Military Games held in Greece, he stopped playing football and he flew to Japan to participate in a three-month coaching course. In that course, which was under the auspices Sir Stanley Rous, President of FIFA, Mohajerani was joined by Mohammad Ranjbar. In 1971 and two years completing the coaching course, he was given the job by the Iranian Football Federation. This achievement is a record no other coach has been able to match. He began his work as manager of the team with a 3–0 win over Bahrain, Mohajeranis good results was continued with a win over Saudi Arabia and a 2–2 draw with Brazil national football team in a friendly match. He was named as permanent manager of Iranian national team on 5 February 1976, months before 1976 AFC Asian Cup and his side defeated Kuwait in the final, with goal from Ali Parvin in 71st minute. This was Irans third consecutive title in eight years, two titles was won under Mahmoud Bayati and Mohammad Ranjbar. Shortly after winning Asian Cup, it was qualification for the 1976 Summer Olympics, Iran qualified for the next round as Group C runner-up after defeated Cuba and lost to group winner Poland. In the quarter-finals, Iran faced Soviet Union and lost 2–1 and this is Irans best finish at Olympic Games. The pinnacle of Mohajeranis achievement however was the first ever success of Iran to the World Cup finals in Argentine 1978, after they returns to Iran, Mohajerani resigned as the manager of the team two months after the World Cup
10.
Iran national football team
–
The National football team of Iran, also known as Team Melli, represents Iran in international football competitions and is governed by the Iran Football Federation. The national football team of Iran, known as Team Melli, ranks 1st in Asia, Iran is one of the most successful national teams in Asia with three Asian Cup championships. Iran has qualified for the World Cup four times but has never advanced past the group stage, Irans only win in the World Cup has been a 2–1 victory against the United States in 1998. The Iranian Football Federation was founded in 1920, in 1926 Tehran XI traveled across the border to Baku, USSR, this was the first away football match for an Iranian team. This Tehran Select team is the predecessor of Irans national football team. The first match that Team Melli played was on 23 August 1941, away at Kabul in a 1–0 win against British India, while Irans first FIFA international match was on 25 August 1941, away at Afghanistan. Iran won the Asian Cup three consecutive times, to which the team has not been able to add since, Iran lost two of three group stage matches against the Netherlands and Peru. After the 1979 Revolution, football was somewhat neglected and cast aside, during the 1980s, the Iranian national team did not feature in World Cup competitions due to the Iran–Iraq War and domestic football suffered the inevitable effects of conflict. The national team withdrew from the Asian qualifiers for the 1982 World Cup, the war and political upheavals left Iran without major club competitions until 1989 when the Qods League was established. A year later, the Qods League was renamed the Azadegan League, both games finished undecided, but Iran managed to qualify due to the away goals rule. Iran held Australia to a 1–1 draw at home, and a 2–2 draw in Melbourne, however, since Iran had scored more away goals, they were able to qualify for the Cup. At their first game of the Group F at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Iran played well against Yugoslavia, losing narrowly 1–0, only to a free kick goal by Siniša Mihajlović. Iran recorded their first World Cup victory in the game, beating the United States 2–1, with Hamid Estili. The Iran vs USA World Cup match was preheated with much excitement because of each countrys political stance after the Iranian revolution and the Iran hostage crisis. However, in an act of defiance against all forms of hatred or politics in sports, following defeat against Iran, the United States was eliminated from the World Cup. Iran played against Germany in the third game, the goals were scored by Oliver Bierhoff and Jürgen Klinsmann. The one win and two losses meant Iran came third in the group standing and failed to make it to the next round. Iran finished first in the stage of the tournament
11.
Cap (sport)
–
In British sport, a cap is a metaphorical term for a players appearance in a game at international level. The term dates from the practice in the United Kingdom of awarding a cap to every player in a match of association football. An early illustration of the first international match between Scotland and England in 1872 shows the Scottish players wearing cowls, and the English wearing a variety of school caps. These to be termed International Caps, the act of awarding a cap is now international and is applied to other sports. Thus, a cap is awarded for each game played and so a player who has played x games, the practice of awarding a physical cap varies from sport to sport. It may be awarded prior to a debut or, particularly for national teams. As an example, the England mens association football teams still awards physical caps, Players are awarded one cap for every match they play — unless they play in a World Cup or European Championship finals tournament. Then they are given a cap for the competition — with the names of all their opponents stitched into the fabric of the cap itself. In mens association football, the record belongs to former player Ahmed Hassan of Egypt, the first footballer to win 100 international caps was Billy Wright of Englands Wolverhampton Wanderers. Wright went on to appear 105 times for England,90 of them he obtained whilst he was a captain, however, it is a players choice to refuse to play for or retire from his or her national team. In cricket, there are two types of caps, firstly, there is the international type, as described above. Some countries also award a domestic type generally known as a county cap, the latter system is most commonly applied in English county cricket. Most counties do not automatically award caps to players on their first appearance, instead, indeed, one can play at the highest domestic level for several years, and have a quite significant career in first-class cricket, without ever winning a cap. The world record for the number of caps in Test cricket is held by Sachin Tendulkar of India, Tendulkar also holds the record for One Day Internationals, with 463 caps. In rugby union,35 players have reached 100 international caps as of 5 June 2012, Players from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland are eligible for selection to the British and Irish Lions touring squad. Lions matches are classed as full international tests, and caps are awarded, the Pacific Islanders team, composed of players from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Niue and Cook Islands have a similar arrangement, although no players involved have so far reached 100 caps. Players still active at Test level are in bold type, the record for most caps is held by former Australian Kangaroos player & captain Darren Lockyer with 59 games and second place is former New Zealand Kiwis player & captain Ruben Wiki with 55 games. Players still active at Test level are in bold type, mens Records and Facts FIFA Players with 100+ Caps RSSSF Picture of International Football Cap National Museum of Scotland Gallery of International Caps and Honours Caps
12.
Royal Oman Police Stadium
–
The Royal Oman Police Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Muscat, Oman. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the stadium of Oman Club. The stadium has a capacity of 15,000 people, the stadium is maintained by the Royal Oman Police and plays host to various national cultural events and parades. The stadium is one of few venues that have hosted matches in the country
13.
Kuwait national football team
–
The Kuwait national football team is the national team of Kuwait and is controlled by the Kuwait Football Association. Kuwait made one World Cup finals appearance, in 1982, managing a draw with Czechoslovakia but losing to England, during the match against France, a goal was scored by the French because some of the Kuwaiti players stopped playing, having heard a whistle. The goal was awarded by the referee, who had not blown. They had better success contending for the Asian Cup, reaching the final in 1976, Kuwaits 20–0 win over Bhutan in 2000 was at the time the biggest ever victory in international football. It was surpassed in 2001, when Australia beat American Samoa 31–0, Kuwait is now currently suspended from FIFA. Kuwaits first international match was played in the 1961 Pan Arab Games against Libya which ended in a 2–2 draw, Kuwaits biggest loss was against Republic the United Arab Republic when they were destroyed 8–0 by the Pharaohs in the same tournament. Kuwait national football team has joined the world cup in 1982 which was held in Spain Kuwait has joined the fourth group, Kuwait has won the AFC Cup in 1980 which was held in Kuwait. Kuwait won the Final 3–0 on South Korea, Kuwait historical FIFA ranking which was 24th. Bashar Abdullah is the most capped player in Kuwait and the top scorer in the history of the Kuwait National Football Team. Kuwait has won the cup of nation 10 times and is the most team to win the competition. Kuwaits most historical manager is Luiz Felipe Scolari, who won the cup with Brazil national team, was forced to leave the country after the 1990 invasion in Iraq. He led Kuwait to win the 1990 Gulf cup beating Qatar in The Final, Kuwaits most successful years were between 1970–1990 which had players like Jassem Yacoub, Faisal Dakhil, Saad Al-Hoty et al. On October 30,2007, Kuwait was suspended by FIFA from all participation in international football, the ban lasted less than 2 weeks. On October 24,2008, Kuwait was again suspended by FIFA from all participation in international football, FIFA provisionally lifted its suspension on the Kuwait Football Association on December 22,2008. Once again, on 16 October 2015, Kuwait were suspended for the 3rd time as FIFA did not recognize the new law in the country. The Kuwait National Team has two stadiums and they are Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium and Al-Sadaqua Walsalam Stadium. Jaber Al-Ahmed International Stadium was built in 2009 and Kuwait celebrated winning the Gulf Cup 20 in that stadium, while Al—Sadaqua Walsalam Stadium is for Kuwaiti club Kazma and was the Kuwait national team home. Following the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification-AFC Second Round Playing against The Philippines on 23 July 2011 this was the last time Mohammed Al-Hamed Stadium was the Kuwait Home stadium
14.
Qatar national football team
–
The Qatar national football team is the national team of Qatar and is overseen by the Qatar Football Association. The team has appeared in nine Asian Cup tournaments and Qatar also hosted the 2011 Asian Cup and they play their home games at Khalifa International Stadium and Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. The latter is the stadium for the team. By 1948, expatriate oil workers played the first official match in Qatar. The Qatar Football Association was formed in 1960, and the QFA joined FIFA in 1970, the plans came to fruition and in March 1970 the Gulf Cup of Nations was inaugurated. The Qatar national team played its first official match on March 27,1970 against hosts Bahrain, in the next edition of the Gulf Cup in 1972, Qatar was again relegated to last place after suffering 3 straight defeats. The next tournament in 1974 proved to be somewhat of a break-through for the Qataris as they achieved their first triumph in international football with a 4–0 victory over Oman. The Qataris lost out to Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals, the first time they entered the qualifying stages for the AFC Asian Cup was in 1975. They were not successful in qualifying for the 1976 AFC Asian Cup, with Iraq, despite this setback, Qatar finished in 3rd place in the 4th Gulf Cup as the host nation the next year. The national team played its first FIFA World Cup qualifying match in 1977, Qatar was set to play UAE on 11 March 1977, but the last minute withdrawal of the UAE from the competition merely postponed Qatars debut until two days later when Bahrain were defeated 2–0 in Doha. Their Asian Cup debut came in 1980 under legendary head coach Evaristo de Macedo and they had qualified for the tournament after topping a relatively easy group composing of Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Their showing in the tournament was unimpressive, making an early exit from the group stages with two defeats, one draw and one win. Qatar narrowly lost to Iraq in the finals of the 1984 Gulf Cup of Nations, nonetheless they were named runners-up and they failed to make it out of the preliminary stages of the 1982 and 1986 World Cup qualifying rounds. However, the qualified for both the 1984 and 1988 editions of the Asian Cup. They fell short of qualifying for the semi-finals of the 1984 tournament and they also missed out on a semi-final place in 1988, however, they notably defeated Japan by a score of 3–0. Qatar arguably reached its peak in the 1990s, attaining its highest-ever FIFA rating in August 1993, Qatar started off with an emphatic qualifying campaign for the 1990 World Cup, finishing at the top of their group. They were denied a spot in the World Cup after finishing below UAE, in 1990, the national team once again finished runners-up in the Gulf Cup as Kuwait won the final two matches of the tournament. Two years later, they won the competition on home soil for the first time under the leadership of Sebastião Lapola and they were also named runners-up in the 1996 Gulf Cup
15.
Jalan Besar Stadium
–
Jalan Besar Stadium is an 8, 000-capacity football stadium located along Jalan Besar, in Kallang, Singapore. The stadium is part of the Jalan Besar Sports and Recreation Centre, a community facility that includes the stadium. It is the ground of the Young Lions and LionsXII. The stadium was used for the Singapore national football matches while the National Stadium was under construction. The national team may still play here as an alternative home ground to the National Stadium. The original stadium was opened on Boxing Day 1929 and is considered to be the birthplace of Singapore football, malaya Cup matches were played at the stadium from 1932 to 1966, and Malaysia Cup matches from 1967 to 1973. During the Japanese Occupation, the stadium was one of the Sook Ching mass screening sites, during the war, the stadium remained opened and was also used as a language centre to teach the Japanese language. In 1964 a Mass rally held at the stadium to mourn the death of Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, in December 1999, the original stadium was closed for rebuilding. The new stadium was opened later in June 2003 with a capacity of 6,000. The position of the pitch was retained in the position as the previous stadium. In 2006, under the FIFA GOAL plan, the pitch was relaid with Fifa 1 Star Recommended turf. The cost of relaying the pitch cost $1 million was funded by the FIFA Goal Programme, in 2008, the stadiums pitch was relaid again at the cost of US$400,000, with Fifa 2 Star Recommended artificial turf, a better quality artificial turf. The cost of re-turfing was borne entirely by Fifa, under Fifas second Goal Project, the stadium also hosts S. League games that are shown Live on Starhub cable television every Thursday. On 24 July 2010, Burnley F. C. played against a Singapore Selection side in the FIS Asian Challenge Cup held at the stadium, the Singapore side lost the game 0-1. During the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics held in Singapore, the stadium was the venue for both the boys and girls football tournament. As part of the LionsXIIs sponsorship by Kingsmen, the King Georges Stand was built in 2012 using a temporary stand, two new screens were also placed at the two ends of the Grandstand, North and South, to enable better match experience for the Gallery fans. On 22 May 2013, Atletico Madrid played against a Singapore Selection side in the Peter Lim Charity Cup held at the stadium, the Singapore side lost the game 0-2. AFC U-17 Championship 2006 Sharon Seow, Exploring Jalan Besar, Voices@Central Singapore Issue No, Singapore Sports Council website page on the Jalan Besar Stadium
16.
India national football team
–
The India national football team represents India in international football and is controlled by the All India Football Federation. Under the global jurisdiction of FIFA and governed in Asia by the AFC, the team, which was once considered one of the best teams in Asia, had its golden era during the 1950s and early 1960s. During this period, under the coaching of Syed Abdul Rahim, India won gold during the 1951 and 1962 Asian Games, while finishing fourth during the 1956 Summer Olympics. India have never participated in the FIFA World Cup, though the team did qualify for the World Cup in 1950 after all the nations in their qualification group withdrew. However, India themselves withdrew prior to the tournament beginning, the team has also appeared three times in the Asias top football competition, the AFC Asian Cup. Their best result in the tournament occurred in 1964 when the team finished as runners-up. India also participate in the SAFF Championship, the top football competition in South Asia. They have won the tournament six times since the tournament began in 1993, despite India not reaching the same heights since their golden era, the team has seen a steady resurgence since the beginning of the twenty-first century. The Challenge Cup victory allowed India to once again qualify for the Asian Cup for the first time in 27 years, Football teams consisting of entirely Indian players started to tour Australia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand during the late 1930s. After the success of several Indian football clubs abroad, the All India Football Federation was formed in 1937, the national team played their first match as an independent nation in 1948 in the first round of the 1948 Summer Olympics against France. Using mainly barefooted players, India were defeated 2–1 in London, in 1950, India managed to qualify for the 1950 FIFA World Cup, which was scheduled to take place in Brazil. This was due to all their opponents during qualifying withdrawing from the pre-tournament qualifiers, however, India themselves withdrew from the World Cup before the tournament was to begin. The All India Football Federation gave various reasons for the withdrawal, including travel costs, lack of practice time. Despite the reason given out from the AIFF, many historians, since then, India has not come close to qualifying for another World Cup. Despite not participating in the World Cup in 1950, the years after. India, coached by Hyderabad City Police head coach Syed Abdul Rahim, in March 1951, Rahim lead India to their first ever triumph during the 1951 Asian Games. Hosted in India, the team defeated Iran 1–0 in the medal match to gain their first trophy. Sahu Mewalal scored the goal for India in that match
17.
1984 AFC Asian Cup
–
The 1984 AFC Asian Cup was the eighth edition of the Asian Nations Cup, the football championship of Asia. It was hosted by Singapore between December 1 and December 16, the field of ten teams was split into two groups of five. Saudi Arabia won their first championship, beating China in the final 2–0, in total,44 goals were scored by 34 different players, with four of them credited as own goals. 3 goals 2 goals 1 goal Own goals Shahin Bayani Ibrahim Al-Rumaihi Mubarak Anber Issam Mahrous Details at RSSSF The Awards
18.
Rashid Stadium
–
Rashid Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is currently used mostly for football and rugby matches and it is the home ground of Al-Ahli Dubai. The stadium hosted matches during the 2003 FIFA U-20 World Cup and 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup tournaments
19.
Iraq national football team
–
The Iraq national football team (Arabic, المنتخب العراقي لكرة القدم represents Iraq in international football. It is known by its fans as Usood Al-Rafidain which means Lions of Mesopotamia. Iraq is one of the most successful teams in the AFC, winning the AFC Asian Cup once, winning the medal at the Asian Games once. Iraq has participated in the FIFA World Cup once and in the FIFA Confederations Cup once, the team has been ranked as high as 39th in the FIFA World Rankings, which they achieved in October 2004. The current manager of the team is Radhi Shenaishil, who led Iraq to a fourth-place finish at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. As early as 1923, an Iraqi team known as Baghdad XI, controlled by the Baghdad Football Association, the Baghdad FA soon disbanded though, and it wasnt until 8 October 1948 that the Iraq Football Association was founded. The Iraq FA joined FIFA in 1950 and on 2 May 1951, Iraq played their first match and this was not a FIFA A international game though. Iraq were eventually knocked out in the stage of that tournament. In 1962, Iraq appointed their first foreign manager, Romanian coach Cornel Drăgușin, Iraq won their first trophy in 1964 when they hosted and won the Arab Nations Cup, winning three and drawing one of their four games. The next year, they participated in the Pan Arab Games for the second time, the following year, they lost the final of the 1966 Tripoli Fair Tournament to Morocco, but also retained their Arab Nations Cup title that year, beating Syria 2–1 in the final. In 1967, Iraq claimed the Tripoli Fair Tournament title with two wins and one draw, and two later they finished fifth at the Jaam-e-Doosti Cup, hosted in Iran. In 1972, Iraq hosted, and reached the final of and that year, Iraq also played at their first ever AFC Asian Cup but failed to win a game in the tournament. In March 1973, Iraq played their first ever FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign and they finished second in their group, a point behind Australia, therefore failing to qualify for the next round. The 1976 Asian Cup would be the last Asian Cup that Iraq appeared in for the next 20 years, the 1980s was arguably Iraqs most successful period in their history. They started the decade off disappointingly, being knocked out in the 1982 FIFA World Cup qualification first round of qualifiers for the 1982 FIFA World Cup, after all this success, Iraq topped it off by qualifying for the 1986 FIFA World Cup with a win over Syria. This was the first and last time to date that Iraq have achieved this, Iraqs only goal in the tournament was scored by Ahmed Radhi, the second-highest goalscorer in Iraqs history with 62 goals, behind Hussein Saeed who scored 78 goals. Overall, Iraq won nine competitions in the 1980s and played in their only ever World Cup, however, things werent as great off the pitch as they were on it. In the 1992 Jordan International Tournament, Iraq recorded their biggest ever win, Iraq reached the final of the tournament but lost 2–0 to Jordan
20.
1986 FIFA World Cup qualification
–
A total of 121 teams entered the 1986 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds, competing for a total of 24 spots in the final tournament. Mexico, as the hosts, and Italy, as the champions, qualified automatically. The draw took place on 7 December 1983 at Zürich, Switzerland, the winner of the 0.5 place would advance to the intercontinental play-offs. South America,4 places, contested by 10 teams, north, Central America and Caribbean,2 places,1 of them went to automatic qualifier Mexico, while the other 1 place was contested by 17 teams. Africa,2 places, contested by 29 teams, asia,2 places, contested by 27 teams. Oceania,0.5 place, contested by 4 teams, the winner of the 0.5 place would advance to the intercontinental play-offs. A total of 110 teams played at least one qualifying match, a total of 308 qualifying matches were played, and 801 goals were scored. To see the dates and results of the rounds for each continental zone, click on the following articles. Belgium advanced to the UEFA play-offs, Group 2 – West Germany and Portugal qualified. Group 3 – England and Northern Ireland qualified, Group 4 – France and Bulgaria qualified. Netherlands advanced to the UEFA play-offs, Group 6 – Denmark and USSR qualified. Scotland advanced to the UEFA–OFC intercontinental play-off, play-offs – Belgium qualified over Netherlands. South America Group 1 – Argentina qualified, Peru and Colombia advanced to the CONMEBOL play-offs. Chile advanced to the CONMEBOL play-offs, Paraguay advanced to the CONMEBOL play-offs. Play-offs – Paraguay qualified over Chile, Colombia and Peru, asia Iraq and Korea Republic qualified. Oceania Australia advanced to the UEFA–OFC intercontinental play-off The teams would play against each other on a home-and-away basis, including games played by Germany before the 2nd World War, they had played 36 World Cup qualifying matches before. Brazil did better by remaining undefeated until 25 July 1993, when they were beaten by Bolivia in La Paz, scotland manager Jock Stein died during their qualifier at Wales, suffering a heart attack immediately after the Scots scored a late equaliser. Canada and Iraq qualified to their only World Cup up to date, FIFA World Cup Official Site -1986 World Cup Qualification RSSSF -1986 World Cup Qualification
21.
Bahrain National Stadium
–
The Bahrain National Stadium is the national stadium of Bahrain, located in East Riffa. It can accommodate 30,000 seats and is used mostly for football matches, the stadium was renovated in December 2012 for hosting the 2013 Gulf Cup of Nations tournament. Bahrain National Stadium at World Stadiums Bahrain National Stadium at Fussballtempel. net
22.
Saudi Arabia national football team
–
The Saudi Arabia national football team represents Saudi Arabia in international football. The teams colours are green, and white, Saudi Arabia are known as Al-Suqour, and Al-Akhdhar. In the 1994 World Cup under the leadership of Jorge Solari, Saudi Arabia was dismissed in the first round of the next three Cup tournaments. The following players have also called up to the Saudi Arabia squad within the last 12 months. Notes, SUS Player suspended INJ Player withdrew from the due to an injury RET Retired from the national team Updated 10 August 2015. As of 23 March 2017 Saudi Arabia FA official website Saudi Arabia national football team website Saudi Arabia in fifaworldcup. com
23.
King Fahd International Stadium
–
The King Fahd International Stadium also nicknamed Pearl Of Stadiums, in Arabic or simply The Pearl, in Arabic is a multi-purpose stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is currently used mostly for football matches and it also has athletics facilities, the stadium was built in 1987 with the capacity of 68,752 viewers. It measures 116 yards by 74 yards and it also has one of the largest stadium roofs in the world. It was a venue for matches of the FIFA World Youth Championship in 1989 including the final match, the stadium is included in the football video games FIFA13, FIFA14, FIFA15, FIFA16 and FIFA17. The cost of construction was about 650 million Saudi riyals or $510 million, the stadiums roof shades over 67,000 seats and covers an area of 47,000 square feet. The 24 columns are arranged in a circle with a 247-metre diameter, the huge umbrella keeps the sun off the seats and concourse slabs, providing shade and comfort in the hot desert climate. The first goal in a game was scored by Majed Abdullah. As a personal touch to the stadium, a balcony was constructed upon which his majesty King Fahd could observe the sport. The architect was Michael KC Cheah, World Stadium Article World Football Profile Soccerway Profile The King Fahd International Stadium at World of Stadiums
24.
Oman national football team
–
The Oman national football team is the national team of Oman that has represented Oman in international competition since 1978. Although the team was founded in 1978, the squad was formed long before. The team is governed by the Oman Football Association, prior to the turn of the 21st century, Omans senior team had generally finished in the last place in all the competitions in which it competed. It was not until the mid 1990s under the OFA chairmanship of Sheikh Saif bin Hashil Al-Maskary did Oman start be extremely successful on the Asian football stage. During this period, Oman won the Asian Under 17 Championship in 1996, Oman nowadays exports players to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates and also has their captain playing in England. The senior team has never qualified for the World Cup, but has qualified for the Asian Cup in the years 2004,2007 and they have reached the Gulf Cup of Nations final three times, and have won it on their third attempt as hosts. Prior to the new millennium, Oman generally struggled in the Gulf Cup of Nations, usually finishing in 6th or 7th place, the match had ended 3–1 with captain Hani Al-Dhabit scoring a hat-trick. Hani also netted a goal against Bahrain, and a goal in a 2–1 loss against Qatar. At the end of the competition, Hani was the only Omani to score goals, Qatar won the match 6–5 on penalties after the match had ended 1–1 at normal time. Amad Al-Hosni was awarded the Top Goal Scorer award of the competition with a total of 4 goals. In the 2007 Gulf Cup which was held in the United Arab Emirates, although Oman lost to the Emirates in the final, they had maintained an undefeated record throughout the competition excluding the final. Once again Ali Al-Habsi had received the Best Goalkeeper of the Gulf Cup award for the consecutive time in a row. Oman had tied the Emirates in goal scoring with 9 goals each after the competition, Oman won the match 6–5 on penalties after the match had ended 0–0 at extra time. Oman maintained a clean-sheet throughout the whole competition, the competition in Muscat was the first for Hassan Rabia, and despite this he managed to score 4 goals making him receive the Top Goal Scorer award. Ali Al-Habsi also received his fourth consecutive Best Goalkeeper Award, however, Ali Al-Habsi would not go on to feature in the next two Gulf Cups due to his commitments with his English club team Wigan Athletic. A. E and Iraq. Oman could manage to score one goal in the tournament against Bahrain which was scored by Amad Al-Hosni. In the 2013 Gulf Cup which was held in Bahrain, Oman again put up a performance which was criticized a lot by fans in Oman. Oman could manage to draw only one match against the hosts Bahrain, Oman again could score only one goal and this time it was from the spot by youngster Hussain Al-Hadhri against Qatar which Oman eventually lost 2–1
25.
Pakistan national football team
–
Pakistans home ground is Punjab Stadium, Lahore, and the current team manager is Mohammad Al-Shamlan. Pakistan became a member of FIFA in 1948 joining the Asian Football Confederation, Pakistans national team debuted in 1950. Pakistan contest the South Asian Football Federation Championship and South Asian Games, Pakistan won the Colombo Cup in 1952, jointly with India. Pakistan have never won the SAFF South Asian Football Championship – their best performances being semi-final appearances at the 1997 and 2005 Championships, Pakistan lost their first international 5–1 away to Iran on 6 January 1950. Two years later entered the Colombo Cup in Ceylon, and were held to a goalless draw in the first match against India. They then beat hosts Ceylon 2–0 and a 1–0 win in their match against Burma made them joint champions with India. Pakistan then hosted Iran in April and drew 0–0, the following year Pakistan were runners-up in the Colombo Cup, having achieved a 6–0 win against Ceylon in Rangoon. In 1954, after again becoming runners up in the Colombo Cup, Pakistan defeated Singapore 6–2 in the Asian Games, in the final edition of the Colombo Cup, the team came second for the third year in a row to India. Pakistan failed to progress in the 1958 Asian Games after being defeated by Chinese Taipei 3–1, in 1959, they failed to qualify for the Asian Cup, after a 4–1 loss by Iran, 1–0 defeat to India and 2–0 loss to Israel. Several months later, the Green Shirts travelled to Malaya for the Merdeka Cup and they started by beating Thailand 7–0, which still shares the Pakistani record. It was followed by a 1–0 loss to the hosts Malaya, then a 3–1 victory over Japan, Pakistan returned to the Merdeka Cup two years later and this time reached the final against Indonesia, but succumbed to 2–1 defeat. It was three years before Pakistan played another competitive fixture, when played in the first RDC Cup. In 1967, they played a series of friendlies against Saudi Arabia, later in the year Pakistan lost their Asian Cup qualifiers against Burma and Khmer and drew their final match against India. They then hosted the second RDC Cup and finished third, which included the 4–7 defeat to Turkey, in 1969, they travelled to Iran to take part in friendly tournament, in which they had a 2–1 win against Iraq and a record 9–1 defeat by Iran. As a result of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, East Pakistan became The Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, in the early 1970s the national sides participation was restricted to the RDC Cup and the 1974 Asian Games, and a single friendly against South Korea in 1978. The most notable result in this period was a 2–2 draw against Turkey and they also lost 8–0 to Kenya in Riyadh Saudi Arabias Arabi tournament In the Kings Cup in 1982, Pakistan secured a goalless draw against Indonesia, the teams first clean sheet since 1962. After a loss to Thailand, they gained a 3–2 victory versus Malaysia and although they lost a game against China. Pakistan hosted a tournament involving Iran, Bangladesh, Oman
26.
1990 FIFA World Cup qualification
–
The qualification competition for the 1990 FIFA World Cup was a series of tournaments organised by the six FIFA confederations. A total of 116 teams entered the competition, with Italy, as the host, the first qualification match was played on 17 April 1988 and qualification concluded on 19 November 1989. A total of 735 goals were scored in the 314 qualifying matches, at the close of entries on 30 September 1987, a total of 116 football associations had entered the 1990 World Cup. This entry figure was five lower than those who entered the previous tournament. Three entries were rejected by FIFA, Belize, Mauritius and Mozambique due to their outstanding financial debts, with both the hosts and holders qualifying automatically for the finals,111 nations were therefore scheduled to compete in the qualifying competitions. Gabon, Oman and Pakistan were making their first appearance in the World Cup, seven teams withdrew during the qualifying process without playing a match, Bahrain, India, Lesotho, Maldives, Rwanda, South Yemen and Togo. Mexico were disqualified from the CONCACAF qualifying tournament before playing a game for fielding overage players in the stages for the 1988 Olympic Games. Libya withdrew during the CAF group stage, but had played in the first round. Therefore the total number of playing at least one fixture during the 1990 World Cup competition was 105. To see the dates and results of the rounds for each continental zone, click on the following articles. Group 2 - Sweden and England qualified, Group 3 - Soviet Union and Austria qualified. Group 4 - Netherlands and West Germany qualified, Group 5 - Yugoslavia and Scotland qualified. Group 6 - Spain and Republic of Ireland qualified, Group 7 - Belgium and Czechoslovakia qualified. South America Group 1 - Uruguay qualified, Group 2 - Colombia advanced to the Intercontinental Play-off. North, Central America and Caribbean Costa Rica and United States qualified, asia Korea Republic and United Arab Emirates qualified. Oceania Israel advanced to the Intercontinental Play-off, the following 24 teams qualified for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, The qualification process commenced in April 1988 and was completed in November 1989. The draw for all qualifying groups and opening round ties in the six confederations was held in Zürich and these eight nations were joined in the second round by the eight highest-ranked African nations, which had received a bye in the first round. These sixteen teams were placed in four groups of four teams, the four group winners of these groups were paired together into two knockout ties played during October and November 1989
27.
China national football team
–
The Chinese national football team, recognized as China PR by FIFA, is the national association football team of the Peoples Republic of China and is governed by the Chinese Football Association. The team is referred to as Team China, the National Team or Guózú. The team was founded in 1924 by the Republic of China, following the Chinese Civil War, the Chinese Football Association was reformed by the newly founded Peoples Republic of China. They remained affiliated with FIFA until 1958, when they withdrew, China has won the EAFF East Asian Cup twice in 2005 and 2010 and have been runners-up at the AFC Asian Cup twice in 1984 and 2004. He invited China to participate in the inaugural 1913 Far Eastern Championship Games held in the Philippines, which included association football within the schedule. To represent them it was decided that the winner of the football at the Chinese National Games in 1910 should have the honour to represent the country, once again South China Football Club, now known as South China Athletic Association won the right to represent the nation. This time in a two legged play-off against the Philippines, China won the first game 1–0 and then drew the second 0–0 to win their first ever tournament, the Chinese Football Association was founded in 1924 and then was first affiliated with FIFA in 1931. At the tournament China were knocked out within their first game at the Round of sixteen when they were beaten by Great Britain Olympic football team 2–0 on 6 August 1936. The tournament would be cancelled while Japan held their own tournament called the Anniversary of the Japanese Empire. None of games during the Second Sino-Japanese War are officially recgonized, on 2 August 1948 China competed in the Football at the 1948 Summer Olympics where they were once again knocked out in the last sixteen, this time by Turkey national football team in a 4–0 defeat. China, under the newly instated Peoples Republic of China reformed the Chinese Football Association before having FIFA acknowledge their 1931 membership on 14 June 1952. Finland who were one of the first nations to hold diplomatic relations with Chinas new government invited the country to take part in the 1952 Summer Olympics. China would soon enter their first Fifa competition when they entered the 1958 FIFA World Cup qualification process and were knocked out by Indonesia, on 7 June 1958 China stopped participating within any FIFA recognised football events when FIFA officially started to recognise Republic of China as a different country. This sparked an argument that had already seen China withdraw from the 1956 Summer Olympics for the same reasons. On 25 October 1971 the United Nations would recognise the country as the heir to the China name in their General Assembly Resolution 2758 act. In 1973 the team, which had been using the name Republic of China would rename themselves as Chinese Taipei and these acts would see China rejoin the international sporting community, first by becoming a member of the Asian Football Confederation in 1974 and by rejoining FIFA again in 1979. The 1974 Asian Games reintroduced the Chinese football team back into football while the 1976 AFC Asian Cup saw them have a relatively successful campaign where they came third. The Chinese national league restarted after being affected by the political turmoil
28.
Darul Makmur Stadium
–
Darul Makmur Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. It is mostly use for matches, with a capacity of 40,000 people. The stadium has a track, in addition to the football field. It was opened in 1970, while capacity was increased after renovations in 1995 in conjunction with Kuantan hosting the Sukma Games in 1996 and 2012, Darul Makmur Stadium is also home for Pahang FC. In 2012, the Darul Makmur Stadium been renovated to host the SUKMA
29.
South Korea national football team
–
The Korea Republic national football team represents South Korea in international association football and is controlled by the Korea Football Association. They have since improved their ability to play on foreign soil and were able to reach the Round of 16 in the 2010 World Cup. South Korea won the first two AFC Asian Cup tournaments though they have been unable to win since, finishing second in 1972,1980,1988, and 2015, and third in 1964,2000,2007, and 2011. They also took the medal at the 1970,1978. The team is commonly nicknamed The Reds by both fans and the due to the color of their primary kit. The national teams supporting group is referred to as the Red Devils. Koreans were not introduced to football until 1882, when British crew members played a game while their vessel was visiting the Incheon Port, Korea became a Japanese colony in 1910. In 1921, the first All Korea Football Tournament was held, and in 1928, The Korea Football Association was organized, in 1940, however, the Japanese Governor-General of Korea forced the Korea Football Association to dissolve. Following the establishment of the Republic of Korea, the Korea Football Association was reinstated in 1948 and joined FIFA, the same year, the Korean national team made its international debut at the Olympic Games in London. The KFA joined the AFC in 1954, South Korea first entered the World Cup in 1954 as the second Asian team ever to compete in the World Cup after the Dutch East Indies. South Korea played games against Hungary and Turkey, losing 9–0 and 7–0 respectively and it would take thirty-two years before South Korea was able to participate in the World Cup finals again. South Korea would later participate in the first Asian Cup in 1956 and they drew with Hong Kong but defeated Israel and South Vietnam to take first place. They hosted and won the second Asian Cup in 1960, winning all of their games, however, they failed to repeat this success and lost all their games in the 1964 Asian Cup and failed to qualify in 1968. They recovered in 1972 and took second place and they once again failed to qualify in 1976 but reached second place again in 1980. In 1986, South Korea was able to qualify for the 1986 FIFA World Cup, held in Mexico, for the first time since 1954. They, however, failed to win a game despite the presence of Cha Bum-kun, at the one of the best Asian players, losing 3–1 to Argentina, drawing 1–1 with Bulgaria. South Korea started the 1990s poorly, at the 1990 FIFA World Cup, they lost all their games against Spain 3–1, Uruguay 1–0, and Belgium 2–0. South Korea failed to qualify for the 1992 Asian Cup as well, in the 1994 FIFA World Cup they managed to draw with Spain 2–2
30.
Zayed Sports City Stadium
–
Zayed Sports City Stadium, is an iconic multi-purpose stadium located in Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is the largest stadium in the UAE with more than 43,000 seats and it has developed a great history and heritage and has cemented its place in the countrys history by being featured on the AED200 banknote. The stadium hosted the 1996 AFC Asian Cup including the final, the stadium also hosted the 2007 Gulf Cup of Nations final between the United Arab Emirates and Oman. The semi finals and finals of 2009 and 2010 FIFA Club World Cup were also held at the stadium, the stadium will also be hosting some of the 2017 and 2018 FIFA Club World Cup and 2019 AFC Asian Cup matches alongside five other stadiums. Zayed Sports City Stadium was the crux of the first project phase, and this phase also included perimeter fencing, utility services and an internal road network. It was completed in 1979 and the stadium was inaugurated in January 1980, the total cost of this phase was AED550 million. The stadium included gull size grass pitch surrounded facilities to host athletics competitions, an electronic board and a sound system were installed as well as a modern electronic irrigation system. The building was designed to host international sporting events and provided media personnel with sufficient facilities to cover, the external design of the stadium features iconic arches which are showcased in the venue’s logo as well as on the AED200 banknote. Throughout the years, the stadium has undergone significant renovations to ensure that it can accommodate the high-quality international events it was designed for, hospitality areas, including the Royal Box interior and exterior, VIP seating and media seating were created throughout the years. Two scoreboards at either end zone were added in 2003, renovations such as these have reduced the capacity to 43,791 public seats. London based construction company Isg did the project before 2009 FIFA Club World Cup. The stadium is a traditional, open-air stadium that is defined on its exterior by iconic arches, within the stadium is a full-size football pitch and a wide concrete apron surrounds it. There are 42,355 general entry seats on two levels plus 1,436 hospitality seats and 277 media seats, there is also a royal box with indoor and outdoor viewing areas and six media / hospitality sky boxes. On the concourses are concession kiosks, toilets and first aid facilities, back of house areas include space for media, hospitality, players, referees and storage. There are also offices located in the stadium. Three LED scoreboards are present in the venue as well as a system for spectators. The venue is fully lit to the standard required for HDTV broadcasts, surrounding the stadium is a pre-event plaza, then a series of fountains. Beyond this is the road, parking lots, training pitches
31.
Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex
–
The Sultan Qaboos Stadium at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex also known locally as, Boshar, is a government owned multi-purpose stadium in the Boshar district of Muscat, Oman. It is currently used mostly for football matches, and also has facilities for athletics, the stadium originally had a capacity of over 40,000, but after recent renovations the capacity was reduced to 34,000 people. It is the stadium of the Oman national football team. The Qaboos Stadium was used as the stadium in the recent,2009 Gulf Cup of Nations. The Complex has strong security, in addition to over 10,000 parking slots, Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex - WORLD STADIUMS
32.
1996 AFC Asian Cup
–
The Asian Football Confederations 1996 AFC Asian Cup finals were held in the United Arab Emirates between 4 and 21 December. Saudi Arabia defeated host nation U. A. E. in the match in Abu Dhabi As the Runners-up. Represented the AFC in the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup because Saudi Arabia qualified automatically as host, United Arab Emirates qualified automatically as host Japan qualified automatically as defending champions 33 teams participated in a preliminary tournament. It was divided into 10 groups and the team of each group thus qualified. The two best third-placed teams advanced to the quarter-finals, iraq and Korea Republic qualified for the quarter-finals. All times are UAE time Khodadad Azizi Ali Daei –8 goals Mohamed Al-Deayea Iran With eight goals, in total,80 goals were scored by 47 different players, with only one of them credited as own goal
33.
Indonesia national football team
–
The Indonesia national football team represents Indonesia in competitive international association football. The team is controlled by the Football Association of Indonesia and is a member of the Asian Football Confederation, prior to the declaration of independence in 1945, the team competed as the Dutch East Indies national football team. Under this name, Indonesia was the first Asian team to participate in the FIFA World Cup, the Indonesian team was eliminated by the Hungary national team in the first round and has not qualified for the World Cup since this defeat. Indonesian national team qualified for the AFC Asian Cup on four occasions, Indonesias best performance in Asia was at the 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo, when it achieved the bronze medal. The team has reached the ASEAN Football Championship final on five occasions, the early matches, involving sides from the Dutch East Indies, were organised by the Nederlandsch Indische Voetbal Bond, or its successor, the Nederlandsch Indische Voetbal Unie. The matches that were run prior to the independence in 1945 are not recognised by the PSSI. The first recorded football match that involved a team from the Dutch East Indies was a contest against a Singapore national team on 28 March 1921, the match was played in Batavia and Indonesia won with a final score of 1–0. This was followed by matches against an Australian XI in August 1928, in 1934, a team from Java represented the Dutch East Indies in the Far Eastern Games that was played in Manila, Philippines. Despite defeating the Japan national team, 7–1, in its first match, although not recognised by PSSI, these matches are treated by the World Football Elo ratings as the first matches involving the Indonesian national side. The Dutch East Indies were the first Asian team to participate in the FIFA World Cup, the 6–0 loss to eventual finalists, the Hungary football team, in the first round of the tournament in Reims, France, remains the nations only appearance in the World Cup. After the Second World War, followed by the Indonesian National Revolution, the team forced the Soviet Union national football team to a nil-all draw, but lost 0–4 in the replay match, The Soviet Union later was successful in attaining the gold medal. This remains the only appearance in the Olympics. In 1958, the team tasted its first World Cup action as Indonesia in the qualifying rounds, the team defeated China in the first round, but subsequently refused to play its next opponents, the Israel national team, for political reasons. The team subsequently suffered a ban from the FIFA World Cup that lasted from 1958 to 1970 resulting from its political situation, shortly after, the Indonesian team won the bronze medal at the 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo, Japan. Indonesia beat the India national team, 4–1, in the third-place match, the team also drew, 2–2, with the East Germany national team in a friendly match. During this period, the Indonesian team lifted the Merdeka Tournament trophy in victory in Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia were also champions of the 1968 Kings Cup in Bangkok, Thailand. Indonesia returned to World Cup qualification competition in 1974, however, during the 1978 qualification heats, the Indonesian team only won a single match, out of four matches, against host team, Singapore. Four years later, in 1982, Indonesia recorded two victories in qualifying matches, against the Chinese Taipei national team and the Australia national team, however, the South Korean national team emerged victorious over the Indonesians in the second round
34.
Jordan national football team
–
The Jordan national football team, known by its fans as Al-Nashama, is the national team of Jordan and is controlled by the Jordan Football Association, the governing body for football in Jordan. Jordans home ground/stadium is the Amman International Stadium, Jordan have never qualified for the World Cup finals, but have appeared three times in the Asian Cup and reached its quarter-final stage in the 2004 and 2011 editions. Jordan is a champion of the Pan Arab Games, having won the 1997 and 1999 editions of the tournament. So far, Jordan has hosted the West Asian Football Federation Championship three times in, the Arab Nations Cup once in 1988, and the Pan Arab Games once in 1999. The Jordanian national football teams first international match was played in 1953 in Egypt where the team defeated Syria 3–1, the first FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Jordan took part in was the 1986 qualifiers, but they are yet to qualify for a World Cup. For the first time in history, Jordan have qualified for the round of the FIFA World Cup qualification AFC in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. After he resigned from coaching Jordan, the Egyptian Mahmoud El-Gohary agreed to take Brankos place as head coach, in the WAFF championship tournaments of 2004 and 2007, El-Gohary helped Jordan win third place in 2004 and helped Jordan reach the semifinals in 2007. Another opportunity to show Vingadas worthiness as head coach came in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, but after failing to help Jordan qualify for the 2010 World Cup, Vingada was able to help Jordan win second place in the 2008 West Asian Football Federation Championship. Next up were the 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualification matches starting from January 2009 and his first experiences with Jordanian football players took place as he was coaching top Jordan football club Al-Faisaly from 2006–2008 and achieved great results with that team as well. Hamad prepared for that tournament with a couple of friendlies as well as three more to prepare for the Asian Cup tournament in Qatar. Just like Mahmoud El-Gohary, Hamad also helped Jordan qualify for the quarterfinals in the Asian Cup, Hamad was also got Jordan to win second place in the 2011 Pan Arab Games in Qatar. Hamad helped Jordan finish third in the round of Asian group qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. He was replaced ahead of the stages by the Egyptian Hossam Hassan to led them to the play-off round against Uzbekistan to determine the AFC participant in the intercontinental play-off. The games took place on 6 and 10 September 2013, with the two teams still evenly matched at full-time in the second leg, Jordan eventually progressed to the intercontinental playoff after winning 9–8 on penalties. Unfortunately, the Jordanians missed their very first FIFA World Cup debut after losing 5–0 against the formidable Uruguayan team, Hassan also helped Jordan to qualify to the Asian Cup 2015. On 3 September 2014, Ray Wilkins was appointed as the new coach of Jordan. He led Jordan at the Asian Cup 2015, where they eliminated in group-stages for the first time after two losses against Iraq and Japan and a win over Palestine, *Denotes draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks. Caps and goals correct as of 28 March 2017 after the game against Cambodia, the following players have been called to Jordans national team in the last 12 months
35.
Uzbekistan national football team
–
The Uzbekistan national football team represents Uzbekistan in association football and is controlled by the Uzbekistan Football Federation, the governing body for football in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistans home ground is Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent and their current head coach is Samvel Babayan, Uzbekistan have never qualified to the final stages of the World Cup, but they have qualified to every AFC Asian Cup since their independence. After the split from the Soviet Union, they played their first match against Tajikistan on June 17,1992, Uzbekistan have consistently been the strongest team out of the new Central Asian nations. Some media outlets, especially from Russia, Croatia and the Balkans, refer to them as the Croatia of Asia due to their levels of talent. Uzbekistan won the 1994 Asian Games tournament as debutants, Uzbekistan failed to make further impact on the continental stage until they reached the last eight of the 2004 AFC Asian Cup, where they were beaten by Bahrain after a penalty shoot-out. They were knocked out in the stage of Asian qualification to the 2006 FIFA World Cup after losing on the away goals rule to Bahrain. The replay ended 1–1, and after the return finished 0–0, in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, Uzbekistan was able to get past the group stage by beating Malaysia 5–1 and China PR 4–0. However, Uzbekistan was knocked out of the tournament in the stage by losing to Saudi Arabia 2–1. After having three foreign coaches in three years, Uzbekistan turned to former Uzbekistan Olympic team coach Rauf Inileev, four years later, in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup Uzbekistan ended in fourth place, their best result in the tournament so far. After getting past the stage and quarterfinals, the Uzbek team lost what it might have been their first Asian Cup final when Australia thrashed the team 0–6 their semifinal game. Some days later they were defeated again by South Korea in the third place playoff, in the qualifying series for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Uzbekistan advanced to the fourth round of Asian qualifying after winning their group in the third round over perennial favorites Japan. Uzbekistan finished with 16 points, which was more than any team in the third round. In the fourth round of qualifying, Uzbekistan finished third in Group A behind Iran, Uzbekistan had the same amount of points as South Korea, who had a better goal difference by one goal. The two teams who finished third in the fourth round played each other to determine the AFC participant in the intercontinental play-off. The games took place on 6 and 10 September 2013, with the two teams still evenly matched at full-time in the second leg, Jordan eventually progressed to the intercontinental playoff after winning 9–8 on penalties. Uzbekistan advanced to the stage after finishing as runners-up in the tough Group B. However, the team was knocked out of the tournament in the stage after losing 2–0 in extra time to South Korea. The following players have called for the last 12 months
36.
Czech Republic national football team
–
The national team was founded in 1901, existing under the previously mentioned names before the separation of Czechoslovakia in 1992. Their first international competition as the Czech Republic was the UEFA Euro 1996, where they finished runners-up, following the separation, however, they have only featured in one FIFA World Cup, the 2006 tournament, where they were eliminated in the first round of the competition. Bohemia also played a match against Yugoslavia, Ostmark and Germany in 1939 while being the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, when the Czech Republic was part of Czechoslovakia, the national team had runner-up finishes in World Cups and a European Championship win in 1976. The newly formed team played their first home game in Ostrava, against Lithuania, in which registered their first home win. Their first competitive match was part of the UEFA Euro 1996 qualifying campaign, in the final tournament, hosted by England, the Czechs progressed from the group stage, despite a 2–0 opening game defeat to Germany. They continued their form, and progressed to the UEFA Euro 1996 final. Given their success at Euro 1996, the Czechs were expected to qualify for the 1998 FIFA World Cup and they finished third in their qualifying group, however, behind Spain and Yugoslavia, and subsequently missed the tournament. The Czech Republic qualified for Euro 2000, winning all ten of their group games, in the finals the team were drawn in Group D, alongside 1998 FIFA World Cup winners France, co-hosts the Netherlands and UEFA Euro 1992 winners Denmark. This was considered to be the most difficult group to advance from in the tournament, the team were unlucky in the first match against the Netherlands as they hit the woodwork multiple times before losing 1–0 to a last-minute penalty. The Czechs lost their match against eventual champions France 2–1 which eliminated them from advancing to the knockout round. Czech Republic managed a 2–0 win against Denmark in their final game courtesy of two goals from Vladimír Šmicer, the team were unbeaten in 2002 and 2003, scoring 53 goals in 19 games and easily qualifying for Euro 2004 in the process. The Czech Republic went on a 20-game unbeaten streak, finally ended in Dublin on 31 March 2004 in a match against the Republic of Ireland. The Czechs entered the Euro finals in Group D, dubbed the tournaments Group of Death alongside the Netherlands, Germany, despite going behind in all three group games, the team won them all. This included trailing 2–0 to the Netherlands in a classic 3–2 win, the Czechs convincingly beat Denmark in the quarter-finals meaning a semi-final against Greece awaited them. It was not to be as the 90 minutes finished goalless, Greece would go on to win the tournament. The Czech Republic recorded their record win during the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification, in the same match, Jan Koller became the all-time top scorer for the national team with his 35th international goal. At the end of the campaign, after finishing in place in Group 1 then defeating Norway in a playoff. The team was boosted prior to the matches by the return of Pavel Nedvěd
37.
1997 FIFA Confederations Cup
–
The 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup was the first Confederations Cup to be organised by FIFA. The tournament had previously played in 1992 and 1995 as the King Fahd Cup. This edition of the tournament was hosted by Saudi Arabia, as with the previous editions and it was won by Brazil, who beat Australia 6–0 in the final. This feat has since been accomplished once by France, victorious in the 1998 World Cup, UEFA Euro 2000, 1Germany, the UEFA Euro 1996 winner, declined to participate. 2United Arab Emirates was awarded a spot in the competition because Saudi Arabia had won the 1996 AFC Asian Cup, all matches were played in, Romário received the Golden Shoe award for scoring seven goals. In total,52 goals were scored by 32 different players, with one of them credited as own goal. com FIFA Technical Report
38.
Juventus F.C.
–
Juventus Football Club S. p. A. colloquially known as Juve, is a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont. The clubs fan base is larger than any other Italian football club and is one of the largest worldwide, support for Juventus is widespread throughout the country and abroad, mainly in countries with a significant presence of Italian immigrants. Juventus is the most successful club in Italian football and one of the most awarded globally, Juventus were founded as Sport-Club Juventus in late 1897 by pupils from the Massimo DAzeglio Lyceum school in Turin, but were renamed as Foot-Ball Club Juventus two years later. The club joined the Italian Football Championship during 1900, during this period the team wore a pink and black kit. Juventus first won the championship in 1905 while playing at their Velodrome Umberto I ground. By this time the colours had changed to black and white stripes. There was a split at the club in 1906, after some of the staff considered moving Juve out of Turin, President Alfred Dick was unhappy with this and left with some prominent players to found FBC Torino which in turn spawned the Derby della Mole. Juventus spent much of this period steadily rebuilding after the split, fiat owner Edoardo Agnelli gained control of the club in 1923, and built a new stadium. This helped the club to its second scudetto in the 1925–26 season beating Alba Roma with a score of 12–1. With star players such as Raimundo Orsi, Luigi Bertolini, Giovanni Ferrari, Juventus moved to the Stadio Comunale, but for the rest of the 1930s and the majority of the 1940s they were unable to recapture championship dominance. After the Second World War, Gianni Agnelli was appointed honorary president, the club added two more league championships to its name in the 1949–50 and 1951–52 seasons, the latter of which was under the management of Englishman Jesse Carver. Two new strikers were signed during 1957–58, Welshman John Charles and Italo-Argentine Omar Sívori and that season saw Juventus awarded with the Golden Star for Sport Excellence to wear on their shirts after becoming the first Italian side to win ten league titles. In the same season, Sívori became the first ever player at the club to win the European Footballer of the Year, the following season they beat Fiorentina to complete their first league and cup double, winning Serie A and Coppa Italia. Boniperti retired in 1961 as the top scorer at the club, with 182 goals in all competitions. During the rest of the decade, the won the league just once more in 1966–67, The 1970s, however. Under former player Čestmír Vycpálek, they won the scudetto in 1971–72 and 1972–73, with such as Roberto Bettega, Franco Causio. During the rest of the decade, they won the league twice more, the Trapattoni era was highly successful in the 1980s, the club started the decade off well, winning the league title three more times by 1984. This meant Juventus had won 20 Italian league titles and were allowed to add a golden star to their shirt
Kuwait
Qatar
India
Iraq
Saudi Arabia
Oman
Pakistan
China PR
South Korea
Indonesia
Jordan
Uzbekistan
Czech Republic
