It’s been a long week since we’ve checked with the AFC’s 2019 Asian Cup. Our last update was after Match Day 5 and unfortunately our best bets did not come through for Match Day 6. Since then, the favorites have dominated the tournament with little left to chance. With the end of Match Day 12, let’s take a look at the group standings and remaining fixtures as we prep for the knockout rounds beginning in five days.
In this episode of the Magic City Soccer podcast, Matt and Omar finish their FIFA World Cup group stage preview just in the nick of time, taking a look at groups E-H of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Join us, won’t you?
Thanks to our sponsor, Groundhopper, for helping to make this Magic City Soccer episode happen!
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Not often does Japanese football and Miami-Dade County intersect, but it did on Monday. The Japan Football Association appointed Akira Nishino as its manager. What makes this notable locally is that Akira Nishino has managed in Miami before.
The new man in charge of the national team was in charge of Japan’s U-23 side from 1994 through 1996. That included the 1996 Olympics, when group-stage matches were held at Miami’s Orange Bowl. Nishino led one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, when his squad defeated Brazil 1-0. While the Olympics are an U-23 tournament, since 1996 three players over 23 have been allowed to participate. The squad featured names like Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Dida in goal. Despite that fact, the Samurai Blue somehow managed to squeak out a 1-0 victory in Little Havana.