Shin Tae-yong has had a fascinating career trajectory as a coach.

I spent a lot of time with him in 2010 when he won the Asian CL and it seemed as if he was at the vanguard of a new generation of Asian coaches. He then lost his way but has since worked wonders with Indonesia.

Amazing win for Indonesia over South Korea at U23 Asian Cup. Korea fail to qualify for Olympics for first time since 1984. Indonesia go to semi finals.

Amazing penalty shootout too. Ended 11-10 for Indonesia. The teams started going around the same players for a second time.

Al Ain have reached a 4th Asian final, beating Saudi powerhouse Al Hilal in the semi

Harry Kewell and Yokohama F. Marinos will reach the Asian Champions League final today if they get past Ulsan of South Korea.

It would mark a huge turnaround after his early coaching career in the English lower leagues.

theguardian.com/football/2024/…

Odisha FC represent an ambitious Indian state. Both are keen to make an international impact.

Today they have the biggest game in their short history against Mohun Bagan, one of India's historic giants.

Whatever happens, they are making progress

theguardian.com/football/2024/…

✍️ My piece for BBC Insight looking at whether Hong Kong has a future as an independent football entity

bbc.co.uk/sport/football…

Future is uncertain for Commonwealth Games in Asia where it feels anachronistic.

Also, potential hosts such as Singapore find it easier, cheaper and more fun to stage Taylor Swift concerts. Malaysia also has different priorities these days.

dw.com/en/commonwealt…

Should the world record for longest winning streak in football go to Turkmenistan's Arkadag instead of Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia?

Jesse Lingard's Korea move has started slowly but there's time to make a difference. for BBC Sport

bbc.co.uk/sport/football…

Norwich just the latest European club to head to India but patience is needed

Dismal 2024 for Vietnam as Indonesia move ahead

Tuesday's scheduled World Cup qualifier vs Japan in Pyongyang was a chance for North Korea to add to recent hints that the country's leadership may be open to warmer ties with Tokyo.

Now the game has been postponed. For Nikkei Asia

asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Inter…

In an excerpt from the latest issue of The Blizzard, John Duerden visits Riyadh to watch Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr face Al-Hilal.

Read it and then subscribe to the magazine. You won't regret it.

John Duerden

planetfootball.com/in-depth/crist…
planetfootball.com/in-depth/crist…

It's exciting to have 2 articles in this issue of The Blizzard

--A report from my visit to the Riyadh Derby in December, Ronaldo-fever & a turning point in the Saudi title race
--A review of all the action from a hugely entertaining Asian Cup

'The question before the group stage started back in September was whether anyone could stop the big-spending teams from Saudi Arabia. So far, the answer is no.'

John Duerden reports on the Asian Champions League in our March issue: shop.kelsey.co.uk/single-issue/w…

A look at how Jesse Lingard's move to FC Seoul can breathe new life into his career, club and league.

South Korea fire Jürgen Klinsmann. Not a surprise given everything that happened.

His attitude, as much as team performances, did for him in the end.

For replacement, temporary or otherwise, Park Hang Seo, who had success with Vietnam, an early mover!

Klinsmann saga continues as KFA committee recommends he be fired.

Debate over source for the leak also rumbles on. Many blame KFA though I am not so sure.

There have been leaks around Klinsmann before.

dw.com/en/bundesliga-…

Klinsmann's fate to be decided by KFA Thursday.

Most officials want him gone but there are 2 issues
--cost of paying out contract that runs until summer 2026 & then hiring new coach.
--FA head Chung brought Klinsmann in & has, until now, backed his man

bbc.co.uk/sport/football…

Wouldn't be an Indonesian Presidential Election without a Blackburn Rovers shirt on display