The Asian Game

The Asian Game

About

The Asian Game is a podcast dedicated to telling the stories and sharing the history of the beautiful game in Asia - from Jordan to Japan, Korea to Kuwait and everywhere in between.

With stories, analysis, insights and interviews with players, coaches and the key individuals in the game, The Asian Game will take you inside the game in Asia like never before.

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259 episodes

TAG Podcast: Qatar crowned Kings of Asia...again

The AFC Asian Cup trophy will remain in Doha after Qatar's 3-1 victory over Jordan on Saturday. In front of more than 86,000 spectators at Lusail Stadium, a hattrick of penalties from Akram Afif secured Qatar a place in history as only the fifth nation to successfully defend their title. Scott McIntyre and Michael Church are in Souq Waqif after the game amid the celebrations to recap the history making victory and reflect on the tournament as a whole as eyes now turn towards 2027.

17m
Feb 11
TAG Podcast: A journey to the AFC Asian Cup Final

It's the showpiece event on the Asian football calendar, and finally the AFC Asian Cup final is upon us. Starting from Souq Waqif on the eve of the game, follow Scott McIntyre's journey to Lusail Stadium, from talking to fans desperate for a ticket, to international stars and media alike. Plus, hear all the action from inside Lusail Stadium as Qatar emerged victorious 3-1 to secure an historic title defence.

41m
Feb 11
TAG Podcast: Jordan's fairytale run to Asian Cup Final

Jordan has defied all the odds and pre-tournament predictions to make it through to their first ever AFC Asian Cup Final. Can they now complete the fairytale and go all the way? Scott McIntyre speaks with veteran Jordanian journalist, Mahmoud Al-Fadli, to get his perspective ahead of the biggest match in Jordan's history.

12m
Feb 10
TAG Podcast: Trent Sainsbury on Qatar, 'Tintin' Marquez & Socceroos ambitions

On the eve of the AFC Asian Cup Final, Scott McIntyre sits down with Australian and Al Wakrah defender Trent Sainsbury. Trent speaks about Qatar's performances at this AFC Asian Cup, his impressions on the tournament as a whole, and what it's like playing under 'Tintin' Marquez. He also speaks openly about his own Socceroos ambitions and planning for his post-playing career.

18m
Feb 10
TAG Podcast: Afif masterclass inspires Qatar

Qatar are into their second successive AFC Asian Cup final after Akram Afif inspired a thrilling 3-2 victory over Iran in a drama-packed encounter at the Al Thumama Stadium. The win sees Al Annabi set up a showdown with Jordan in Saturday's final at Lusail Stadium. Scott McIntyre and Michael Church are back at Souq Waqif in among the celebrating Qatari fans to look back on another epic semi-final. PLUS... we hear from Qatari defender Tarek Salman and Iran's Alireza Jahanbakhsh.  

20m
Feb 08
TAG Podcast: Jordan pull off epic AFC Asian Cup upset

Jordan has pulled off one of the AFC Asian Cups greatest upsets with a stunning 2-0 win over Korea Republic to secure their place in the final for the very first time. A masterclass from Mousa Al-Taamari and Yazan Al-Naimat secured the win amid wild scenes at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. Scott McIntyre and Michael Church are in among the celebrating Jordan fans at Souq Waqif to look back on a momentous night for Asian football. PLUS... we hear from Mousa Al-Taamari and Hwang In-beom.  

21m
Feb 07
TAG Podcast: Final four set for semi-final showdown

After 48 matches of enthralling drama, the AFC Asian Cup 2023 has reached its penultimate stage, with just four nations remaining as they eye off a spot in Saturday's final. Tournament surprise packets Jordan will face heavyweights Korea Republic, while hosts and defending champions Qatar will tackle the might of Iran. Scott McIntyre is joined by Michael Church on Doha's Corniche to look ahead to the two semi-finals and the four nations involved.  

12m
Feb 06
TAG Podcast: Iran make a statement + Ezatolahi & Tomiyasu

Iran has produced one of their biggest wins in recent memory with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Japan, sealed thanks to a last minute penalty scored by Alireza Jahanbkhsh. They will meet host nation Qatar in the semi-final after they edged past Uzbekistan 3-2 on penalties. Scott McIntyre is LIVE from Souq Waqif with Erfan, Sina and Daniel from Gol Bezan to discuss Iran's memorable victory.

30m
Feb 04
TAG Podcast: Korea does it again | Hwang In-beom | Mat Ryan & Jackson Irvine

Korea Republic has produced another late escape with a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Australia thanks to a stoppage time stunner from Son Heung-min. That sets up a semi-final clash with Jordan who earlier in the day ended Tajikistan's fairytale run at this tournament. Scott McIntyre is joined by Australia journalist Joey Lynch from ESPN outside the Al Janoub Stadium to dissect Korea's great escape and what could've been for the Socceroos.

20m
Feb 03
TAG Podcast: Japan cruise into quarters | Jahanbakhsh + Taremi | Kubo

Japan and Iran are the last two teams through to the quarter finals of the AFC Asian Cup quarter finals after two contrasting performances. Japan cruised past Bahrain 3-1, while Iran was made to fight by Syria, eventually prevailing 5-3 on penalties. Former Syrian international Aatef Jenyat joins us from Souq Waqif to review all the action and talk about his own career playing for Al Karamah and the Syrian national team. PLUS... we also hear from Iran's Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Mehdi Taremi, as well as Japan superstar Takefusa Kubo.

19m
Feb 01
TAG Podcast: Korea complete stunning comeback + Hwang In-beom

Korea Republic completed a stunning late comeback against Saudi Arabia to win their Round of 16 clash 4-2 on penalties to advance to a quarter-final showdown with fellow heavyweights, Australia. We're joined by journalist Sudesh Baniya to discuss that game and all its fallout, as well as Uzbekistan's 2-1 victory over Thailand in the other Round of 16 fixture played on Tuesday. Plus we hear from Korea's star midfielder Hwang In-beom.

24m
Jan 31
TAG Podcast: Jordan stuns Iraq + discovering Uzbekistan’s national dish

Jordan produced one of this AFC Asian Cup's greatest shocks with a stunning come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Iraq thanks to two stoppage time goals, setting up a quarter-final against fellow surprise packets, Tajikistan. Scott is in Souq Waqif with the celebrating Jordanian fans, plus we also visit some of the traveling Uzbek media who invite Scott into their apartment to cook up Uzbekistan's national dish, Plov.

13m
Jan 30
FULL REACTION: Australia's Jordan Bos, Mat Ryan, Mitch Duke + Indonesia's Shayne Patyynama

Australia secured their place in the quarter final of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 with a 4-0 win over Indonesia at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha. Scott McIntyre was there for The Asian Game and spoke with Australia's captain, Mat Ryan, as well as Jordan Bos and Mitch Duke, plus Indonesia's Shayne Patyynama to get their reaction to the match.

22m
Jan 29
TAG Podcast: Tajikistan fairytale continues + Australia advance

The Tajikistan fairytale continues at the AFC Asian Cup 2023 after their dramatic penalty shootout victory over the UAE saw them advance to the quarter finals at the first time of asking. Australia, meanwhile, secured their passage to the quarter finals with a 4-0 win over Indonesia. Australian commentators Simon Hill and Andy Harper join Scott McIntyre in Doha for a full recap of the day's action, plus discuss their own impressions of the tournament so far. Finally, we also hear from Australia's Jordan Bos and Indonesia's Shayne Pattynama.

40m
Jan 29
TAG Podcast: Stage set for thrilling knockout rounds

Just like that the group stages of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 are done and dusted, with more than a few surprises along the way. Once again we are joined by ESPN's Gabe Tan to look back over the group stage action and look ahead to what will be a thrilling knockout rounds. Plus we hear from Korea Republic's Son Heung-min and Jurgen Klinsmann after their surprise 3-3 draw with Malaysia, and Bahrain's Abdulla Yusuf after his goal earned Bahrain top spot in Group E.

41m
Jan 26
TAG Podcast: Favourites upstaged in thrilling MD2

The AFC Asian Cup 2023 has come alive after Matchday 2, with everything sitting on a knife's edge as we head into the third and final round of matches this week. Gabe Tan from ESPN Asia joins us again to discuss all the big talking points: __ __ PLUS... we also hear from Iranian striker Karim Ansarifard after his side's 1-0 win over Hong Kong.

33m
Jan 22
TAG Podcast: Asian Cup lights up Qatar

The AFC Asian Cup 2023 is well underway, with matchday one already in the books and some big storylines already emerging. We're joined by ESPN's GABE TAN to review the first round of action, look at which players and team have impressed and discuss which still have room for improvement ahead of the second round of matches. Plus, we also hear from Korea Republic's captain, SON HEUNG-MIN, after his side's 3-1 win over Bahrain.

36m
Jan 17
FULL INTERVIEW: Elias Dolah on Thailand's disrupted preparation

Thailand were the last team to arrive in Qatar, as they prepare to face Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kyrgyzstan in Group F. With their preparation for the AFC Asian Cup 2023 beset by setbacks, defender Elias Dolah joined The Asian Game Podcast from their camp in Thailand to discuss the injury setbacks to Chanathip Songkrasin and Teerasil Dangda, as well as the withdrawal of Ekanit Panya.

15m
Jan 12
AFC Asian Cup 2023: Group F Preview

With the AFC Asian Cup 2023 kicking off today, we conclude our preview series with a look at Group F, featuring Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kyrgyzstan and Thailand. Mohammed Fayad joins us from Riyadh for a deep dive on Saudi Arabia under Roberto Mancini, while we also discuss what to expect from Thailand, Oman and Kyrgyzstan. Plus, we also hear from Thai defender Elias Dolah on what has been a disrupted campaign for the War Elephants.

42m
Jan 12
AFC Asian Cup 2023: Group E Preview

With just over 24 hours remaining until kick off at the AFC Asian Cup 2023, we continue our previews with a look at Group E featuring Korea Republic, Jordan, Bahrain and Malaysia. Respected Korean journalist Steve Han joins us to discuss Korea's prospects under coach Jurgen Klinsmann, we ask whether Jordan's Musa Al-Taamari is Asia's most underrated player and also discuss the fortunes of Bahrain and Malaysia. Finally, we hear from Bahraini midfielder Moses Atede after he recently made his international debut for the country.

33m
Jan 11
The ASEAN Game: AFC Asian Cup 2023 Preview

With Southeast Asia's largest representation at the AFC Asian Cup for quite some time, Ryan Walters is back with a bumper episode of The ASEAN Game with some of the biggest names from across the region. Joined by Keeshanan Sundaresan (Malaysia), Ta Lao (Thailand), Hoang Duy Anh (Vietnam) and Aun Rahman (Indonesia), every nation is discussed in detail with all the big talking points covered as we put the focus squarely on the Southeast Asian teams and their prospects.

1h 0m
Jan 11
FULL INTERVIEW: Iraqi defender Frans Putros

On the eve of the AFC Asian Cup, Iraq defender Frans Putros joins us on The Asian Game Podcast. We discuss his excitement at being selected, redemption for 2019, what has changed in Iraqi football under Jesus Casas, and finally getting to play in Iraq.

18m
Jan 10
AFC Asian Cup 2023: Group D Preview

With just two days remaining until kick off at the 18th AFC Asian Cup, we continue our preview of the tournament with a look at Group D, featuring Japan, Iraq, Vietnam and Indonesia. Iraqi football journalist Hassanin Mubarak joins us to preview their campaign and discuss whether they can repeat their 2007 heroics. Iraqi defender Frans Putros joins us to discuss his selection and how Iraq has improved under Jesus Casas. We discuss Japan and why they are the hot favourites to win their fifth AFC Asian Cup title, and we finish by discussing the prospects of Vietnam and Indonesia.

52m
Jan 10
FULL INTERVIEW: Palestine star Mohammed Rashid

Against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Gaza, the Palestine team are having to prepare for their third straight AFC Asian Cup appearance. How are the team surviving in such trying circumstances and just what is possible for Palestine at this tournament? Star midfielder Mohammed Rashid sat down with Paul Williams from the team's hotel in Doha to discuss that and much, much more.

20m
Jan 10
AFC Asian Cup 2023: Group C Preview

As Friday's kick off draws closer, we continue our previews for the AFC Asian Cup 2023 with a look at Group C featuring Iran, UAE, Hong Kong and Palestine. John McAuley, from , joins us from Dubai to preview the Emirates campaign and discuss whether Paolo Bento's side can surprise in Qatar. We also discuss whether Iran can deliver on their potential, the return of Hong Kong to the international stage and the remarkable resilience shown by Palestine. Plus, we hear exclusively from Palestinian midfielder Mohammed Rashid on the daily struggle his team faces as they prepare for a tournament against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Gaza.

36m
Jan 10
AFC Asian Cup 2023: Group B Preview

Our countdown to the AFC Asian Cup 2023 continues with a look at Group B featuring Australia, Uzbekistan, Syria and India. Former Socceroo, and Indian Super League commentator, Erik Paartalu, joins us to discuss the prospects of both the Socceroos and Blue Tigers. Plus we discuss what we can expect from Syria and Uzbekistan who will both be without their leading striker for this campaign.

39m
Jan 09
AFC Asian Cup 2023: Group A Preview

The AFC Asian Cup 2023 is just days away and in the build up we start our group-by-group preview series with a look at Group A. Featuring hosts and defending champions, Qatar, as well as China, Tajikistan and Lebanon, we speak with QFoot's Ahmed Hashim to get the inside word on Qatar's title defence under new coach 'Tintin' Marquez. We also discuss expectations for China after an underwhelming few years, whether Tajikistan can be surprise packets under Petar Segrt and if Lebanon can overcome their off-field instability.

24m
Jan 08
TAG Podcast: Queiroz departs Qatar | Turkmenistan's mystery club | The demise of Suwon

Our final episode for 2023 is bumper one as we discuss Carlos Queiroz decision to leave Qatar just a month from the AFC Asian Cup, with Qatari football expert Ahmed Hashim joining us from Doha. Eurasianet's Central Asia editor, Peter Leonard, joins us to shed light on Arkadag, the new kings of Turkmen football sweeping all before them in their debut season. Plus, we speak with Yonhap News reporter Yoo Jee-ho to discuss the sad demise of former Korean powerhouse, Suwon Bluewings, after their relegation to K2.

1h 7m
Dec 08, 2023
TAG Podcast: Palestine pain + Asian Qualifiers resume

In trying circumstances we are joined by BASSIL MIKDADI from Football Palestine to look ahead to Palestine's FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, and how the ongoing war is impacting the national football team. We also tackle all the major talking points ahead of the second round of FIFA World Cup qualifying: __ __

45m
Nov 14, 2023
TAG Podcast: History for Pakistan + Chinese Taipei coach Gary White

It may be less than 12 months since Qatar 2022 finished up, but the Road to 2026 is already underway with the First Round of Asian Qualifiers done and dusted. There was history for Pakistan, who won their first ever World Cup qualifier, defeating Cambodia to progress to the Second Round. Pakistani journalist Umaid Wasim joins us from Karachi to discuss the momentous achievement. Plus, we are joined by Chinese Taipei coach Gary White to discuss their progression and what attracted him back to the Territory.

44m
Oct 19, 2023