The highest ranked team in the competition at eight, Japan are desperate for a third title to add to their back-to-back triumphs in 2014 and 2018.

The Iranian team are preparing to face host nation Australia on the Gold Coast Thursday after losing their opening game of the continental competition 3-0 to South Korea.

From Austria’s ‘Wunderteam’ in 1934 to Hungary’s ‘Magical Magyars’ in 1954, or Brazil’s artistic 1982 side, the World Cup stage has repeatedly turned into a graveyard for pre-tournament favourites.

"I really don't care. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They're running on fumes," Trump told Politico.

World football's governing body is remaining cautious regarding the possibility of Iran pulling out of the World Cup.

Since her appointment as a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director in November last year, renowned corporate figure Rubaba Dowla has been actively involved in several key areas of women’s cricket. In an exclusive interview with The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan, Rubaba shared her experience at the BCB so far, her vision for women’s cricket and various challenges.

The Koreans, runners-up to China in the 2022 edition, totally dominated a brave but outclassed Iran, who showed no signs of being affected by the war raging at home, while some supporters waved shah-era flags.

The contest between European Championship winners Spain and Copa America champions Argentina was scheduled for March 27 at Doha's Lusail Stadium, with potential big-name draws including Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi.

Argentina's Prestianni was accused of racially abusing Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during a Champions League game last month, while covering his mouth with his shirt.

Reigning MLS champions Miami, beaten in their season-opener last week, looked to be heading for another defeat after dominant Orlando raced into a 2-0 first-half lead in front of their home fans.

After the 44,379-strong crowd -- a record for the Women's Asian Cup -- was warmed up by American singer Audrey Nuna of "KPop Demon Hunters" fame, big cheers greeted the players when they emerged onto the pitch.

Football chiefs offered "full support and assistance" to the Iranian team in Australia Sunday for the Women's Asian Cup after the United States and Israel launched massive attacks on their homeland.

Bangladesh will make their historic debut in the competition on March 3 against China.

He scored twice for the fourth straight league game to bring his goal tally for the season to 30, and to within 11 of Lewandowski's record of 41, set in the 2020-21 campaign with Bayern.

Inter, whose fans unloaded a collection of anti-Milan chants in anticipation of the derby, have dropped just two points in 15 league matches and have been a cut above the rest in Italy's top flight this season.

Young winger Sauravi Akanda Prity said Bangladesh are using their remaining training sessions to correct mistakes and settle into unfamiliar surroundings as the team finalises preparations for their historic debut in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.

Four candidates -- Barkat Ullah Bulu, Joynal Abedin Faruque, Sajed AA Adel and Shawkat Aziz Russel – today bought nomination papers to run for the president’s post in the upcoming Mohammad SC Ltd elections on March 9.

China's Australian coach Ante Milicic believes North Korea may pose the biggest threat to China in the group stage but didn't want to take Bangladesh lightly in the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Sydney.

"It has been a long-time ambition of mine to contribute to football," the statement quoted Ronaldo as saying.

Teams can be drawn against clubs they faced in the league phase or from the same national association.