To Asia broadly, where four of what Scott McIntyre labels ‘the big five’ have reached the semi-finals. In addition, Scott also speaks on the uncertainty of Iran’s place at the Men’s World Cup, Melbourne City’s missed opportunity in the Champions League Elite, and John Aloisi’s strong start and favourable factors at Chengdu Rongcheng.

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The Matildas have qualified for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, but still have work to do if they’re to win the Asian Cup on home soil. Andy Harper will again be in the expert’s chair for 10/Paramount+ for tomorrow’s semi-final against China; he here speaks on public expectations, Joe Montemurro, and Ante Milicic.

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The Matildas will have to go the long way around to win the Women’s Asian Cup after Sunday’s 3-3 draw with South Korea meant they were unable to overhaul their opponent’s goal difference, and must now face the highest-ranked winner of China and North Korea. Joey Lynch (ESPN, The Guardian) returns as crunch time arrives for Joe Montemurro and his team.

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To England, where Martin Tyler was behind the mic as Manchester United earned a sixth win in seven under Michael Carrick to move to third. Martin provides his wise counsel on United, Arsenal, and also England as it approaches sixty years since they won the World Cup, but dream again.

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The US & Israel’s joint strikes on Iran have dominated global geopolitical headlines this week, and while not of primary concern, the ramifications for football are significant. Iran’s participation at the Men’s World Cup in the US, and the position Iran’s Women’s team find themselves in as they play the Asian Cup in Australia, are up for discussion with The Sports Ambassador Podcast’s Tracey Holmes.

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Alen Stajcic managed both Australia and their first-up opponents Philippines at Asian Cups (and subsequent World Cups), and both to a high degree of success. He considers where expectations should lie, and reflects on his time with the Filipinas, which he recalls as his fondest in football.

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To England where Tottenham and Nottingham Forest sacked their managers this week, with the relegation battle starting to take shape. Former The Age chief football writer Michael Lynch returns with the season about to turn for home.

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