Feyenoord were knocked out of European competition by AS Roma for the third season in a row on Thursday. Both matches between the sides finished in a draw, but the Italian side won on penalties. It is the third time in the last five years that Roma has beaten Feyenoord in European competition. The Romans knocked the Rotterdammers out in extra time of the Europa League last season and beat them in the final of the UEFA Conference League two seasons ago.
Feyenoord made hard work of beating RKC at home on Sunday. RKC goalkeeper Ettienne Vaessen was sent off after 35 minutes of playing, but despite the numerical advantage, it took a late goal by Mats Wieffer to secure the win for the Rotterdammers. Arne Slot's side made the right start. Santiago Gimenez had a finish from close range headed off the line by RKC defender Dario van den Buijs after just four minutes played.
The first match between Feyenoord and AS Roma in the interim round of the Europa League did not produce a winner. The meeting in De Kuip ended 1-1. The second match, in Rome, will follow in a week. Feyenoord were victorious over AS Roma in De Kuip just over a year ago in the Quarter Finals of the Europa League when they beat them 1-0. That was not enough for a place in the last four. Feyenoord lost 4-1 after extra time in Rome.
Japan’s exit in the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup on February 3 will make the Japan Football Association question whether or not Hajime Moriyasu is the coach to take the national team forward as it continues its qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Japan got off to a good…