FIFA.com - News

Underdogs impress as giants stumble

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:51:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews opening action in the AFC Champions League Round of 16 with unheralded Buriram United and Lekhwiya well placed to advance at the expense of highly-fancied opposition.

A-League boosted by duo's return

Thu, 16 May 2013 05:50:00 GMT

The A-League has received a double boost with the return of former Socceroos Nick Carle to Sydney FC and Matt Simon to champions Central Coast Mariners.

Esteghlal, Guangzhou & Kashiwa edge towards quarters

Wed, 15 May 2013 21:55:00 GMT

Esteghlal, Guangzhou Evergrande, Kashiwa Reysol and Lekhwiya all picked up impressive victories in the first legs of their last-16 ties.

Formidable tasks await first-timers

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:25:00 GMT

There are five teams competing in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League for the first time, and all face tough challenges. FIFA.com previews the action in Asia's top club competition.

Golden Boot winner McBreen to stay at Mariners

Mon, 13 May 2013 05:50:00 GMT

A-League Golden Boot winner Daniel McBreen will remain with champions Central Coast Mariners for another season after the veteran striker signed a contract extension.

Mariners' Dutch defender Zwaanswijk to retire

Fri, 10 May 2013 06:33:00 GMT

Having recently scored the opening goal to help Central Coast Mariners to their maiden A-League final win, highly-rated former Utrecht and NAC Breda defender Patrick Zwaanswijk has announced his retirement.

Rojas signs for Stuttgart

Wed, 08 May 2013 16:53:00 GMT

Stuttgart have sealed the signing of Australian A-League player of the year Marco Rojas, with the former Melbourne Victory star and New Zealand set to join on a free transfer.

Brockie set for Toronto spell

Wed, 08 May 2013 03:55:00 GMT

New Zealand and Wellington Phoenix striker Jeremy Brockie has agreed to a three-month loan deal at MLS club Toronto FC, the side coached by former All Whites team-mate Ryan Nelsen.

Kruse set for Leverkusen move

Fri, 03 May 2013 02:17:00 GMT

Fortuna Dusseldorf's Australia forward Robbie Kruse has revealed he is on the verge of a move to high-flying Bayer Leverkusen.

Fallen giants and brave novices

Thu, 02 May 2013 03:25:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the final matchday in the AFC Champions League notable for Thai outfit Buriram United sealing an unlikely progression to the knockout stage, while a host of former winners saw their hopes evaporate.

Aussie Rogic eyes Scottish Cup final

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:56:00 GMT

Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic is aiming to become one of a handful of Australians to feature in a Scottish Cup final after increasingly making his presence felt since arriving at Parkhead in January.

Mariners, Beijing, Bunyodkor all through

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:38:00 GMT

Australia's Central Coast Mariners reached the AFC Champions League knock-out phase for the first time despite a 3-0 defeat by Kashiwa Reysol, while Uzbekistan's Bunyodkor and China's Beijing Guoan also advanced.

Last chance for former continental kings

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:52:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews the final group-stage matchday in the AFC Champions League with a host of former holders facing the exit door.

Impact go top, Cahill at the double

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 08:06:00 GMT

There were mixed fortunes for Major League Soccer's Canadian clubs, with Montreal Impact going top of the Eastern Conference with a 2-0 win over Chicago Fire, and Toronto FC going down to a Tim Cahill-inspired New York Red Bulls.

Eight progress, six crash out

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:38:00 GMT

Al Gharafa, El Jaish, Esteghlal, FC Seoul, Kashiwa Reysol and Guangzhou Evergrande all made it through to the last 16 of the AFC Champions League after an action-packed matchday 5.

Reysol secure top spot, Mariners boost hopes

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:39:00 GMT

Kashiwa Reysol's 1-1 draw with Guizhou Renze was enough for them to ensure first place in Group H, while Central Coast Mariners won away to Suwon Bluewings to give themselves a great chance of reaching the last 16.

Wolfsburg and Lyon to battle for European crown

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:47:00 GMT

FIFA.com rounds up the latest from the women’s club game, where VfL Wolfsburg will meet defending titleholders Olympique Lyon in the UEFA Champions League final, with the action also hotting up in the German and Swedish leagues.

Sydney FC release Brazilian defender Fabio Alves

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:25:00 GMT

Sydney FC announced Monday they have terminate Fabio Alves' contract after his first year with the A-League club as coach Frank Farina says he cannot guarantee the Brazil left back regular minutes.

A-League shines in the spotlight

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:03:00 GMT

The A-League continues to grow rapidly with one of the world’s youngest leagues setting new benchmarks in another boom season propelled by the arrival of Alessandro Del Piero and a thriving new club representing a football heartland.

Group stage end in sight for Asian hopefuls

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 04:58:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews matchday 5 of the AFC Champions League this week where several teams will look to secure early passage into the Round of 16, including Guangzhou Evergrande, Al Gharafa and Kashiwa Reysol.

Fourth time lucky for Mariners

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 10:15:00 GMT

Central Coast Mariners put the heartbreak of 2006, 2008 and 2011 behind them to win the 2013 A-League Grand Final by beating Western Sydney Wanderers 2-0 at the Allianz Stadium.

Eyes on the A-League prize

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 11:31:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews what is set to be a thrilling conclusion to the A-League season as league new boys Western Sydney Wanderers aim to complete a fairytale with victory over perennial nearly-men Central Coast Mariners.

Australia's Babalj signs for AZ Alkmaar

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 04:06:00 GMT

Young Australian striker Eli Babalj has signed a four-year deal with Dutch Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar.

Inspirational keeper takes road less travelled

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:18:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at the inspiring story of Australian goalkeeper Lydia Williams who has travelled the world seeking to fulfil her dreams, having grown up in the outback where she remains a role-model in the Aboriginal community.

Kiwi Rojas named A-League’s best

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 06:54:00 GMT

Melbourne Victory forward Marco Rojas has capped a stellar season in the A-League with the New Zealand flyer being named the competition’s best player.

Cahill: My passion is as strong as ever

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 02:50:00 GMT

Australia’s talismanic midfielder Tim Cahill chats to FIFA.com about his international career, the Socceroos' Brazil 2014 ambitions, new life in New York, giving back to the game and how a Samoan heritage shaped his personality.

McBreen sends Mariners to final

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:45:00 GMT

Daniel McBreen sent the Central Coast Mariners into the A-League grand final after his first-half goal secured a 1-0 win over the Melbourne Victory at Bluetongue Stadium.

Dream season continues for Wanderers

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:47:00 GMT

Western Sydney's dream season is set for one last thrilling chapter, after the Wanderers overcame Brisbane Roar 2-0 to reach the A-League grand final in their maiden season.

Japan icon Ono flourishing Down Under

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 23:52:00 GMT

Ahead of a historic appearance in the A-League finals, FIFA.com talks with former Japan talisman Shinji Ono about his national team experiences, late career flourish and the joy of promoting football and his homeland Down Under.

Giants stumble as strugglers bounce back

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 03:55:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the latest AFC Champions League action on a matchday that proved to be a major triumph for Saudi Arabia representatives as Al Ahli and Al Shabab became the first two clubs into the knockout stage.

Del Piero wins Sydney gong

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 03:36:00 GMT

Italy and Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero has capped an impressive debut season in Australia's A-League by being named Sydney FC's player of the year after scoring a club record 14 goals.

Lippi's Guangzhou poised for Asian knock-outs

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 22:37:00 GMT

Guangzhou Evergrande eliminated Muangthong United from the AFC Champions League with a 4-1 win, while Ettifaq overpowered Al Shabab Al Arabi by the same scoreline and Al Hilal defeated Esteghlal 1-0.

Frontrunners eye early progression

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:01:00 GMT

The AFC Champions League group stage moves beyond the halfway point this week with a host of teams aiming to secure early progression led by in-form duo Al Ahli and Kashiwa Reysol.

Al Gharafa sign Kewell

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 09:01:00 GMT

Former Australian international Harry Kewell has been signed on a short-term deal with Qatari side Al Gharrafa, having been without a club since leaving Melbourne Victory at the end of last season.

Aussie sharpshooter eyes world stage

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:41:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at Australia striker Corey Gameiro who turned in a stunning performance during qualifying and now aims to replicate that success at Turkey 2013.

New look A-League finale opens up path to glory

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 03:02:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews what promises to be an intriguing conclusion to the A-League season with a host of in-form challengers seeking to deny Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners a fairy-tale maiden crown.

Duo run riot, former champs open account

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 02:13:00 GMT

Just two teams - Al Ahli and Kashiwa Reysol - have maintained a perfect record after three rounds in the AFC Champions League following a matchday that saw three K League clubs outsmart their Japanese rivals.

Kashiwa win eight-goal thriller, Conca inspires Guangzhou

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Kashiwa Reysol won 6-2 away to Suwon Bluewings in a truly bizarre contest, while Guangzhou Evergrande put four unanswered goals past Muang Thong United and Jeonbuk Motors tasted victory at Urawa Red Diamonds.

Women’s round-up: March 2013

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:29:00 GMT

FIFA.com's look at the main events in women's football during March features international trophies for Costa Rica, England and USA, and the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-finals.

Mariners maintain hopes with Guizhou win

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:47:00 GMT

Trent Sainsbury's first goal for Central Coast Mariners earned the Australians a 2-1 home win over China's Guizhou Renhe and kept alive their hopes in the AFC Champions League.

Heskey delighted by Jets deal

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:25:00 GMT

Former England striker Emile Heskey has signed a new contract with A-League side Newcastle Jets which will keep him in Australia until 2014.

Heskey stays at the Jets

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 03:22:00 GMT

Former England striker Emile Heskey has signed up for a second season at A-League club Newcastle Jets.

Fulham survive second-half QPR surge

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 22:16:00 GMT

Queens Park Rangers fell behind to Fulham early on and battled back to make for a nervous ending at Craven Cottage, but the hosts held on for a thrilling 3-2 win despite playing a man down for the final eleven minutes.

Top contenders do battle in Asia

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:12:00 GMT

FIFA.com runs the rule over this week’s AFC Champions League action with a host group pace-setters squaring off as Asia's premier club competition approaches the halfway mark.

Victory wrap up third place

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 10:39:00 GMT

Melbourne Victory secured third place in the A-League standings and consigned Wellington Phoenix to the wooden spoon with a 3-2 victory at Westpac Stadium.

Mariners close gap, Adelaide leave it late

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 13:43:00 GMT

Three points seperate the top two in the A-League after Central Coast Mariners saw off Melbourne Heart 2-1, while Perth Glory succumbed to a last-minute equaliser against Adelaide United.

Wanderers secure top spot

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 10:00:00 GMT

The Western Sydney Wanderers secured a 3-0 over Newcastle Jets to claim top spot in the A-League in their debut season, with a now unassailable lead over Central Coast Mariners.

Brisbane Roar into A-League finals

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:57:00 GMT

Brisbane Roar stormed into the A-League finals series with a 3-1 win over Sydney FC in their high-stakes encounter at Suncorp Stadium. Besart Berisha, Stephen Lustica and Ivan Franjic grabbed the all-important Brisbane goals.

Records and milestones on the road to Brazil

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:33:00 GMT

Son Heungmin, Adrian Mutu and Sergio Ramos are among the stars of FIFA.com's latest stats reviews, which also looks at contrasting fortunes for Brazil and the Netherlands.

Sydney to host Asian continental showpiece

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 07:01:00 GMT

Sydney will host the 2015 AFC Asian Cup final, with Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Newcastle the other cities hosting matches.