FIFA.com - News

Double joy for Wolfsburg, Sky Blue fly high

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:21:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews a big week of women’s club football as Wolfsburg continued their recent dominance in Germany, there are new leaders Stateside and a perfect finale to the maiden Belgium/Netherlands season looms large.

Anderlecht secure title, Brugge into Europa

Sun, 19 May 2013 16:35:00 GMT

Anderlecht were crowned Belgian league champions for a 32nd time on Sunday after a 1-1 draw with Zulte-Waregem during the tenth and final round of play-offs. Lucas Biglia cancelled out Jens Naessens strike.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:08:00 GMT

Featuring Ludovic Giuly on making a fashion mistake at Barcelona, Marco Schallibaum on the amazing toughness of Jeb Brovsky and Gabriel Batistuta on what playing alongside Lionel Messi would have forced him to do.

Anderlecht, Zulte-Waregem set for title decider

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:15:00 GMT

Anderlecht and Zulte-Waregem scored wins over Lokeren and Club Brugge respectively to set up a title decider on Sunday.

Benitez defends Chelsea record, Lampard eyes glory

Tue, 14 May 2013 20:55:00 GMT

Rafa Benitez has outlined the difficulties he’s faced as Chelsea manager and insisted they’ve had a good season, while Frank Lampard has discussed how much the UEFA Europa League means to the Blues.

Schweini gets a beer shower!

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:21:00 GMT

Every Monday, FIFA.com delivers you a football-related photo you won’t be able to resist paying a second glance to. This week’s shows a Bayern Munich star getting drenched in alcohol!

City players praise Ferguson, focus on FA Cup Final

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:20:00 GMT

Speaking ahead of Manchester City's FA Cup final tie against Wigan Athletic, Yaya Toure, James Milner and Vincent Kompany all spoke very highly of Sir Alex Ferguson but remained focused on winning at Wembley on Saturday.

No changes in the top ten

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:00:00 GMT

With few games this month there were no changes in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking's top ten, but Honduras are into the top 50, while Belgium reached their highest-ever placing and Switzerland are up to 14th.

Kompany excited by Lukaku challenge

Mon, 06 May 2013 13:39:00 GMT

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany was full of praise for upcoming opponent and compatriot Romelu Lukaku ahead of the Belgian's visit to the Etihad Stadium with West Bromwich Albion.

Anderlecht at the summit

Sun, 05 May 2013 23:25:00 GMT

Anderlecht strengthened their grip at the top of the play-offs after a 2-0 win over Standard Liege, while chasing Club Brugge beat Lokeren 2-1.

Lukaku: I had a lot to prove

Sun, 05 May 2013 06:47:00 GMT

Since bursting onto the scene with Anderlecht at 16-years-old, Romelu Lukaku has been tipped for greatness, but the now Chelsea striker tells FIFA.com he dreams of reaching the very top.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 04 May 2013 15:46:00 GMT

Featuring Mario Balotelli offering the Real Madrid players a big incentive, an honest Jonathan Zebina on why he didn’t want to see France win Germany 2006, and Scott Parker comparing Jan Vertonghen to an antique car.

Six-star Villa ease past Sunderland

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 22:48:00 GMT

Aston Villa overpowered Sunderland 6-1 on the back of a Christian Benteke hat-trick to give themselves real hope of avoiding relegation, with the Birmingham club moving five points clear of danger with three matches remaining.

Kompany: I'm staying at City

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:10:00 GMT

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has announced he is staying with last year's Premier League champions, despite a disappointing season that has resulted in speculation over the Belgian international's future.

Leye shines as Zulte edge Club Brugge

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:03:00 GMT

M'Baye Leye scored a hat-trick as Zulte-Waregem held off a late Club Brugge comeback to win 4-3 and move up to third place in the Belgian Championship play-off, two behind leaders Standard Liege.

Standard cruise past Genk and into second

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:56:00 GMT

Standard Liege moved up to second in the championship play-off table with a 3-0 home win over Genk to move past their rivals and sit a point shy of leaders Anderlecht.

Happy Birthday to you!

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 06:54:00 GMT

This week in our birthday round-up, we look at French winger Franck Ribery, 1994 FIFA World Cup™-winner Mazinho and Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany.

Ba eyeing maiden silverware

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:29:00 GMT

After seeing Chelsea into the FA Cup semi-final with his winner against Manchester United, forward Demba Ba is eyeing up his first piece of silverware, while goalkeeper Petr Cech is keen to on with UEFA Europa League action.

Fuerth fall to Frankfurt, Wolfsburg draw

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 19:01:00 GMT

Eintracht Frankfurt boosted their UEFA Champions League ambitions with a feisty 3-2 win at Greuther Fuerth and Wolfsburg let their two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2 with Nurnberg in Sunday's two Bundesliga matches.

Gerrard completes Liverpool comeback

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 15:46:00 GMT

Liverpool came back from a goal down against Aston Villa to score twice in the second half to win 2-1, leaving the hosts in relegation peril.

City cruise, Chelsea slip, United close on title

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 17:25:00 GMT

Manchester City put four past Newcastle United, while Chelsea stumbled at Southampton losing 2-1 and Manchester United edged Sunderland 1-0 to move even closer to clinch their 20th Premier League title.

Wenger gives backing to Szczesny

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:20:00 GMT

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, saying that the young goalkeeper has achieved something "fantastic" by reaching a century of first team appearances.

Spain triumph, Montenegro hold firm

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:04:00 GMT

FIFA.com wraps up another massive evening of European Brazil 2014 qualifying highlighted by a crucial win for world champions Spain on their trip to Paris, while Montenegro and England remain evenly poised after a hard-fought draw.

Hazard keeps Belgium on top

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 22:13:00 GMT

Belgium maintained their slender goal difference-lead over Croatia in Group A after Eden Hazard's solitary goal was enough to beat FYR Macedonia 1-0 in their pursuit of FIFA World Cup™ qualification.

Crunch time for former champions

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 08:03:00 GMT

Spain's trip to France is among the eye-catching fixtures in Tuesday's European Zone FIFA World Cup qualifiers. FIFA.com previews the action.

Spain stumble, Portugal rescue point

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 23:25:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews all the action from a massive evening of Brazil 2014 qualifiers in Europe highlighted by a shock draw at home for world champions Spain against Finland, while Portugal narrowly avoided defeat in Israel.

De Bruyne, Hazard down Macedonia

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 22:01:00 GMT

Belgium lead the way in Group A on goal difference after a comfortable win over FYR Macedonia, with Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard scoring from the spot.

Pacovski: My best is yet to come

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 07:44:00 GMT

FYR Macedonia goalkeeper Tome Pacovski speaks to FIFA.com about facing his adopted country, Belgium, in a FIFA World Cup™ qualifying double header.

Lampard sends Chelsea third, Spurs stumble

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 18:17:00 GMT

Frank Lampard headed home his 200th goal for Chelsea in the Blues' 2-0 win over West Ham United, while Tottenham Hotspur suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Fulham and Wigan Athletic topped Newcastle United.

United extend league lead, Arsenal shut down Swans

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 17:20:00 GMT

Manchester United increased their lead to 15 points atop the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Reading, Arsenal beat Swansea City 2-0 to reclaim fifth place and Aston Villa held on for a 3-2 win over Queens Park Rangers.

D’Hooghe, Dvorak discuss medical progress

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 21:21:00 GMT

At a press conference following the FIFA Medical Committee meeting, Dr. Michel D’Hooghe and Prof. Jiri Dvorak have discussed medical developments in football and future progress.

Mancini talks United chase, Zenit speculation

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:16:00 GMT

Roberto Mancini has discussed Manchester City’s pursuit of Manchester United, their upcoming clash with Everton, the fitness of Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero, and talk of him taking over at Zenit.

D’Hooghe: We’ve had a medical influence on football’s rules

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 13:30:00 GMT

A quarter-century in any job is a laudable achievement and, while not in the public spotlight as much as some, Dr Michael D'Hooghe reached the milestone as Chairman of the FIFA Medical Committee and FIFA.com caught up with him.

Spurs survive Inter scare, Torres saves Chelsea

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 21:03:00 GMT

Tottenham Hotspur advanced to the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals despite a 4-1 loss at Inter Milan, while Fernando Torres was the hero as Chelsea joined their London rivals in the last eight after beating Steaua Bucharest.

Malaga score twice, send Porto packing

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:55:00 GMT

Malaga's UEFA Champions League run has extended into the quarter-finals after goals from Isco and Roque Santa Cruz put the hosts past Porto 2-1 on aggregate.

Chelsea charge back, Rovers hold Millwall

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 18:51:00 GMT

Two second half Chelsea goals from Eden Hazard and Ramires cancelled out two early Manchester United strikes, while Blackburn Rovers drew 0-0 with Millwall to force a replay for both FA Cup quarter-finals.

Liverpool top Spurs, Newcastle leave it late

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 18:29:00 GMT

Liverpool earned three points at home to Tottenham Hotspur in a back-and-forth match that ended 3-2, increasing the Reds chances of a top-four finish, while Newcastle United scored a 92nd minute winner to beat Stoke City 2-1.

United exit bad news for Mancini

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 16:07:00 GMT

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has admitted that following Manchester United's exit from the UEFA Champions League his side have a real job on their hands in catching them.

Mallorca ground Granada, Atletico held in Malaga

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 22:24:00 GMT

Atletico Madrid failed to cut down Barcelona's La Liga lead with a 0-0 draw in Malaga, while Real Betis and Real Sociedad has their goal-fest finish at 3-3 and Mallorca ambitions of staying up were bolstered by a 2-1 win at Granada.

Women’s round-up: February 2013

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:13:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the latest from the women’s game in a busy month with Germany 2011 finalists USA and Japan undergoing a period of change, while the United States' new national league is fast approaching.

Club Brugge win city derby

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:11:00 GMT

Club Brugge moved fourth with a 3-0 at city rivals Cercle although it took two injury-time strikes to finally quell the league's bottom side.

Hart hails City defence

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:25:00 GMT

Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart has praised the players who have made the reigning Premier League champions the meanest defence in the division this season.

Bayern blitz Bremen, Hanover roll Hamburg

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 17:07:00 GMT

Hanover notched five goals against Hamburg, Augsburg tallied their third win of the season and Bayern Munich put six past Werder Bremen to put the Bundesliga leaders 18 points clear at the top.

Dembele sends Spurs through with Newcastle

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 20:31:00 GMT

Tottenham Hotspur finished level at 1-1 with Lyon, but the draw launched the Londoners into the last-16 of the UEFA Europa League, who will be joining Newcastle United in the next round after their 1-0 win over Metalist Kharkiv.

Happy Birthday to you!

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 09:22:00 GMT

As is tradition on a Sunday, FIFA.com looks ahead to the week of footballing birthdays, including creative maestros Beppe Signori, Enzo Scifo and Jari Litmanen as well as some midfield steel in the shape of Claude Makelele.

Wenger: Title is possible if we beat Bayern

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:03:00 GMT

Arsene Wenger believes that if they can beat Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League there is no reason they cannot go on to lift the title.

New look USA shine, Europe begins to warm up

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 02:42:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s regular look at the world of women’s football takes in club action from Italy, Switzerland and Germany, while in the international arena there were wins for the Netherlands and USA under new coach Tom Sermanni.

N'Zogbia downs Hammers, boost Villa survival bid

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Charles N'Zogbia drew a penalty and buried a free-kick to help Aston Villa climb out of the relegation zone and put an end to their eight game winless streak in the Premier League with a 2-1 win over West Ham United.

PSV pegged back

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 23:25:00 GMT

PSV Eindhoven had to settle for a 2-2 draw after conceding a late equalizer against Vitesse Arnhem, while Willem II failed to hold onto their early lead against Heracles in another Eredivise match-up.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 09:10:00 GMT

Every Sunday FIFA.com looks ahead to some those in the football world celebrating a birthday, this week includes three South American stars in Neymar, Oscar Cordoba and Clarence Acuna.