FIFA.com - News

Bahrain on the rise under Taylor

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:44:00 GMT

The influence of English coach Peter Taylor is paying off for Bahrain, who have climbed six places to 95th on the latest global ladder largely thanks to their Arab Games conquest.

Shocks blow open qualifying race

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:34:00 GMT

Crucial late goals were the order of the day in Asian qualifying for London 2012 with Korea Republic securing a draw but fellow frontrunners Japan were stunned by a last-gasp winner, while Uzbekistan are on the cusp of qualification.

East Asians look to tighten grip

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:16:00 GMT

Well-placed Japan and Korea Republic have London 2012 in their sights as Asian qualifying resumes for the year, while the remaining group is a four-way contest between Australia, Iraq, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.

Taylor: Bahrain have a mountain to climb

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:45:00 GMT

Bahrain have been one step away from reaching the last two FIFA World Cups™ but while their coach Peter Taylor tells FIFA.com the chances of reaching Brazil 2014 are slim, the Englishman says the Gulf nation has a bright future.

Mixed results for Asian pacesetters

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:07:00 GMT

There were differing fortunes for the frontrunners in Asia as Australia's Central Coast Mariners were held and Qatar's Lekhwiya suffered a fourth defeat, while Brisbane Roar and Al Ain of UAE both claimed wins.

East Asians set the tone

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:07:00 GMT

The race for London 2012 has hit the halfway mark in Asia with Japan and Korea Republic currently in pole position, while the third qualification berth is wide open.

Goal-shy Aussies held, Japan on course

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:56:00 GMT

Australia's Olympic qualifying hopes for London 2012 suffered yet another blow as they were held to a third consecutive 0-0 draw, this time by Uzbekistan, while Japan stayed on course with a 2-1 win over Syria.

Late Bahrain treble stuns Malaysia

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:18:00 GMT

A stunning late comeback by Bahrain, mounting a three goal-turnaround in the last ten minutes to win 3-2, against Malaysia has helped to keep their hopes of reaching the London 2012 Olympics alive.

Japan top group with Bahrain win

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:24:00 GMT

Japan eased to a 2-0 victory over Bahrain in the third round of Asian qualifying for the Men's Olympic Football Tournament next year, scoring through Yuki Otsu and Keigo Higashi.

Four spots left in Asia

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:18:00 GMT

The window of opportunity to reach the next stage of 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualification continues to get smaller in Asia, with only four berths remaining after Australia, Iran and Iraq all sealed their passage.

Three through, five out in Asia

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:07:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews a matchday on which Japan, Uzbekistan and Jordan sealed berths in the fourth round and the hopes of Indonesia, Korea DPR, Singapore, Tajikistan and United Arab Emirates were ended.

Last-gasp Iran deny Bahrain

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:33:00 GMT

Iran’s Mojtaba Jabari struck an 11th-hour leveller to deny Bahrain victory and keep his nation on track for a place in the fourth phase of continental qualifying.

Quartet well placed, five stare at abyss

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 07:49:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews Friday’s Brazil 2014 qualifiers in Asia where four nations can sew up their passage to the next stage, including what would be a historic moment for Jordan.

China's Brazil dreams on a knife-edge

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 06:56:00 GMT

Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ continues on Friday with China PR on the brink of elimination, while the continent's elite are well placed with two further matchdays to come.

Asia's top-ten announced

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:14:00 GMT

The second shortlist of contenders for the 2011 AFC Player of the Year award has been announced and includes continental stars such as Japan pair Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa, plus Uzbekistan's Server Djeparov.

Queiroz: Iran are achieving consistency

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 06:03:00 GMT

Six months into his tenure, Carlos Queiroz has Iran well positioned in their push for Brazil 2014 with the former Real Madrid and Portugal coach telling FIFA.com about the team's growth and his ambitions on the world stage.

Sayed Adnan enjoying Aussie adventure

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:36:00 GMT

Bahrain international defender Sayed Mohamed Adnan speaks to FIFA.com about his development as a player and his move to Australian A-League outfit Brisbane Roar.

Shots, sensations and smashed records

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:55:00 GMT

New records in Greece, Uruguay and the Netherlands feature alongside impressive qualifying showings from the likes of Japan, Spain, Venezuela and Niger in FIFA.com's latest stats review.

Asian heavyweights nearly there

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:53:00 GMT

Asia’s top sides ran riot today in qualifying for Brazil 2014, with Japan going goal crazy against the Tajiks while Australia and Iran also had comfortable evenings.

Asian favourites seek dominance

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 07:28:00 GMT

The halfway mark of Asia’s third qualifying round for Brazil 2014 features a number of potentially decisive match-ups with Iran against Bahrain, and China's match-up with Iraq, amongst the highlights.

Experienced Salmeen leading by example

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:31:00 GMT

Veteran Bahrain international Mohamed Salmeen sat down for a chat with FIFA.com to discuss his recall to the national team and his hopes of beating Iran and reaching the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Mixed starts for Asian favourites

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 07:27:00 GMT

Asia’s final qualifying round for London 2012 began with the favoured nations enduring mixed results amid six keenly fought matches, which suggests the looming battle for the three automatic berths will be intense.

London berths beckon for Asian hopefuls

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 06:52:00 GMT

The final stage of Asian qualifying for London 2012 commences on Wednesday with 12 teams, headed by previous qualifiers Australia, Japan and Korea Republic, vying for just three automatic berths.

Favourites shocked across Asia

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 21:00:00 GMT

It was a night of shocks and surprises in Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup as China lost out and Japan, Korea Republic and Iran were all held to draws.

Test two for Asian hopefuls

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 10:24:00 GMT

With Australia in Saudi Arabia, Japan visiting Uzbekistan and Iran making the trip to Qatar, FIFA.com previews Matchday 2 in the third round of Asian Zone qualifying for Brazil 2014.

Brisbane sign Bahrain's Adnan

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:47:00 GMT

Veteran Bahraini international Sayed Mohamed Adnan has signed a one-year deal with Australian A-League club Brisbane Roar.

Favourites prevail in Asian qualifiers

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:27:00 GMT

Singapore celebrated, while China PR were among the biggest winners as the final places in Asia's third round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers were decided. FIFA.com rounds up the action.

China, Jordan among convincing winners

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 23:36:00 GMT

Asia's second qualifying round for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ got underway with China notably beating Laos 7-2, Jordan firing nine unanswered goals past Nepal, and Qatar seeing off Vietnam 3-0.

Favourites prevail in Asian qualifiers

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:16:00 GMT

Australia were among the AFC heavyweights who coasted through to the final round of qualifiers for London 2012, while the likes of Oman and Malaysia sprung major surprises.

Reaching new heights

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:37:00 GMT

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011™ will once again throw the spotlight on 16 of the world’s best female teams, but FIFA World takes a closer look at the development of women’s football beyond the game’s elite sides.

Brazil 2014 draw stirs Asian hopefuls

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 09:02:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the Asian qualifying draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ which has thrown up a host of intriguing match-ups as some of the continents smaller footballing nations seek a share of the spotlight.

Asia's Brazil 2014 draw made

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:26:00 GMT

The AFC has conducted the draw for Asia’s first and second round qualifiers for Brazil 2014.

Five maintain London dream

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:40:00 GMT

Asian qualifying for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament London 2012 continued with Iran, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Thailand all winning through to the second stage.

Gaining acceptance in new frontiers

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 07:50:00 GMT

Although the FIFA Women's World Cup™ has yet to include a team from the Middle East, cultural barriers continue to be broken in the development of women's football within the Arab world.

Asian Zone to play preliminary round for Brazil 2014

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 14:38:00 GMT

The members of the Asian Football Confederation are gearing up to begin the race for FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil, with the draw for qualification set to take place on 30 March in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Oman among Asia’s beach representatives

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:01:00 GMT

The three Asian qualifiers for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Ravenna 2011 have been finalised, with Japan and Iran joined by newcomers Oman, who will make their first appearance on sand among the world’s elite.

Bahrain, Kuwait battle to goalless stalemate

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 23:36:00 GMT

Bahrain have played out a goalless draw against West Asian and Gulf Cup champions Kuwait in an international friendly at the Bahrain national stadium.

Qatar 2011’s most memorable moments

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:18:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look at ten of the more memorable moments from the 2011 AFC Asian Cup with Japan crowned champions for an unprecedented fourth time following three weeks of drama and excitement on the pitch.

Sharida: Bahrain are in good shape

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:36:00 GMT

Bahrain coach Salman Sharida has said that he is keen to stay on and develop the potential of a team that he believes acquitted themselves well at the Asian Cup.

Asia's big guns land in quarters

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:13:00 GMT

Australia edged Korea Republic out of top spot in their AFC Asian Cup group with the pair recording victories over Bahrain and India respectively, though the Socceroos were forced to work hard to earn the spoils.

Aussies edge Bahrain, clinch top spot

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:56:00 GMT

Australia beat Bahrain 1-0 to go through to the AFC Asian Cup quarter-finals as Group C winners and eliminate their opponents, Mile Jedinak scoring the only goal in the first half.

Giants share spoils as India crash out

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:35:00 GMT

Group C at the AFC Asian Cup was finely poised on Friday after Australia and South Korea played out a high-quality 1-1 draw and Bahrain demolished whipping boys India 5-2 in an entertaining goalfest.

Abdulatif hits four as Bahrain send India out

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:25:00 GMT

Bahrain's Ismaeel Abdulatif scored a remarkable four goals as his side thrashed India 5-2 to stay in contention for an AFC Asian Cup last-eight berth and consign the Indians to elimination.

Bahrain coach calls for patience

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:09:00 GMT

Salman Sharida has pointed out that he has had little time to work with the Bahrain players and insisted they will improve following a 2-1 loss to Korea Republic.

Koo brace enough for Korea Republic

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 19:39:00 GMT

Korea Republic made a winning start to the AFC Asian Cup by beating Bahrain 2-1 today, Koo Ja-Cheol's two goals proving enough despite Fouzi Aaish converting a late penalty for their opponents.

Fancied duo begin with victories

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:58:00 GMT

Australia and Korea Republic made amends for their sluggish starts to the AFC Asian Cup four years ago, as they defeated India and Bahrain respectively in their Group C opener on Monday.

Cho keeping his cool

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 11:55:00 GMT

Korea Republic coach Cho Kwang-Rae says the key to success will be keeping calm if his side are to lift the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar.

Neill: There will be 'no excuses'

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 09:59:00 GMT

Australia captain Lucas Neill insists his side will take nothing for granted against minnows India, as the Socceroos plot the best possible start to their AFC Asian Cup campaign.

Coaches assess Asian prospects

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:52:00 GMT

FIFA.com hears from the Japan, Korea Republic, Iran and UAE coaches as their teams limber up for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup in Qatar.

Bahrain go down to defeat

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 19:21:00 GMT

Bahrain suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Korea DPR in an international friendly at Bahrain national stadium.