FIFA.com - News

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:36:00 GMT

Featuring Carlo Ancelotti on prioritising food over football in London, Moritz Leitner on the Borussia Dortmund bug, David Beckham on his love of AC Milan and Javier Clemente criticising Cristiano Ronaldo.

Uruguay's Nacional take opening honours

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:38:00 GMT

Uruguay's Nacional began their Copa Libertadores campaign impressively with a 2-1 victory at Brazil's Vasco da Gama in a meeting of two former champions, while there was also wins for Union Espanola and Cruz Azul.

Lara: I’m fulfilling a vow to my daughter

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:47:00 GMT

Eduardo Lara speaks to FIFA.com about his disbelief over Cali giants America’s relegation, the vow he made to his daughter to take their reins and get them back in the Colombian top flight, and his early days in the job.

Former kings set as group action begins

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:56:00 GMT

The group stage of the Copa Libertadores gets underway with Vasco da Gama hosting Nacional and fellow former champions Internacional, Olimpia and Velez Sarsfield in action.

Brazil maintain perfect record, Argentina qualify

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:17:00 GMT

Brazil made it five trophies from five editions of the South American U-20 Women’s Championship with customary ease, while Argentina finished runners-up to join their arch-rivals in booking a trip to the world finals in Japan.

Argentina seal spot at U-20 finals

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:26:00 GMT

Argentina have secured the second and final South American berth to the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where they will be joined by newly crowned continental champions Brazil.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:47:00 GMT

FIFA.com is once again looking forward to another week of footballing birthdays, with two hot shots from Madrid in Cristiano Ronaldo and Radamel Falcao alongside Barcelona legend Hristo Stoichkov in line for a celebration.

Brazil reach women’s U-20 finals

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:02:00 GMT

Brazil qualified for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup by beating Paraguay 8-0, while Argentina took a step towards joining them by defeating Colombia 3-1 in their penultimate game.

Internacional, Flamengo into group stage

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:39:00 GMT

Two-time continental champions Internacional won through to the Copa Libertadores group stage with a narrow 3-2 aggregate win over Once Caldas, while Brazilian compatriots Flamengo did likewise at Real Potosi's expense.

Inter complete three signings

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:11:00 GMT

Inter Milan have finalised three transfers, completing deals for Fredy Guarin from FC Porto, Angelo Palombo on loan from Sampdoria and youngster Juan from Internacional.

All in the balance as group stage awaits

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:23:00 GMT

Arsenal and Penarol may be all but sure of places in the group stage, but El Nacional, Internacional, Real Potosi and Union Espanola will carry just one-goal leads into the seconds legs of their preliminary-round ties on away soil.

Internacional edge win as Flamengo stumble

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:19:00 GMT

Two-time continental champions Internacional edged closer to the Copa Libertadores group stage with a 1-0 win over Once Caldas but compatriots Flamengo lost in Bolivia against Real Potosi.

Copa Libertadores in numbers

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:27:00 GMT

With just hours to go until the start of the 53rd edition of the Copa Libertadores, FIFA.com whets your appetite with some fascinating stats from Latin America’s premier club competition.

Stiff tests for continental big hitters

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:20:00 GMT

With four former champions in the preliminary stages alone, the 2012 edition of the Copa Libertadores looks to be one of the most keenly contested in recent years.

Hosts Brazil eye more success

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:03:00 GMT

The Brazilian city of Curitiba today welcomes the fifth South American U-20 Women’s Championship, with the hosts and three-time continental champions strong favourites to emerge triumphant.

Beyond our imagination

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:59:00 GMT

We sat down with the lucky winner of our 'Win a trip to the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2011 Gala' contest during their Zurich visit.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 09:14:00 GMT

In our regular Sunday feature, FIFA.com presents you with some of the biggest names in football who will be celebrating their birthdays over the coming week.

The Week in Quotes

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:26:00 GMT

Featuring Demba Ba on the surprise secret of his success, Hugo Gatti on why Lionel Messi would have only been a substitute in years gone by, and Bastian Schweinsteiger on comparisons between himself and Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Pekerman set for Colombia post

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 06:25:00 GMT

Argentina's 2006 FIFA World Cup™ coach Jose Pekerman has agreed to take the reins of Colombia as they seek to revive their stuttering campaign for Brazil 2014.

Which team stole the show at a FIFA tournament in 2011?

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:09:00 GMT

There were many fantastic displays of football at the various FIFA tournaments held in 2011. Which was your favourite?

Japan make first-ever top three appearance

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:31:00 GMT

FIFA Women's World Cup-winners Japan took advantage of Brazil's recent inconsistent form to move into the top three of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Rankings, while Northern Ireland were the biggest movers.

A start to remember

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:55:00 GMT

With 2011 coming to a close, FIFA.com takes a look back at the opening rounds of the South American qualifiers for Brazil 2014, in which coaching casualties, upsets and sumptuous goals all featured.

Goals, groans and global kings

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:14:00 GMT

Goalscoring feats from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Raul and Manchester City feature alongside relegation woe for America de Cali and FIFA Club World Cup joy for Barcelona in FIFA.com's latest stats review.

Universidad cruise to continental crown

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 03:50:00 GMT

Universidad de Chile are Copa Sudamericana champions after a brace from tournament top goalscorer Eduardo Vargas eased La U past Ecuador's Liga de Quito 4-0 on aggregate.

Season One heats up

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:39:00 GMT

The FIFA Interactive World Cup 2012 is underway and already over 200,000 players have signed up to compete for the coveted title.

Yepes to undergo ankle surgery

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:22:00 GMT

AC Milan are set to be without Mario Yepes for two and a half months as he is set to undergo surgery on damaged ankle ligaments after being injured against Bologna on Sunday.

Colombia terminate Alvarez as coach

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:42:00 GMT

The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) have terminated the contract of national team manager Leonel Alvarez as they lie sixth in the nine-team South American qualifying competition for Brazil 2014.

Colombian teachers trained in '11 for Health' strategy

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:17:00 GMT

Colombia's Ministry for Health and Social Protection have been working with FIFA to put on a training course for 32 Colombian teachers on the '11 for Health' initiative in the country.

Drama in Brazil, four remain in Mexico

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:39:00 GMT

The Brasileirao will be decided on the last day of action next Sunday, while Boca Juniors are a point from glory in Argentina and two Mexican giants fell.

Training for a brighter future

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 16:38:00 GMT

The Ecuadorian capital of Quito has just hosted two insightful FIFA training seminars for goalkeeping coaches and football development directors. FIFA.com reports.

Chitiva moved by Pachuca fans’ support

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:10:00 GMT

After making his first appearance of the campaign, Andres Chitiva has expressed his gratitude to the Pachuca followers and insisted that, despite a first-leg defeat at home, all is not lost in their semi-final with Tigres.

Kim: It’s the spear versus the shield

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:58:00 GMT

Free-scoring FC Seoul and resolute Ulsan Horangi are poised to kick off the K-League play-offs, and both coaches believe it will come down to whether the hosts’ attack or the visitors’ defence comes out on top.

Goalkeepers who belied their size

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:18:00 GMT

Featuring the likes of Ubaldo Fillol and Jorge Campos, FIFA.com takes a look at the many goalkeepers who have disproved the theory that size matters.

Universidad, LDU complete last four

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:51:00 GMT

Universidad de Chile and Ecuador's Liga de Quito completed the Copa Sudamericana semi-final line-up winning through to meet Vasco da Gama and Velez Sarsfield respectively.

Tight at the top as Messi fires Argentina

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 03:45:00 GMT

One point separates the top five teams in the South American Zone, with Argentina lying second after Lionel Messi helped them conjure up a win in Colombia.

Aguero, Messi spark Argentina win

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:10:00 GMT

Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero were on target in the second half as Argentina came from behind to defeat Colombia in Barranquilla in the fourth round of the South American qualifiers for Brazil 2014.

Chile, Ecuador look to bounce back

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:06:00 GMT

Jose Rojas has said he will be looking for victory over Paraguay tomorrow as Chile look to bounce back from defeat to Uruguay, while Ecuador hope to do similar against Peru.

Tough tests await struggling duo

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:27:00 GMT

Argentina and Chile are under major pressure as they go into crunch FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Paraguay respectively, while Bolivia face up to Venezuela. FIFA.com previews the action.

Messi: The boos hurt

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 14:21:00 GMT

Lionel Messi has revealed his disappointment at Argentina’s 1-1 draw at home to Bolivia, discussed the reaction of the fans and stressed that La Albiceleste must win their upcoming qualifier in Colombia.

Suarez shines as Uruguay rout Chile

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 03:34:00 GMT

Uruguay striker Luis Suarez turned in a stunning virtuoso performance by scoring all four goals as Uruguay overwhelmed Chile 4-0, while Argentina could only draw with Bolivia and Paraguay beat Ecuador.

Uruguay cut loose, Argentina frustrated

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 02:53:00 GMT

South American qualifying leaders Uruguay thrashed Chile to shrug aside any 11/11/11 ill omens, though it was a lean day for Argentina, Colombia and Ecuador.

Late penalty sees Velez edge through

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 03:55:00 GMT

A last-gasp penalty saw Argentinian champions Velez Sarsfield edge a 4-3 aggregate win over Colombia's Independiente Santa Fe to secure passage to the Copa Sudamericana semi-finals.

Aguero doubt for qualifiers

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:49:00 GMT

Key striker Sergio Aguero is in doubt for Argentina's upcoming Brazil 2014 qualifiers against Bolivia and Colombia after he pulled up in training with a groin problem.

Hosts favoured in reunion round

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:10:00 GMT

Argentina-Bolivia, Paraguay-Ecuador and Uruguay-Chile may have ended all square at this year’s Copa America, but the home sides will be confident of victory given their impressive records in the fixture.

Perea: Colombia have a great chance

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:39:00 GMT

Colombia centre-half Luis Perea speaks to FIFA.com about Los Cafeteros’ push for a place at the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 and the responsibilities that come with it.

Zabaleta: I model myself on Zanetti

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 08:43:00 GMT

Pablo Zabaleta chats to FIFA.com about succeeding Javier Zanetti in the Argentina team, their alleged defensive weaknesses and upcoming Brazil 2014 qualifiers against Bolivia and Colombia.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 09:34:00 GMT

In our regular Sunday feature, FIFA.com presents you with some of the biggest names from Planet Football who will be celebrating their birthdays over the coming week.

Getting to grips with the ‘gol olímpico’

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:43:00 GMT

FIFA.com tackles the history and curling dynamics of the so-called Olympic Goal, one of those rare strikes -- with its roots in the 1920s -- that flies in directly from a corner kick.

Velez take edge against Santa Fe

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 07:10:00 GMT

Argentinian champions Velez Sarsfield have moved closer to a last four berth in the Copa Sudamericana after collecting a 1-1 draw at Colombia's Independiente Santa Fe.

Tevez left out of Argentina qualifying squad

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:59:00 GMT

Alejandro Sabella has left Carlos Tevez out of the squad for their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying double-header against Boliva and Colombia, with Jonas Gutierrez, Nicolas Otamendi and Ricky Alvarez also missing out.