FIFA.com - News

Given waiting on knee scare

Tue, 22 May 2012 12:17:00 GMT

Shay Given has an anxious wait to see if he will be able to represent the Republic of Ireland at UEFA EURO 2012, after the 36-year-old underwent a knee scan after suffering an injury in training.

Trapattoni: Ireland are strong and organised

Sat, 12 May 2012 10:34:00 GMT

Giovanni Trapattoni is under no illusion that the Republic of Ireland are underdogs ahead of UEFA EURO 2012, but he has said while they lack creativity, they are strong, organised and balanced.

Long: Hodgson deserves this chance

Tue, 08 May 2012 07:10:00 GMT

West Bromwich Albion and Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long speaks to FIFA.com about Roy Hodgson's appointment as England manager and the prospects for Giovanni Trapattoni's Irish side at UEFA EURO 2012.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 09:46:00 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.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 06:36:00 GMT

This week FIFA.com's round-up of the next seven days of birthdays features FIFA World Cup™ winner Pierre Littbarski, Nigerian legend Finidi George and Zambian CAF Africa Cup of Nations winner Felix Katongo.

McClean could make EURO squad

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:08:00 GMT

Giovanni Trapattoni has revealed that Sunderland midfielder James McClean could be included in Republic of Ireland's UEFA EURO 2012 squad, and that Richard Dunne definitely will be if he recovers from injury.

EURO coaches tip Spain, Germany

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:36:00 GMT

A clutch of UEFA EURO 2012-bound coaches have tipped defending European champions Spain as hot favorites to win this year's tournament, with 2008 runners-up Germany ranked as their most likely challengers

Germany toast Algarve success

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:26:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the best of the action from the 2012 Algarve Cup, including a thrilling seven-goal final in which Germany prevailed against world champions Japan.

Dutch, French triumph as Italy slip up

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:34:00 GMT

Both the Netherlands and France claimed impressive away wins over England and Germany respectively, Roberto Soldado starred in Spain's thrashing of Venezuela while Italy were stunned at home by USA.

Cox saves draw for Irish

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:01:00 GMT

Republic of Ireland substitute Simon Cox scored four minutes from time to snatch a 1-1 draw with Czech Republic and extend the national side's unbeaten run to an impressive 12 games.

Trapattoni: We believe in our players

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:47:00 GMT

Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni has made clear his commitment to the group of players who helped sealed the national side a place at the UEFA EURO 2012 ahead of their friendly against Czech Republic.

McClean gets Republic call-up

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:01:00 GMT

Sunderland's James McClean has been called up by UEFA EURO 2012-bound Republic of Ireland for next week's friendly with the Czech Republic.

Walton secures Grand Final spot

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:24:00 GMT

After a the FIFA Interactive World Cup 2012 UK final, 2011 Grand Finalist Ty Walton booked his spot in this year's end of season epic with a tough 2-1 win over Irishman Adam Johnson.

Quinn leaves role at Sunderland

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:32:00 GMT

Former Republic of Ireland striker Niall Quinn has left Premier League side Sunderland after two separate spells as player and chairman with the Black Cats.

Dunne facing two months out

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:22:00 GMT

Aston Villa are set to be without pivotal defender Richard Dunne after it was revealed he fractured his shoulder during yesterday's defeat with Manchester City.

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.

Keane double wins derby for Villa

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:43:00 GMT

On-loan striker Robbie Keane made an instant impact for Aston Villa, scoring twice in the second half to help his side claim a 3-2 comeback victory over rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Everton complete Gibson signing

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:49:00 GMT

Republic of Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson has left Manchester United to join Everton on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

Keane: I’m delighted to be back

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:09:00 GMT

Robbie Keane has expressed his joy at joining Aston Villa on loan and spoken about what he can contribute to the team, while Alex McLeish and Darren Bent have revealed their pleasure at the Irishman’s arrival.

McLeish: Given close to comeback

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:48:00 GMT

Shay Given could return to action in the next fortnight according to Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish, after the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper recovered from a hamstring injury.

Spurs suffer as group stage concludes

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:13:00 GMT

Birmingham City, Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur were knocked out, while there was joy for qualified AZ Alkmaar, Club Brugge and Rubin Kazan, as the UEFA Europa League group stage concluded.

Spurs hit four but crash out

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:32:00 GMT

Tottenham Hotspur are out of the UEFA Europa League despite winning 4-0 at Shamrock Rovers, as Harry Redknapp's side paid the price for defeats earlier in the tournament.

Big guns reflect on tough draw

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 15:19:00 GMT

There was a cautious tone amongst the voices of Europe's elite nations, as all were expecting a tough time of it at the UEFA EURO 2012 finals, with many of the favourites being drawn together.

Trapattoni signs contract extension

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:44:00 GMT

After leading Republic of Ireland to next year's UEFA EURO, Giovanni Trapattoni, along with assistant Marco Tardelli, has agreed a contract extension up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup™.

Spain, Netherlands join co-hosts as top seeds

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:37:00 GMT

Spain have been joined by the Netherlands and co-hosts Poland and Ukraine in the top group seeds for the UEFA EURO 2012 finals draw, which is set to take place in Kyiv on 2 December.

Trapattoni eager for new deal

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:51:00 GMT

After securing a UEFA EURO 2012 finals berth, Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni has urged the Football Association of Ireland to provide clarity regarding his contract.

Trapattoni: We can emulate Greece triumph

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 02:36:00 GMT

Republic of Ireland can replicate Greece's surprise 2004 UEFA EURO success according to manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

Portugal among final four qualifiers

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:05:00 GMT

Portugal overcame stubborn resistance from Bosnia-Herzegovina to join Croatia, Czech Republic and Republic of Ireland as the final four teams to qualify for UEFA EURO 2012. FIFA.com has all the details.

Irish end drought to reach EURO

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 21:54:00 GMT

The Republic of Ireland ended years of frustration by reaching their first major finals since the 2002 FIFA World Cup™ as they qualified for UEFA EURO 2012 today.

Pareiko: We're giving it our best shot

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 07:52:00 GMT

Despite being on the wrong end of a 4-0 scoreline in the first leg of their UEFA EURO 2012 play-off in Tallinn, Estonia keeper Sergei Pareiko says that his team-mates will not give up in Dublin.

Keane sticks with the Irish

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:23:00 GMT

Republic of Ireland forward Robbie Keane has opted not to return to club Los Angeles Galaxy ahead of his national side's second-leg play-off match against Estonia for UEFA EURO 2012 qualification.

Portugal look to avoid Euro 2012 slip-up

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 04:07:00 GMT

Portugal host Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday in the most intriguingly placed of four ties will which decide the final qualifiers for UEFA EURO 2012.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 23:49:00 GMT

Our pick of the week's best quotes features Michel Bastos on the best player in Ligue 1, Pablo Zabaleta on following in the footsteps of an Argentinian idol, and Yann M'Vila on France's aims for UEFA EURO 2012.

Trapattoni stays cautious, Keane hails team-mates

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 11:09:00 GMT

Giovanni Trapattoni has warned his Republic of Ireland side against complacency following their 4-0 win in Estonia, while Robbie Keane has praised fellow scorers Jonathan Walters and Keith Andrews.

Triumphant trio poised to progress

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:53:00 GMT

Republic of Ireland, Croatia and the Czech Republic all took giant strides towards qualifying for UEFA EURO 2012, but Portugal were left with plenty of work to do after a stalemate in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Irish eyes smiling after Estonia stroll

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:06:00 GMT

Skipper Robbie Keane claimed a double in Tallinn as the Republic of Ireland routed nine-man Estonia to take an iron grip on their UEFA EURO 2012 play-off.

Eight pursue play-off progress

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:45:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews the UEFA EURO 2012 play-offs which has served up a handful of intriguing fixtures, including a grudge match between Portugal and Bosnia-Herzegovina, and new faces Montenegro against Czech Republic.

Given: It's our time to qualify

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:51:00 GMT

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has said the national squad believes it is their time to qualify for the European championships and are confident they can surpass Estonia for passage to UEFA EURO 2012.

Kelly: We are in confident mood

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:47:00 GMT

Republic of Ireland are set to face Estonia in the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying play-offs on Friday and defender Stephen Kelly has said the squad is in confident mood and ready to put woes of the past behind them.

Five teams through as Spurs stutter

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 23:10:00 GMT

PSV Eindhoven, Twente, Anderlecht, Legia Warsaw, and Athletic Bilbao have all ensured their passage in to the last 32 in the UEFA Europa League, while Tottenham Hotspur will have to wait after a loss to Rubin Kazan.

O’Neill inks Shamrock success story

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:24:00 GMT

As Shamrock Rovers prepare to take on PAOK in the UEFA Europa League, FIFA.com reflects on a memorable season that already numbers among the most memorable in the Irish club's 110-year history.

Given positive as Irish name squad

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:30:00 GMT

Giovanni Trapattoni has named a provisional 26-man squad for Republic of Ireland's UEFA EURO 2012 play-off against Estonia next month, and goalkeeper Shay Given is full of optimism heading into the tie.

Udinese, Schalke stun as Fulham falter

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:31:00 GMT

Udinese scored two last-gasp goals to defeat Atletico Madrid, while Schalke ran out 5-0 winners over Steaua Bucharest, and ten-man Fulham lost 1-0 to Wisla Krakow in the UEFA Europa League.

Celtic seek Europa tonic

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 02:29:00 GMT

The UEFA Europa League group stage reaches its midway point on Thursday with Atletico Madrid's visit to Udinese among the highlights, while Celtic manager Neil Lennon is under pressure for his side's road trip to Rennes.

Kink: Ireland will be a tough tie

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:07:00 GMT

Midfielder Tarmo Kink has said he believes play-off opponents Republic of Ireland will be just as keen on qualifying for the EURO 2012 showpiece as Estonia when they meet in November.

Play-offs pitch Ireland against Estonia

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:10:00 GMT

The UEFA EURO 2012 play-offs draw was made today, with Republic of Ireland to face Estonia, Turkey handed a tie with Croatia, Czech Republic paired with Montenegro, and Bosnia-Herzegovina going up against Portugal.

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.

Czechs, Ireland among seeded sides

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:22:00 GMT

UEFA announced today that Croatia, Czech Republic, Portugal and Republic of Ireland will be the four seeded teams in tomorrow's draw for the UEFA EURO 2012 play-offs.

Trapattoni happy to take chances in play-off lottery

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 03:16:00 GMT

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni says that only 50 per cent of the job is done after his side won their way into the UEFA EURO 2012 play-offs.

Twelve seats filled at EURO table

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:20:00 GMT

FIFA.com rounds up an intriguing final round of UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying matches as France, Russia, Greece, Denmark and Sweden all advanced, leaving eight contenders to play-off for the four remaining tickets.