FIFA.com - News

Goals galore as leaders stumble

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:36:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s round-up of club action across Asia and Oceania reflects on rare losses for the frontrunners in Australia, Qatar, Jordan and India, while a host of elite goalscorers came to the fore.

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.

Happy Birthday to you!

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:02:00 GMT

FIFA.com is once again celebrating the week of birthdays set to take place over the next week in the football world, including FIFA World Cup™ winners Romario and Joan Capdevila as well as Tunisia boss Sami Trabelsi.

Zico: Iraq can beat anyone

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:14:00 GMT

Brazil legend Zico, now in charge of Iraq's national team, tells FIFA.com how his side overcame early doubts to qualify for the final round of Asian Zone qualifiers - and why they can take the next step by qualifying for Brazil 2014.

Leaders pull clear amid upsets

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:48:00 GMT

Some unexpected results helped Central Coast Mariners and Lekhwiya improve their leads in Australia and Qatar respectively, while it was a good weekend for Kuwait’s Al-Jahra and Nejmeh of Lebanon.

Leaders toppled, new challengers emerge

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:31:00 GMT

The long-term frontrunners in Australia and India were finally hauled in, while in Thailand new rulers have been crowned. FIFA.com’s weekly review of club action in Asia and Oceania also visits Japan, Iraq and New Zealand.

Captains dominate Asian scene

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:11:00 GMT

The likes of Server Djeparov, Younis Mahmoud and Park Chu-Young have been in inspirational form during Asian qualifying for Brazil 2014 while donning the captain’s armband, proving that a good skipper leads from the front.

A star returns to school, Russia win again

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 07:49:00 GMT

After the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011, the development of the game has moved at incredible pace and over the last two months Russia claimed yet another crown, while an El Salvador star has hit the books.

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.

Aussie hopes stalled by Iraq

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:32:00 GMT

Australia were held to goalless draw by Iraq in their Group C encounter in Asian qualifying for the Olympic Football Tournament London 2012.

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.

Scores to settle on fifth matchday

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 15:38:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks ahead to Matchday 5 of Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, when the likes of Australia, Iraq, Korea Republic and Qatar will be aiming to book their place in the next round.

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.

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.

Guangzhou gang shoulder China hopes

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:10:00 GMT

The success of runaway league winners Guangzhou Yiyao has proved to be a boost for China PR coach Jose Camacho with six of the team’s players named in the national squad for the crucial Brazil 2014 qualifier against Iraq.

Beach soccer rolls on after Ravenna 2011

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:49:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the latest news in the world of beach soccer, with events largely dominated by September's FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Ravenna/Italy 2011.

Nasaf, Kuwait SC into final

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:55:00 GMT

Nasaf become the first Uzbek team to reach the AFC Cup final following a narrow aggregate victory over Jordanian champions Al Wehdat, while Kuwait SC reached their second final in three years after beating Iraq's Arbil.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 07:59:00 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.

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.

Mahmoud earns Iraq win in China

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:42:00 GMT

Iraq edged China PR 1-0 to go second in Group A, a Younis Mahmoud goal earning the visitors victory against the run of play.

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.

Talajic expects Kuwait to battle on

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:05:00 GMT

Kuwait SC coach Dragan Talajic expects his side to battle on in their AFC Cup semi-final second leg against Arbil, despite missing five players for the crucial game.

Nasaf book semi-final berth

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 20:45:00 GMT

Nasaf have reached the AFC Cup semi-finals, defeating Chonburi on penalties, while Kuwait SC are also through after drawing Muang Thong United 0-0 to go through 1-0 on aggregate.

Zob Ahan’s Iraqi import

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:07:00 GMT

FIFA.com managed to grab a word with Hawar Mula Mohammed, the Iraq international who is hoping to fire his new club Zob Ahan to glory in the AFC Champions League.

Muang Thong, Persipura look to bounce back

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:45:00 GMT

While Muang Thong United look to overcome a one-goal deficit against Kuwait SC in the AFC Cup quarter-finals, Persipura Jayapura and Chonburi face stiff tests against Arbil and Nasaf respectively.

Iraq asked to find neutral venue

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:18:00 GMT

The Iraqi Football Association has been asked by FIFA to find a neutral ground for their home qualifying matches for London 2012 and Brazil 2014 until further notice.

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.

Honda, Inui lead Asian award shortlist

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The 15-man shortlist for the Asian Football Confederation's Player of the Year award was announced today, with Japan stars Keisuke Honda and Takashi Inui among the favourites to win.

Muang Thong struck by injury, Nasaf eye win

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:43:00 GMT

Ahead of the AFC Cup quarter-finals, Muang Thong United manager Henrique Calisto has expressed his concern over a depleted squad, while Nasaf face a tough away match against Chonburi.

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.

Iraq too strong for Singapore

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:41:00 GMT

Second-half goals from Ala'a Abdulzehra and Younis Mahmoud gave Iraq a 2-0 victory over Singapore in their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier today.

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.

Favourites sweat as underdogs impress

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 20:27:00 GMT

The opening matchday of Asia's third qualifying round for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ sent shockwaves across the continent, with favourites struggling and minnows impressing.

Zico appointed new Iraq coach

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:38:00 GMT

Brazilian legend Zico has agreed a one-year deal to become the coach of Iraq, the 58-year-old replacing Wolfgang Sidka to take charge of the nation's FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Al Zawraa return the title to Baghdad

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Capital outfit Al Zawraa have ended the recent dominance of Iraq's northern sides with a penalty shooutout win over Arbil in the championship decider to take the title back to Bagdad.

Younis Mahmoud, hungry for more

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 07:41:00 GMT

Younis Mahmoud has been front and centre during a golden period for Iraq football and now the prolific striker is aiming to bring joy to a troubled nation by leading them to the 2014 FIFA World Cup™.

China, Iraq seek redemption

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 01:17:00 GMT

In a group which seems to have no clear favourites, it looks likely to be a three-way battle between China, Iraq and Jordan.

Japan handed awkward assignment

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 22:32:00 GMT

Asian champions Japan may not have it all their own way on the road to Brazil after they were pitted against fellow South African 2010 qualifiers Korea DPR, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in Group C. Elsewhere Australia will take on Saudi Arabia.

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.

Exiled nations eye World Cup return

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:48:00 GMT

From Egypt through Colombia to Hungary, FIFA.com looks at some of the nations aiming to end extended absences from the FIFA World Cup by qualifying for Brazil 2014.

Asian hopefuls in do or die deciders

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:42:00 GMT

Asia's second round of qualifiers reaching a climax today, with no fewer than 30 sides battling it out on the road to 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. You can follow the action live on FIFA.com.

Asian favourites draw first blood

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:00:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the latest round of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying in Asia, which saw the traditional favourites take an advantage over their underdog opponents.

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.

Thirty hopefuls begin road to round three

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 06:55:00 GMT

Some intriguing second round, first legs are in store, with Kuwait-Philippines, Qatar-Vietnam, Singapore-Malaysia and United Arab Emirates-India catching the eye.

Sidka: I’m enjoying my time in Iraq

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:24:00 GMT

FIFA.com talks to Iraq coach Wolfgang Sidka about preparing his side for 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, football in his homeland Germany, and his thoughts on Qatar hosting the showpiece event in 2022.

Nagoya Oceans crowned Futsal champions

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 08:49:00 GMT

Nagoya Oceans were crowned AFC Futsal champions as they overcame their Asian rivals during last week's competition in Doha, Qatar, beating Iran's Shahid Mansouri in the final 3-2 in extra time.