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.

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.

Preliminary progress thrills Jordan

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:56:00 GMT

Jordan’s passage to Round 4 of Asian Zone qualifying for Brazil 2014 is a first for one of the region’s customary also-rans. FIFA.com hears from the men who made it possible.

Press reflects on differing fortunes

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:16:00 GMT

The last two matchdays in Asian qualifying for Brazil 2014 provided upsets and drama in equal measure. FIFA.com looks at the reaction of media across the continent.

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.

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.

Deeb: Jordan are on the right track

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 03:19:00 GMT

FIFA.com speaks with Jordan striker Abdullah Deeb who has been a key component in the west Asian nation’s red-hot form which began with an impressive 2011 AFC Asian Cup and has continued in Brazil 2014 qualifying.

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.

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.

Jordan storm past Singapore

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:51:00 GMT

Jordan maintained their 100 per cent record in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying as goals from Abdallah Deeb, Anas Bani Yaseen and Ahmad Ibrahim gave them a 3-0 win in Singapore.

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.

Women’s round-up: September 2011

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 07:58:00 GMT

Trophies in England and Korea Republic, goalscoring glory for Abby Wambach and qualification for London 2012 all feature in FIFA.com’s latest women’s football review.

Nervy leaders stumble as finish line nears

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:00:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks back on at a troubled weekend for the frontrunners in Japan and Korea Republic, and on a contrasting scenario in China PR, where a new name seems set to be etched on the championship trophy.

Hamad: Brazil 2014 is our goal

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:38:00 GMT

FIFA.com hears from Jordan coach Adnan Hamad about his side’s fine form in FIFA World Cup qualifying, and their chances of reaching the final phase of the Asian qualification process.

Asian pacesetters maintain momentum

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:00:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly look at domestic football across Asia sweeps from the east, where Japan, Korea Republic and China are in the spotlight, to the west, where action in Saudi Arabia, Iran and Jordan is reviewed.

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.

Jordan chasing slice of history

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:28:00 GMT

Jordan's aspirations to progress in the qualifiers for Brazil 2014 will be tested in the coming days with tough assignments against Iraq and China PR. FIFA.com looks at what their coach and players have to say.

Asia’s female elite return to action

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:39:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews the London 2012 qualifiers as world champions Japan prepare to face Australia, China PR, Korea DPR, Korea Republic and Thailand with another glittering prize at stake.

Asian underdogs sharpen form

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:02:00 GMT

Indonesia and Jordan boosted their confidence ahead of their forthcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers with fine results, while Thailand and Singapore played out a goalless draw.

Mixed weekend for Asian frontrunners

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:01:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly review of Asian club football visits Japan, Korea Republic, China PR, Iran, Uzbekistan, Jordan and Qatar in what proved a largely forgettable weekend for the top teams across the respective leagues.

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.

The Preliminary Draw in quotes

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 00:20:00 GMT

FIFA.com has been gathering reaction from players, coaches and officials to today's Preliminary Draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil in Rio de Janeiro.

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.

China score six, Saudis hit five

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:56:00 GMT

Asia's big guns in the preliminary qualification for 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ saw their names make it into Saturday's Preliminary Draw with big wins as Saudi Arabia and China scored five and six apiece.

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.

Abdel Fattah: Brazil 2014 in our sights

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:40:00 GMT

FIFA.com spoke exclusively to Jordan midfielder Hasan Abdel Fattah about the national team’s performances at this year’s AFC Asian Cup, and their upcoming qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

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.

Thailand keep Olympic dream alive

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:12:00 GMT

Thailand scored a late equaliser against Vietnam to draw 3-3 and reach the next round of London 2012 qualifying in Asia, finishing one point ahead of second-placed Uzbekistan.

Korea call up Cho for qualifier

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:17:00 GMT

Striker Cho Young-Cheol has been called up by Korea Republic for their 2012 London Olympics qualifier against Jordan later this month.

Al Wahdat swing to double-four time

Mon, 30 May 2011 08:01:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks back at an astonishing year for Jordanian side Al Wahdat who have bagged all four of the country’s domestic honours for the second time in three seasons.

Persipura, Chonburi book last-eight places

Wed, 25 May 2011 17:44:00 GMT

Persipura Jayapura defeated Song Lam Nghe An 3-1 and Chonburi cruised to a comfortable win against Sriwijaya to reach the AFC Cup quarter-finals, as did Kuwait SC and Jordan big guns Al Wehdat.

Last eight beckons in AFC Cup

Wed, 25 May 2011 00:37:00 GMT

A berth in the AFC Cup quarter-final is in the offing with Vietnam's Song Lam Nghe An and Indonesia's Persipura Jayapura among a host of challengers seeking to become the first east Asian side to reach the continental final.

Injury-hit Muang Thong hope for boost

Mon, 23 May 2011 21:06:00 GMT

Muang Thong United are hampered by injuries ahead of their AFC Cup last-16 match with Al Ahed, while Dempo are faced with the tough task of playing Iraq side Duhok on their home turf.

Al Wehdat first through in AFC Cup

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 02:55:00 GMT

Jordan's Al Wehdat are the first team into the AFC Cup knockout stage maintaining their perfect record with a 1-0 win over Kuwait SC, while Vietnam's Song Lam Nghe An, Hong Kong's TSW Pegasus and Thailand's Chonburi all won easily.

Asia/Oceania Leagues review

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 09:35:00 GMT

FIFA.com's weekly look at the best club action in Asia and Oceania includes vital wins for Al Jazira and Sepahan in UAE and Iran respectively, derby action in China and OFC O-League joy for Auckland City.

Kezman strikes, Carrijo nets four

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:55:00 GMT

Mateja Kezman gave South China a much needed first win in the AFC Cup, giving their prospects of qualifying from Group H a boost, while Leandro Carrijo scored four in a 5-3 goalfest between TSW Pegasus and VB.

Al Wehdat crowned again

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:42:00 GMT

Al Wehdat have cruised to the Jordan Pro League title with three rounds remaining for their fifth championship in the last seven seasons.

Asia’s elite boosted by friendly fire

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:22:00 GMT

A number of Asia’s larger nations enjoyed a prosperous week with Australia, Korea Republic, China and Qatar among those buoyed by impressive displays ahead of the rapidly approaching Brazil 2014 qualifiers.

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.