FIFA.com - News

Thrills aplenty as Brazil, Italy advance

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 01:47:58 GMT

Neymar wowed a vibrant crowd in Fortaleza as Brazil beat Mexico 2-0, while Italy recovered a two-goal deficit to edge Japan in an unforgettable seven-goal thriller at Recife's Arena Pernambuco.

Italy edge Japan in thriller to reach semis

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:52:00 GMT

A late Sebastian Giovinco tap-in snatched Italy a 4-3 win over Japan in one of the greatest games in FIFA Confederations Cup history – a result which secured the victors, and Brazil, semi-final places.

Mexican memories and a Milanese duel

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:15:00 GMT

In its matchday preview, FIFA.com highlights the battle between Mario Balotelli and Yuto Nagatomo, recalls Mexico’s win over Brazil at the 2005 tournament and hears from Zinha about the sides’ forthcoming clash.

Zaccheroni urges Japanese to play to strengths

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:56:00 GMT

Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni says his side will aim to use their renowned technical skills to counter Italy's strengths when the pair meet in a potentially pivotal Group A encounter at Brazil 2013 on Wednesday.

Hasebe: We have to stop Pirlo

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:06:00 GMT

When Italy face Japan at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Japanese captain Makoto Hasebe will have one very specific task. He is the man to stop Italy schemer Andrea Pirlo, who was in imperious form in their victory over Mexico.

Zaccheroni plots homeland’s downfall

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:39:30 GMT

There were differing fortunes for Italy and Japan in their opening matches at the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013. Now both sides travel to the Arena Pernambuco in Recife for their second game in Group A.

Brazil versus Japan in a fish fight!

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:16:00 GMT

Every Monday, FIFA.com delivers you a football-related photo you won’t be able to resist paying a second glance to. This week’s is from the Brazil-Japan match on Saturday – the one in a Yokohama fish tank, that is!

Neymar shows his class

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 01:28:00 GMT

Neymar, Fred and Maya Yoshida spoke to FIFA.com about the Brazil No10's wonder strike just three minutes into the opening game kicked off the FIFA Confederations Cup carnival.

Scolari: We can become a great team

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 00:16:00 GMT

Luiz Felipe Scolari has praised Neymar and Fred, warned his players not to underestimate Mexico and opined that Brazil can develop into an outstanding side.

Three and easy for Brazil

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 23:45:04 GMT

After the FIFA and Brazilian presidents declared the tournament open following a colourful opening ceremony, the FIFA Confederations Cup carnival began with a golaço from Neymar as Brazil swept aside Japan in Brasilia.

Neymar kicks-off Confeds carnival

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 21:56:00 GMT

Early goals in each half from Neymar and Paulinho saw Brazil begin their FIFA Confederations Cup campaign with a win against Japan, with Jo completing the victory late on.

Zinha: A goal to remember

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

A goal by Mexico's Antonio "Zinha" Naelson has been voted the best in FIFA Confederations Cup history by the fans through FIFA.com and FIFA Channel on YouTube.

The story of the Confeds

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:09:00 GMT

Eager to know more about how the FIFA Confederations Cup came into being? Our quick historical guide takes you from the King Fahd Cup in 1992 right through to the present day.

Japan raring to go at Brazil 2013

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:57:36 GMT

FIFA.com chats with Japan stars Shinji Kagawa and Yuto Nagatomo who say the Samurai Blue are aiming for a podium finish in Brazil this month, on the back of the team developing a harder edge over recent years.

Be part of the Confederations Cup!

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 20:01:08 GMT

For the Festival of Champions, FIFA.com is launching an exciting range of interactive features designed to bring you closer to the action in Brazil.

FIFA Confederations Cup in numbers

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:52:00 GMT

The FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 will be the ninth edition of the tournament. Here, FIFA.com picks out nine key stats as Saturday’s opening match draws ever closer.

Brazil, Japan get ball rolling

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:31:26 GMT

Saturday’s opening match of the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 between the hosts and Japan at Brasilia’s gleaming new stadium happens to involve the only two teams so far sure of a place at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

Confed captains ready to inspire

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:52:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a closer look at the captains of the eight teams at this year's FIFA Confederations Cup and highlights what exactly makes them the leaders of their respective teams.

Asian giants awake from their slumber

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:07:00 GMT

The qualifying picture became clearer across Asia on Tuesday as Australia, Iran and Korea Republic secured crucial wins to edge them closer to a place at Brazil 2014, while the battle for a play-off berth remains intense.

A festival of nicknames

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:49:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look at the story behind some of the intriguing nicknames and monikers used by the eight nations at the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013.

Limited number of FIFA Confederations Cup tickets to be made available

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:37:00 GMT

A limited number of coveted tickets for the FIFA Confederations Cup matches – including the opening match and the final will be made available for sale exclusively on FIFA.com on Tuesday, 11 June at 09.00 local time (14.00 CET).

Brazil 2014 tickets on the line in Asia

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 01:55:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews the penultimate matchday in Asian Brazil 2014 qualifying with three spots still up for grabs and Uzbekistan eyeing historic passage to the world stage.

Happy Birthday to you!

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 09:15:00 GMT

In our weekly birthday feature FIFA.com looks ahead to footballing stars set to celebrate over the next seven days, this week including a FIFA Confederations Cup squad member and a Ghanaian goalkeeping hero.

Contests, games and prizes for June!

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 07:50:00 GMT

As you prepare to watch the champions of the confederations clash in Brazil, get ready for your own battle right here on FIFA.com. We are giving away incredible prizes in June.

Brazil 2013 squads revealed

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:00:00 GMT

FIFA.com can exclusively reveal the official 23-man squads for the eight participants of the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 which takes place between 15 and 30 June in six iconic venues across the country.

Brazil dealt challenge in Tahiti 2013 draw

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:38:00 GMT

The Tahiti 2013 draw has thrown up a number of intriguing match-ups, notably for the host nation and also four-time world champions Brazil.

Road to Tahiti 2013 glory revealed

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 07:28:00 GMT

The pathway to glory at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Tahiti 2013 has been unveiled following the Official Draw held at the Maison de la Culture in Papeete, with four-time world champions Brazil dealt a tough challenge.

Japan celebrates World Cup berth

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 04:53:00 GMT

Goalscorer Keisuke Honda was elevated to the status of a national hero on Wednesday with blanket coverage and nationwide celebrations following Japan's dramatic qualification for Brazil 2014.

Japan reach Brazil as Oman, Iran prevail

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 22:10:00 GMT

AFC held four FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers Tuesday which saw Japan become the first team to join Brazil in next year's event, while Iran and Oman earned hard-fought 1-0 results and Korea Repbulic scored late to end 1-1 with Lebanon.

Honda: I took my penalty full of confidence

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 15:34:00 GMT

Having sealed Japan's passage to Brazil 2014 with a last-minute penalty against Australia, Keisuke Honda spoke with FIFA.com on the final whistle about his vital goal, the team's progress and the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Late drama sends Japan to Brazil

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:35:00 GMT

A dramatic last-minute penalty by Keisuke Honda ensured Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ as they snatched a 1-1 draw with Australia in Saitama.

Japan's road to Brazil

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:30:00 GMT

Japan became the first team to join hosts Brazil at the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, completing their qualifying mission with a 1-1 draw against Australia in Saitama, secured by a late Keisuke Honda penalty.

All on the line in Asia as Japan eye Brazil

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 06:39:00 GMT

Four Asian teams will book passage to Brazil 2014 over the coming weeks with Japan by far the best placed, while a battle royale is set to be played out among the nine other contenders.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 11:17:00 GMT

In our weekly birthday feature FIFA.com looks ahead to the next seven days of footballers celebrating growing a year older, with the likes of FIFA Women's Player of the Year Abby Wambach and Lukasz Piszczek amongst them.

Zaccheroni keen for home qualification

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 07:05:00 GMT

Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni spoke to FIFA.com ahead of the Samurai Blue's FIFA World Cup™ qualifier against Australia to discuss his team's qualifying campaign and his time with Japan so far.

Ahmed: I'm always ready to serve Iraq

Thu, 30 May 2013 14:09:03 GMT

Hammadi Ahmed speaks to FIFA.com about his international career and Iraq's hopes of reaching Brazil 2014.

Del Bosque names squad, explains decisions

Mon, 27 May 2013 14:49:00 GMT

Vicente Del Bosque has named a 26-man provisional Spain squad for Brazil 2013 and discussed why he included Iker Casillas, Javi Martinez, Roberto Soldado and Fernando Torres.

Omiya maintain lead, Antlers come from behind

Sat, 25 May 2013 16:28:00 GMT

Milivoje Novakovic scored twice as Omiya Ardija maintained their five-point lead at the top of the J.League after a 3-0 win over Vantforet Kofu. Elsewhere, Kashima Antlers came from two goals down to win 3-2.

Buriram’s run continues, Saudi duo shine

Thu, 23 May 2013 06:15:00 GMT

The AFC Champions League quarter-final line-up is now set after another dramatic week of action across Asia with Saudi clubs enjoying success, while Thai outsiders Buriram United have continued their astonishing ride.

Guangzhou, Kashiwa ease into quarters

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:19:00 GMT

Guangzhou Evergrande and Kashiwa Reysol, who both won their first legs, were again victorious over Central Coast Mariners and Jeonbuk Motors respectively, while Lekhwiya and Esteghlal also advanced.

Double joy for Wolfsburg, Sky Blue fly high

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:21:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews a big week of women’s club football as Wolfsburg continued their recent dominance in Germany, there are new leaders Stateside and a perfect finale to the maiden Belgium/Netherlands season looms large.

Klopp reveals his Kagawa heartbreak

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:51:00 GMT

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he was in tears when Shinji Kagawa departed for Manchester United and says the Japanese midfielder deserves more game time at Old Trafford.

Hosts target Asia's last eight

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:03:00 GMT

Home sides are well placed going into the AFC Champions League Round of 16 return legs with only Bunyodkor suffering defeat on the road last week. All the action previewed.

Omiya stretch lead, Urawa thrash Sagan

Sat, 18 May 2013 14:13:00 GMT

Daigo Watanabe scored one goal and assisted another to lead J.League leaders Omiya Ardija to a 2-1 win over Shonan Bellmare, while Urawa Red Diamonds thrashed Sagan Tosu 6-2.

Underdogs impress as giants stumble

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:51:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews opening action in the AFC Champions League Round of 16 with unheralded Buriram United and Lekhwiya well placed to advance at the expense of highly-fancied opposition.

Esteghlal, Guangzhou & Kashiwa edge towards quarters

Wed, 15 May 2013 21:55:00 GMT

Esteghlal, Guangzhou Evergrande, Kashiwa Reysol and Lekhwiya all picked up impressive victories in the first legs of their last-16 ties.

Formidable tasks await first-timers

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:25:00 GMT

There are five teams competing in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League for the first time, and all face tough challenges. FIFA.com previews the action in Asia's top club competition.

Sendai beat J.League leaders Omiya, Yokohama down Nagoya

Sat, 11 May 2013 15:53:00 GMT

Omiya Ardija's 21-game non-losing streak came to an end Saturday when Vegalta Sendai defeated the league leaders 2-1, while Yokohama edged Nagoya Grampus by the same scoreline and Shonan Bellmare beat FC Tokyo 3-2 in other J.League action.

Fallen giants and brave novices

Thu, 02 May 2013 03:25:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the final matchday in the AFC Champions League notable for Thai outfit Buriram United sealing an unlikely progression to the knockout stage, while a host of former winners saw their hopes evaporate.

Buriram pip Vegalta to last-16 spot

Wed, 01 May 2013 14:12:00 GMT

Preliminary round qualifiers Buriram United drew 2-2 at FC Seoul to win through to the AFC Champions League knock-out stage after Vegalta Sendai were surprisingly beaten at home, while J.League giants Urawa Red Diamonds were also eliminated.