FIFA.com - News

Choi names experienced squad

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:05:00 GMT

New Korea Republic coach Choi Kang-Hee has named an experienced squad for the crucial upcoming Brazil 2014 qualifier against Kuwait, with the eight-time FIFA World Cup™ finalists having no margin for error.

Park: I'm proud to reach 200

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:17:00 GMT

Korea Republic star Park Ji-Sung has spoken about his feelings at making his 200th appearance for Manchester United after coming on as a substitute in the 3-3 draw at Chelsea.

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.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:04:00 GMT

Featuring Jeremie Janot on keeping warm during games, Ricardo Rocha on how his humorous mistake helped Brazil in 1994, Martin O’Neill on how his French sounds South Korean and Michael Rensing on Cologne’s disease.

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.

CSKA sign Kim In-Sung

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:42:00 GMT

Russiam Premier League side CSKA Moscow have signed Korea Republic midfielder Kim In Sung from Gangneung City on a one-year deal.

Tufegdzic: Nothing is impossible

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:59:00 GMT

Goran Tufegdzic speaks to FIFA.com about his Kuwait team’s final third-round qualifier in Korea Republic, which they need to win to keep their Brazil 2014 hopes alive, and their preparations for the make-or-break clash.

Kuyt knocks United out at Anfield

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:08:00 GMT

Substitute Dirk Kuyt scored the winning goal two minutes from time as Liverpool booked their place in the FA Cup fifth round with a 2-1 victory against rivals Manchester United at Anfield.

Ahn to hang up his boots

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:08:00 GMT

Korea Republic legend Ahn Jung-Hwan, famous for his dramatic goal against Italy in the 2002 FIFA World Cup™, is to retire next week.

Park rules out Korean u-turn

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:18:00 GMT

Park Ji-sung today made it clear he will not be coming out of international retirement to help Korea Republic qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™.

Happy Birthday to you!

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:53:00 GMT

FIFA.com again looks forward to a week of birthdays, including a pair of players in Xavi and Arjen Robben who met in the last FIFA World Cup™ final and two others in Gigi Buffon and Ahn Jung Hwan who met in Korea/Japan 2002.

Choi banking on prolific Lee

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:55:00 GMT

Newly-appointed Korea Republic coach Choi Kang-Hee has outlined his aims for the national team ahead of their vital 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifier against Kuwait, with striker Lee Dong-Gook a major part of his plans.

Seongnam complete Yoon signing

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:14:00 GMT

Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma have completed the signing of Korea Republic international striker Yoon Bitgaram from Gyeongnam FC.

Kim joins Jeonbuk

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:14:00 GMT

Korea Republic midfielder Kim Jung-Woo has linked with K-League champions Jeonbuk Motors on a three-year deal.

Eninho, Jeonbuk’s set-piece master

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:52:00 GMT

After a hectic end to the season, FIFA.com caught up with Brazilian midfielder Eninho, whose expertise at set-pieces helped Jeonbuk Motors to the domestic title and within touching distance of continental glory.

Last-gasp Ji stuns leaders City

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 17:13:00 GMT

Sunderland were dominated for much of their encounter at home to Manchester City, but a Ji Dong Won goal deep into injury time snatched them a 1-0 win and eased their relegation fears.

Young Rok not giving up

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:40:00 GMT

After a horrendous 2011 which saw him fighting for his life after a heart-attack, Shin Young-Rok has ended the year on a high, with the Jeju United striker appearing in public as he walks the road to recovery.

Short-term plan for Choi

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:09:00 GMT

New Korea Republic coach Choi Kang-Hee wants to lead the national team through qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ and then step down to return to club management.

Korea Republic appoint Choi

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:08:00 GMT

Choi Kang-Hee has been appointed as the new coach of Korea Republic, having been tempted to leave his post as Jeonbuk Motors coach.

Park happy to play waiting game

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:01:00 GMT

After experiencing limited playing time thus far, Arsenal's summer signing Park Chu-Young has explained that he is enjoying life at the club and will take any chances that arise for him.

Debutants eye Asian glory

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:17:00 GMT

The 2012 AFC Champions League draw has thrown up numerous fascinating groups but much of the focus will be on the performance of continental debutants who have impressed in securing their respective domestic titles.

Asia benefits from shared learning

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:45:00 GMT

Following a breakthrough year for Asian women’s football, the Asian Football Confederation’s Member Associations were the beneficiaries this week at the FIFA/AFC Conference on the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011.

Cho ousted after shock defeat

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:39:00 GMT

The Korean Football Association revealed poor results and concerns over Korea Republic's qualification for Brazil 2014 led to the decision to dismiss coach Cho Kwang-Rae.

King Lee, Boca glee & a long-avoided red

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:53:00 GMT

Lee Dong-Gook’s success at the annual K-League awards and the invincibility which propelled Boca Juniors to glory feature in FIFA.com's latest stats review, along with the unlikely dismissal of Javier Zanetti.

Lee Dong-Gook wins K-League gong

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:20:00 GMT

Prolific Jeonbuk Motors striker Lee Dong-Gook has won the K-League's Most Valuable Player award for the second time in three years after helping the club to the league crown and the final of the AFC Champions League.

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.

Kashiwa face daunting debut group

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:44:00 GMT

Kashiwa Reysol were handed a tough baptism into life in the AFC Champions League, being drawn in a stellar group including K-League winners Jeonbuk Motors and Chinese Super League holders Guangzhou Evergrande.

Veteran Lee joins Vancouver

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:42:00 GMT

Long-serving Korea Republic international Lee Young-Pyo has signed a one-year deal with Canadian Major League Soccer club Vancouver Whitecaps.

Titles claimed in east, Roar run ends

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:05:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews a massive weekend of club football in Asia which saw the champions of Japan and Korea Republic crowned, while the seemingly unbeatable Brisbane Roar were finally toppled in Australia.

Jeonbuk see off Ulsan to lift title

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 13:32:00 GMT

Jeonbuk Motors claimed their second K-League title today after they recorded a 4-2 aggregate victory over Ulsan Horangi, with two goals in the last half-hour killing off the surprise-finalist's hopes.

Motors win puts them pole for finale

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:55:00 GMT

Jeonbuk Motors struck a 2-1 victory over Ulsan Horangi to put them in prime position to take the 2011 K-League title in front of their home fans on Sunday, following a brace from Eninho in Ulsan.

Glory sighted, new landmarks set

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:45:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly review of league action across Asia and Oceania looks at storybook endings looming in Japan and Korea Republic, a slice of history created in Australia and mixed fortunes for Japan 2011 participants.

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.

Penalty gives Korea edge over Saudis

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:15:00 GMT

Korea Republic edged closer to a spot at the 2012 London Olympics after a first-half penalty converted by Cho Young-Cheol saw them take a 1-0 lead over Saudi Arabia, and put them top of Group A.

Pohang fall to Ulsan after penalty pain

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 11:31:00 GMT

Pohang Steelers threw away their chance at the K-League title after they missed two first-half penalties against Ulsan Horangi, only for their visitors to score form the spot in the second-half to claim a 1-0 win.

Al Sadd rearguard sticking together

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 07:27:00 GMT

Al Sadd’s central defensive pairing of captain Abdulla Koni and Korea Republic’s Lee Jung-Soo were a cornerstone in the Qatari club’s Asian title win and now the experienced duo will play a key role for the team at Japan 2011.

Ulsan advance after shoot-out

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:29:00 GMT

Ulsan Horang-I have secured a place in next year's AFC Champions League and progressed to the next round of the K-League play-offs after overcoming Suwon Bluewings on penalties.

Kashiwa edge closer, silverware polished

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:34:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews a potentially pivotal weekend for Kashiwa Reysol, another Brisbane Roar landmark, and new names etched on silverware in China and Singapore.

Ha hands Suwon victory

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:02:00 GMT

A goal on the stroke of half-time from Ha Tae-Gyun was all Suwon Bluewings needed to traverse past Busan I'Park in the K-League play-offs, lining up a game with Ulsan Horangi on Wednesday.

Ulsan upset holders Seoul in play-offs

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 11:00:00 GMT

K-League champions FC Seoul crashed out of the play-offs at the first time of asking as Ulsan Horangi beat them 3-1 in the Korea Republic capital, setting up a next-round tie with Suwon Bluewings or Busan I'Park.

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.

Bucker, Antar revel in Lebanese success

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:12:00 GMT

Theo Bucker has expressed his joy at Lebanon’s upset of Korea Republic but warned his charges they cannot take a place in the next phase for granted, while captain Roda Antar has backed the team to complete the job.

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.

Lebanon rock Korea Republic

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:18:00 GMT

Lebanon produced a surprise result in overcoming Korea Republic 2-1 to join their opponents at the top of Group B in Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Japan excel again, world champions thwarted

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:36:00 GMT

A remarkable year for women’s football in Japan has continued with the U-17 team topping Asian qualifying for Azerbaijan 2012, where they will be joined by Korea DPR and China PR.

China PR claim final Asian ticket

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 06:18:00 GMT

China PR will join Japan and Korea DPR at Azerbaijan 2012 after edging the final Asian qualifying spot ahead of 2010 world champions Korea Republic.

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.

Familiar Asian duo secure passage

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 07:37:00 GMT

Japan and Korea DPR have again qualified for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with the pair having made a significant impression at Trinidad & Tobago 2010, while Korea Republic and China PR will battle for the final ticket.