FIFA.com - News

Schafer: We have a great opportunity

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:10:00 GMT

Thailand are surprise contenders to reach the fourth and final stage of Asian qualifying for Brazil 2014 and their German coach Winfried Schafer tells FIFA.com that the War Elephants must rise to the occasion.

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.

Frontrunners struggle for momentum

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:37:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly review of league action in Asia and Oceania visits Australia, Qatar, India, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and New Zealand, with the respective league leaders enduring vastly different fortunes.

Kaiserslautern sign Al-Nasr's Yahia

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:46:00 GMT

German strugglers Kaiserslautern have signed Algeria international centre-back Anthar Yahia, capped 52 times, from the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nasr.

Chile climb 12th amid minimal movement

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:00:00 GMT

With only 11 matches taken into account, there was little change on the latest edition of the FIFA Ranking, though Chile rose to 12th and Bosnia-Herzegovina went into a personal best of 19th.

Al Ahly move level with Hilal

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 06:51:00 GMT

Al Ahly moved level with Al Hilal at the top in Saudi Arabia with a 3-1 triumph at Al Nasr, while Al Ittifaq lie four points from the summit after a 3-3 draw against Najran.

The Year in Numbers

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 02:19:00 GMT

As 2011 draws to a close, FIFA.com looks back at some of the eye-catching stats behind the year's biggest events and achievements in the world of football.

Al Shabab secure last-gasp draw

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:21:00 GMT

Nasser Al Shamrani scored a last-gasp equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw for leaders Al Shabab with Al-Ahly in the Saudi Arabian league, while Al-Ittihad thrashed Hajer 7-0 to move up to fifth place.

Al Hilal battle back for draw

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:22:00 GMT

Al Hilal came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw with Al-Ittifaq in the Saudi Arabian Premier League, while Al-Fateh moved up to fifth with a 2-1 victory over Al-Faysali.

Season One heats up

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:39:00 GMT

The FIFA Interactive World Cup 2012 is underway and already over 200,000 players have signed up to compete for the coveted title.

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.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 08:23:00 GMT

As with every Sunday at FIFA.com, it is time to look forward to the week's birthday celebrations in the world of football, including Saudi legend Sami Al Jaber, Danish defender Daniel Agger and Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Al Shabab extend their lead

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:10:00 GMT

Al Shabab went five points clear at the top of the Saudi League with a 2-0 win at bottom side Al Ansar, while Al Ahly climbed to third with a 1-0 win over Al Raed.

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.

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.

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.

Al Shabab strike six

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 11:21:00 GMT

Al Shabab climbed to the top of the Saudi League with a storming 6-1 win over Hajer, while Al Ahly moved up to fourth following a 2-1 win over Al Qadissiyyah.

Comfortable win sees Al Hilal go three clear

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 07:00:00 GMT

A double from Mohammad Al Shalhoub helped Al Hilal moved three points clear of Al Ittifaq with a convincing 3-0 win at Al Nasr.

No let up for Osieck against Saudis

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:35:00 GMT

Holger Osieck will field his strongest Australian side against Saudi Arabia, despite the Socceroos having already confirmed their passage to the next round of FIFA World Cup™ qualification.

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.

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.

Asia's top-ten announced

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:14:00 GMT

The second shortlist of contenders for the 2011 AFC Player of the Year award has been announced and includes continental stars such as Japan pair Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa, plus Uzbekistan's Server Djeparov.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 09:34:00 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.

Teerasil Dangda comes of age

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:37:00 GMT

FIFA.com speaks with dynamic Thailand striker Teerasil Dangda who has played a key role in helping the south-east Asians to a healthy position in their campaign to reach Brazil 2014.

Motors run smooth as Sadd edge through

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:13:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the AFC Champions League semi-final action with Korea Republic’s Jeonbuk Motors to meet Qatar’s Al Sadd after the pair advanced in contrasting fashion.

Jeonbuk, Al Sadd book final showdown

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:59:00 GMT

Korea Republic's Jeonbuk Motors are through to the 2011 AFC Champions League final, along with Qatar's Al Saad, after each side clinched aggregate wins over Al Ittihad and Suwon Bluewings repectively.

Blatter sends condolences to Saudi Arabia

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:19:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has expressed his sadness at the death of HRH the Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia.

Yoon: We want to reach the final

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:06:00 GMT

Yoon Sung-hyo is confident Suwon Bluewings can overturn a two-goal deficit against Al Sadd to reach the AFC Champions League final, while Al Ittihad face a similar task as they trail Jeonbuk Motors in their semi-final tie.

Quartet eye Asian decider

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 07:56:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews this week’s AFC Champions League semi-final action as Jeonbuk Motors and Suwon Bluewings aim to set up an all Korea Republic final at the expense of Al Ittihad and Al Sadd.

Rijkaard: Challenges await Saudi football

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:18:00 GMT

Frank Rijkaard speaks with FIFA.com about the difficulties he faces in trying to lead Saudi Arabia to Brazil 2014 with the former Barcelona and Netherlands coach also providing his thoughts on the future of Dutch football.

Jeonbuk prevail as Suwon stumble

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:08:00 GMT

It was a productive night’s work on the road for Korea Republic’s Jeonbuk Motors and Qatar’s Al Sadd as dramatic victories put the pair in sight of the AFC Champions League final at the expense of Al Ittihad and Suwon Bluewings.

Asian quartet target opening triumph

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:02:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews the first legs of the 2011 AFC Champions League semi-finals, featuring ties between Al Ittihad and Jeonbuk Motors, and Suwon Bluewings and Al Sadd.

Al Harbi’s date with history

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:38:00 GMT

FIFA.com spoke to Al Ittihad defender Osama Al Harbi about his side's AFC Champions League semi-final against Jeonbuk Motors, as well as his personal history in the continental competition.

Silverware polished as favourites endure

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:38:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly review of Asian club action looks at familiar champions crowned in Uzbekistan, Korea Republic’s leaders on the cusp of glory and Australia’s frontrunners extending a remarkable unbeaten run.

Bluewings eye continental hat-trick

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:13:00 GMT

With an AFC Champions League semi-final looming this Wednesday, K-League elite Suwon Bluewings are just three matches away from a return to their former glory on the continental stage.

Al Ittifaq go top, Al Qadissiyyah hit six

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 11:27:00 GMT

Goals from Sebastian Tagliabue and Bruno Lazaroni saw Al Ittifaq beat Al Ansar and climb to the top of the Saudi Arabian Premier League, while Al Qaissayyah beat Al Fateh 6-1.

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.

Thailand hold Saudis to goalless draw

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:20:00 GMT

Thailand held on to second place in Group D of Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup after playing out a goalless draw at home to Frank Rijkaard's Saudi Arabia.

Neill expecting rigorous Oman test

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 03:05:00 GMT

Despite sitting at the opposite ends of their Brazil 2014 qualifying group, Australia captain Lucas Neill says history indicates Oman will give the Socceroos a thorough examination when they meet in Sydney today.

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.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 08:58:00 GMT

As FIFA.com looks towards some of the week's birthdays in football, three international tournament-winning talisman in Bobby Charlton, Didier Deschamps and Antonios Nikopolidis will all be celebrating.

Noor eyeing trips to Japan and Brazil

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:01:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at the mission of veteran playmaker Mohammed Noor, who wants to help Al Ittihad conquer Asia and reach December's FIFA Club World Cup and Saudi Arabia qualify for Brazil 2014.

Al-Fateh fight back, draws elsewhere

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 01:00:00 GMT

Al-Fateh recovered from a half-time deficit to win 2-1 at Al-Nasr, while the matches between Al-Qadissiyyah and Al-Tawon, and Najran and Al-Faysali, both ended in 1-1 draws.

Al Shabab stay perfect

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:41:00 GMT

Al Shabab maintained their 100 per cent record in the Saudi Arabian Premier League with a late win over Al-Raed, while Al Hilal cruised to a comfortable 4-0 win over Al-Ahly.

Youth building on Colombian education

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 09:24:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look at some of the stars from Colombia 2011 who have seen their careers change for the better after playing well at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Pedigree shines as former kings reign

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:04:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews this week’s AFC Champions League action in which four former continental winners progressed to the last four headed by a pair of Korea Republic teams, Jeonbuk Motors and Suwon Bluewings.

Lee grabs four as Jeonbuk progress

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:32:00 GMT

Lee Dong-Gook hit four goals as Jeonbuk Motors defeated Cerezo Osaka 6-1 on Tuesday to advance to the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League.