FIFA.com - News

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.

The special ones

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:49:00 GMT

Keepers have long had a reputation for being 'different' from their outfield team-mates but, even at international level, they have not always received the dedicated training support that their position requires – something FIFA is now looking to change.

Safee Sali, Malaysia's goalscoring hero

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:02:00 GMT

Having already helped his nation to unprecedented success, prolific Malaysia striker Safee Sali is now intent on breaking new ground for both club and country.

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.

Late Bahrain treble stuns Malaysia

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:18:00 GMT

A stunning late comeback by Bahrain, mounting a three goal-turnaround in the last ten minutes to win 3-2, against Malaysia has helped to keep their hopes of reaching the London 2012 Olympics alive.

Syria beat Malaysia to keep pace

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:27:00 GMT

Syria recorded a 2-0 victory over Malaysia to keep pace with leaders Japan in Group C of Asian qualifying for the 2012 Men's Olympic Football Tournament.

Blatter: Asia has incredible potential

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:17:00 GMT

The FIFA President has been in Kuala Lumpur to attend the opening of an AFC ExCo meeting as well as the AFC Annual Awards Ceremony and has spoken of Japan’s success at Germany 2011 and forthcoming tournaments on the continent.

Malaysia maintain regional supremacy

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:23:00 GMT

Malaysia’s U-23 side have retained the SEA Games title in dramatic fashion, edging hosts Indonesia 4-3 on penalties after an evenly-matched final. FIFA.com reviews the tournament.

Malaysia take football final on penalties

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:26:00 GMT

Malaysia took gold in the U-23 football tournament at the Southeast Asian Games today by beating Indonesia 4-3 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Silverware polished as Roar bellow

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:21:00 GMT

Trophies were handed out in Japan and Malaysia, the latest OFC O-League season commenced and it was another milestone weekend in Australia as FIFA.com wraps up the action from Asia and Oceania.

Aussies cruise past Malaysia

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:16:00 GMT

Australia warmed up for their FIFA World Cup qualifier against Oman on Tuesday with a comfortable 5-0 friendly victory over Malaysia, with Josh Kennedy and Alex Brosque both grabbing a brace.

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.

Japan, Korea Republic ease to victory

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:32:00 GMT

Japan and Korea Republic secured comfortable 2-0 wins over Malaysia and Oman respectively, while Australia were held to a goalless draw by United Arab Emirates in the final round of qualifying for London 2012.

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.

Australia to face Malaysia

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 05:49:00 GMT

Australia will meet Malaysia next month in Canberra with the match serving as a preparatory outing for the Socceroos ahead of their FIFA World Cup™ qualifier against Oman.

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.

Old masters, South American sensations

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:10:00 GMT

Diego Forlan's Copa America exploits feature alongside Sergio Batista's sacking, Ralf Faehrmann's dream debut and the impressive feats of veteran duo Rivaldo and Aleksandar Duric in FIFA.com's latest stats review.

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.

Villas-Boas: Torres is a £50m striker

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 07:39:00 GMT

The Chelsea manager says he will not become obsessed with the form of the Spain striker and insists the player will be given patience to get back to his best.

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.

A tale of two neighbours

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:55:00 GMT

It's just over a week before the second round of AFC candidates challenge for a place in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ draw, and old rivals Malaysia and Singapore look set to provide the most personal tie.

Fabregas injured for Arsenal Asian tour

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 12:14:00 GMT

Cesc Fabregas will no travel on Arsenal's Asian Tour, which they leave for tomorrow, as the Spanish midfielder is injured, according to Arsene Wenger.

Gerrard to miss tour of Asia

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:59:00 GMT

Steven Gerrard will not travel with Liverpool on their pre-season tour of Asia, after it was decided that the club captain should continue his recovery from injury at Melwood.

Asian media laud progression

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:03:00 GMT

Now that the Asian preliminary qualifying round for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil has been completed, FIFA.com takes a look at the reaction in the media to the results so far.

Favourites progress as stars shine

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 22:27:00 GMT

The first round of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil has been completed, seeing a barrel-load of goals scored around Asia, with the likes of big-guns Vietnam being joined by first-time qualifiers Philippines.

Stern tests for Asian hopefuls

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:33:00 GMT

The chance to mix with Asia's big guns is up for grabs this weekend, with 16 of the continent's minnows battling it out in the second legs of the preliminary qualifying round.

Preliminary journey kicks off in Asia

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 05:03:00 GMT

The first round of qualifying for 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ kicked off in Asia on Wednesday, with Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangladesh convincing in their respective openers. FIFA.com reviews all the action.

Vietnam convince on preliminary road

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 21:35:00 GMT

Vietnam, Bangladesh and Cambodia are in comfortable position to advance to the second round of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ in Asia, with respective wins over Macau, Pakistan and Laos.

Sixteen hopefuls embark on Brazil path

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 10:29:00 GMT

Asia's lowest-ranked teams are set to begin continental qualifying for the 2014 tournament, with Sri Lanka-Philippines, Bangladesh-Pakistan and Malaysia-Chinese Taipei among the most appetising matches on the menu.

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.

Reds to play Malaysia in pre-season

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:39:00 GMT

Liverpool will play against the Malaysian national team in Kuala Lumpur on 16 July, it was announced today, as part of the Reds' pre-season tour across Asia.

East Asia's leaders maintain charge

Mon, 30 May 2011 08:05:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the latest from Japan, Korea Republic and China PR on a weekend which proved a positive one for the respective competition leaders, while there are also updates from United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Fiji.

Gunners announce Asian tour

Tue, 24 May 2011 07:59:00 GMT

Arsenal have announced a two-match pre-season tour of Asia during July which will include matches against a Malaysia XI and then Hangzhou Greentown.

New leaders across Asia

Mon, 09 May 2011 08:43:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s regular review of club football in Asia looks at Japan, India, China and Korea Republic where new competition leaders took charge on the weekend, plus the latest from Singapore and Malaysia.

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.

Asian Zone to play preliminary round for Brazil 2014

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 14:38:00 GMT

The members of the Asian Football Confederation are gearing up to begin the race for FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil, with the draw for qualification set to take place on 30 March in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Indonesia keep on rising

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:37:00 GMT

Indonesia’s consistent rise up the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking has raised some eyebrows over the last two months.

Krishnasamy: Malaysian game on the up

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:33:00 GMT

Malaysia are enjoying a renaissance after winning last month’s Suzuki Cup. Coach Rajagobal Krishnasamy tells FIFA.com about the significance of the victory and the prospects for the Malayan Tigers.

Malaysia wins Suzuki Cup

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 14:55:00 GMT

Malaysia have won the 2010 ASEAN Suzuki Cup for the first time after beating Indonesia 4-2 on aggregate, despite losing the second leg of the final 2-1 today.

Malaysia stride towards cup win

Sun, 26 Dec 2010 16:06:00 GMT

Malaysia have taken the impetus in the AFF Cup final after winning the first leg 3-0 against Indonesia in Kuala Lumpur, banishing the memories of their 5-1 thumping in the group stages 25 days ago.

Malaysia reach cup final

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 17:48:00 GMT

Malaysia reached the final of the AFF Suzuki Cup after holding out for a goalless draw in the second leg of their semi-final against Vietnam to progress 2-0 on aggregate.

Malaysia defeat dending champions

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:28:00 GMT

Malaysia closed in on a place in the final of the AFF Suzuki Cup with a 2-0 win over defending champions Vietnam in their semi-final, first-leg encounter at Bukit Jalil Stadium on Wednesday.

Korea Republic sweep aside China PR, Qatar crash out

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 13:20:00 GMT

Korea Republic beat China PR 3-0 to qualify for the Asian Games quarter-finals to face Uzbekistan who knocked out reigning champions Qatar, while Iran and Oman both qualified to set up a tie against one another.

China PR and Korea Republic reach last 16

Sat, 13 Nov 2010 14:54:00 GMT

China PR and Korea Republic both qualified for the last 16 of the Asian Games, both getting 3-0 wins in their final group matches.