FIFA.com - News

Solskjaer set to stay with Molde

Sat, 19 May 2012 13:53:00 GMT

Molde coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has ruled himself out of contention for the vacant Aston Villa job, explaining that he intends to see out the two years left on his contract with the Norwegian club.

Solskjaer set for talks with Villa

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Norwegian club Molde have confirmed that their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been allowed to talk to Aston Villa with a view to taking charge of the Premier League side.

Di Matteo and the interim elite

Tue, 08 May 2012 14:02:00 GMT

With Roberto Di Matteo working wonders in the Chelsea hot-seat, FIFA.com takes a look back at the few interim coaches who have achieved similar success.

Goals aplenty as national teams grab spotlight

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:59:00 GMT

With the weekend designated for international women’s fixtures, FIFA.com runs the rule over UEFA Women’s EURO 2013 qualifiers and the latest contest between Germany 2011 finalists USA and Japan.

The European Cup's exceptional upsets

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 09:48:00 GMT

If APOEL Nicosia are to make the UEFA Champions League semi-finals they will have to pull a huge upset to see off Real Madrid. FIFA.com looks back across the tournament's six decades for some inspiration from underdogs.

Inaugural tournament ends with Inter triumph

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 09:31:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the first-ever NextGen Series tournament, which features the best U-19 teams from across Europe and concluded last weekend with a maiden triumph for Inter Milan.

Club hibernation ends in Norway, Sweden

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:25:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews the club scene in Scandinavia, where the Norwegian Tippeligaen and Swedish Allsvenskan are both set to kick off following the long Northern European winter.

Germany toast Algarve success

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:26:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the best of the action from the 2012 Algarve Cup, including a thrilling seven-goal final in which Germany prevailed against world champions Japan.

The feminine face of football

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:48:00 GMT

All over the world, 8 March is recognised as International Women's Day. FIFA.com joins in on the celebrations with a homage to women's football.

Solbakken receives Cologne backing

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:38:00 GMT

Struggling Cologne have told Stale Solbakken his position at their reins if safe, despite speculation director of sport Volker Finke is being lined up to replace him.

Qualifying countdown to Thailand kicks off

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:57:00 GMT

Fourteen of UEFA's top Futsal sides today found out who they will face to make it through to FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012, with Norway making it to this stage in proceedings for the first time.

Arsenal hit Rovers for seven

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:19:00 GMT

Robin van Persie continued his sensational scoring form by claiming a hat-trick as Arsenal thrashed ten-man Blackburn Rovers 7-1 to record their biggest victory for more than four years.

The Year in Classic

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:55:00 GMT

FIFA.com has welcomed many more players, clubs and rivalries into the Classic Football section during the past 12 months. Now we look back over those greats who earned their place in 2011.

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.

Japan make first-ever top three appearance

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:31:00 GMT

FIFA Women's World Cup-winners Japan took advantage of Brazil's recent inconsistent form to move into the top three of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Rankings, while Northern Ireland were the biggest movers.

Women's round-up: November 2011

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:32:00 GMT

This month's women's football round-up features the latest from Women's EURO 2013 qualifying, Sao Jose's triumph in Brazil and a prestigious award for Japan's Aya Miyama.

Celtic sign Lustig from Rosenborg

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:58:00 GMT

Swedish international Mikael Lustig has signed a three-and-a-half year contract with Celtic and is set to join the Scottish club in January.

European draw pits Germans with Spain

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:50:00 GMT

Germany and Spain, who between them have won all four editions of the UEFA European Women’s U-17 Championship, will meet in the second qualifying round, while in-form pair Switzerland and England are together in Group 1.

Wales show class against Norway

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 17:35:00 GMT

Gareth Bale and Craig Bellamy were on target while Sam Vokes scored twice as Wales continued their impressive run of form, making it three consecutive victories by beating Norway 4-1 in their friendly today.

Pedersen: We have good spirit

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:00:00 GMT

Morten Gamst Pedersen has said Norway intend to finish the year on a high note against Wales in their friendly match at the weekend, hoping it will give them a boost as they prepare for Brazil 2014 qualifying.

The five-point European review

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 07:43:00 GMT

The 25th anniversary of Sir Alex Ferguson's appointment at Manchester United was among the main events in a weekend of European action that witnessed precious few upsets.

Time, titles and deadly Dutchmen

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:49:00 GMT

A lightning-quick goal from Jonas, title joy for Molde, yet more Barcelona landmarks the prolific form of two Netherlands strikers all feature in FIFA.com's latest stats review.

Ferguson: Solskjaer should take his time

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:28:00 GMT

Following his fantastic debut season title triumph at Molde, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been advised by former manager Sir Alex Ferguson to take his time and not rush into a return to English football.

Molde claim historic title

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:17:00 GMT

Molde have won their first Norwegian league title with the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer led club taking an eight-point advantage at the top with two rounds remaining.

Closing the gap

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:49:00 GMT

The official technical report into this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup™ highlights a number of marked improvements in the women’s game and suggests that the competitive gap has become narrower than ever.

Pedersen: It’s the place to be

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 02:58:00 GMT

Blackburn Rovers' Norwegian midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen speaks to FIFA.com about propping up the Premier League and how he believes perseverance, pride and confidence can help turn things around.

Hauger: We have the ambition

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:11:00 GMT

Having narrowly missed out on UEFA EURO 2012 qualification, Norway and Hannover 96 midfielder Henning Hauger is keen to build on the disappoint and make a charge for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™.

Norway denied despite victory

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:41:00 GMT

Norway recorded a 3-1 victory at home to Cyprus but it was not enough for Egil Olsen's side to edge out Portugal for a place in the UEFA EURO 2012 play-offs.

Greece, Belgium push for qualification

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 23:36:00 GMT

Greece moved into pole position in UEFA EURO 2012 qualification Group F after beating fellow contenders Croatia 2-0, while Belgium beat Kazakhstan 4-1 to move into second in Group A at Turkey's expense.

Nordic kings crowned

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:17:00 GMT

With title races drawing to a close across Scandinavia, FIFA.com looks at the teams taking home the trophies in Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the Faroe Islands.

Abdellaoue helps Hannover edge Bremen

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 16:44:00 GMT

Mohammed Abdellaoue hit a hat-trick as Hannover triumphed 3-2 over Werder Bremen, thereby climbing to fourth in the Bundesliga and denying their opponents the chance to level with the leaders.

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.

Norwegian footballer headed for world record

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:41:00 GMT

A Norwegian first division side plans to nominate a 57-metre headed goal by one of its midfielders for inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Korea DPR back in the top ten

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:06:00 GMT

Thanks to three wins in qualifying for the Women's Olympic Football Tournament for London 2012, Korea DPR find themselves back in the top ten of the FIFA Women's World Ranking.

Bendtner brace inspires Denmark

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 21:43:00 GMT

Nicklas Bendtner scored twice to secure a vital 2-0 victory for Denmark over rivals Norway in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group H.

Crunch match for Denmark, Norway

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:30:00 GMT

A late victory for Norway in last week's UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier against Iceland has set up for an intriguing clash with Denmark, who need to collect all three points.

La Roja right on Germany’s heels

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:21:00 GMT

Reigning world champions Spain are looking likely to follow Germany through to the finals of UEFA EURO 2012 this Tuesday, while Russia, France, the Dutch and England can also make strides.

Germany book place, giants edge closer

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 00:47:00 GMT

Germany made sure of their place at UEFA EURO 2012 in emphatic style on Friday, while Italy, the Netherlands, France and England all moved a step closer to joining them.

Norway leave it late against Iceland

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:17:00 GMT

Norway clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over Nordic neighbours Iceland, with Mohamed Abdellaoui scoring a penalty late on to move his side ahead of Denmark in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group H.

Schalke cruise, Braga scrape through

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 22:09:00 GMT

Schalke cruised back from a first-leg deficit to beat HJK 6-1 and secure their place in the UEFA Europa League group stage, while Atletico Madrid eased past Vitoria, and Braga narrowly beat Young Boys.

Olsen signs new deal

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 19:12:00 GMT

Norway coach Egil Olsen has extended his contract through 2013, impressing as the national side are well-placed to qualify for UEFA EURO 2012.

Nordtveit, Norway's latest export hit

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 07:45:00 GMT

Havard Nordtveit has enjoyed a fine start to the new Bundesliga campaign with Borussia Monchengladbach. FIFA.com caught up with the Norwegian midfielder to chat about his domestic and international aspirations.

Spain toppled as Germany best Brazil

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:38:00 GMT

Reigning world champions Spain and five-time FIFA World Cup winners Brazil were the big losers in Wednesday’s international friendlies, going down to Italy and Germany respectively.

Olsen: It's difficult to beat Denmark

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:07:00 GMT

Denmark coach Morten Olsen has downplayed the importance of his side's international friendly with Scotland tomorrow, preferring rather to focus on their UEFA EURO 2012 matches against Norway, Cyprus and Portugal.

Cech, Rosicky lead familiar Czech squad

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:45:00 GMT

Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek has revealed his squad to face Norway in Oslo on 10 August, with Marcel Gecov the only new name in a familiar-looking line-up.

Trio targeting top spot

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:28:00 GMT

The race for first place promises to be an enthralling tussle as Group E pits together three sides – Norway, Slovenia and Switzerland – in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking top 30.

When small nations stand tall

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 11:09:00 GMT

The FIFA World Cup™ has always allowed small countries to stand on a level playing field with their bigger counterparts, and the likes of Uruguay, the Netherlands and Paraguay are testament to that fairytale.

Stoke return victorious, Fulham draw

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:14:00 GMT

Stoke City enjoyed a victorious return to the UEFA Europa League, beating Hajduk Split 1-0 in their third qualifying round first leg, while Fulham drew 0-0 with RNK Split and Atletico Madrid defeated Stromsgodse.

Classic qualifiers bring joy and tears

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:41:00 GMT

Ahead of the Preliminary Draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, FIFA.com, in the first of a two-part series, takes a look back at some of the more memorable qualifiers played down the years.

Exiled nations eye World Cup return

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:48:00 GMT

From Egypt through Colombia to Hungary, FIFA.com looks at some of the nations aiming to end extended absences from the FIFA World Cup by qualifying for Brazil 2014.