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.

Training, tournaments dominate in Futsal

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:39:00 GMT

FIFA.com's latest monthly Futsal round-up reflects on another busy period of training seminars and tournaments, as well as the announcements of the hosts for the UEFA Futsal EURO 2014 and the UEFA Futsal Cup.

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.

Happy birthday to you!

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:30:00 GMT

In our regular feature, FIFA.com presents you with some of the biggest names from Planet Football who will be celebrating their birthdays over the coming week.

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.

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.

Osieck: We didn't play to our potential

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:09:00 GMT

Hurting from his side's shock 1-0 defeat to Oman, Australia coach Holger Osieck admitted after the match that the Socceroos should have done far better against their opponents.

Oman shock Australia, raise progression hopes

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:20:00 GMT

Amad Al Nosni scored the only goal of the game as Oman beat Australia to improve their chances of reaching the next phase of Asian Zone qualifying and deny their opponents progression.

Al-Habsi: We will give everything

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 06:43:00 GMT

Oman’s goalkeeper and captain Ali Al-Habsi, a role model for west Asian footballers after forging an impressive career in the English Premier League, says the Gulf nation will not relinquish their Brazil 2014 hopes without a fight.

Osieck wants Aussie domination

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:32:00 GMT

Holger Osieck wants his Australia side to finish this round of their 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ undefeated, negotiating Oman next, and enhancing their profile in the region in the process.

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.

Jedinak: Aussie team will develop further

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:33:00 GMT

Australian midfielder Mile Jedinak is confident the latest era of Aussie talent can propel the country to greater heights on the international stage as they eye qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™.

Osieck wants more from Socceroo stars

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:06:00 GMT

Australia coach Holger Osieck says star A-League recruits Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton will have to fight for a starting berth in the Socceroos upcoming Brazil 2014 qualifiers against Oman and Thailand.

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.

Aussies edge closer with Oman win

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:39:00 GMT

Goals from Brett Holman, Josh Kennedy and Mile Jedinak gave Australia a comfortable 3-0 win over Oman in their Group D Asian zone qualifier for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ Brazil.

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.

Bashir: Fightback starts in Australia

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:29:00 GMT

Ahead of Oman's vital 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying double-header against Australia, their captain Fouzi Bashir spoke to FIFA.com about what has gone wrong so far and where they need to improve.

Kennedy praises Osieck's striking change

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:30:00 GMT

Josh Kennedy has said he is enjoying life at the head of the Australian attack under coach Holger Osieck more than his predecessor, saying he is relishing the amount of support he finds up front with the national team.

Duo out for Socceroos

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:23:00 GMT

Everton midfielder Tim Cahill has been ruled out of Australia's forthcoming FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers against Malaysia and Oman, as has Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

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.

Tactical revolution unseats Brazil

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMT

More evenly contested than some of its predecessors, the sixth FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup proved an engrossing event, ending with the tactically astute Russians deposing mighty Brazil.

Favourites shocked across Asia

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 21:00:00 GMT

It was a night of shocks and surprises in Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup as China lost out and Japan, Korea Republic and Iran were all held to draws.

Thailand put three past Oman

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:01:00 GMT

Thailand got back on track in Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil by beating Oman 3-0, with Sompong Soleb, Teerasil Dangda and a Rashid Al Farsi own goal ensuring the win.

Steep learning curve for ambitious Oman

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:23:00 GMT

Despite losing all three of their group games, Oman made sure their maiden FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearance was an enriching one.

Salvadorans make mark as hosts rejoice

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:37:00 GMT

Hosts Italy are through to the quarter-finals, where they are joined by Senegal and surprise package El Salvador. FIFA.com reviews another thrilling day in Ravenna.

Madjer’s beach boys stroll

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:07:00 GMT

Portugal finished their Group B account at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Ravenna, Italy with another emphatic win, this time an 8-3 result over struggling Oman.

Test two for Asian hopefuls

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 10:24:00 GMT

With Australia in Saudi Arabia, Japan visiting Uzbekistan and Iran making the trip to Qatar, FIFA.com previews Matchday 2 in the third round of Asian Zone qualifying for Brazil 2014.

Five battling to join Portugal

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 14:36:00 GMT

Monday's matches at Ravenna 2011 will determine which teams from Groups A and B join Portugal in the quarter-finals and which will face an early trip home.

European trio and El Salvador celebrate

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 20:38:00 GMT

The third day of action in Ravenna/Italy proved particularly positive for European nations as Italy, Portugal and Switzerland all recorded wins, while El Salvador earned a historic victory.

El Salvador send Oman packing

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 20:11:00 GMT

El Salvador reignited their bid for progression as they secured a late 4-3 victory over Oman to send their opponents packing at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

Last eight or early exit beckons

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:48:00 GMT

Matchday 2 in Groups A and B could bring confirmation of the first quarter-finalists, but teams who lost on the opening day are already up against it.

Mendoza marks the path to victory

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:28:00 GMT

Recently promoted to No1 in a revamped line-up, Argentina keeper Cesar Mendoza inspired his side to a timely recovery against Oman on Thursday.

Opening day brimming with drama

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 20:43:00 GMT

A dramatic and high-scoring first day of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Ravenna/Italy 2011 had everything that makes this form of the game so appealing.

Argentina survive early scare

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:34:00 GMT

After falling behind in the first period, the South American runners-up showed great spirit to defeat Oman 3-1 in the first match of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Ravenna 2011.

Let the games begin!

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:39:00 GMT

Right from the first day, the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Ravenna/Italy 2011 promises an intoxicating mixture of sun, sea, sand, and a spectacular show. FIFA.com looks ahead.

Oman relishing Ravenna challenge

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:57:00 GMT

FIFA.com hears from Yahya Al Araimi, the surprise sensation of Oman's FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup qualifying campaign, on his hopes for Ravenna 2011 and experiences playing in Brazil.

The Preliminary Draw in quotes

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 00:20:00 GMT

FIFA.com has been gathering reaction from players, coaches and officials to today's Preliminary Draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil in Rio de Janeiro.

Statement regarding abandoned 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifier Myanmar against Oman

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:50:00 GMT

The Bureau of the Organising Committee has confirmed that the result Myanmar-Oman, which was brought to a sudden close by the referee, is final.

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.

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.

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.

Le Guen: Oman is a new adventure

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 07:40:00 GMT

Paul Le Guen sat down with FIFA.com as he is set to lead Oman into the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualification, he discussed his move to the Middle East, his time with Cameroon and success at Lyon.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 08:55:00 GMT

It's Sunday once again, and that can only mean it's time for FIFA.com's look ahead to the week's birthdays, which begins this week with Dutch mountain Jaap Stam and ends with Giovane Elber.