FIFA.com - News

New stars rise on Asian scene

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 07:35:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look at a handful of young stars who are making an ever-increasing impact in Asian football at both club and international level.

Favourites drop points as underdogs shine

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:05:00 GMT

It was a momentous day of qualifying action in Asia which saw wins in Group A for the home sides and shock results in Group B which temporarily denied Japan's progression to Brazil 2014.

Australia battle back for Oman draw

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:25:00 GMT

Tim Cahill and Brett Holman inspired a fightback for Australia who came from 0-2 down to secure a home draw with Oman in Asia's Group B.

Aussies host Oman in pivotal match-up

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 04:11:00 GMT

Brazil 2014 qualifying in Asia recommences today after a four-month break headlined by Australia hosting Oman in a match that both sides have described as crucial.

Early progression in Japan's sights

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 13:19:00 GMT

Japan travel to Jordan on Tuesday knowing that a win or even a draw could be enough to make them the first team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup™ for the second time in succession.

Cahill boost for Socceroos

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:18:00 GMT

Australia have received a timely boost for their crucial upcoming Brazil 2014 qualifier against Oman with team talisman Tim Cahill returning after a six-match absence.

Asian favourites open brightly

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 02:55:00 GMT

The journey towards AFC Asian Cup qualification began with continental giants Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia opening in bright fashion while ten-man Hong Kong managed to collect a point on the road against 2011 semi-finalists Uzbekistan.

Journey to Asian glory opens with key match-ups

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 07:34:00 GMT

The long road to qualification for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia commences on Wednesday with a massive matchday featuring ten matches and four former continental kings. FIFA.com previews all the action.

Familiar trio head up Asian contenders

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 09:50:00 GMT

Five days of action in Doha produced countless thrilling matches and an avalanche of goals but when the dust settled it was three familiar names in Iran, Japan and United Arab Emirates who had won through to Tahiti 2013.

Asian giants face challenge in Doha

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:31:00 GMT

The Qatari capital Doha is set to host the AFC qualifiers for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Tahiti 2013, as teams hope for one of the three tickets to the event in September. FIFA.com previews the qualifiers.

A new chapter for UAE

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 09:01:00 GMT

The Gulf Cup came to a spectacular close as UAE triumphed over Iraq in a 2-1 extra-time victory. FIFA.com reviews the tournament which saw Mehdi Ali's side finish as the region's premier outfit.

Japan cruise as giants flounder

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 01:30:00 GMT

2012 witnessed the decisive fourth round of qualifying in the Asian Zone for Brazil 2014. It's Japan who appear to be in the strongest position, while Australia will look to make home advantage count during the next calendar year.

Syrians reign supreme in West Asia

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 08:48:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks back at the highlights of the seventh edition of the WAFF Championship, and turns the spotlight on some of the teams that made their mark, most notably Syria who defied the odds to be crowned regional kings.

Tough draw for Chinese champions

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 11:33:00 GMT

Guangzhou Evergrande have been placed in a group containing Jeonbuk Motors and Urawa Red Diamonds when the 2013 AFC Champions League draw was made today.

Victories excite Asian media

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:41:00 GMT

FIFA.com collects all of the reaction and comments from around Asia following the latest round of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to take place across the region.

Trio celebrate as Iran stumble

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 20:09:00 GMT

Japan took a giant step toward early qualification for Brazil 2014, while Qatar and Iraq also picked up positive results on a night when Uzbekistan inflicted a rare home defeat on Iran.

Okazaki nicks Japan win in Oman

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:19:00 GMT

Goals from Hiroshi Kiyotake and Shinji Okazaki earned Japan a 2-1 victory away to Oman that left them in a very strong position to reach Brazil 2014.

What is international football’s biggest rivalry?

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:36:00 GMT

FIFA.com wants to know what you feel is the biggest rivalry in the international game.

Familiar foes reunite in Asian showdowns

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 07:29:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers in Asia as the final round reaches beyond the midway point, with a crucial matchday highlighted by Iran hosting Uzbekistan, and Japan travelling to Oman.

Zaccheroni untroubled by Kagawa absence

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 08:52:00 GMT

With their FIFA World Cup™ qualifier against Oman on the horizon, Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni has dismissed fears that they will struggle without injured Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa.

Pick of the qualifying Tweets

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 16:56:00 GMT

We took to Twitter to find out how some of the biggest names on Planet Football viewed the latest twists and turns on the qualifying road to Brazil 2014.

Asian press reflect on crucial results

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 10:00:00 GMT

Tim Cahill, Archie Thompson and their fellow Socceroos came in for praise in Australia following their victory in Iraq, while Oman received the plaudits for a decisive victory and Qatar were urged to determine what went wrong against Uzbekistan.

Strugglers taste first wins in Asia

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 21:24:00 GMT

Late goals and drama marked Asia's matchday 5, with a trio of struggling sides reigniting their hopes with opening wins as the final qualifying round reached the crucial halfway point.

Oman hold off Jordan for crucial victory

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:21:00 GMT

Oman, who began the day bottom of Group B, survived a late onslaught from Jordan to win 2-1 and revivify their hopes of reaching Brazil 2014.

Familiar foes take centre stage

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 08:20:00 GMT

Asian qualifying for Brazil 2014 reaches its halfway point on Tuesday with a series of crucial matches in both groups, headlined by Korea Republic’s visit to Iran, and Iraq facing Australia.

Former champions handed tough draws

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:36:00 GMT

China PR, Iraq, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia have been grouped together in AFC Asian Cup 2015 qualifying, while Iran will join Kuwait, Thailand and Lebanon in another tough pool.

Uzbekistan youngsters create history

Sun, 07 Oct 2012 09:59:00 GMT

Uzbekistan, having already secured passage to the FIFA U-17 World Cup along with Japan, Iran and Iraq, went on to claim a slice of history by winning their first continental title at any level.

Japan aim to 'grow' by battling giants

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 11:11:00 GMT

Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni believes upcoming friendlies against France and Brazil will show the Blue Samurai the way to go as he dreams of presenting them as serious contenders at the 2014 Worl

FIFA statement on Oman

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 10:01:00 GMT

FIFA has reminded the Oman Football Association that all FIFA member associations must manage their affairs independently and without influence of any third parties, as clearly stipulated in articles 13 and 17 of the FIFA Statutes.

Mixed results for Asian favourites

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 19:26:00 GMT

Korea Republic were the big winners on Matchday 3 of Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, while Australia and Japan fought out a delicious 1-1 draw in a replay of last year's AFC Asian Cup final.

Heavyweight tussles loom large in Asia

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 07:29:00 GMT

Asian qualifying for Brazil 2014 gathers momentum on Tuesday as four more crucial matches take place highlighted by Australia hosting Japan as the continent’s two top-ranked nations meet.

East Asians stroll as Aussies stall

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 19:56:00 GMT

The second matchday of Asia's final qualifying group for Brazil 2014 saw Japan and Korea Republic pull off big wins, while Australia struggled to a draw in Muscat.

Socceroos suffer stalemate at Oman

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:46:00 GMT

Australia began the final round of Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup with a 0-0 draw at Oman, who will be disappointed not to have taken all three points.

Wilkshire targets winning start

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:07:00 GMT

Australia's Luke Wilkshere has warned his fellow Socceroos that they must get off to a winning start in their Brazil 2014 qualifiers, as they do not want to be chasing Japan from the off.

Titanic trio take centre stage in Asia

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 07:27:00 GMT

Asia’s qualifying campaign for Brazil 2014 will gather momentum on Friday as Australia and Korea Republic make their bow in the Round Four stage with trips to Oman and Qatar respectively.

Kagawa: I should have scored

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 10:56:00 GMT

Japan star Shinji Kagawa has spoken of his frustration after failing to find the target in the Samurai Blue's 3-0 victory against Oman on Sunday.

Asian hopefuls draw first blood

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 21:46:00 GMT

Japan and Iran came out the happiest after the second day of Round 4 of qualifying for Brazil 2014 following wins, as FIFA.com reviews the four games that took place across Asia.

Japan successfully see off Oman

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 14:26:00 GMT

Japan got off to the perfect start in the final round of Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, with Keisuke Honda, Ryoichi Maeda and Shinji Okazaki on target in a 3-0 home win over Oman.

Osieck: We have to take our chances

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 11:30:00 GMT

Holger Osieck has warned that Australia need to convert their chances after his side lost 2-0 to Denmark on Saturday, and his sentiment was shared by Lucas Neill and Mark Bresciano.

Familiar foes, new targets

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 06:28:00 GMT

Asia’s final stage of Brazil 2014 qualifying commences on Sunday with a host of key clashes featuring some of the continent’s elite, while a number of new faces are intent on making an impression.

Mudhafar: We've pulled together

Tue, 29 May 2012 15:54:00 GMT

Hassan Mudhafar believes Oman's surprise squeeze into the fourth round of Asian qualfying for Brazil 2014 was due to the team 'pulling together' after an unconvincing start.

Finales and faltering frontrunners

Mon, 28 May 2012 10:32:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly wrap of action across Asia and Oceania looks at an unfortunate weekend for the leaders in Japan, China PR and Korea Republic, while there was late season glory in United Arab Emirates, Oman and Tahiti.

Miyaichi among 25-man Japan squad

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:24:00 GMT

Arsenal winger Ryo Miyaichi has been included in Alberto Zaccheroni's 25-man squad for Japan's three FIFA World Cup qualifying matches next month.

Cahill returns to Australia squad

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:17:00 GMT

Tim Cahill was today named in the Australia squad for the first time in nine months but Brett Emerton will not feature in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifiers against Oman and Japan.

Senegal see off Oman to reach Olympics

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:46:00 GMT

Senegal have qualified for their first-ever Men's Olympic Football Tournament after beating Oman 2-0 in their final play-off in Coventry, with Ibrahima Balde and Abdoulaye Sane scoring the historic goals.

Al Habsi: Olympics would be huge for us

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:06:00 GMT

With Oman set to face Senegal in tomorrow's London 2012 qualifying play-off in Coventry tomorrow, goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi has said making the Olympics would be the Gulf nation's biggest ever achievement.

15 teams find their way to London

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 05:33:00 GMT

After a frenetic period of qualifying for the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament 2012, which has seen 15 teams confirm their place in London, FIFA.com reviews all the action ahead of the competition draw on 24 April.

Oman set up Senegal showdown

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:01:00 GMT

Oman survived a test of both will and endurance to top Asia’s three-nation play-off series, booking a meeting against Senegal for a final tilt at London 2012 qualification.

Oman triumph to reach Olympics play-off

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:54:00 GMT

Oman continued their "miracle" run by triumphing in the three-team Asian play-off, following a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan today, to reach April's match with Senegal to decide who will take the final spot at the 2012 Olympics.

Late Uzbek winner ends Syrian dream

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 06:26:00 GMT

An Oleg Zoteev winner two minutes from time ensured Uzbekistan are in the box seat to win Asia's play-off round with the 2-1 result ending Syria's hopes.