FIFA.com - News

Stange set for Singapore

Thu, 16 May 2013 02:14:00 GMT

Former Belarus coach Bernd Stange has been named as the replacement for Raddy Avramovic at the helm of south-east Asian champions Singapore ahead of their AFC Asian Cup campaign.

Duric: Lions must learn Asian lessons

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:50:00 GMT

Former Singapore forward Aleksandar Duric believes that his old team-mates need to be quicker and stronger both physically and mentally when making the transition between regional and continental competitions.

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.

Singapore in fourth heaven

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 08:15:00 GMT

The AFF Suzuki Cup saw Singapore coach Raddy Avramovic end a successful decade-long tenure on a high as the Lions claimed a record fourth crown, while Thailand’s Teerasil Dangda again shone and Philippines continued to grow.

Singapore hang on to triumph in final

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 15:10:00 GMT

Singapore were made to sweat by Thailand in the AFF Suzuki Cup final second leg, as the home side claimed a 1-0 win in a one-sided affair, but Radojko Avramovic's side hung to claim a record fourth title 3-2 on aggregate.

Singapore to the fore in final

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:12:00 GMT

Singapore have taken a giant stride towards winning a record fourth AFF Suzuki Cup after claiming a 3-1 lead over Thailand in the home leg of the final.

Shahril: We want to rewrite history

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 11:30:00 GMT

Singapore captain Shahril Ishak tells FIFA.com his experienced and unified Lions side are determined to make history by becoming the first nation to win the AFF Suzuki Cup four times.

Singapore, Thailand vie for record fourth title

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 06:33:00 GMT

Regional heavyweights Singapore and Thailand will vie for the honour of becoming south-east Asia's first four-time champions with the AFF Suzuki Cup final to be played on Wednesday and Saturday.

Thailand into final as Malaysia's reign ends

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:49:00 GMT

Thailand have set up a dream AFF Suzuki Cup final meeting with Singapore - both nations have won the tournament a record three-times - as the War Elephants cruised past Malaysia after the holders had been reduced to ten men.

Singapore edge into final past heroic Philippines

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 07:28:00 GMT

Singapore are into their first AFF Suzuki Cup final for five years after a lone strike from Khairul Amri was enough to squeeze into the decider at the expense of a gallant Philippines.

South-east Asian rivals hunt final berth

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 08:27:00 GMT

The AFF Suzuki Cup semi-finals take place this weekend with Thailand - seeking to end a decade-long title drought - hosting Malaysia, while Philippines will look to create history by winning through to their maiden final at Singapore's expense.

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.

South-east Asia's finest take centre stage

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 07:18:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews the AFF Suzuki Cup which commences this weekend with the biannual south-east Asian tournament typically promising large fervent crowds and high tempo football.

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.

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.

Sendai, Al Fath assume pole positions

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 08:40:00 GMT

Vegalta Sendai replaced Sanfrecce Hiroshima at the summit in Japan, while Al Fath maintained their excellent form to go top in Saudi Arabia and the season began in Hong Kong.

Contrasting emotions for Asian giants

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 08:01:00 GMT

In the latest review of Asia's top leagues, we look at the mixed results for the region's defending champions, with Korea Republic's Jeonbuk Motors earning a sixth straight win and Japan's Kashiwa Reysol dropping points.

Mixed fortunes for leaders in the east

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 09:15:00 GMT

Top flight football resumed following a two-week hiatus in east Asia, with success greeting the leaders in Japan and China PR but problems for the pacesetters in Korea Republic.

Bepe: I want to win a title with Indonesia

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 05:40:00 GMT

Indonesia icon Bambang Pamungkas, otherwise known as Bepe, speaks to FIFA.com about his boyhood idols, overseas experiences, life at Persija Jakarta, desire to win something with his country and love of cooking.

Ten left standing as Saudis, Bahrain fall

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:25:00 GMT

Qatar snatched a draw in Iran and a place in the final phase of Asian Zone qualifying at the expense of Bahrain, while Oman went through thanks to Saudi Arabia’s collapse in Australia and Korea Republic and Lebanon completed the last ten.

Asian hopefuls face moment of truth

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 07:45:00 GMT

Asia's concluding Round Three matchday sees eight nations hunting four remaining berths with continental elite Korea Republic still not safe as outsiders such as Lebanon, Thailand and Oman seek breakthrough success.

Asia's top guns ready to fire

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:28:00 GMT

Eight Asian teams remain in contention for four remaining berths to Round Four of Brazil 2014 qualifying and some veteran goalscorers are aiming to rise to the occasion.

Surprises, stumbles and goals galore

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 06:49:00 GMT

It was a tough weekend for the frontrunners in Qatar and Jordan, while the leaders continue to endure in Australia and United Arab Emirates. FIFA.com’s weekly review also takes a look at continental action in Oceania.

Zico: Iraq can beat anyone

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:14:00 GMT

Brazil legend Zico, now in charge of Iraq's national team, tells FIFA.com how his side overcame early doubts to qualify for the final round of Asian Zone qualifiers - and why they can take the next step by qualifying for Brazil 2014.

Eaton: Let’s do something about match-fixing

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:10:00 GMT

FIFA.com speaks to Chris Eaton, FIFA’s Head of Security, about the scale of the match-fixing problem across the globe, the new measures the organisation is taking to combat it, and its targets.

Long-rangers and a league of nations

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:47:00 GMT

An unlikely win for American Samoa, fresh achievements for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Aleksandr Duric, another stunning strike from Inigo Martinez, and a cosmopolitan Arsenal line-up feature in FIFA.com's latest stats review.

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.

Kashiwa edge closer, silverware polished

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:34:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews a potentially pivotal weekend for Kashiwa Reysol, another Brisbane Roar landmark, and new names etched on silverware in China and Singapore.

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.

Camacho: Victory may have come too late

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:07:00 GMT

Jose Camacho has praised his China PR team for their 4-0 win away to Singapore but acknowledged that they may end the day out of the running for a place at Brazil 2014.

China rout Singapore, keep faint hopes alive

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:39:00 GMT

China PR kept their slim hopes of reaching the final round of Asian Zone qualifying intact by beating Singapore 4-0 on their travels.

Three through, five out in Asia

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:07:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews a matchday on which Japan, Uzbekistan and Jordan sealed berths in the fourth round and the hopes of Indonesia, Korea DPR, Singapore, Tajikistan and United Arab Emirates were ended.

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.

FIFA awards further TV rights for 2015-2022

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:16:00 GMT

The FIFA Executive Committee has decided on sales and distribution of FIFA media rights between 2015 and 2022 in Australia, Canada and the Caribbean, and awarded the sales representation for selected territories in Asia to Infront Sports & Media.

Bennett hoping to mend discontent

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:16:00 GMT

FIFA.com speaks with veteran Singapore defender Daniel Bennett whose decade-long international career has been marked by significant growth for the national team, but contrasts with a disappointing Brazil 2014 campaign to date.

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.

Jordan storm past Singapore

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:51:00 GMT

Jordan maintained their 100 per cent record in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying as goals from Abdallah Deeb, Anas Bani Yaseen and Ahmad Ibrahim gave them a 3-0 win in Singapore.

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.

Veteran stars steer Asian hopefuls

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 06:53:00 GMT

A host of seasoned veterans have been making a splash in Asian Zone qualifying for Brazil 2014, with such evergreen stars as Maksim Shatskikh, Zheng Zhi, and Lucas Neill igniting their side's campaigns.

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.

Iraq too strong for Singapore

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:41:00 GMT

Second-half goals from Ala'a Abdulzehra and Younis Mahmoud gave Iraq a 2-0 victory over Singapore in their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier today.

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.

Australia, Japan seal late victories

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:39:00 GMT

Australia and Japan snatched late winners over Thailand and Korea DPR respectively, while Korea Republic eased past Lebanon in their 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying matches.

China survive Singapore scare

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:13:00 GMT

China opened their 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying campaign in Group A with a 2-1 win over Singapore, with strikes from Zheng Zhi and Yu Hai sealing a comeback victory.

Asian underdogs sharpen form

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:02:00 GMT

Indonesia and Jordan boosted their confidence ahead of their forthcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers with fine results, while Thailand and Singapore played out a goalless draw.

China, Iraq seek redemption

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 01:17:00 GMT

In a group which seems to have no clear favourites, it looks likely to be a three-way battle between China, Iraq and Jordan.

Jostle for supremacy in Japan, China

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:57:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly review of league football across Asia looks at Japan and China PR, where there is much jostling among the competition leaders, as well as the latest from Uzbekistan and Singapore.

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.