FIFA.com - News

Which team stole the show at a FIFA tournament in 2011?

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:09:00 GMT

There were many fantastic displays of football at the various FIFA tournaments held in 2011. Which was your favourite?

Mexico fancied in formidable group

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:43:00 GMT

Reigning CONCACAF champions Mexico will be heavy favourites to reach the next phase of qualifying for Brazil 2014 in a Group B that also includes Costa Rica, El Salvador and surprise package Guyana.

A star returns to school, Russia win again

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 07:49:00 GMT

After the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011, the development of the game has moved at incredible pace and over the last two months Russia claimed yet another crown, while an El Salvador star has hit the books.

Nashville, Carson to host CONCACAF qualifying

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:11:00 GMT

USA have been placed in Group A alongside Canada, Cuba, and El Salvador for Men's Olympic Football qualifying in CONCACAF, which will be held in both Nashville and Carson.

Joy of six in CONCACAF

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 03:02:00 GMT

Six sides are through to the next stage of North, Central American and Caribbean qualifying for Brazil 2014 after four months of frenzied football with shocks aplenty.

Historic night for Antigua, Guyana

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 03:58:00 GMT

Fancied sides Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti tumbled out of qualifying on Friday, while El Salvador, Antigua and Barbuda, Canada and Guyana all had evenings to savour.

Cities confirmed for CONCACAF qualifiers

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:29:00 GMT

Men's Olympic football qualifying in the CONCACAF region will take place between 22 March and 2 April in the USA cities of Nashville, Kansas City and Los Angeles.

Canada close as Trinidad, Haiti sweat

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:22:00 GMT

The penultimate round in CONCACAF’s first stage of Brazil 2014 qualifying takes place tomorrow with regional elite El Salvador and Canada set to seal progression, however, Trinidad and Tobago are under pressure.

Beach soccer rolls on after Ravenna 2011

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:49:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the latest news in the world of beach soccer, with events largely dominated by September's FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Ravenna/Italy 2011.

Do-or-die drama settles last eight

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:29:00 GMT

The group stage went down to the wire in the CONCACAF Champions League with Los Angeles Galaxy clinching the last spot in the quarter-finals on the final matchday, while reigning champions Monterrey are also through.

Panama in as CONCACAF axe falls

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 05:57:00 GMT

Panama became the first side from CONCACAF to move on to the second round of group-stage qualifying for Brazil 2014, while at the other end of the spectrum no fewer than ten teams were eliminated from contention.

Pfister looks to move beyond defeat

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:27:00 GMT

Otto Pfister has said no one will be hitting "the panic button" after Trinidad and Tobago's surprise 2-1 defeat to Bermuda, leaving them with a challenge to qualify from 2012 FIFA World Cup qualifying Group B.

Alvarez: We can’t wait for the next game

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 06:40:00 GMT

Real Salt Lake midfielder Arturo Alvarez talks about the great potential of the El Salvador side as they attempt to reach the next stage of qualification in North, Central America and the Caribbean.

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.

Personal triumph for Russian pair

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 19:54:00 GMT

Russia swept to glory at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011, and picked up two prestigious individual honours too. FIFA.com reviews the end-of-tournament accolades.

Portugal secure another third place

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 16:59:00 GMT

In a much more even contest than their group stage encounter, Portugal overcame El Salvador 3-2 to ensure another FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup third-placed finish.

Battle for consolation and pride

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 19:29:00 GMT

El Salvador and Portugal previously met in the group stage with the Iberians taking an 11-2 upperhand, but now the two sides meet again at Ravenna/Italy 2011 in the match for third place.

Russia reach first-ever Final

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 16:58:00 GMT

Russia put an end to El Salvador's magical run to reach their first-ever FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Final with a 7-3 victory over the Central Americans.

Inspirational Leonov's trophy target

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:08:00 GMT

Russia are through to the semi-finals for the first time, but captain Ilya Leonov regards the match as simply another step on the road to glory, as he told FIFA.com.

El Salvador eye another upset

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:07:00 GMT

Russia may be heavy favourites against El Salvador, but the Central American underdogs cannot be written off after a string of shock results in Ravenna so far.

Salvadorans find winning rhythm

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:34:00 GMT

After watching his side slump to an 11-2 opening-day defeat by Portugal, El Salvador coach Rudis Gonzalez gave his players a dressing-down that has worked beyond all expectations.

Italian sorrow on the sand

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:16:00 GMT

Hosts Italy have been reflecting on the reasons for their shock quarter-final exit to dark horses El Salvador, with injuries, suspensions and over-confidence all possible factors.

El Salvador shock Italy as favourites toil

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:21:00 GMT

El Salvador sent hosts Italy crashing out at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, while Brazil clinched a dramatic extra-time win over Nigeria, and Portugal and Russia also won their respective last-eight matches.

Velasquez stars as Italy crash out

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 18:56:00 GMT

El Salvador secured an unlikely and historic place in the semi-finals at Ravenna/Italy 2011, sending hosts Italy crashing out at the quarter-final stage with a dramatic extra-time win.

Corosiniti keeping his eye on goal

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:31:00 GMT

After his crucial strike in the opener against Iran, Francesco Corosiniti bagged a brace against Switzerland to take Italy into the last eight at Ravenna 2011.

Last eight on the beach

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:21:00 GMT

The 24 group-phase matches have cut the 16-team field neatly in half, with testing quarter-finals now awaiting fancied trio Brazil, Portugal and Russia, as well as hosts Italy.

Leading pack climbs in CONCACAF

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:24:00 GMT

FIFA.com recaps matchday two of group-stage qualifying for Brazil 2014 in North, Central America and the Caribbean, where the fancied sides all consolidated their strong starts.

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.

El Salvador clinch historic last-eight berth

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:05:00 GMT

El Salvador clinched a first-ever appearance in the quarter-finals at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, defeating Argentina 4-3 in a do-or-die match.

New World quartet hungry for more

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 14:46:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews the second round of CONCACAF qualifying for Brazil 2014 where the big-name quartet of T&T, El Salvador, Canada and Haiti seek to build on opening wins.

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.

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.

Madjer’s men lay down a marker

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 20:38:00 GMT

Portugal's band of outstanding Beach Soccer practitioners manhandled El Salvador to the tune of 11-2 to move to the top of Group B and sound a warning to the rest of the competitors in Italy.

Salvadoran Romario raring to go

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:05:00 GMT

Top scorer and voted best player in CONCACAF qualifying, El Salvador forward Frank ‘Romario’ Velasquez is his side’s biggest hope on the beaches of 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.

Israel: Salvadorans play with joy

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:25:00 GMT

"This new generation of players has shown an impeccable level of composure. It is a group of players that plays with joy, with perfect calmness and a true professionalism." Ruben Israel, El Salvador coach

Predictor flashback: 'dannyvilla' dominates

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:16:00 GMT

FIFA Match Predictor launches on Monday! Until then, fans can enjoy another Predictor Flashback.

Salvadorans in pole position

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:26:00 GMT

Two-time FIFA World Cup finalists El Salvador lead the pack in CONCACAF Round 2's Group A of qualifying for Brazil 2014, with Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic and Suriname chasing unlikely glory.

Official draw held in Rome

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:37:00 GMT

The official draw for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011 took place in the historical city of Rome today.

USA, Panama book a rematch

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 02:53:00 GMT

USA put an end to their offensive woes to secure a 2-0 victory over Jamaica, while Panama defeated El Salvador on penalties in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals at RFK Stadium.

Goals galore for Mexico, El Salvador

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 03:17:00 GMT

El Salvador kept their progression hopes alive with a convincing 6-1 victory over Cuba, while Mexico finished winners of Group A after defeating Costa Rica 4-1 at the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Mexico show muscle, Ticos leave it late

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 05:37:00 GMT

The second round of games in Group A of the CONCACAF Gold Cup brought another five-star performance from Mexico and a last-gasp draw for Costa Rica.

Ticos late leveller denies El Salvador

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 04:30:00 GMT

El Salvador were denied a victory over Costa Rica by a Randall Brenes goal deep into injury time as the Ticos protected a five-match unbeaten streak in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Futsal review: April/May

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:39:00 GMT

We round up a busy couple of months in the world of Futsal, which featured cup finals, training events and the latest team to book their place at FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012.

Five-star starts for Ticos, Mexico

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 03:53:00 GMT

Costa Rica opened the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 5-0 mauling of Cuba, and Mexico – not to be outdone – won by the same scoreline, young ace Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez bagging a hat-trick.

Big guns fire again in Central America

Wed, 25 May 2011 15:40:00 GMT

Alianza and Motagua are riding high once more after ending their respective title droughts in El Salvador and Honduras. FIFA.com tells the story of their renaissances.

Development continues, Brazil reign supreme

Wed, 04 May 2011 08:10:00 GMT

While preparations for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Italy 2011 continue, there has been plenty going on elsewhere in the beach soccer community over the last two months.