FIFA.com - News

Spurs suffer as group stage concludes

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:13:00 GMT

Birmingham City, Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur were knocked out, while there was joy for qualified AZ Alkmaar, Club Brugge and Rubin Kazan, as the UEFA Europa League group stage concluded.

Birmingham bow out with win

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:28:00 GMT

Birmingham City ended their UEFA Europa League campaign with a 1-0 home victory against Maribor, but Adam Rooney's goal was not enough to send Chris Hughton's side into the next round.

Germany, Uruguay lay down markers

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:56:00 GMT

Tuesday’s friendly internationals saw Germany record a resounding victory over the Dutch and Uruguay pull off a memorable success in Italy. England and USA both won, while France and Spain settled for draws.

USA trio seal win over Slovenia

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:30:00 GMT

Edson Buddle, Clint Dempsey, and Jozy Altidore all scored to ensure a 3-2 victory for USA over Slovenia, whose replied twice through Darijan Matic and Tim Matavz.

Stojanovic to take over Slovenia reins

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:30:00 GMT

The Slovenian Football Association have announced Slavisa Stojanovic will be the new head coach of the national team as they chase a place at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

Kek leaves by mutual agreement

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:11:00 GMT

Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek - who led the nation to the 2010 FIFA World Cup - has left his position by mutual agreement, the Slovenian Football Association announced today.

Udinese, Schalke stun as Fulham falter

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:31:00 GMT

Udinese scored two last-gasp goals to defeat Atletico Madrid, while Schalke ran out 5-0 winners over Steaua Bucharest, and ten-man Fulham lost 1-0 to Wisla Krakow in the UEFA Europa League.

USA book Slovenia rematch

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:18:00 GMT

The USA have scheduled an international friendly with Slovenia on 15 November in what will be their first match together since drawing in a tense group stage match at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

England join EURO elite

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 00:38:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews an exciting night of UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying action that saw England secure their place at next year’s finals, and Montenegro and Sweden confirm play-off berths.

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.

Ranocchia: Italy can catch Spain

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:35:00 GMT

Andrea Rannochia feels that Italy, having secured UEFA EURO 2012 qualification from Group C, can match Spain as one of the tournament favourites, while Serbia look to capture second place.

Atletico draw, Spurs, Schalke convince

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:11:00 GMT

Juanfran scored late to rescue a 1-1 UEFA Europa League draw for Atletico Madrid against Rennes, while Christian Fuchs' double helped Schalke to a 3-1 win over Maccabi Haifa, and Tottenham Hotspur beat Shamrock Rovers.

Trio book 2012 berths

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:44:00 GMT

In an exciting night of UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying action, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands all won to secure their places at next summer's tournament, while England took a step closer to joining them.

Last-gasp Pazzini sends Italy to EURO

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 21:59:00 GMT

Substitute Giampaolo Pazzini scored a late goal to lift the gloom around the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Tuesday and send Italy to UEFA EURO 2012 with a 1-0 win over Slovenia.

Prandelli: We're on the right path

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:45:00 GMT

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has said he is 'convinced' the Azzurri will be able to pick up the points they need against Slovenia to qualify for UEFA EURO 2012.

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.

PSV agree Matavz deal

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:07:00 GMT

Slovenia striker Tim Matavz will join PSV Eindhoven from fellow Eredivisie side FC Groningen subject to passing a medical, with the 24-year-old committing to a five-year contract.

Gilardino back for Azzurri

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:13:00 GMT

Cesare Prandelli has named his Italy squad for the upcoming UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and Slovenia, with striker Alberto Gilardino back among the 24 players called up.

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.

Handanovic signs four-year extension

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:56:00 GMT

Goalkeeper Samir Handanovic has signed a new contract with Serie A side Udinese, with the Slovenia international committing himself to the club for a further four years.

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.

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.

Thrills aplenty on the road to South Africa

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:35:00 GMT

Before the Preliminary Draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, FIFA.com remembers some of the best qualifying matches from the last edition, featuring a thumping for Argentina and an African classic.

Qualifying tales through the ages

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:32:00 GMT

With the draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ set for Saturday, FIFA.com looks back on some of the more weird, wonderful and ground-breaking qualifiers since the first almost 80 years ago.

Atletico dealt Norwegian Europa trip

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:11:00 GMT

Atletico Madrid will face Norwegian side Stromsgodset, who last appeared in the UEFA Cup 13 years ago, while Stoke City have been been paired against Hadjuk Split in the UEFA Europa League.

Benfica to face Trabz after UEFA draw

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:33:00 GMT

The draw for the UEFA Champions League has taken place, with a number of exciting ties being thrown up, including Benfica taking on Trabzonspor and Rubin Kazan facing national neighbours Dynamo Kiev.

Slovenians renew Palermo contracts

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 10:54:00 GMT

Palermo have seen Slovenian internationals Armin Bacinovic and Josip Ilicic extend their current deals until June 2016 after impressing for the Sicilian Serie A side last season.

Brave Falcons soar over Montenegro

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:20:00 GMT

Montenegro may be the newest member of the FIFA family, but their fledgling national team is making extraordinary progress on the pitch and making waves in Group G of UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying.

One last mission for EURO hopefuls

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:05:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look at what is at stake ahead of the final six UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers of the season on Tuesday, with the likes of Germany and Sweden topping the bill.

Ten-man Slovenia sink Faroes

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 21:16:00 GMT

A ten-man Slovenia side defeated Faroe Islands 2-0 in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group C, with Valter Birsa scoring and Rogvi Baldvinsson heading in an own-goal to cap of the visitors' win.

Kirm: Sights set on EURO 2012

Tue, 24 May 2011 08:14:00 GMT

FIFA.com hears from Slovenia midfielder Andraz Kirm on his FIFA World Cup experience, success with Wisla Krakow and his ambitions for the future.

Who’ve been the stars of 2010/11?

Wed, 18 May 2011 10:09:00 GMT

FIFA.com wants to know which players have impressed you the most during the 2010/11 season across Europe.

Eastern delight for old giants and new kings

Fri, 13 May 2011 07:32:00 GMT

From Dinamo Zagreb to Videoton, FIFA.com casts an eye over the teams who have either won or are leading the various title races across eastern Europe and the Balkans.

Novakovic sends Cologne into top ten

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 17:22:00 GMT

Slovenia striker Milivoje Novakovic struck with seconds remaining to give Cologne a 1-0 victory at home to Nurnberg and guide his side into the top ten of the Bundesliga.

Northern Ireland held again

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 22:54:00 GMT

Northern Ireland's UEFA EURO 2012 ambitions have taken another hit after being held to a scoreless draw at home by Slovenia, following on from defeat in Serbia five days ago.

Motta strike sinks Slovenia

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 21:56:00 GMT

Thiago Motta struck his first goal for adopted nation Italy tonight, and it turned out to be a crucial one, seeing the Azzurri negotiate a tricky trip to Slovenia and take full control of UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group C.

Confident Slovenia optimistic of Italy triumph

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 02:49:00 GMT

Slovenia will enter their UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier against 2006 world champions Italy confident of victory, despite the historical disparity between the two nations.

Mauri hopes to make difference

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:59:00 GMT

Stefano Mauri has been given the task of creator for Italy's UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier against Slovenia on Friday, while defender Federico Balzaretti is proud to have been handed another call-up.

Buffon wary of emerging Slovenia

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:46:00 GMT

Gianluigi Buffon is resisting seeing their upcoming UEFA EURO 2012 friendly against Slovenia as a walk-over, with the Italy captain view the FIFA World Cup™ finalists as an "emerging nation" and will be a test.

Palermo sign Maribor's Andelkovic

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 13:41:00 GMT

Sinisa Andelkovic has continued Maribor's recent good relationship with Palermo after signing for the Serie A side, becoming the third player since August to make the move.

Croatia claim Futsal trophy

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 GMT

With a penalty shoot-out win over hosts Libya, Croatia emerged victorious from the first edition of the Mediterranean Futsal Cup, which saw 16 teams from the regio take part.

Italy awarded win against Serbia

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 17:25:00 GMT

Serbia today suffered a setback to their European campaign after UEFA awarded Italy a 3-0 victory for the abandoned UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier held in Genoa earlier this month.

Slovenia edge out Estonians

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 22:40:00 GMT

An own goal by Estonia's Andrei Sidorenkov earned Slovenia a valuable win in UEFA EURO 2012 Group C in Tallinn

Big guns and surprise sharpshooters

Sat, 09 Oct 2010 01:20:00 GMT

The third round of UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers played on Friday saw four teams continue perfect campaigns. Some group leaders were to be expected, but some have shot out of the shadows.

Slovenia thump islanders

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 22:54:00 GMT

A Tim Matavz hat-trick helped Slovenia secure their first UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying win this evening at the expense of the Faroe Islands.

European Leagues preview

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 06:45:00 GMT

Europe's big guns will attempt to restore some order to the major leagues this weekend following an upset-filled start to the 2010/11 season.

Acimovic hangs up his boots

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:43:00 GMT

Former Slovenia international Milenko Acimovic has called time on his career at the age of 33 because of ongoing knee problems, his club Austria Vienna has announced.

Hungry minnows eye EURO upsets

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:25:00 GMT

Friday's batch of UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers generally went as expected, but there are some tricky tests lying in wait for the continent's giants on Tuesday evening.

France stunned as forwards thrive

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 03:35:00 GMT

Belarus won 1-0 in France as Portugal were held 4-4 by visiting Cyprus, while Italy's Antonio Cassano, Fernando Torres of Spain and England talisman Wayne Rooney inspired victories.

Slovenia late show sinks Socceroos

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 22:10:00 GMT

New Australia coach Holger Osieck watched from the stands as the Socceroos slipped to a 2-0 defeat against Slovenia on Wednesday.