FIFA.com - News

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.

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.

Goal-shy Aussies held, Japan on course

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:56:00 GMT

Australia's Olympic qualifying hopes for London 2012 suffered yet another blow as they were held to a third consecutive 0-0 draw, this time by Uzbekistan, while Japan stayed on course with a 2-1 win over Syria.

Third straight win for Japan

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:09:00 GMT

Japan have continued their march towards the 2012 Olympics after their 100 per cent record in Group C carried on with a 2-1 victory over Syria, with Yuki Otsu striking four minutes from time.

Syria beat Malaysia to keep pace

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:27:00 GMT

Syria recorded a 2-0 victory over Malaysia to keep pace with leaders Japan in Group C of Asian qualifying for the 2012 Men's Olympic Football Tournament.

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.

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.

Syria disqualified from 2014 FIFA World Cup

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:53:00 GMT

FIFA have confirmed that the Syrian football team has been disqualified from the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, and that Tajikistan is thereby reinstated into the competition.

History on Japan’s side

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:49:00 GMT

Arguably the toughest group in Asian qualifying, Group C features Japan, who will have to be at their best to ensure qualification ahead of Korea DPR, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

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.

Favourites prevail in Asian qualifiers

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:16:00 GMT

Australia were among the AFC heavyweights who coasted through to the final round of qualifiers for London 2012, while the likes of Oman and Malaysia sprung major surprises.

Venue changes for Syria and Yemen

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:25:00 GMT

Due to the situation in Syria and Yemen, their forthcoming qualifiers for the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament will be played outside of the respective countries.

Al Khatib: My World Cup dream

Wed, 04 May 2011 08:12:00 GMT

Syrian striker Firas Al Khatib speaks to FIFA.com about his club career with Kuwait's Al Qadissiyah, playing with Pep Guardiola and his ambition of firing his country to a FIFA World Cup.

Kezman strikes, Carrijo nets four

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:55:00 GMT

Mateja Kezman gave South China a much needed first win in the AFC Cup, giving their prospects of qualifying from Group H a boost, while Leandro Carrijo scored four in a 5-3 goalfest between TSW Pegasus and VB.

East Bengal, South China futures at stake

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:39:00 GMT

East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan and South China coach Chan Ho Yin both expect their AFC Cup Group H match to be especially critical in their campaign to stay in the competition.

Syrian football league put on hold

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:24:00 GMT

The Syrian league has been postponed indefinitely amidst the current political turmoil being felt in the country, according to their FA, with the decision opening up improved opportunities for their national outfits.

Brazil 2014 draw stirs Asian hopefuls

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 09:02:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the Asian qualifying draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ which has thrown up a host of intriguing match-ups as some of the continents smaller footballing nations seek a share of the spotlight.

Asia's Brazil 2014 draw made

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:26:00 GMT

The AFC has conducted the draw for Asia’s first and second round qualifiers for Brazil 2014.

Lebanon's Ghaddar revived in Syria

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:46:00 GMT

Lebanese striker Mohamad Ghaddar speaks to FIFA.com about rediscovering his form with Syrian's Teshrin after a frustrating spell on the sidelines in Egypt with Al Ahly.

Gaining acceptance in new frontiers

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 07:50:00 GMT

Although the FIFA Women's World Cup™ has yet to include a team from the Middle East, cultural barriers continue to be broken in the development of women's football within the Arab world.

Asian Zone to play preliminary round for Brazil 2014

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 14:38:00 GMT

The members of the Asian Football Confederation are gearing up to begin the race for FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil, with the draw for qualification set to take place on 30 March in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Al Qadsia gain revenge over Al Ittihad

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:36:00 GMT

Kuwait's Al Qadsia gained a measure of revenge for defeat in last year's AFC Cup final as second-half goals from Firas Al Khatib and Hamid Inizi helped them to victory against defending champions Al Ittihad of Syria.

Oman among Asia’s beach representatives

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:01:00 GMT

The three Asian qualifiers for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Ravenna 2011 have been finalised, with Japan and Iran joined by newcomers Oman, who will make their first appearance on sand among the world’s elite.

Champs Al Ittihad make winning start

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

AFC Cup holders Al Ittihad began their title defence in winning fashion with the Syrians edging a 2-1 win over Al Saqr, while Indian champions Dempo were victorious by the same scoreline against Yemen's Al Tilal.

AFC Cup journey commences

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:13:00 GMT

The AFC Cup commences today with Asia's second-tier club competition including a broad range of participants from both the east and west of the continent headed by champions Al Ittihad of Syria.

Sriwijaya, Al Sadd eye group stages

Sat, 12 Feb 2011 17:56:00 GMT

Indonesian side Sriwijaya have taken a further step to reaching the AFC Champions League group stages, beating Muang Thong on penalties, while Qatar's Al Sadd do the same having beaten Al Ittihad 5-1.

Qatar 2011’s most memorable moments

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:18:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look at ten of the more memorable moments from the 2011 AFC Asian Cup with Japan crowned champions for an unprecedented fourth time following three weeks of drama and excitement on the pitch.

Coach slams Syria squad

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:44:00 GMT

Coach Tita Valeriu could not hide his disappointment at seeing Syria throw away a one-goal lead as two defensive errors sealed their AFC Asian Cup exit following a 2-1 defeat to Jordan.

Japan and Jordan reach last eight

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:36:00 GMT

Japan reached the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 with a 5-0 drubbing of Saudi Arabia, while Jordan edged Syria 2-1 to join the last eight as runners-up of Group B.

Jordan book place in last eight

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:17:00 GMT

Two defensive errors cost Syria a place in the knockout stage of the AFC Asian Cup as Jordan came from a goal down to book a last quarter-final clash with Uzbekistan.

Rise of the Asian minnows

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 07:39:00 GMT

Group B has so far provided the shocks of the AFC Asian Cup, with outsiders Syria and Jordan challenging the traditional powers of Saudi Arabia and Japan in what pundits predicted to be a straight-forward group.

Abramov pleased to progress

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 21:08:00 GMT

Vadim Abramov declared himself pleased at Uzbekistan's progress to the AFC Asian Cup's knock-out stages, but the coach was keen to stress while he doesn't mind who he plays next he wants to see improvements.

Winner takes all in Jordan-Syria clash

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 11:32:00 GMT

Neighbours Jordan and Syria do battle at the AFC Asian Cup tomorrow knowing a victory for either side will propel them into the last eight.

Honda scores Japan's 1,000th goal

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 10:29:00 GMT

2010 FIFA World Cup hero Keisuke Honda has led Japan to yet another milestone after scoring their 1,000th international goal.

Saudis stunned as Japan sink Syria

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 19:16:00 GMT

Jordan struck another blow for the underdogs at the AFC Asian Cup 2011 by knocking out Saudi Arabia, while Japan emerged victorious in a tense contest with Syria.

Japan edge Syria in thriller

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:53:00 GMT

Ten-man Japan struggled past Syria 2-1 in a high-octane AFC Asian Cup group match Thursday to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.

Valeriu: Syria still have work to do

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 10:08:00 GMT

Syria coach Tita Valeriu has looked to calm the hysteria surrounding his team's surprise win over one of the AFC Asian Cup favourites Saudi Arabia, stating that "we might have won the battle, but we haven't won the war".

Syria stun heavyweights Saudi Arabia

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 20:00:00 GMT

Syria shocked 2007 AFC Asian Cup finalists and three-time champions Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the Group B opener on Sunday, to take a surprise lead at the top of the standings.

Relief for Japan, joy for Syria

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 18:57:00 GMT

The 2011 AFC Asian Cup could prove to be one of surprises with traditional tournament heavyweights Japan and Saudi Arabia unable to get the better of Jordan and Syria respectively in Sunday's action.

Peseiro: Al Qahtani a doubt

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 15:29:00 GMT

Yasser Al Qahtani is a major doubt for Saudi Arabia's opening game in the AFC Asian Cup but coach Jose Peseiro is confident that other players can fill in for their talismanic striker.

Coaches assess Asian prospects

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:52:00 GMT

FIFA.com hears from the Japan, Korea Republic, Iran and UAE coaches as their teams limber up for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup in Qatar.

Syria gear up for Cup after coach change

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 09:33:00 GMT

After a turbulent last six months, where four different men have taken charge of their national side, Syria enter the Asian Cup with their eyes set on a first qualification for the knockout stages led by Valeriu Tita.

Jordan ready to surprise Asian Cup big guns

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 09:19:00 GMT

Jordan are looking to grab the opportunity of appearing in only their second ever appearance in the Asian Cup by pulling off a shock in a group that contains giants Japan and Saudi Arabia alongside dark horses Syria.

Saudis gunning for another Asian crown

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 09:07:00 GMT

Saudi Arabia coach Jose Peseiro has said the pressure is on for his side to go one better than in the 2007 Asian Cup and avenge their 1-0 final defeat to Iraq to lift their first title since 1996.

Japan brace for tough Arabic rivals

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 08:56:00 GMT

Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni feels Middle Eastern sides will be on form in the upcoming Asian Cup in Qatar, with the Blue Samurai grouped with 2007 finalists Saudi Arabia along with Jordan and Syria.