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.

Chile climb 12th amid minimal movement

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:00:00 GMT

With only 11 matches taken into account, there was little change on the latest edition of the FIFA Ranking, though Chile rose to 12th and Bosnia-Herzegovina went into a personal best of 19th.

New host for the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:26:00 GMT

Due to a number of logistical and technical issues, the FIFA Executive Committee have decided that next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will no longer be staged in Uzbekistan.

Irmatov to referee Japan 2011 final

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 01:19:00 GMT

The Uzbek official, who boasts extensive FIFA experience, will be the man in the middle for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup final between Barcelona and Santos.

Debutants eye Asian glory

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:17:00 GMT

The 2012 AFC Champions League draw has thrown up numerous fascinating groups but much of the focus will be on the performance of continental debutants who have impressed in securing their respective domestic titles.

Captains dominate Asian scene

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:11:00 GMT

The likes of Server Djeparov, Younis Mahmoud and Park Chu-Young have been in inspirational form during Asian qualifying for Brazil 2014 while donning the captain’s armband, proving that a good skipper leads from the front.

Kashiwa face daunting debut group

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:44:00 GMT

Kashiwa Reysol were handed a tough baptism into life in the AFC Champions League, being drawn in a stellar group including K-League winners Jeonbuk Motors and Chinese Super League holders Guangzhou Evergrande.

Djeparov: We can reach Brazil 2014

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:57:00 GMT

FIFA.com spoke to Server Djeparov following his recent AFC Player of the Year coronation and the Uzbekistan playmaker believes now is the time for the White Wolves to make history and qualify for their first FIFA World Cup™.

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.

Uzbekistan stay top of group with draw

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:14:00 GMT

Uzbekistan kept their charge for a spot at the 2012 Olympics intact as they held out for a 0-0 draw away at Australia, forcing the hosts into their third straight qualifier without a goal.

Server seeks to ace Europe

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:50:00 GMT

After being crowned AFC Player of the Year for the second time, inspirational Uzbekistan midfielder Server Djeparov says he wants test himself in Europe.

Djeparov, Miyama seize Asian awards

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:37:00 GMT

Uzbekistan midfielder Server Djeparov and Japan playmaker Aya Miyama have won the AFC Player of the Year and AFC Women’s Player of the Year awards respectively.

Press reflects on differing fortunes

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:16:00 GMT

The last two matchdays in Asian qualifying for Brazil 2014 provided upsets and drama in equal measure. FIFA.com looks at the reaction of media across the continent.

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.

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.

Asia's top-ten announced

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:14:00 GMT

The second shortlist of contenders for the 2011 AFC Player of the Year award has been announced and includes continental stars such as Japan pair Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa, plus Uzbekistan's Server Djeparov.

Goals galore as frontrunners endure

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:47:00 GMT

FIFA.com visits Australia, India, Uzbekistan, New Zealand and elsewhere on a goal-laden weekend of club football across Asia and Oceania.

Nasaf close in on second spot

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:13:00 GMT

Nasaf took themselves a step closer to sealing second place in the Oliy Liga after the Uzbekistani side sealed a late 2-1 win to keep themselves two points clear of Pakhator with three games remaining.

Nasaf clinch final victory

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 23:01:00 GMT

Ilkhom Shomurodov and Andrejs Pereplotkins both scored to help Nasaf secure a 2-1 victory over Kuwait SC in the AFC Cup final as they became the first Uzbekistan side to seal the honours.

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.

Metallurg clinch crucial Bunyodkor win

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:19:00 GMT

Metallurg Bekabad put some space between themselves and those fighting to avoid the drop with a crucial 2-1 win over champions Bunyodkor Tashkent in the Oliy Liga.

Pakhtakor, Nasaf drop points

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 22:12:00 GMT

Pakhtakor's hopes of a second-place finish behind Bunyodkor in the Oliy Liga suffered a blow as they lost 4-1 to Neftchi, while Nasaf dropped points in a 0-0 draw with Almalyk.

Nasaf, Kuwait SC into final

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:55:00 GMT

Nasaf become the first Uzbek team to reach the AFC Cup final following a narrow aggregate victory over Jordanian champions Al Wehdat, while Kuwait SC reached their second final in three years after beating Iraq's Arbil.

Silverware polished as favourites endure

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:38:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly review of Asian club action looks at familiar champions crowned in Uzbekistan, Korea Republic’s leaders on the cusp of glory and Australia’s frontrunners extending a remarkable unbeaten run.

Bunyodkor seal title triumph

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 10:27:00 GMT

Kamoliddim Murzoev scored the goal which gave Bunyodkor a 1-0 win over Neftchi and ensured the Tashkent club claimed their fourth successive Oliy Liga title.

Pakhtakor downed by Namangan

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 10:15:00 GMT

An Alexander Shadrin brace was enough to see Navbakhor Namangan put Pakhtakor to the sword, a result which puts the defeated side almost out of the title race.

Japan lead Asian trio

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:28:00 GMT

Asia’s three representatives at next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Uzbekistan have been determined with Japan, Korea DPR and China PR securing qualification with a match to spare.

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.

Win keeps Pakhtakor in title race

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 05:50:00 GMT

Pakhtakor's slim title hopes remain alive thanks to a narrow 1-0 win over Mash'al, while Navbakhor Namangan were comfortable 3-0 victors at Olmaliq.

Nasaf share points with Neftchi

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:18:00 GMT

Nasaf needed a second-half equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw at Neftchi reducing Bunyodkor's lead to ten points, however the champions now only require a single win from four remaining matches to retain their crown.

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.

Talajic expects Kuwait to battle on

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:05:00 GMT

Kuwait SC coach Dragan Talajic expects his side to battle on in their AFC Cup semi-final second leg against Arbil, despite missing five players for the crucial game.

Leaders stumble, contenders shine

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:34:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s regular review of Asian club football takes in Japan, Korea Republic, Iran, China PR, Uzbekistan, Qatar and Thailand on what largely proved a weekend to forget for the leading elite.

Abramov: Uzbekistan can reach Brazil 2014

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:27:00 GMT

FIFA.com speaks with Uzbekistan coach Vadim Abramov who, after leading the White Wolves to their maiden AFC Asian Cup semi-final earlier this year, is now hunting a first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup™.

Nasaf book semi-final berth

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 20:45:00 GMT

Nasaf have reached the AFC Cup semi-finals, defeating Chonburi on penalties, while Kuwait SC are also through after drawing Muang Thong United 0-0 to go through 1-0 on aggregate.

Muang Thong, Persipura look to bounce back

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:45:00 GMT

While Muang Thong United look to overcome a one-goal deficit against Kuwait SC in the AFC Cup quarter-finals, Persipura Jayapura and Chonburi face stiff tests against Arbil and Nasaf respectively.

Swallows extend lead, Tashkent draw

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 17:58:00 GMT

Bunyodkor have stretched their lead at the top of the Uzbekistan Oliy Liga to eight points after a 2-0 win over Samarqand Dynamo, while Tashkent remain third after a 0-0 draw with Burkhara.

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.

Honda, Inui lead Asian award shortlist

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The 15-man shortlist for the Asian Football Confederation's Player of the Year award was announced today, with Japan stars Keisuke Honda and Takashi Inui among the favourites to win.

Muang Thong struck by injury, Nasaf eye win

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:43:00 GMT

Ahead of the AFC Cup quarter-finals, Muang Thong United manager Henrique Calisto has expressed his concern over a depleted squad, while Nasaf face a tough away match against Chonburi.

Bunyodkor take ten-point lead

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 12:06:00 GMT

Bunyodkor beat Qyzylqum Zarafshan 3-1 to go ten points clear at the top of the Oliy Liga, while there were also victories for Bukhara, Samarqand-Dynamo and Metallurg Bekabad.

Futsal review: June-August

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 07:53:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews a busy period of activity in the world of Futsal which saw new club champions crowned in Asia and Europe's pathway to the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup laid out.

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.

Uzbekistan hold lacklustre Japanese

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:45:00 GMT

Japan drew 1-1 with an inspired Uzbekistan side, who snatched the lead through Server Djeparov before Shinji Okazaki found an equaliser in the qualifying match for Brazil 2014.