FIFA.com - News

FIFA’s Performance Seminar a success

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:06:00 GMT

Oceania Football Confederation’s 11 Member Associations will be the beneficiaries as FIFA’s new development programme, known as PERFORMANCE, is rolled out aiming to help national governing bodies reach their maximum potential.

Ambitious Oceania elite eye glory

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:40:00 GMT

The road to continental glory in Oceania will commence this weekend as eight clubs take to the field for the newest edition of the OFC O-League. FIFA.com previews the forthcoming campaign in the Pacific.

Surprise packages & a demolition derby

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:21:00 GMT

In our latest stats review, FIFA.com features goalscoring feats from Real Madrid, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Antonio Di Natale, an extraordinary day in Manchester and the end of a decade-long run in Armenia.

Varied weekend for leading lights

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:01:00 GMT

FIFA.com examines the differing fortunes of the leaders in Japan, Korea Republic and China, while further west the Qatar season began, the Tehran derby took place and Diego Maradona made his coaching debut in the UAE.

Tight margins among Pacific elite

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:39:00 GMT

New Caledonia emerged triumphant on home soil at this year’s Pacific Games as a number of teams continued their preparations for Brazil 2014 qualifying.

Pitch perfect in Oceania

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 05:51:00 GMT

OFC’s Member Association’s were the beneficiaries as FIFA conducted its first ever FIFA Playing Surface Seminar last week in Auckland.

High-flying Kiwis face tough task

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 22:05:00 GMT

The draw provided New Zealand with an intriguing challenge against Fiji, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, while Group A features Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Tahiti and the Round One winner.

New boys continue to shine

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 08:43:00 GMT

Newly-promoted clubs continue to defy the odds in Japan and China PR with Kashiwa Reysol and Guangzhou Yiyao sitting atop their respective leagues, while it’s the opposite story in Korea Republic as familiar names set the pace.

Oceania goalkeeper stocks receive a boost

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 02:42:00 GMT

Auckland was the location this week as Oceania Football Confederation members were the recipients of the new FIFA Goalkeeping Course.

Oceania aspirants seek world stage

Mon, 16 May 2011 01:00:00 GMT

The Oceania qualifiers for the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup will take place in Fiji this week with the victor to become the first nation to secure passage to Thailand.

Kiwis rule Oceania, reach Colombia

Mon, 02 May 2011 10:41:00 GMT

New Zealand qualified for just their second FIFA U-20 World Cup in impressive fashion, dominating the Oceania qualifiers with dynamic attacking play and a resolute defence.

Intrigue awaits Oceania’s young elite

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 09:18:00 GMT

Hosts New Zealand will undoubtedly start as favourites to rule the region and qualify for this year's FIFA U-20 World Cup, but Tahiti's surprise triumph three years ago proves nothing can be accepted as a foregone conclusion.

Asia/Oceania Leagues review

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 09:35:00 GMT

FIFA.com's weekly look at the best club action in Asia and Oceania includes vital wins for Al Jazira and Sepahan in UAE and Iran respectively, derby action in China and OFC O-League joy for Auckland City.

Auckland reach FIFA Club World Cup

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 09:15:00 GMT

Auckland City of New Zealand have become the first team to book their place at FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2011, having comprehensively beaten Vanuatuan opponents Amicale 6-1 in the OFC O-League Grand Final.

Vanuatu focusing on youth

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:32:00 GMT

As part of FIFA's Com-Unity programme, the small Pacific nation of Vanuatu recently hosted a four-day FIFA seminar on youth football.

Auckland gain advantage over Amicale

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 09:20:00 GMT

New Zealand’s Auckland City have one hand on the OFC O-League title after scoring a 2-1 win at Vanuatu’s Amicale in the first leg of the continental final.

Amicale's quest inspired by Hekari

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:34:00 GMT

Amicale goal-king Fenedy Masauvakalo tells FIFA.com that the Vanuatu club are optimistic of repeating Hekari United's breakthrough success and defeating New Zealand’s Auckland City in the OFC O-League final.

Asia/Oceania Leagues review

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 08:46:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s regular review of league action across Asia and Oceania this week takes in the latest from Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Thailand, New Zealand and Vanuatu.

Amicale at home first in continental final

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 07:33:00 GMT

Vanuatu’s Amicale will next month host the first leg of the 2011 OFC O-League final in Port Vila, with the return to be staged at Auckland City’s home ground.

Amicale hoping history repeats

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:19:00 GMT

Though making their bow at continental level, Vanuatu’s Amicale have booked their place at next month’s OFC O-League final against regional giants Auckland City, with a ticket to the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup awaiting the winners.

Champs Hekari ousted as Auckland reach final

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 02:00:00 GMT

Auckland City are the first team into the OFC O-League final where they almost certainly will face Amicale in what would be new ground for a Vanuatu club, while holders Hekari United have been eliminated.

Solomons lead Pacific charge for Italy

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 11:14:00 GMT

The Solomon Islands will start as firm favourites in this week’s Oceanian qualifying tournament, a competition which offers a place at September’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Italy.

Shocks abound in O-League

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 03:40:00 GMT

Three remarkable scorelines marked Matchday 4 in the OFC O-League with 17 goals scored and both group leaders, Lautoka and Waitakere United, suffering defeat, while the hopes of champions Hekari United hang by a thread.

Island nations again proving their worth

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 09:00:00 GMT

One of the tightest competitions in the brief history of the OFC O-League has left the door ajar for a Pacific Island nation to again claim glory following last season’s breakthrough triumph by Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United.

Hard work maintains Kiwi stranglehold

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 09:21:00 GMT

Although New Zealand triumphed for a third successive time at this week’s OFC U-17 showpiece, the closeness of competition indicates a levelling out of the playing field in Oceania.

Battlelines drawn in Oceania

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:50:00 GMT

The quest to be crowned Oceania U-17 champions and secure passage to Mexico 2011 will be played out with a new level of intensity and competition over the coming 11 days.

Hekari back in form, Kiwis share spoils

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 05:01:00 GMT

Reigning OFC O-League scored a much-needed boost ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with an impressive victory, while in Group B New Zealand heavyweight duo Waitakere United and Auckland shared the spoils.

Champs stumble in O-League opener

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 07:16:00 GMT

New Zealand giants Waitakere United and Auckland City kicked-off their OFC O-League campaign with wins, but there was a shock for champions Hekari United who crashed against Vanuatuan newcomers Amicale FC.

Recruitment push boosts Oceania's elite

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 08:55:00 GMT

The OFC O-League commences this weekend with most clubs in the field strengthening as they look to claim the crown won in stunning fashion last year by Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United.

Vicelich, Riley claim Oceania's top honour

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 07:34:00 GMT

New Zealand’s Ivan Vicelich and Ali Riley were presented with their OFC Player of the year awards prior to the All Whites international against Honduras in Auckland.

Dominant Kiwis take their place

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 09:22:00 GMT

Rosie White scored four times as New Zealand completed a hugely successful qualifying campaign by beating Papua New Guinea 11-0 in the grand final of the OFC Women's Nations Cup.

Oceanians eye ticket to Germany

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:19:00 GMT

New Zealand enter this week’s qualifiers for the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany as favourites to progress on home soil, although their Oceania rivals are set on causing an upset.

Ten shining moments in Singapore

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 03:30:00 GMT

The inaugural Youth Olympics in Singapore produced 13 days of fabulous football, and FIFA.com takes a look back at ten of the tournaments’ finest moments.

Twin threat inspires Vanuatu

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:10:00 GMT

A pair of twin brothers - one in attack and the other in the heart of defence - helped Vanuatu win their final game at the Youth Olympics in Singapore.

Vanuatu, T&T finish brightly

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:23:00 GMT

Despite entering their last match without a win, Vanuatu and Trinidad and Tobago finished their tournament on a high as they recorded victories over Zimbabwe and Papua New Guinea in their respective fifth place play-offs.

Losers out to defend pride

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 06:36:00 GMT

Pride is at stake as the pointless teams from the Youth Olympic Football Tournaments prepare to take to the field for the fifth-place play-offs.

Hosts face supporting dilemma

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 03:38:00 GMT

Singapore’s semi-final meeting with Haiti at the Boys’ Youth Olympic Football Tournament will make for a fascinating match-up both on and off the pitch.

Hosts to entertain Haiti in semis

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:47:00 GMT

Singapore and Haiti both had reason to smile on Thursday as they set up a semi-final showdown on Sunday after winning today. Montenegro, meanwhile, must face in-form Bolivia.

Hosts aim to go one better

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 07:35:00 GMT

The final day of group matches in the Boys’ Youth Olympic Football Tournament will be highlighted by host nation Singapore looking to continue their form against Montenegro.

Kurukuru secure Futsal hat-trick

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:13:00 GMT

Solomon Islands have continued their reign as Oceania Futsal champions with a dominant display in Fiji ahead of next year’s FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifiers.

Enchanting ceremony whets the appetite

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 18:41:00 GMT

The football may be well underway, but the Opening Ceremony to Singapore 2010 took place to the delight of a vibrant audience.

Openers unearth rising stars

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:15:00 GMT

Hosts Singapore and favourites Bolivia were both thanking their ace strikers, who played pivotal roles in opening-day wins at the Youth Olympics.

Good start for hosts, Bolivia

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:05:00 GMT

The opening matchday of the Boys Youth Olympic Football Tournament saw with the hosts cruising to a 3-1 opening victory over Zimbabwe, while Bolivia recorded a comfortable 2-0 win against Vanuatu.

Hosts aim to open with a bang

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:19:00 GMT

The Boys’ Youth Olympic Football Tournament will commence with some fascinating match-ups as a confident Bolivia side face Vanuatu while host nation Singapore tackle Zimbabwe.

Ten things about the Youth Olympic Football Tournament

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 10:05:00 GMT

FIFA.com whets your appetite for the inaugural Youth Olympic Football Tournament with ten facts about the upcoming event in Singapore.

Draw sets Youth Olympic scene

Tue, 18 May 2010 16:34:00 GMT

The draw for the inaugural Youth Olympic Football Tournaments Singapore 2010 has taken place at the PSA Building Auditorium.

Long path to South Africa began in Pacific

Tue, 04 May 2010 04:27:00 GMT

The long road to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa commenced nearly three years ago in the Pacific Island nation of Samoa.

PNG's breakthough success

Mon, 03 May 2010 12:41:00 GMT

Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United can now turn their attention to the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010 after their history-making Oceania club title.

Waitakere's familiar success story

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:51:00 GMT

The domestic season in New Zealand ended with familiar clubs claiming silverware but a number of new faces pressing their South Africa 2010 claims.

David and Goliath braced for battle

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:45:00 GMT

Regional giants Waitakere United of New Zealand and Papua New Guinean underdogs Hekari United have scraped through to the OFC O-League final.