FIFA.com - FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2011 - News

Badge of champions awarded to FC Barcelona

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:48:00 GMT

FC Barcelona today received the FIFA Club World Cup Champions Badge, a physical reminder of the club’s emphatic triumph in FIFA’s annual club event in Japan in December.

Japan coronation for Barça's history boys

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:12:00 GMT

FIFA.com reflects on a memorable FIFA Club World Cup that witnessed Barcelona reaffirm their status as the world's premier footballing force, and in spectacular style.

Asian duo lift their nations' spirits

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:21:00 GMT

Kashiwa Reysol's penalty loss to Al-Sadd at Japan 2011 deprived them of the perfect ending, while the Qatari side saw the win as a stepping stone towards greater footballing achievements. FIFA.com gauged the reaction.

Santos reflect on footballing education

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 17:11:00 GMT

Admiration, not frustration, was the order of the day as Santos spoke to FIFA.com about Sunday's emphatic final defeat to Barcelona at the FIFA Club World Cup in Yokohama.

All in a day’s work for beguiling Barça

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 16:32:00 GMT

Barcelona’s unique ability to peak on the big occasion powered them to their second world title on Sunday. FIFA.com gauged the reactions of three of the architects of their emphatic victory over Santos.

Double triumph for Messi

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 14:07:00 GMT

Lionel Messi collected the adidas Golden Ball after victory in Sunday's 2011 FIFA Club World Cup final, while Neymar received a measure of consolation after his team's defeat.

Santos humbled by brilliant Barcelona

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:22:00 GMT

Lionel Messi struck twice as the European champions beat Santos 4-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup final, producing a display of sparkling football that was capped by goals of the highest quality.

Al-Sadd take third on penalties

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 09:35:00 GMT

Nadir Belhadj slotted home the winning penalty as Al-Sadd won 5-3 in the shoot-out that followed a goalless draw with Kashiwa Reysol in the match for third place at Japan 2011.

Blatter: Reforms will be carried out

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:24:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and Secretary General Jerome Valcke have been speaking at a press conference following the conclusion of the Executive Committee meeting in Tokyo.

Santos stars enchant local fans

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 07:28:00 GMT

Though Barcelona are hugely popular with the fans in Japan, Santos will have their fair share of backers come Sunday's decider as FIFA.com discovered while interviewing fans at a Brazilian restaurant in Tokyo.

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.

Adriano: We'll have to rethink our plans

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 01:12:00 GMT

Adriano, the scorer of two goals in Barcelona’s semi-final victory, speaks to FIFA.com about the challenge of facing Brazil team-mates Elano, Ganso and Neymar in Sunday’s final against Santos.

Al-Sadd reflect on harsh lesson

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:09:00 GMT

Al-Sadd coach Jorge Fossati and his charges Kader Keita and Mamadou Niang have discussed the Qataris’ inability to contend with Barcelona and their experience so far in Japan.

Finalists holding out for a hero

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:16:00 GMT

As we prepare for the climax to Japan 2011, FIFA.com looks back at the players whose contributions have proved decisive to previous FIFA Club World Cup finals.

Young stars shine in Japan

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:38:00 GMT

A host of talented young players have announced their arrival in front of the watching world over the past week in Japan.

Defiant Al-Sadd unbowed by Barcelona defeat

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:34:00 GMT

Al-Sadd coach Jorge Fossati said the Qatar club will benefit from the experience of playing against European champions Barcelona and have now set their sights on beating Kashiwa Reysol and finishing third.

Barcelona seek to overcome Villa injury

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:27:00 GMT

European champions Barcelona say they will be confronted with a difficult challenge if they are to overcome Santos and be crowned FIFA Club World Cup champions for the second time in three years.

Asian rivals battle for bronze

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 03:02:00 GMT

The match for third place at the FIFA Club World Cup 2011 is an all-Asian clash, with a podium finish and a great deal of prestige on offer to the winners.

Danilo: It's all fallen into place

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 01:33:00 GMT

A key man in Santos’ Copa Libertadores success and a goalscorer in their semi-final win at Japan 2011, the versatile right-back is aiming to provide a fairy tale finish in his final match before leaving to join Porto.

Stars collide in Yokohama

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 01:12:00 GMT

Some of the planet's finest footballers will be on show as Barcelona and Santos meet in the FIFA Club World Cup final on Sunday, in a match that fans around the world have been anticipating for months.

Kashiwa eager to finish with a flourish

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:26:00 GMT

After their semi-final defeat to Santos on Wednesday, Kashiwa Reysol are determined to finish Japan 2011 in third place to crown an unforgettable year for the club.

Adriano at the double as Barça cruise

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:22:00 GMT

A leg-break to David Villa dampened Barcelona's celebrations despite the European champions strolling to a 4-0 victory over their Asian counterparts Al-Sadd to set up a final with Santos.

Villa breaks shin against Al Sadd

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:14:00 GMT

David Villa looks set to spend a lengthy period on the sidelines after the Barcelona striker broke his shinbone against Al Sadd during today's FIFA Club World Cup semi-final.

Nelsinho: Japanese football developing rapidly

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 04:24:00 GMT

Despite his side suffering a 3-1 defeat against Santos, Kashiwa Reysol's Brazilian coach Nelsinho says his team's performance is evidence that the standard of Japanese players has developed significantly in recent years.

Mixed emotions for N'Djeng and De Nigris

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:49:00 GMT

After suffering a disappointing loss to Kashiwa Resol in their opener at Japan 2011, Monterrey ended on a positive note with a fifth-place finish, while Tunisian side Esperance pack their bags with the less to cheer about.

Magic moments take Santos through

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:22:00 GMT

Three truly superb goals from Neymar, Borges and Danilo have secured Santos a 3-1 win over Kashiwa Reysol and, with it, a place in the Japan 2011 final.

Monterrey edge Esperance, finish fifth

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:21:00 GMT

Hiram Mier, Aldo De Nigris and Jesus Zavala were all on target as Monterrey emerged triumphant from a five-goal thriller in the match for fifth-place at the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2011.

Guardiola: A privilege to be here

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:53:00 GMT

With Barcelona on the verge of making their Japan 2011 bow, the second instalment of FIFA.com's exclusive interview with Pep Guardiola focuses on the challenge facing his side in the Far East.

Japan rivals ponder Barça quandary

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:42:00 GMT

Stopping the Barcelona juggernaut could be the key challenge at this FIFA Club World Cup. Here, the likes of Neymar, Nadir Belhadj, Muricy Ramahlo and Jorge Fossati tell FIFA.com how they'd go about it.

Al-Sadd eye Barça upset

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:24:00 GMT

Barcelona are set to kick off their campaign at Japan 2011 in a semi-final match with Al-Sadd, who will pose a tricky test for the Catalans as they hunt for a second trophy at these finals.

Displaced youngsters meet Barça stars

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:03:00 GMT

Barcelona players have shown their support for victims of the 11 March earthquake and tsunami by meeting 13 youngsters who were forced to abandon their homes at the time of the disaster.

Nelsinho ready for high-stakes reunion

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:40:00 GMT

A former room-mate of Muricy Ramalho during their Sao Paulo playing days, Kashiwa Reysol coach Nelsinho speaks to FIFA.com about denying his old friend's Santos side a place in the FIFA Club World Cup final.

Borges: It's the trophies that count

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:54:00 GMT

Santos striker Borges has spoken to FIFA.com about his high-scoring season, stating that only a winning trophy at the end of the FIFA Club World Cup could justify this as the finest point in his career.

Belhadj: Barça match is a celebration

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:31:00 GMT

Al-Sadd left-back Nadir Belhadj has said that meeting Barcelona in the semi-finals at Japan 2011 is cause for celebration, telling FIFA.com the Qatari club will prepare as best they can for the Spanish giants.

Santos aim to end Kashiwa’s streak

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:16:00 GMT

Santos are set to make their debut at the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2011 in semi-final match against a high-flying Kashiwa Reysol side undefeated in nine matches.

Shot at redemption for defeated duo

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:03:00 GMT

Having lost in the quarter-finals to Kashiwa Reysol and Al-Sadd respectively, Monterrey and Esperance are playing for pride in tomorrow's fifth-place play-off in Toyota.

Guardiola: It's all about common sense

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:21:00 GMT

Pep Guardiola chats to FIFA.com about the influences on his coaching, the importance of Barcelona playing entertaining football, the need to tweak his tactics and the benefits of not involving himself in his players’ personal lives.

Suazo: I'll always be grateful to Monterrey

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:07:00 GMT

Hampered by injury at South Africa 2010, Chilean striker Humberto Suazo endured more big-stage disappointment on Sunday as Monterrey went out of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Msakni the gem amid Esperance gloom

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:38:00 GMT

Though hugely disappointed by their defeat against Al-Sadd, the African champions did make a positive impact thanks to talented youngster Youssef Msakni, who later spoke to FIFA.com.

Muricy hails Neymar, compares him to Zico

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:10:00 GMT

Muricy Ramalho has insisted Neymar will make Barcelona suffer and said his Santos forward is on the same level as Zico, Rivelino and Zinedine Zidane, but admitted he has no way to stop the Catalans’ domination of possession.

Asian double as Monterrey pay penalty

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 13:14:00 GMT

Kashiwa Reysol have joined Al-Sadd in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup, and set up a date with Santos, after beating Monterrey on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Clinical Al-Sadd set up Barça semi

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 08:55:00 GMT

Despite being dominated by Esperance for much of the match, Al-Sadd secured a hard-fought 2-1 win that guarantees a mouth-watering semi-final meeting with Barcelona.

Japan 2011 programme available in digital form

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 01:17:00 GMT

The Official Programme of the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2011 is now available for the very first time as a digital copy.

Japanese spirit wows visiting teams

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:38:00 GMT

Players and coaches from all sides have been uniting in praise of the FIFA Club World Cup hosts, who have responded in typically fashion to dreadul earthquake and tsunami of 11 March.

Osorio: Monterrey can spring a surprise

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 11:34:00 GMT

Monterrey’s hopes for success at Japan 2011 hinge to a large extent on Ricardo Osorio's defensive poise. The experienced campaigner spoke to FIFA.com about his latest high-level latest assignment.

African aces out to inspire Al Sadd

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 01:38:00 GMT

Al Sadd's African forwards, Kader Keita and Mamadou Niang, speak to FIFA.com about becoming champions of Asia, their chemistry and the club's prospects of making an impact at Japan 2011.

Kashiwa young guns ready to fire

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:40:00 GMT

While two Brazilians have grabbed most of the headlines for Kashiwa Reysol this year, defender Hiroki Sakai and midfielder Akimi Barada have made major contributions to their success. FIFA.com caught up with the pair.

Africans or Asians to battle Barça?

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:07:00 GMT

Defensive specialists Esperance take on an Al Sadd team boasting a formidable attack in an intriguing quarter-final, with the winners advancing to encounter Pep Guardiola’s star-studded cast.

Kashiwa, Monterrey eye Santos semi

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:56:00 GMT

After seeing off Auckland City, J.League champions Kashiwa Reysol face CONCACAF kings Monterrey for the right to meet Neymar, Ganso and Co in the last four.

Neymar talks 'king' Pele, Messi

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:31:00 GMT

Santos striker Neymar has quashed any thoughts of matching Brazil legend Pele, conceded that Lionel Messi is currently the best player in the world, and discussed the attention he is receiving in Japan.

Ganso: I prefer passing to scoring

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:34:00 GMT

Santos No10 Ganso speaks to FIFA.com about why he prefers creating goals to scoring them, his role in the team, a mixed 2011 personally and how he wants to end it with a world title.