FIFA.com - 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ - News

History repeats for Bahrain

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:08:00 GMT

FIFA.com spoke exclusively to some of Bahrain's players after their defeat to New Zealand in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa play-offs.

Twice in a lifetime

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:18:00 GMT

New sporting legends have been created in New Zealand as the All Whites reached the greatest stage, after a 28-year wait and no little drama.

Kiwis qualify for South Africa

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:54:00 GMT

Rory Fallon's goal on the stroke of half-time ensured New Zealand's progression to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, ending a 28-year absence.

All White on the night

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:57:00 GMT

The New Zealand capital of Wellington is awash with football fever as the All Whites prepare to take on Bahrain for a berth at South Africa 2010.

Play-off rivals set for history

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:39:00 GMT

The first leg of their play-off ended goalless. Now New Zealand are set to host Bahrain with a huge prize up for grabs: a ticket to South Africa 2010.

Macala sets sights on finals berth

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:32:00 GMT

Milan Macala has admitted that it would be a dream for Bahrain to secure their first ever FIFA World Cup appearance by defeating New Zealand.

McGlinchey eyes historic double

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:34:00 GMT

Two years after representing Scotland at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, Michael McGlinchey is now aiming to reach the senior equivalent with New Zealand.

Joel targets title and ticket

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:50:00 GMT

FIFA.com chats to Joel Porter about his desire to help Gold Coast United seize the A-League trophy and make Australia's squad for South Africa 2010.

Macala: Pressure is on New Zealand

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:54:00 GMT

Bahrain coach Milan Macala chatted to FIFA.com ahead of the second leg of their play-off against New Zealand, and revealed belief in his charges.

Bahrain hit by Hubail injury

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Bahrain will be without Alaa Hubail for next month's FIFA World Cup play-off against New Zealand with the influential striker suffering a knee injury midweek.

Kiwis set up shot at history

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:50:00 GMT

A solid performance in Bahrain has left New Zealand on course to achieve a football dream that has been nearly three decades in the making.

Herbert happy with stalemate

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:43:00 GMT

New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert hailed a job well done after his side secured a goalless draw in the first leg of their AFC/OFC play-off in Bahrain.

New Zealand hold Bahrain

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:13:00 GMT

New Zealand claimed the upper hand in their Asia/Oceania play-off against Bahrain by holding their 2010 rivals to a goalless draw in Manama.

Saudis meet dramatic end

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:32:00 GMT

Saudi hopes of a fifth consecutive finals appearance were dashed by Bahrain in a dramatic play-off. FIFA.com takes a closer look.

Macala issues rallying cry

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:45:00 GMT

Bahrain coach Milan Macala has called for one last push from his players as they moved a step closer to a place at next year's FIFA World Cup.

Last-gasp Bahrain deny Saudis

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:25:00 GMT

Bahrain reached a play-off with New Zealand after Ismail Abdullatif's late equaliser earned them a 2-2 draw in Saudi Arabia and victory on away goals.

Asian duo with all to play for

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:04:00 GMT

The outcome of Saudi Arabia's meeting with Bahrain will decide who meets New Zealand in an inter-confederation play-off for South Africa 2010.

Bahrain, Saudis settle for stalemate

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:46:00 GMT

Bahrain kept their South Africa 2010 hopes alive by holding Saudi Arabia in the first-leg of the Asian Zone play-off but now face a difficult task in Riyadh.

Abdulrahman: We can achieve the dream

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:55:00 GMT

FIFA.com spoke with the Bahraini midfielder Mahmood Abdulrahman about his country's aspirations to reach South Africa 2010.

Saudis call on Al Ittihad duo

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:16:00 GMT

Saudi Arabia coach Jose Peseiro has recalled Al Ittihad duo Mohamad Noor and Hamad Al Montashari for the South Africa 2010 play-off against Bahrain.

Noor: We will do our utmost

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:01:00 GMT

Having impressed for Al Ittihad this year, veteran Mohammed Noor wants to help Saudi Arabia past Bahrain and a step closer to South Africa 2010.

Contrasting reactions in Asia

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:15:00 GMT

Korea DPR's historic FIFA World Cup qualification and Iran's surprise failure to reach the world stage has been the focus in Asian media this week.

Key moments in Asian qualifying

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:53:00 GMT

Asian FIFA World Cup qualifying featured countless tight matches. FIFA.com looks at ten pivotal moments that ultimately shaped the campaign.

Korea DPR qualify, Iran miss out

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:12:00 GMT

Korea DPR reached next year's FIFA World Cup as Iran's hopes ended, while Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will meet for the right to face New Zealand.

Bahrain slip past Uzbekistan

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:57:00 GMT

Mahmood Abdulrahman's second-half strike secured the win for Bahrain over Uzbekistan to keep alive their hopes of a place at South Africa 2010.

Asia hopefuls face decisive contest

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:12:00 GMT

The final day of FIFA World Cup qualifying in Asia sees five nations in competition to keep alive their dream of a ticket to South Africa 2010.

Asian media laud qualification

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:57:00 GMT

Australia, Japan and Korea Republic all received widespread praise in local media after qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

Plenty still to play for in Asia

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:07:00 GMT

An eventful day of action in the Asian Zone witnessed Qatar crash out of contention and fresh twists in the race to qualify for South Africa 2010.

Aussies limp past Bahrain

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:24:00 GMT

Australia laboured to beat Bahrain 2-0 in a muted celebration of their qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa in Sydney.

Okada looks for South Africa push

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 05:06:00 GMT

Having reached the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Japan coach Takeshi Okada is looking at their qualifier against Qatar as preparation for South Africa.

Focus turns to remaining hopefuls

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:43:00 GMT

With Australia, Japan and Korea Republic through to South Africa 2010, attention turns to the battle for the Asia's remaining qualification places.

Qualified Japan stay serious

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:21:00 GMT

Japan will be taking their game against Qatar seriously on Wednesday, the team has vowed, despite having already qualified for South Africa 2010.

Aussies keep focussed for Bahrain

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 05:36:00 GMT

Australia coach Pim Verbeek says his team will be focussed for their Bahrain qualifier despite already confirming their South Africa 2010 passage.

Aussies create history without fuss

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 08:25:00 GMT

Australia's achievement in securing qualification for a second consecutive FIFA World Cup has been met with praise and emotion by fans Down Under.

Decisive matches await in Asia

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:34:00 GMT

Despite further matches later in the month, this Saturday could provide pivotal in determining which Asian teams reach South Africa 2010.

Verbeek overlooks Viduka

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:04:00 GMT

Coach Pim Verbeek has left Mark Viduka out of his squad for Australia's upcoming qualifiers, but handed recalls to Brad Jones and Vince Grella.

Bahrain seek play-off encore

Fri, 15 May 2009 04:20:00 GMT

Having missed qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup by a narrow margin Bahrain seek redemption by reaching South Africa 2010.

Mixed reactions in Asian media

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:56:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at the very different reactions that have followed a week of dramatic action in the Asian Zone's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

History lesson for challengers

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:19:00 GMT

FIFA.com reminds Asian teams on the verge of a place at South Africa 2010 not to take things easy in the final matches, pointing to Iran's example.

Bahrain delay Aussie parade

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:23:00 GMT

Australia moved within a whisker of a place in South Africa, while United Arab Emirates were officially eliminated from contention in Asia.

Bahrain victory makes Aussies wait

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:11:00 GMT

Fouzi Aaish scored the only goal as Bahrain improved their qualification hopes with a defeat of Qatar, and ensured Australia still have work to do.

D-day approaches in Asia

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:15:00 GMT

Korea Republic welcome Korea DPR to Seoul, while Australia could become the first team to qualify. FIFA.com previews the Asian action.

Eastern delight in Asia

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 18:53:00 GMT

Japan and Korea DPR seized the top spots in Asia, while Iran crashed to a rare home defeat to Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan cruised against Qatar.

Japan squeeze past Bahrain

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 12:56:00 GMT

A Shunsuke Nakamura free-kick was all that separated Japan and Bahrain in Saitama, sending the hosts above Australia and top of Group A.

Japan ready to avenge Bahrain loss

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:49:00 GMT

Japan will take top spot in their South Africa 2010 qualifying group with a win over Bahrain and coach Takeshi Okada says his side are ready for the challenge.

Asian top spots up for grabs

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:30:00 GMT

Pole position in Asia's FIFA World Cup groups will be up for grabs on Saturday, with Australia and Korea Republic watching from the sidelines.

Can west Asia bounce back?

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:59:00 GMT

Korea Republic and Korea DPR are ahead in the race for a place in South Africa 2010, but will Iran or Saudi Arabia catch up? Have Your Say!

Asian starlets shining brightly

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:23:00 GMT

A selection of rising stars have made positive impressions during Asian Zone qualifying for South Africa 2010. FIFA.com takes a closer look.

Same results, different reactions

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:32:00 GMT

Interest in Asian qualifying for South Africa 2010 is reaching fever pitch. FIFA.com takes a look at the differing media reaction across the continent.

All to play for in Asia

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:09:00 GMT

The final stage of Asian FIFA World Cup qualifying has reached the midway point with some nations well positioned but others facing elimination.

Draws keep favourites on track

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:14:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks back on a day of tight, tense action in Asia as the continent's finest fight it out for places at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.