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

Fallen giants lick wounds

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:40:00 GMT

Iran's failure to qualify for South Africa 2010 was arguably the biggest shock on the Asian continent with Team Melli facing a period of rebuilding.

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.

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.

Karimi gem keeps Iran in hunt

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:30:00 GMT

Iran stayed in contention for a place at South Africa 2010 with a slender win over United Arab Emirates, courtesy of an Ali Karimi wonder goal.

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.

Peseiro maintains Saudi belief

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:41:00 GMT

Despite Saudi Arabia narrowly trailing Korea DPR in Asian qualifying, coach Jose Peseiro has faith that his team will reach South Africa 2010.

Asian trio become first qualifiers

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 21:37:00 GMT

Japan and Korea Republic both won on their travels to seal their places at South Africa 2010, while Australia also progressed despite a draw.

Iran earn point in Pyongyang

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 12:23:00 GMT

The reflexes of Seyed Rahmati earned Iran a goalless draw in Korea DPR, who moved level with Group B leaders and arch-rivals Korea Republic.

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.

Australia and Japan sight world stage

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 06:14:00 GMT

Both Australia and Japan will be the first teams to qualify for South Africa 2010 if they claim three points in their respective matches on Saturday.

Ghotbi unfazed by Iran challenge

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:21:00 GMT

Iran face a challenging task to reach South Africa 2010 but the confidence of new coach Afshin Ghotbi suggests Team Melli will achieve their goal.

Wizard back to steer Iran

Wed, 13 May 2009 08:33:00 GMT

Iran face an uphill task to qualify for South Africa 2010 but the recent return of inspirational midfielder Ali Karimi is set to boost Team Melli.

Ghotbi steps on Iran carousel

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:13:00 GMT

Afshin Ghotbi has become Iran's third coach in a month after he was appointed successor to Mohammad Mayelikohan.

Surprises all over the world

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:04:00 GMT

Shockwaves were felt all around Planet Football this week as some of the true powers of the world game fell to unexpected qualifying defeats.

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.

Daei promises to sink Saudis

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:23:00 GMT

Iran coach Ali Daei has vowed his team will claim a much-needed win over Saudi Arabia in a key Asia Zone 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa qualifier.

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.

Iran wary of Saudi danger

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 07:49:00 GMT

History means that coach Ali Daei and his Iranian team are more than familiar with the dangers posed by FIFA World Cup nemesis Saudi Arabia.

Hashemian: We'll top the group

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:25:00 GMT

Iran forward Vahid Hashemian speaks to FIFA.com about his career for club and country, as well as South Africa 2010 and his plans for the future.

Iran arrange Qatar and Kuwait friendlies

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Iran are to prepare for their next FIFA World Cup qualifier with friendly games against Qatar, Kuwait and possibly Morocco.

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.

Park makes a point for Korea

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Manchester United's Park Ji-Sung helped Korea Republic to a share of the spoils in their South Africa 2010 qualifier at a rain-soaked Azadi Stadium.

Daei vows to beat Koreans

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:16:00 GMT

Iran coach coach Ali Daei has vowed his team will defeat Korea Republic in a key Asian Zone FIFA World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

Huh hopes to scale Iranian heights

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:30:00 GMT

Korea Republic head to the Middle East later this week ahead of their qualifier against Iran, a country where they have never tasted success.

Okada under fire after defeat

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:42:00 GMT

Japan coach Takeshi Okada has come under fire again after a defeat to Bahrain ahead of their FIFA World Cup qualifying showdown with Australia.

Ups and downs in Asia

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:58:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at the story so far in the fourth round of Asian qualifying, which includes triumph, tragedy and some inspired efforts from old-timers.

Iran's Zidane back in business

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 01:28:00 GMT

Iran may have made a hesitant beginning to the fourth round of Asian FIFA World Cup qualifying. But an erstwhile hero has returned to revive them.

UAE hold Iran in qualifying

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:11:00 GMT

Group co-leaders Iran's plans of getting full points against hosts UAE were dashed when they were held to a 1-1 draw in their section.

Favourites strengthen their grip

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:42:00 GMT

There was little in the way of surprises in Asia as Australia, Japan and Korea Republic defeated Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia respectively.

Big wins for big three

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:01:00 GMT

Australia, Japan and Korea Republic all claimed maximum points from Wednesday's qualifiers against Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Asians eager to sign out in style

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:25:00 GMT

With a three-month recess ahead, an octet of Asians are eager to win their final qualifier of 2008 and improve their hopes of reaching South Africa.

Asian veterans make their point

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 07:05:00 GMT

Two of Asia's distinguished veterans have made influential returns to the national colours in the fourth round of Asian South Africa 2010 qualifying.

Iran edge Korea DPR

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:46:00 GMT

Iran boosted their 2010 FIFA World Cup hopes by inflicting a 2-1 defeat on Korea DPR at the Azadi stadium.

Underdogs look to defy odds

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 07:16:00 GMT

Qatar and Korea DPR have taken surprise leads in the two Asian fourth round qualifying groups, but they both face tough tests on Wednesday.

Australia and Japan seek dominance

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 06:14:00 GMT

In Group 1 of Asian qualifying for South Africa 2010, Australia and Japan will be looking to consolidate at home after their impressive starts.

Users flock to Argentina-Uruguay

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:21:00 GMT

Argentina-Uruguay is the most enticing clash of this weekend's qualifiers, according to you, the FIFA.com users, in our most recent online poll.

Osasuna duo inspire Iran

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:18:00 GMT

Several of Iran's top players have made their mark at German clubs in the recent past, but their current key midfield pair are based in Spain.

East Asians set the pace

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:59:00 GMT

On the first matchday of Asian fourth round qualifying for South Africa 2010, it was the East Asian competitors who made the early running.

Excitement builds in Asia

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:34:00 GMT

The fourth round of Asian qualifying for South Africa 2010 begins this weekend. FIFA.com gives you a taste of what to expect from the games.

Asians gear up for final push

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 05:17:00 GMT

Japan's encounter with Bahrain in Manama, and the meeting of traditional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran in Riyadh, will be key first-up games in Asia.

FIFA.com users name top qualifier

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:39:00 GMT

There are some titanic FIFA World Cup qualifying clashes this weekend. FIFA.com users are particularly relishing the duel in Buenos Aires.

Local hero Metsu remains confident

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:16:00 GMT

Despite a nail-biting final matchday in the previous round, UAE boss Bruno Metsu is confident of taking his team to their second FIFA World Cup.