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

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.

Bloemfontein: SA "football home"

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:33:00 GMT

Bloemfontein, one of the four host cities for the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009, is home to the most fanatical supporters in South Africa.

Orlando Stadium re-opens its doors

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:11:00 GMT

The re-opening of one of South Africa's most popular football venues, Orlando Stadium has brought excitement to football fans in South Africa.

Orlando Stadium re-opens its doors

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:11:00 GMT

The re-opening of one of South Africa's most popular football venues, Orlando Stadium has brought excitement to football fans in South Africa.

Worries aplenty for Asian media

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:34:00 GMT

Despite the early qualification of some Asian teams, their ability to negotiate the next stage of FIFA World Cup qualifying is under media scrutiny.

Newcomers advance at first try

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 02:41:00 GMT

In the first of five reviews of the third stage of Asian qualifying for South Africa 2010, FIFA.com looks back at the drama of Asian Group 1.

Qatar end Iraqi hopes

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 22:22:00 GMT

Qatar pulled off a stunning 1-0 win over Iraq in Dubai on Sunday to advance to the final round of Asian qualifying and eliminate Iraq.

Iraq out as Qatar, UAE progress

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:53:00 GMT

Qatar are through to the final round of Asian qualifying after defeating Iraq in Dubai, while UAE advanced despite losing 3-1 to Syria.

Make or break for Asian quartet

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:13:00 GMT

The focus in Asia will be on the battle between four sides - Iraq, Qatar in Dubai, UAE and Syria - for two places in the next round of qualifiers.

Asian line-up nearly complete

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:24:00 GMT

Korea DPR, Korea Republic, Bahrain, Japan, Australia, Iran and Saudi Arabia booked a place in the next phase of qualifying for South Africa 2010.

China crash out

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:34:00 GMT

Iraq kept their South Africa 2010 hopes alive at the expense of China, who were eliminated from finals contention after a 2-1 defeat.

Shadow of 2006 over China

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 06:01:00 GMT

In the Asian qualifying series for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany, China fell at an early stage. Lightning may strike twice on Saturday.

Absences worry Asian giants

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 02:55:00 GMT

In Groups 1 and 2 of Asian qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, two of the fancied nations go into this weekend's matches deprived of key players.

Iraq stun Australia

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 20:14:00 GMT

Emad Mohammed's superb free kick lifted Iraq to a 1-0 win over Australia and kept kept alive Iraqi hopes of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.

Progression within reach in Asia

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:02:00 GMT

Australia and Bahrain are among the teams that can seal progression to the fourth round of AFC qualifying for the FIFA World Cup on Saturday.

Media reflects on highs and lows

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:08:00 GMT

Some teams earned praise, others came in for criticism. FIFA.com looks at the local media's reaction to the latest set of Asian Zone qualifiers.

Kennedy and Neill play waiting game

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:05:00 GMT

Prospective fathers Lucas Neill and Josh Kennedy may play a role in Australia's two qualifiers against Iraq and Qatar later this month.

Socceroos secure slender win

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 13:16:00 GMT

Harry Kewell scored another big-match goal to unlock Iraq and edge Australia closer to the final phase of Asian qualifying for South Africa 2010.

Asian hosts target full hauls

Fri, 30 May 2008 09:26:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a closer look at the crucial forthcoming matches in Groups 1 and 2 in the third phase of Asian qualifying for South Africa 2010.

Giants on their travels

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:51:00 GMT

Australia, Japan, Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia made light work of their third round openers, but they face stern challenges on Matchday 2.

Iraq turn to trusted leader

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 10:52:00 GMT

After a disappointing home draw, Iraq have turned to Adnan Hamad to lead them into the final phase of Asian Zone qualifying for South Africa 2010.

Aussies light the Asian way

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:10:00 GMT

There were few surprises in Asian FIFA World Cup qualifying on Wednesday as the established sides and new boys Australia ruled the day in style.

China draw with 10-man Iraq

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:44:58 GMT

Asian champions Iraq battled to a 1-1 draw with China in Dubai in the opening game of their qualifying campaign for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Who will be No1 in Group 1?

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 09:48:00 GMT

Asia's qualifying Group 1 for South Africa houses four evenly matched teams. Will it be Australia, China, Iraq or Qatar that takes top spot?

Underdogs prepare for their day

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 09:48:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look at Wednesday's four South Africa 2010 qualifiers in the Middle East involving some of Asia's lesser-known sides.

Asian giants target opening wins

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 09:47:00 GMT

The qualifiers for South Africa 2010 get underway in Asia on Wednesday, with the continent's top five teams all targeting emphatic victories.

Asian gunners hunt Daei

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:16:00 GMT

Iran's Ali Daei holds the record for most goals in FIFA World Cup qualifying, but a few new boys are aiming to put their names in the history books.

Asian route marked out

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:42:00 GMT

Asia's FIFA World Cup preliminaries have been decided, with the continent's big five set to start with home fixtures against the groups' underdogs.

England-Croatia topping the bill

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:00:00 GMT

The latest survey of FIFA.com users saw England versus Croatia chosen as the most eagerly anticipated match-up from the Preliminary draw.

Aussies face tough test

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 17:54:00 GMT

Australia will be the favourites to progress to Group 1 in the Asian Zone, although Iraq, China PR and Qatar will provide stiff opposition.

Asia's ups and downs

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 11:51:00 GMT

The Asian confederation has produced more than its fair share of joy and drama in FIFA World Cup qualifying down through the years.

Favourites clear first hurdle

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 10:25:00 GMT

Despite some courageous underdog attempts, the favourites all completed aggregate wins to clear the first hurdle in the race to South Africa 2010.

Aspirants out to preserve dream

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 08:30:20 GMT

Fifteen decisive first round, second leg matches will take place on Sunday as Asia takes a step towards determining its representatives in South Africa.