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

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.

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.

Seoul draw keeps Saudis third

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Saudi Arabia need to beat Korea DPR at home in their final group game in order to reach South Africa 2010 automatically, after a draw in Korea Republic.

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.

Joy and sorrow in equal measure

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:21:00 GMT

Four teams booked their ticket to the 2010 FIFA World Cup at the weekend, but there was despair elsewhere as some big names fell to defeats.

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.

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.

Born-again Hazazi aims high

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 07:47:00 GMT

After a turbulent start to his international career, Al Ittihad's Naif Hazazi has been winning admirers by scoring some crucial goals for Saudi Arabia.

Qualifying unearths new gems

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:04:00 GMT

Several sides have changed massively since 2006, with old heroes replaced by new stars. FIFA.com looks at some of the new boys making their mark.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Saudis count on coaching switch

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:50:00 GMT

With their 2010 FIFA World Cup hopes hanging by a thread, Saudi Arabia have opted to follow a preliminary 'tradition' by appointing a new coach.

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.

Korea DPR sink Saudis

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:34:00 GMT

Korea DPR bid to reach their first FIFA World Cup since 1966 was boosted today with a vital 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Pyongyang.

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.

Results conform, reactions contrast

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:29:00 GMT

Australia, Japan and Korea Republic all won away in their latest South Africa 2010 qualifiers, but they encountered different reactions back home.

Korea late show beats Saudis

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:23:00 GMT

Korea Republic beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 with two goals in the last 15 minutes to ensure the Red Devils move atop Asian qualifying Group Two.

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.

Koreans receive timely boost

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:05:00 GMT

With interim skipper Park Ji-Sung leading the way and Lee Woon-Jae back in the fold, there is renewed optimism in the Korea Republic camp.

Lee back in Korea squad

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:28:00 GMT

Veteran goalkeeper Lee Woon-Jae was picked for the Korea Republic squad on Monday, a day after a year-long ban over a nightclub visit expired.

Lee answering Huh's prayers

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:48:00 GMT

Scoring goals has been a problem for Korea Republic in recent years, but coach Huh Jung-Moo appears to have found the answer in Lee Keun-Ho.