FIFA.com - News

European qualifying fixtures announced

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:52:00 GMT

All but two of the Groups in European Zone qualifying for Brazil 2014 have had their fixtures finalised, with England, France, Italy and Spain starting out away to Moldova, Finland, Bulgaria and Georgia respectively.

Olsen: It could have been worse

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 17:16:00 GMT

"Things could have turned worse for us, even though getting Cyprus and Iceland out of pots five and six will make it a tricky group," Egil Olsen, Norway coach.

Trio targeting top spot

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:28:00 GMT

The race for first place promises to be an enthralling tussle as Group E pits together three sides – Norway, Slovenia and Switzerland – in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking top 30.

Drama and derbies await in Europe

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 00:37:00 GMT

The draw for the European zone yielded some potentially thrilling sections, with local rivalries set to be stirred and the world champions left to do battle with another winner of football's ultimate prize.

Celebrations for Swiss, Slovaks

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:42:00 GMT

Switzerland and Slovakia seized Europe's last two automatic berths in South Africa, while Portugal, Greece, Slovenia and Ukraine made the play-offs.

Mellberg delivers for Sweden

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:35:00 GMT

Olof Mellberg scored twice as Sweden won their final South Africa 2010 qualifier, but events elsewhere meant their bid for qualification reached its end.

Lagerback: Sweden need fresh start

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:11:00 GMT

Sweden coach Lars Lagerback has admitted that the team are likely to benefit from a "fresh start"once the South Africa 2010 qualifiers are over.

Two tickets on offer in Europe

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:09:00 GMT

Switzerland, Greece, Slovakia and Slovenia head into Wednesday's final qualifiers hoping to claim the two remaining direct tickets to South Africa.

Crisis times for goal-shy Portugal

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:28:00 GMT

Despite boasting the reigning FIFA World Player Cristiano Ronaldo among other talents, Portugal face an uphill struggle to reach South Africa 2010.

Danes stumble with Albania draw

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:49:00 GMT

Denmark's lead in European qualifying Group 1 was cut to two points after a disappointing draw with Albania in Tirana.

England, Spain cruise through

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:02:00 GMT

England and Spain sealed tickets to South Africa 2010 in style, while Portugal threw themselves a lifeline and Slovakia sprinted towards qualification.

England and Serbia on the verge

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:54:00 GMT

England and Serbia will have the chance to reach South Africa 2010 in midweek, while Denmark, Slovakia and Spain could also secure qualification.

Safe passage for Netherlands

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 22:56:00 GMT

The Netherlands became the first European side to book passage to South Africa as England, Serbia, Denmark and Slovakia moved closer to the finals.

Stakes high for Group 1 rivals

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:42:00 GMT

Lars Lagerback, Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Queiroz have been speaking ahead of vital FIFA World Cup qualifiers involving their respective sides.

Dutch close in as neighbours clash

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:57:00 GMT

In Europe, the Netherlands know that a win in Iceland will guarantee a spot in South Africa, while Sweden square up to Nordic neighbours Demark.

Kuze named new Albania boss

Tue, 19 May 2009 20:10:00 GMT

Josif Kuze was named as the new coach of Albania, the Croatian taking over from Ari Haan who stood down last month.

Haan quits as Albania boss

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:29:00 GMT

Former Dutch great Ari Haan has resigned as Albanian coach after poor results in their South Africa 2010 qualifying campaign.

Lala: We need to improve

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:41:00 GMT

Albania captain Altin Lala is hoping it will be ‘third time lucky' for him as he attempts to lead his side to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Flawless trio aim for more

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:38:00 GMT

Spain, England and Netherlands have won all their games to date and are out to consolidate their leads on matchday six in the European Zone.

Points to make in Europe

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 08:14:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks ahead to the latest set of European Zone qualifiers, which include crucial games in a wide open Group 1, and tests for some big names.

Determining Europe's runners-up

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:17:00 GMT

FIFA has revealed the criteria that will determine the eight best runners-up in the group phase of European Zone qualifying for South Africa 2010.

Ervin Skela: Albania have matured

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:35:00 GMT

Ahead of their upcoming game against Portugal in Braga, Albania and Energie Cottbus star Ervin Skela gave an exclusive interview to FIFA.com.

Fearsome foursome lead the way

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 05:10:00 GMT

Four teams have maintained a perfect record on the first three matchdays of European qualifying for South Africa 2010. Can they keep it up?

Fast starters eye nine from nine

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:09:00 GMT

England, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Ukraine and Spain will hope to make it three wins in a row, but the pressure is on Croatia, France and Portugal.

Youngsters lead Danish renaissance

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:27:00 GMT

After an astonishing last-gasp triumph in Portugal, resurgent Denmark have their sights set on a fourth FIFA World Cup finals appearance.

Trebles steal the headlines

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:24:00 GMT

Theo Walcott scored a hat-trick to inspire England to a 4-1 win in Croatia, while Miroslav Klose's treble saved Germany from defeat in Finland.

All eyes on Zagreb

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:24:00 GMT

England face a tough test against bogey side Croatia in the pick of Wednesday evening's FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in Europe.

European qualifiers taking shape

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The European teams have been busy drawing up a fixture list, with the matchdays for Groups 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 now set in stone.

Portugal face twin Nordic threat

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 20:48:00 GMT

Portugal will go into qualifying for South Africa 2010 as favourites to top Group 1 although they can expect tough competition.

Scolari (POR): Obliged to go through

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 19:05:00 GMT

Luiz Felipe Scolari: "We've drawn some very tough opponents but we're obliged to go through. As such, we need to bear in mind that only the first-placed team earn a direct passage."

Europe stirs preliminary passions

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 12:39:00 GMT

In our feature examining the history of FIFA World Cup preliminaries, FIFA.com reflects on Europe's most memorable and dramatic qualifiers.