FIFA.com - News

Riquelme again misses out on Sabella selection

Fri, 25 May 2012 02:58:00 GMT

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has expanded his squad for the upcoming Brazil 2014 qualifier against Ecuador with the inclusion of local players, but Boca Juniors star Juan Roman Riquelme was again omitted.

Sabella names foreign-based squad for Ecuador

Sat, 19 May 2012 10:13:00 GMT

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has named an 18-man squad of foreign-based players for his team's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ecuador and friendly with Brazil.

Sabella: A coach must be a good person

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:11:00 GMT

In part two of an extended interview with FIFA.com, Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella analyses the pressures of the modern game and reveals a secret or two about his home life.

Delights and disappointments

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Asian and Caribbean upsets, tight battles in South America and a first-ever win for American Samoa were among the latest qualifying tales as the race for Brazil 2014 heated up.

A start to remember

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:55:00 GMT

With 2011 coming to a close, FIFA.com takes a look back at the opening rounds of the South American qualifiers for Brazil 2014, in which coaching casualties, upsets and sumptuous goals all featured.

Tight at the top as Messi fires Argentina

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 03:45:00 GMT

One point separates the top five teams in the South American Zone, with Argentina lying second after Lionel Messi helped them conjure up a win in Colombia.

Aguero, Messi spark Argentina win

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:10:00 GMT

Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero were on target in the second half as Argentina came from behind to defeat Colombia in Barranquilla in the fourth round of the South American qualifiers for Brazil 2014.

Chile, Ecuador look to bounce back

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:06:00 GMT

Jose Rojas has said he will be looking for victory over Paraguay tomorrow as Chile look to bounce back from defeat to Uruguay, while Ecuador hope to do similar against Peru.

Tough tests await struggling duo

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:27:00 GMT

Argentina and Chile are under major pressure as they go into crunch FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Paraguay respectively, while Bolivia face up to Venezuela. FIFA.com previews the action.

Messi: The boos hurt

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 14:21:00 GMT

Lionel Messi has revealed his disappointment at Argentina’s 1-1 draw at home to Bolivia, discussed the reaction of the fans and stressed that La Albiceleste must win their upcoming qualifier in Colombia.

Suarez shines as Uruguay rout Chile

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 03:34:00 GMT

Uruguay striker Luis Suarez turned in a stunning virtuoso performance by scoring all four goals as Uruguay overwhelmed Chile 4-0, while Argentina could only draw with Bolivia and Paraguay beat Ecuador.

Uruguay cut loose, Argentina frustrated

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 02:53:00 GMT

South American qualifying leaders Uruguay thrashed Chile to shrug aside any 11/11/11 ill omens, though it was a lean day for Argentina, Colombia and Ecuador.

Uninspired Argentina draw at home

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:40:00 GMT

Argentina were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at home by Bolivia in the third round of the South American qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil.

Aguero doubt for qualifiers

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:49:00 GMT

Key striker Sergio Aguero is in doubt for Argentina's upcoming Brazil 2014 qualifiers against Bolivia and Colombia after he pulled up in training with a groin problem.

Higuain: We must get over defeat

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:02:00 GMT

Gonzalo Higuain has said Argentina must put their defeat to Venezuela out of their minds when they face a Bolivia side who he feels will look defend doggedly in their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires.

Hosts favoured in reunion round

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:10:00 GMT

Argentina-Bolivia, Paraguay-Ecuador and Uruguay-Chile may have ended all square at this year’s Copa America, but the home sides will be confident of victory given their impressive records in the fixture.

Zabaleta: I model myself on Zanetti

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 08:43:00 GMT

Pablo Zabaleta chats to FIFA.com about succeeding Javier Zanetti in the Argentina team, their alleged defensive weaknesses and upcoming Brazil 2014 qualifiers against Bolivia and Colombia.

Di Maria set to miss qualifiers

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:00:00 GMT

Real Madrid midfielder Angel di Maria is set to miss Argentina's upcoming FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers after tearing a thigh muscle in Sunday's 7-1 league win over Osasuna.

A derby and a debut in South America

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:10:00 GMT

The start of Colombia’s campaign and the clash between Chile and Peru in the Pacific derby are the main talking points ahead of Matchday 2 in the South American qualifiers for Brazil 2014.

Reborn Argentina set for Venezuela test

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 05:52:00 GMT

Argentina will be seeking to maintain the momentum of their one-sided win over Chile when they face Venezuela on Tuesday in the second round of 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers in South America.

Sabella: People's Messi 'psychosis' ended

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 15:17:00 GMT

Following Lionel Messi's first goal for Argentina in over 30 months, in their 4-1 win over Chile, coach Alex Sabella has it has laid people's "collective psychosis" to rest reguarding his ability to play for his nation.

Home sides dominate in South America

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 04:51:00 GMT

Uruguay and Argentina shrugged off the rain to start their Brazil 2014 qualifying campaign with big home wins, while Ecuador and Peru also saw off their guests.

Messi, Higuain spark Argentina rout

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 02:21:00 GMT

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi enjoyed a commanding debut as Argentina skipper as his country opened their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a 4-1 win over Chile.

South America ready for the big kick-off

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:21:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks ahead to Matchday 1 in the South American qualifiers for Brazil 2014, widely expected to be the most open preliminary competition to date.

Pastore: We are relaxed

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 03:27:00 GMT

Javier Pastore has said that Argentina are relaxed despite their disappointing exit at the Copa America, and that the team is ready to start thinking about Brazil 2014 qualifying under new coach Alejandro Sabella.

The South American qualifiers explained

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:09:00 GMT

The CONMEBOL qualifying competition for Brazil 2014 gets underway on Friday, and FIFA.com explains the format of the star-studded, nine-team tournament.

South American qualifiers in numbers

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:12:00 GMT

With the start of the South American qualifiers for Brazil 2014 just days away, FIFA.com whets your appetite with a series of fascinating stats from previous competitions.

Palacio returns for Argentina

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:07:00 GMT

Genoa striker Rodrigo Palacio is a surprise call-up to Argentina's squad for next month's opening 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers after a three-year absence, however Carlos Tevez, Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso are all omitted.

Brazil absence throws CONMEBOL race open

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 21:51:00 GMT

With just nine teams in the running for four direct berths for Brazil 2014 and one intercontinental play-off spot, there is all to play for in the South American Zone.

The spirit of Queretaro returns

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 01:08:00 GMT

Germany's senior side of 1986 and current U-17s have something in common: being based in Queretaro at a world finals. FIFA.com chats to Toni Schumacher and Olaf Thon about the location.

South Africa 2010's unlikeliest star

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:41:00 GMT

Never out of the news, Paul the octopus held the FIFA World Cup's only 100 per cent record and has become one of the tournament's most sought-after stars.

The FIFA World Cup in pictures and videos

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:18:00 GMT

What better way to relive the 2010 FIFA World Cup thank to take a few moments flicking through our hundreds of exclusive photos and videos from the month-long tournament?

South Africa 2010: 32 teams, 32 stories

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:13:00 GMT

Join FIFA.com as we take a look back at all of the 32 sides that contributed to the football extravaganza that was South Africa 2010.

Finals that left their imprint

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 09:24:00 GMT

With the Netherlands and Spain now making their last preparations, FIFA.com looks back at the showpiece matches from years gone by that helped shape the beautiful game.

Kempes: Spain have the edge

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 12:47:00 GMT

The former Argentina striker, who sank the Netherlands in the 1978 Final, spoke to FIFA.com about the 2010 decider and the adidas Golden Boot.

adidas Golden Ball nominees announced

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 11:15:00 GMT

The FIFA General Secretary Jérôme Valcke and adidas Group CEO Herbert Hainer today officially announced the 10 nominees for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ adidas Golden Ball.

The adidas Golden Ball: a look back

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:05:00 GMT

The adidas Golden Ball is just days away from being announced. FIFA.com takes a trip down memory lane to recall previous winners of the accolade.

Supersubs on song in South Africa

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 09:41:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at the group of players who have risen from the bench to make significant - and often match-winning - impacts at South Africa 2010.

Semi-finals that shook the world

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As the Netherlands prepare to face Uruguay, and Germany gear up to tackle Spain, FIFA.com looks back at some of the most thrilling last-four jousts from years gone by.

All the right moves

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 12:34:00 GMT

FIFA.com's Move of the Day section showcases all the best examples of top-class individual technique exhibited by the biggest names in FIFA World Cups™ present and past.

Klose downplays record chase

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 23:13:00 GMT

Germany striker Miroslav Klose has said that he is more interested in winning the FIFA World Cup™ than smashing Ronaldo's record goal tally.

Contrasting victories, equal reward

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 22:42:00 GMT

Germany overwhelmed Argentina, while Spain edged Paraguay. The reward was nevertheless the same for the two winners: a place in the second semi-final in Durban.

Muller makes emphatic introduction

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 22:26:00 GMT

Thomas Muller produced another superb display to help Germany thrash Argentina, for whom substitute Javier Pastore failed to make an impact.

Klose, Villa close in on legends

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:58:00 GMT

Ronaldo's record haul of FIFA World Cup™ goals came into Miroslav Klose's sights, while David Villa inched closer to Just Fontaine and Jairzinho. FIFA.com's statistical review looks closer.

Maradona: It's the toughest day of my life

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:57:00 GMT

Diego Maradona has discussed Argentina's 4-0 defeat by Germany and his future in their hot-seat, while Joachim Low has hailed his side's performance.

Rampant Germany oust Argentina

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 16:58:00 GMT

Germany booked a semi-final spot in spectacular style, cruising to a resounding 4-0 win over Argentina at Cape Town's Green Point Stadium.

Castrol Index: The ratings explained

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 11:41:00 GMT

The Castrol Index has produced some interesting scores at the FIFA World Cup™. FIFA.com rounds up some typical questions from users - together with the experts' answers.

Low admires Maradona

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 08:58:00 GMT

As Germany and Argentina prepare to renew old rivalries, Joachim Low admits he is somewhat in awe of Diego Maradona.

Cape Town hosts clash of titans

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Argentina will aim to avenge their 2006 defeat by Germany when the teams meet again in the quarter-finals, while Paraguay's defence faces a daunting test against Spain.

Messi to be given free role

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 20:52:00 GMT

Diego Maradona will tell Lionel Messi to go out and destroy Germany just like he did in the 1986 FIFA World Cup final, with the Barcelona star set to be given a free role at the Green Point Stadium.

Demichelis: We'll keep it tight

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:42:00 GMT

He missed the cut for Germany 2006, but Bayern Munich and Argentina defender Martin Demicelis is certainly making amends at South Africa 2010.