FIFA.com - News

Fernandez: Dad's always helped me

Fri, 04 May 2012 07:42:00 GMT

Paraguayan goalkeeper Roberto Junior Fernandez talks to FIFA.com about emerging from the shadows of his father who was in between the posts for La Albirroja at Mexico 1986.

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.

Venezuela, Argentina move top

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 04:34:00 GMT

A lone goal from Oswaldo Vizcarrondo lifted Venezuela equal top in Brazil 2014 qualifying alongside Uruguay, and also Argentina who defeated Colombia earlier in the evening.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Villar: Qualifying is not enough

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:41:00 GMT

Recently recovered from injury, Paraguay captain and keeper Justo Villar speaks to FIFA.com about La Albirroja’s quest for a first qualifying win on the road to Brazil 2014 and the country's rising expectations.

Uruguay hit front as Argentina crash

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:56:00 GMT

A draw in Asuncion took Uruguay clear at the top of the table, while Venezuela and Colombia earned respective historic wins over Argentina and Bolivia, and Chile bounced back.

Colombia, Chile kick-start campaigns

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 03:53:00 GMT

Colombia scored an important 2-1 win in Bolivia, Chile bounced back to form against Peru, while Uruguay collected a hard-won point in Paraguay on the second day of 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying in South America.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

South Africa 2010: The Interviews

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:02:00 GMT

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, some of the tournament's biggest names spoke to FIFA.com. Here, we look back at a selection of what they had to say.

A tournament of firsts

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:13:00 GMT

South Africa 2010 was bursting with unprecedented events in a whole range of areas, from team results to player landmarks. FIFA.com now takes you through a full list of firsts.

Ramos crowned as La Roja conquer

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:05:00 GMT

Sergio Ramos has topped the Castrol Index at the end of a FIFA World Cup in which Spain's outstanding defence provided the foundation for a first-ever world title.

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.

Martino to stay on till Copa America

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:49:00 GMT

Gerardo Martino will stay on as coach of FIFA World Cup quarter-finalists Paraguay till after the Copa America next year.

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.

Paraguayan legacy in safe hands

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 16:30:00 GMT

FIFA.com caught up with some of the vanquished Paraguay players to reflect on their tournament as a whole after a narrow quarter-final defeat to Spain.

Santa Cruz posts warning to Spain

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 13:45:00 GMT

After running Spain very close in their quarter-final, Paraguay now believe Vicente del Bosque's team will have their work cut out to get past Germany in the next round.

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.

Spain win fans as Paraguay take pride

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 07:33:00 GMT

Spaniards and South Africans alike celebrated La Roja reaching the semi-finals last night, but Paraguay's fans had reason to feel proud.

Iniesta relishing German reunion

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 22:57:00 GMT

Andres Iniesta has discussed Spain's 1-0 win over Paraguay and their upcoming semi-final with Germany, which he believes will be a classic.

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.

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.

Spain edge past resolute Paraguay

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:27:00 GMT

Spain needed to rely on a David Villa goal seven minutes from time to squeeze past Paraguay and set up a blockbuster semi-final meeting with Germany.

Alcaraz: Why can't we beat Spain?

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 09:29:00 GMT

A cornerstone of Paraguay's success has been their formidable defence with Antolin Alcaraz talking to FIFA.com about their history-making achievements and their quarter-final against Spain.

Del Bosque looking forward

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 08:58:00 GMT

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque will not be taking anything for granted when his side come up against Paraguay in their FIFA World Cup quarter-final.

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.

Fabregas: Torres will play key role

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 20:32:00 GMT

Cesc Fabregas believes his Spain team-mate Fernando Torres will soon be over his goal drought and is expecting the striker to play a key role in the quarter-final against Paraguay.

Paraguay look to emulate Dutch

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 20:15:00 GMT

Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino believes his team can follow in the footsteps of the Netherlands, who stunned mighty Brazil, by shocking Spain on Saturday.

Paraguay-Spain preview

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:02:00 GMT

A place in the semi-finals is at stake when Paraguay meet Spain at Ellis Park and both sides know that a win would make history for their respective countries.

Villa on track to match Raul

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:06:00 GMT

In addition to being in contention for the adidas Golden Boot, David Villa has a chance to over take Spanish legend Raul as his country's all-time top scorer.

Deja vu for 'grandad' Caniza

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 01:52:00 GMT

Paraguayan 'grandad' Denis Caniza has only appeared once so far at South Africa 2010 but has a chance to face Spain for the third time in a finals.

Javi Martinez injured in training

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:16:00 GMT

Spain's Javi Martinez, the young central midfielder who has only been on the pitch for 17 minutes at South Africa 2010, suffered an ankle injury during training on Thursday.

Del Bosque keeps faith in Torres

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:53:00 GMT

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque gave hints that Fernando Torres will keep his spot in the starting line-up against Paraguay despite the Liverpool striker's goal drought.

Stats speak volumes for Spain

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:32:00 GMT

After four matches at South Africa 2010, Spain have controlled possession an impressive 61 per cent of the time, with Xavi completing 296 total passes.

South Americans take centre stage

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:59:00 GMT

With four South American teams in the quarter-finals for the first time, FIFA.com considers the factors behind the CONMEBOL success story unfolding in South Africa.

Paraguay not content with quarter-finals

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:01:00 GMT

Striker Roque Santa Cruz insisted Paraguay will not be resting on their laurels now that they have made history in qualifying for the quarter-finals for the first time.

Spain wary of Paraguay threat

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:11:00 GMT

Spain will be wary of not repeating past mistakes when they face Paraguay on Saturday in Johannesburg's Ellis Park Stadium.

Bergomi: It's all about teamwork

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:16:00 GMT

Legendary Italy defender Giuseppe Bergomi tells FIFA.com his thoughts on South Africa 2010 while also looking back on his formidable career.

Paraguayan quest far from over

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:40:00 GMT

Paraguay have reached their first-ever FIFA World Cup™ quarter-final but the South Americans do not want their run to end there, as FIFA.com found out.

Paraguay boss desperate for goals

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:48:00 GMT

Paraguay have three strikers who have played club football at the highest level in Europe, but none of them has managed to put the ball in the net in South Africa.

Alonso curbs Spanish enthusiasm

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:58:00 GMT

Coach Vicente Del Bosque, midfielder Xabi Alonso and defender Gerard Pique have discussed Spain's form and chances of going all the way.