World Cup Qualifiers

Suarez escapes punishment for alleged punch Uruguay forward Luis Suarez has escaped a sanction for allegedly punching an opponent during the World Cup qualifier against Chile, the country's football federation (AUF) said in a statement.

Soccer's governing body FIFA opened an investigation after Argentine referee Nestor Pitana missed the incident which happened as Suarez tussled with Gonzalo Jara as they lined up for a corner during Chile's 2-0 win in Santiago.

"The matter in question does not require the intervention of the FIFA disciplinary committee and therefore the disciplinary procedure in question is declared closed," FIFA said in a fax which was published on the AUF website.

AUF president Sebastian Bauza, who has claimed Suarez is persecuted, especially in England where he plays for Liverpool, said the forward needed to realise that he was being scrutinised....more    
03:40 PM, May 09, 2013

Pakistan offers to host 2019 World Cup qualifiers
by AFP
Lahore: Pakistan's cricket chief said on Thursday he had offered to host qualifiers for the 2019 World Cup despite a four-year suspension of international cricket in the country over security fears. Pakistan has not staged any top-level cricket since militants attacked the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in March 2009, killing eight people and wounding seven visiting players. Foreign teams have shunned tours to the troubled country over security fears,...  
07:51 AM, Apr 19, 2013

England reported to FIFA after Ferdinand racially abused England have been reported to world governing body FIFA after racist abuse was heard from visiting fans at last week's World Cup qualifier in San Marino. ...  
09:27 AM, Mar 29, 2013

Uruguay's Suarez banned for vital Venezuela game Suarez, who has scored eight goals in the qualifying campaign, picked up a second booking during the 2-0 loss to Chile. ...  
09:09 AM, Mar 28, 2013

There is no Sweden syndrome, says Germany's Loew With Germany eager to challenge for the World Cup next year and in control of the group featuring Austria, Sweden and Ireland, the players saw no reason for alarm. ...  
10:24 PM, Mar 27, 2013

France still looking for sharp shooter as World Cup looms France's narrow defeat by Spain exposed Les Bleus's desperate need for a striker with a killer instinct. ...  
09:12 PM, Mar 27, 2013

Underdogs hurt Asian heavyweights in WC qualifying Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni was left to rue a profligate forward line as the Blue Samurai blew a chance to become the first team to qualify for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil. ...  
04:16 PM, Mar 27, 2013

Jordan deny Japan's bid to secure World Cup spot Jordan stunned Japan 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier, denying the Asian power the chance to become the first team secure a berth in Brazil. ...  
11:29 AM, Mar 27, 2013

Portugal down Azerbaijan 2-0 in qualifier Portugal failed to shine but claimed their first win in six games by beating 10-man Azerbaijan. ...  
08:57 AM, Mar 27, 2013

Balotelli scores twice as Italy win in Malta Mario Balotelli scored twice as Italy overcame a shaky start to beat Malta 2-0. ...  
08:45 AM, Mar 27, 2013

Spain beat France 1-0 in World Cup qualifying Spain bounced back from their mini-slump by beating France 1-0 to return to the top of their World Cup qualifying group. ...  
08:04 AM, Mar 27, 2013

Lionel Messi wary of playing Bolivia at 4000m altitude
by IANS
Messi said that his experience of playing at almost 4000m above sea level at La Paz was terrible. ...  
12:58 PM, Mar 26, 2013

Under-pressure Spain head to group leaders France Spain will edge closer to an unexpected playoff place if they fail to beat France in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. ...  
06:48 PM, Mar 25, 2013

Germany on guard against complacency vs Kazakhstan Germany are playing down World Cup expectations and battling complacency ahead of their second back-to-back qualifier against Kazakhstan on Tuesday. ...  
06:12 PM, Mar 25, 2013

Lebanon still eyeing WC berth after rigging scandal Lebanon are at the bottom on four points, three behind Qatar, Iran and second placed South Korea. ...  
04:07 PM, Mar 25, 2013

Keane out of Ireland's qualifier against Austria Keane, the all-time record scorer for Ireland with 54 goals, was hurt playing in the 0-0 draw at Sweden on Friday ...  
07:50 AM, Mar 25, 2013

Spain defender Jordi Alba doubtful for France game Alba injured his leg during Friday's 1-1 draw with Finland that left Spain two points behind leader France in the group standings. ...  
10:19 AM, Mar 24, 2013

World Cup qualifiers: Americans beat Costa Rica 1-0 in storm Clint Dempsey's 16th-minute score gave the US a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica in a key qualifier. ...  
10:03 AM, Mar 24, 2013

Spain, Portugal held to draws in World Cup qualifying Spain and Portugal were held to draws on Friday night that hurt their chances of qualifying automatically for next year's World Cup, while England routed San Marino 8-0 for their biggest victory margin in 26 years. ...  
02:03 PM, Mar 23, 2013

Lionel Messi drives Argentina to 3-0 win over Venezuela Argentina have solidified their lead atop the South America World Cup qualifying group with 23 points in 10 matches. ...  
08:49 AM, Mar 23, 2013