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Al Hilal claim big first-leg advantage

Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal got an early advantage in their 2017 AFC Champions League semi-final tie with a 4-0 first-leg win over Iranian club Persepolis at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Tuesday.
Source: http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/news/y=2017/m=9/news=al-hilal-claim-big-first-leg-advantage-2909454.html

Camargo and his magical volley

Having been thrust into the limelight with his stunning volley from inside his own half, Alejandro Camargo is enjoying his sudden moment of fame since being shortlisted for the FIFA Puskás Award.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/news/y=2017/m=9/news=camargo-and-his-magical-volley-2909432.html

The Maracanazo marvels in numbers

The script was written for Brazil to conquer the fourth FIFA World Cup, but Uruguay spoiled the party. Here is the statistical story of Uruguay’s 1950 success.
Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2017/m=9/news=the-maracanazo-marvels-in-numbers-2909382.html

Cultural programme for autumn and winter 2017 published

Podium discussions, readings, film evenings and visits from famous faces from the world of football: the FIFA World Football Museum's cultural programme for October, November and December 2017 is full of highlights.
Source: http://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/news/y=2017/m=9/news=cultural-programme-for-autumn-and-winter-2017-published-2909426.html

Talented youngsters set for Indian odyssey

With just ten days remaining until the FIFA U-17 World Cup kicks off in India, the official squad lists for the tournament have been announced.
Source: http://www.fifa.com/u17worldcup/news/y=2017/m=9/news=talented-youngsters-set-for-indian-odyssey-2909087.html

Shevchenko: Ukraine have a good chance

Ukraine coach Andriy Shevchenko speaks to FIFA.com about the race to Russia 2018 in one of Europe's tightest sections, with just two points separating four teams: Croatia, Iceland, Turkey and the Ukrainians.
Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2017/m=9/news=shevchenko-ukraine-have-a-good-chance-2909101.html

Age no obstacle for Syria’s Al Masri

Ahead of their Asian zone World Cup qualifying play-off with Australia, FIFA.com speaks to Syria's Hadi Al Masri on a burgeoning international career in his early 30's.
Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2017/m=9/news=age-no-obstacle-for-syria-s-al-masri-2909092.html

Early-riser Fernandez ready to lead Paraguay challenge

Roberto Fernandez, a star of the Paraguay U-17 side heading to India for the U-17 World Cup, tells FIFA.com why he isn't bothered by the 2am starts that form part of their preparations for the global finals.
Source: http://www.fifa.com/u17worldcup/news/y=2017/m=9/news=early-riser-fernandez-ready-to-lead-paraguay-challenge-2909077.html

Vettel: Being The Best requires talent and hard work

In the build-up to The Best FIFA Football Awards 2017, four-time Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel shared his thoughts on what it takes to be a top performer in sports.
Source: http://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/news/y=2017/m=9/news=vettel-the-best-requires-talent-and-hard-work-2908751.html

Age-defying El Hadary looking for World Cup fame

At 44 years old, Essam El Hadary’s appetite and passion for the game have not waned as the evergreen goalkeeper eyes history with an Egypt side that is close to making it to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in almost three decades.
Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2017/m=9/news=age-defying-el-hadary-looking-for-world-cup-fame-2909056.html

Boateng belatedly realises Best dream

The publication of the nominees for the FIFA Puskás Award to honour the best goal of the year is always cause for excitement. That is no doubt also true for Kevin-Prince Boateng, who could yet make an unanticipated trip to The Best FIFA Football Awards Show after expecting to do so in 2016.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/news/y=2017/m=9/news=boateng-belatedly-realises-best-dream-2909064.html

Familiar foes reunite in last-four encounters

A couple of old rivals meet in this week's AFC Champions League semi-finals as Saudi giants Al Hilal entertain Persepolis, while Urawa Red Diamonds visit Shanghai SIPG.
Source: http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/news/y=2017/m=9/news=familiar-foes-reunite-in-last-four-encounters-2909050.html

Trio through to Uruguay as Korea DPR retain title

The curtain was brought down on Asia's qualifiers for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Uruguay 2018 on Saturday, with Korea DPR retaining the title after defeating Korea Republic 2-0 in the final.
Source: http://www.fifa.com/development/news/y=2017/m=9/news=trio-through-to-uruguay-as-korea-dpr-retain-title-2909036.html

Japan complete Asian trio headed to Uruguay 2018

Japan edged China PR 1-0 in the match for third place at the AFC U-16 Women's Championship Thailand 2017 to become the third and final representative from Asia to qualify for next year's FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Uruguay.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/development/news/y=2017/m=9/news=japan-complete-asian-trio-headed-to-uruguay-2018-2909040.html

The Week in Quotes

This week another one of Lionel Messi's team-mate is in disbelief of his abilities, Joe Hart gives his perspective on Pablo Zabaleta's shooting skills and Dries Mertens distances himself from any comparisons with El Pibe de Oro.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/news/y=2017/m=9/news=the-week-in-quotes-2908868.html

Paraguay’s Riveros keeping the faith

Experienced Paraguay midfielder Cristian Riveros, a veteran of the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, speaks about La Albirroja's hopes of salvaging their Russia 2018 campaign, as the final qualifiers loom.
Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2017/m=9/news=paraguay-s-riveros-keeping-the-faith-2908914.html

The Best finalists: FIFA Legends have their say

The finalists for The Best FIFA Football Awards™ were announced at an event in London, where the awards ceremony will be hosted on 23 October, and five FIFA Legends were there to help unveil the final candidates.
Source: http://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/news/y=2017/m=9/news=the-best-finalists-fifa-legends-have-their-say-2909031.html

Request for information for the provision of referee communication systems for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™

FIFA calls for providers to offer an all-in-one solution for communication systems that enables the pitch referees to communicate among themselves and with the VARs in a remote location.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/news/y=2017/m=9/news=request-for-information-for-the-provision-of-referee-communication-sys-2909030.html

Request for information for the provision of virtual – calibrated – offside lines to be used by video assistant referees (VARs)

FIFA calls for providers to offer a solution for a calibrated virtual offside line that will be made available to the VAR in order to assist with decision-making for possible offside positions.
Source: http://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/news/y=2017/m=9/news=request-for-information-for-the-provision-of-virtual-calibrated-offsid-2909027.html