AFC President hails Qatar on staging historic global showpiece

Mon, 19 Dec, 2022

AFC President hails Qatar on staging historic global showpiece

Doha: As the grandest sporting spectacle drew to a close on Sunday, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa hailed the remarkable hosting capabilities of Qatar in staging one of the most memorable football showpieces in recent history.

Shaikh Salman conveyed his congratulations to eventual winners Argentina and underlined his gratitude to the Qatar Football Association, Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and the Qatari Authorities as well as FIFA.

Scaloni tells fans to enjoy amazing victory

Mon, 19 Dec, 2022

Scaloni tells fans to enjoy amazing victory

Lusail: Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, who masterminded the South Americans' penalty shoot-out victory over France in Sunday's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final, called on his compatriots to enjoy the glory.

"It hasn't yet sunk in but this is a moment to enjoy, especially the people," Scaloni told the official FIFA World Cup media channel in Doha.

"We who live by this have had ups and downs, we're used to these things happening to us, taking blows," he added after the remarkable topsy turvy final in the Lusail stadium.

Deschamps rues 'cruel' defeat

Mon, 19 Dec, 2022

Deschamps rues 'cruel' defeat

Lusail: France head coach Didier Deschamps said the way his team lost Sunday's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final against Argentina was "cruel" after they came from behind twice over the course of the game only to succumb in a penalty shoot-out.

"We were not as good in the first 60 minutes against top-quality opponents who had a lot more energy, but we came back from nowhere and turned the game around from a very difficult situation. That leaves us with even more regrets," said Deschamps after France failed in their bid to become the first team in 60 years to retain the trophy.

'We're world champions' cries joyous Messi

Mon, 19 Dec, 2022

'We're world champions' cries joyous Messi

Lusail: Lionel Messi saluted the Argentina fans in Doha's Lusail Stadium on Sunday after helping inspire his country to their first FIFA World Cup victory in 36 years.

"We're champions of the world!" exclaimed Messi on the stadium microphone after his two goals and successful shootout spot-kick helped Argentina to the Qatar 2022 title.

'It's our destiny,' says goalkeeper Martinez

Mon, 19 Dec, 2022

'It's our destiny,' says goalkeeper Martinez

Lusail: Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said it was "destiny" to win the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 after starring in the nail-biting penalty shootout victory over France in Sunday's final.

Martinez, 30, saved from Kingsley Coman in the shootout to help Argentina to a 4-2 win after the thrilling final ended 3-3 in extra-time.

Heartbreak for Lloris after final 'boxing match'

Mon, 19 Dec, 2022

Heartbreak for Lloris after final 'boxing match'

Lusail: France captain Hugo Lloris admitted Sunday's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final defeat to Lionel Messi's Argentina was "cruel" and likened the pulsating showpiece to a "boxing match".

Argentina triumphed 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the final ended 3-3 in extra time.