Croatia through after draw with Belgium

Fri, 02 Dec, 2022

Croatia through after draw with Belgium

Al Rayyan: Romelu Lukaku missed a string of late chances as Belgium crashed out of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in the group stage after a 0-0 draw with Croatia on Thursday.

Croatia progressed as runners-up in Group F behind winners Morocco who beat Canada 2-1 to also qualify for the last 16.

Belgium, the world's second-ranked side, saw their run of reaching at least the quarter-finals at four straight major tournaments come to an abrupt end.

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Preview - Group H: Korea Republic v Portugal

Fri, 02 Dec, 2022

Preview - Group H: Korea Republic v Portugal

Al Rayyan: Paulo Bento does not believe his absence from the sidelines will have a negative impact on his Korea Republic side as they attempt to salvage their hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 against Portugal on Friday.

The Koreans need to win to have any hope of progressing from Group H but Bento will be forced to watch from the stands at Education City Stadium having received a red card from referee Anthony Taylor in the aftermath of his side’s 3-2 loss against Ghana on Monday.

Morocco roar past Canada into last 16

Fri, 02 Dec, 2022

Morocco roar past Canada into last 16

Doha: Morocco powered into the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 for the first time in 36 years on Thursday with a 2-1 victory over eliminated Canada.

Goals from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri ensured the North Africans finished top of Group F ahead of 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia, who drew 0-0 against Belgium.

Morocco, who last reached the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup in 1986, will face the runners-up from Group E in the last 16, with the identity of their opponents to be decided later on Thursday.

Renard admits Mexico deserved victory as Saudi Arabia make exit

Thu, 01 Dec, 2022

Renard admits Mexico deserved victory as Saudi Arabia make exit

Lusail: Herve Renard admitted the better team won as Saudi Arabia exited the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 after a 2-1 defeat to Mexico on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia went into their final Group C tie at the Lusail Stadium knowing a win would take them into the knockout stage but found Mexico too hot to handle as they ended their campaign with three points.

'Home ground' experience took Australia through, says Arnold

Thu, 01 Dec, 2022

'Home ground' experience took Australia through, says Arnold

Doha: Graham Arnold credited Australia’s extensive experience of the Qatari conditions for his side’s 1-0 victory over Denmark on Wednesday that moved the Socceroos into the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Mathew Leckie’s solo effort with an hour on the clock was the difference between the teams and the win sealed the runners-up berth in Group D for the Australians, taking the team through to the next phase for the first time since 2006 with two-time champions Argentina awaiting.
 
The win was Australia’s latest in Qatar after playing in the country during the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar™ before securing their place at the Finals in a pair of playoffs against the United Arab Emirates and Peru that were hosted in Doha in June.

Maradona would be 'super happy', says Messi

Thu, 01 Dec, 2022

Maradona would be 'super happy', says Messi

Doha: Lionel Messi believes Diego Maradona would be "super happy" after he led Argentina into the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 last 16 on Wednesday thanks to a 2-0 win over Poland.

Messi became his country's most capped player at the tournament with a 22nd appearance surpassing his legendary compatriot who died just over two years ago.

Degenek on mission to stop Messi

Thu, 01 Dec, 2022

Degenek on mission to stop Messi

Doha: Australia will put their bodies on the line to stop Lionel Messi and spring a surprise against Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 last 16, tough-tackling Milos Degenek warned on Thursday.

The defender, who made his FIFA World Cup debut in Australia's 1-0 group win over Denmark on Wednesday, said Messi is his hero but all sentiments will be thrown aside when they meet on Saturday.