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.

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'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.

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.

Preview - Group E: Japan v Spain

Fri, 02 Dec, 2022

Preview - Group E: Japan v Spain

Doha: Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda will be looking to push aside the disappointment of the Samurai Blue’s surprise loss against Costa Rica to secure a place in the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with victory over Spain when the nations meet on Thursday.

The Japanese have three points from their opening two games after claiming an impressive 2-1 win over Germany only to slip to the 1-0 loss against Costa Rica when victory would have sealed them a spot in the Round of 16.
 
Defeat against the Costa Ricans was greeted with despair among Japanese fans and the fate of Hajime Moriyasu’s team now hangs in the balance going into the game at Khalifa International Stadium.

Japan dangerman Kamada struggling to find form

Wed, 30 Nov, 2022

Japan dangerman Kamada struggling to find form

Doha: Daichi Kamada was expected to be Japan's star man at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 but the forward has flopped so far and he faces a huge test against Spain on Thursday.

Kamada has made a big impact since joining German side Eintracht Frankfurt, winning the Europa League last season and scoring 12 goals in all competitions so far this term.

The 26-year-old has found success at his first FIFA World Cup harder to come by, despite playing in Japan's stunning 2-1 opening win over Germany.

Spain won't count chickens, must beat Japan: Luis Enrique

Wed, 30 Nov, 2022

Spain won't count chickens, must beat Japan: Luis Enrique

Doha: Luis Enrique said Spain will not count their chickens before they are hatched when they face Japan on Thursday, aiming to win and qualify for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 knockout phase.

La Roja are top of Group E on four points and are guaranteed to progress with a draw, but are aiming for all three points at the Khalifa International Stadium.

'Injustice' fires up 'sorry' Son and Korea Republic

Wed, 30 Nov, 2022

'Injustice' fires up 'sorry' Son and Korea Republic

Doha: A "united" Korea Republic will be fired up by a burning sense of injustice when they face Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal on Friday as they fight to keep their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign alive.

Head coach Paulo Bento and his players were left fuming at the conclusion of Monday's 3-2 defeat to Ghana after English referee Anthony Taylor blew the final whistle before they could take a corner.

The defeat, having stormed back from 2-0 down before Mohammed Kudus's 68th-minute winner for Ghana, left Son Heung-min's side on the brink of elimination ahead of their final Group H game against Portugal.