Dembele says no room for sentiment for Messi

Sat, 17 Dec, 2022

Dembele says no room for sentiment for Messi

Doha: France star Ousmane Dembele has admitted he will have no room for sentiment for Lionel Messi in Sunday's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final as the holders look to retain the trophy when they face Argentina.

The final represents the last chance for Messi, now 35, to win football's greatest prize - he has already suggested he will not play again at a FIFA World Cup.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2939076.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2939094.html

Preview - Third Place Playoff: Croatia v Morocco

Sat, 17 Dec, 2022

Preview - Third Place Playoff: Croatia v Morocco

Doha: Morocco will not let their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi-final disappointment derail their bid to finish the tournament on a high.

Morocco, defeated 2-0 by defending champions France in the semi-finals on Wednesday, face Croatia in the third-place playoff on Saturday.

Croatia, equally disappointed after falling just short of a second consecutive appearance in the FIFA World Cup final, lost 3-0 to Argentina in their semi-final on Tuesday.

Social Wrap: Joy, despair and pride

Fri, 16 Dec, 2022

Social Wrap: Joy, despair and pride

Doha: The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has reached its final weekend as Argentina and France get set to face off for the title on Sunday while Croatia and Morocco battle it out for third place a day earlier.

There was a mixture of emotions for those involved in the semi-final clashes with elation for the Argentines and the French and heartbreak for the Croatians and the Moroccans. 

And those feelings are reflected as the-AFC.com delves into the social media accounts of those involved. 

Semi-finals in Numbers

Thu, 15 Dec, 2022

Semi-finals in Numbers

Doha: After 62 matches at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the two finalists have been confirmed as Argentina get set to face defending champions France in the showpiece event at Lusail Stadium on Sunday.

A Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina had few problems in brushing aside Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday before an early goal for the holders set them on their way to a hard-fought 2-0 win over Morocco on Wednesday. 

The-AFC.com highlights some of the stats and facts that stood out.

Champs 'keeping feet on ground', says Griezmann

Thu, 15 Dec, 2022

Champs 'keeping feet on ground', says Griezmann

Al Khor: Antoine Griezmann said France were staying grounded after the defending FIFA World Cup champions defeated Morocco 2-0 on Wednesday to set up a final against Argentina.

The Atletico Madrid attacker has thrived in a playmaking role for France at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where Les Bleus are attempting to become the first team in 60 years to retain the title.

Scaloni: Still one step to go

Wed, 14 Dec, 2022

Scaloni: Still one step to go

Lusail: Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni admitted it was difficult not to get carried away after his side beat Croatia in Tuesday's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi-final, but called on his side to quickly gather their focus for the final.

Captain Lionel Messi scored a penalty and then set up two goals for Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez as Argentina won 3-0 at the Lusail Stadium to advance to Sunday's final against either holders France or Morocco.