Mbappe double puts holders France into last 16

Sun, 27 Nov, 2022

Mbappe double puts holders France into last 16

Doha: Kylian Mbappe scored twice, including a late winner, as holders France edged Denmark 2-1 on Saturday to become the first team to reach the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

A potent French side knew a second victory in as many Group D outings would take them through to the knockout phase and they were well worth the lead that Mbappe gave them when he opened the scoring at Stadium 974 just after the hour mark.

However, Andreas Christensen soon equalised for the Danes and Les Bleus needed Mbappe to deliver again in the 86th minute as he turned in Antoine Griezmann's cross to puncture the Danish resistance once and for all.

Having scored four during France's victorious 2018 campaign and one against Australia, Mbappe now has seven goals in nine World Cup appearances.

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Australia edge Tunisia to revive campaign

Sat, 26 Nov, 2022

Australia edge Tunisia to revive campaign

Al Wakrah: A Mitchell Duke header secured Australia’s first FIFA World Cup win since June 2010 and kept alive their Round of 16 hopes as Graham Arnold’s side defeated Tunisia 1-0 at the Al Janoub Stadium on Saturday.

It has been 12 years since goals from Tim Cahill and Brett Holman claimed Australia’s second-ever victory in the FIFA World Cup, when they defeated Serbia in South Africa, but Duke’s magic moment in the first half added another chapter to the Socceroos’ football folklore.

The result means Australia will next face Denmark on Wednesday when a win would see them advance to the knockout rounds for the second time in their history.

Saudi Arabia denied by clinical Poland

Sat, 26 Nov, 2022

Saudi Arabia denied by clinical Poland

Al Rayyan: Salem Al Dawsari missed a penalty late in the first half as Saudi Arabia were unable to build on their opening round win over Argentina at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with Herve Renard’s side slipping to a 2-0 loss against Poland at Education City Stadium on Saturday.

Piotr Zielinski struck six minutes from the end of the first half to give Poland the lead and Al Dawsari saw Wojciech Szczesny save his 45th minute spot-kick before Robert Lewandowski put the outcome beyond doubt eight minutes from time.
 
The result means Poland remain undefeated following a 0-0 draw with Mexico while Saudi Arabia sit on three points having handed Argentina a 2-1 loss in the first round. Renard’s side will need at least a draw from their game against the Mexicans to advance to the last 16.

Preview - Group E: Japan v Costa Rica

Sun, 27 Nov, 2022

Preview - Group E: Japan v Costa Rica

Doha: Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu highlighted goalkeeper Keylor Navas as the biggest obstacle to overcome if the Samurai Blue are to beat Costa Rica in their second match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E on Sunday.

Japan can book their place in the round of 16 for the second time in a row with a win against Costa Rica at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, provided Germany fails to defeat Spain in the other Matchday Two encounter of the group.

Sanchez: Qatar will continue to progress despite exit

Sat, 26 Nov, 2022

Sanchez: Qatar will continue to progress despite exit

Doha: Qatar head coach Felix Sanchez described the FIFA World Cup 2022 as a ‘great World Cup’ in the wake of his side’s 3-1 loss against Senegal - and subsequent elimination - in Group A at Al Thumama Stadium.

Mohammed Muntari scored Qatar’s first ever goal in the tournament, but it proved to be the only bright light with each of Boulaye Dia, Famara Diedhiou and Bamba Dieng all striking as the African champions came out with the win, although they had to withstand a barrage of Qatari attacks when they were 2-0 up.

Qatar's elimination was confirmed later on Friday following a 1-1 draw between Netherlands and Ecuador. 

Queiroz hails mental resilience of IR Iran players

Sat, 26 Nov, 2022

Queiroz hails mental resilience of IR Iran players

Doha: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz praised his team's mental resilience after their 2-0 win over Wales in Group B of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on Friday.

Stoppage time goals by Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian saw Iran bounce back fabulously from their opening 6-2 defeat to England.

The win means a draw for Iran against the United States on Tuesday will  seal their place in the knockout stage for the first time with the Americans on two points following their goalless stalemate with England on Friday.