Japan's super-sub Doan aims to sink Croatia

Sun, 04 Dec, 2022

Japan's super-sub Doan aims to sink Croatia

Doha: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 super-sub Ritsu Doan believes the strength of Japan's bench could prove decisive as they prepare to face 2018 finalists Croatia in the last 16 on Monday.

The Freiburg forward has played a crucial role as a substitute in Qatar, scoring the equaliser in Japan's shock wins over both Germany and Spain, which helped them top Group E.

Doan took four minutes to find the net after coming on against Germany and just two after entering as a half-time substitute against Spain.

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Mature tactics help Japan's progress

Fri, 02 Dec, 2022

Mature tactics help Japan's progress

Doha: Japan were labelled naive when they exited the FIFA World Cup four years ago against Belgium. Now their canny tactics have upset Germany and Spain and taken them to the last 16 of Qatar 2022. 

The Blue Samurai will face Croatia on Monday after topping Group E with two stunning comeback wins over the European heavyweights.

Japan looked dead and buried when they fell behind in both games but head coach Hajime Moriyasu helped turn the tide with his substitutions and tactical changes.

Netherlands first to go through with win over USA

Sun, 04 Dec, 2022

Netherlands first to go through with win over USA

Doha: Netherlands defeated USA 3-1 to become the first team to book their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final ticket on Saturday.

First-half goals from Memphis Depay and Daley Blind and a late strike from Denzel Dumfries sealed a deserved victory as the Dutch handed out a painful lesson in finishing to their American opponents.

The Netherlands, bidding to win their first FIFA World Cup after losing in three previous finals, will face Argentina - who defeated Australia 2-1 later on Saturday - in the last eight.

Son finally sheds tears of happiness

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

Son finally sheds tears of happiness

Al Khor: Son Heung-min said he cried "tears of happiness" after Korea Republic scored a last-gasp winner to beat Portugal 2-1 and reach the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 last 16 on Friday.

The Koreans appeared to be heading out of the tournament for much of the game but Hwang Hee-chan's 91st-minute winner lifted them to second in Group H, behind Portugal.

They faced a nervous wait on the pitch for Uruguay's match against Ghana to finish. The South Americans won 2-0 but were unable to find the one extra goal they needed, going out on goals scored.

Costa hails Korea Republic's courage, self belief

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

Costa hails Korea Republic's courage, self belief

Doha: Korea Republic assistant coach Sergio Costa was elated as the Taeguk Warriors secured a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 berth with a 2-1 win over Portugal at Stadium 974 on Friday. 

Costa’s native country Portugal opened the scoring very early through Ricardo Horta, but Kim Young-gwon pounced on a Lee Kang-in corner to draw level. As time passed, Korea Republic grew in intensity and eventually made it count late into stoppage time when Hwang Hee-chan was teed up by Son Heung-min for the winner.

Korea Republic will face five-time champions Brazil on Monday.