Ounahi poised for bigger things after Qatar 2022 breakout

Tue, 13 Dec, 2022

Ounahi poised for bigger things after Qatar 2022 breakout

Al Khor: Azzedine Ounahi has been at the heart of Morocco's run to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi-finals, tirelessly stamping his authority on the midfield and emerging as one of the revelations of the tournament.

Yassine Bounou's penalty-saving heroics stole the headlines in the last 16, but it was Ounahi who caught the eye of Spain head coach Luis Enrique following his side's shootout loss to Morocco.

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Bounou takes long and winding road to Morocco stardom

Tue, 13 Dec, 2022

Bounou takes long and winding road to Morocco stardom

Doha: Yassine Bounou has learned to be patient in his career, but the Morocco goalkeeper with a show-stopping nickname is proving he more than belongs on the big stage at this FIFA World Cup.

An unused squad member at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Bounou - or "Bono" as the name on his shirt reads - has played a fundamental part in helping Morocco set a new benchmark for African football in Qatar 2022.

With 14 foreign-born players in the squad, it has been a case of unity in diversity for Morocco - there is no better example of that solidarity than a defence which has conceded just once in five matches here.

Varane: Les Bleus will not be complacent

Tue, 13 Dec, 2022

Varane: Les Bleus will not be complacent

Al Khor: France defender Raphael Varane has insisted that there will be no complacency from the FIFA World Cup holders when they take on surprise package Morocco in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

Having edged out England in the last eight, Les Bleus are strong favourites to return to the final even though Morocco have already eliminated Spain and Portugal in the knockout phase in Qatar.

Preview - Semi-final: Argentina v Croatia

Wed, 14 Dec, 2022

Preview - Semi-final: Argentina v Croatia

Lusail: Doha: Lionel Messi and Argentina's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 dream remains alive but an indefatigable Croatia side inspired by the enduring brilliance of Luka Modric stands in their way in Tuesday's semi-final in Lusail.

Argentina have recovered from the shock of losing their opening game in Qatar to Saudi Arabia and made the last four with an exhausting win on penalties against the Netherlands at the end of a fractious quarter-final on Friday.

Having been 2-0 up and cruising after 83 minutes, with Messi setting up one goal in sublime fashion and netting a penalty, they conceded twice late on and had to survive extra time before triumphing 4-3 in a shoot-out.

Croatia's mental strength has deep roots - hero Petkovic

Mon, 12 Dec, 2022

Croatia's mental strength has deep roots - hero Petkovic

Doha: Croatia striker Bruno Petkovic says the team's mental strength that has propelled them to two penalty shoot-out wins at the FIFA World Cup has deep roots in the country's struggle for independence.

Petkovic scored a late equaliser to cancel out Neymar's opener for Brazil in the quarter-finals, before Zlatko Dalic's team held their nerve to win on spot-kicks. They also beat Japan on penalties in the previous round.

It is a familiar pattern for Dalic's men, who four years ago reached the final via three extra-time wins in the knockout stage, two of them after shoot-outs.

Argentina revel in 'home' support at Qatar 2022

Mon, 12 Dec, 2022

Argentina revel in 'home' support at Qatar 2022

Doha: Lionel Messi and Argentina's bid for a third FIFA World Cup crown is being boosted by hordes of travelling fans that have transformed each of their matches in Qatar into virtual home games.

Argentine football venues are renowned for their seething intensity - iconic Buenos Aires cauldrons such as the Bombonera or Monumental tremble with passionate ferocity.

Those kinds of scenes have been recreated regularly at Doha's Lusail Stadium, where tens of thousands of Argentine fans have created a raucous wall of blue-and-white-shirted sound.