Penalty changed game, says Croatia's Dalic

Wed, 14 Dec, 2022

Penalty changed game, says Croatia's Dalic

Lusail: Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic said the disputed decision to award Argentina a penalty changed the complexion of Tuesday's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi-final after his side lost 3-0.

Lionel Messi blasted home the opening goal from the spot after Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic collided with Julian Alvarez, who also struck twice for Argentina at the Lusail Stadium.

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Modric's dream over

Wed, 14 Dec, 2022

Modric's dream over

Doha: Luka Modric is Croatia's greatest-ever player, but he was upstaged by arguably the best of all time, Lionel Messi, as Argentina crushed his FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 dreams on Tuesday.

After orchestrating his country's run to a second straight FIFA World Cup semi-final, 37-year-old Modric's team were swept aside 3-0 by the South American side.

Messi hails Argentina character

Wed, 14 Dec, 2022

Messi hails Argentina character

Lusail: A delighted Lionel Messi hailed his side's strength of character after he starred in Tuesday's 3-0 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi-final win over Croatia.

Messi scored the opener from the penalty spot and then had a hand in two goals scored by Julian Alvarez at Lusail Stadium as Argentina eased through to Sunday's final where they will face either France or Morocco.

The victory continued a remarkable turnaround from Lionel Scaloni's team after they started their campaign in Qatar with a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia.

Messi inspires Argentina into final

Wed, 14 Dec, 2022

Messi inspires Argentina into final

Lusail: An inspired Lionel Messi scored from the penalty spot and Julian Alvarez struck twice as Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday to reach their second FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final in eight years.

The two-time world champions, backed by a huge majority of the crowd at the Lusail Stadium, produced their best display of the tournament to ensure they will meet the winner's of Wednesday's semi-final clash between holders France and Morocco in Sunday's final.

Bento bids emotional farewell to Korea Republic

Wed, 14 Dec, 2022

Bento bids emotional farewell to Korea Republic

Seoul: Paulo Bento has bid an emotional farewell to Korea Republic, calling his four years as head coach of the national football team a "beautiful experience which I will never forget".

The Portuguese former international midfielder took the Koreans to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where they were beaten 4-1 by Brazil last week.

The 53-year-old said in the immediate aftermath that he would not be staying on as coach.

Preview - Semi-final: France v Morocco

Thu, 15 Dec, 2022

Preview - Semi-final: France v Morocco

Al Khor: Defending world champions and title favourites France face African history-makers Morocco on Wednesday in what is sure to be a high-octane FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi-final at the Al Bayt stadium.

France, who defeated England on Saturday, are looking to become the first team in 60 years to retain the trophy but they can expect fierce resistance from the surprise package of the tournament.

Morocco's giant-killing run to the last four, the first time an African nation has made it this far, has electrified fans at home and delighted the Moroccan diaspora in Europe and beyond.

Tchouameni emerges as new leader of France midfield

Tue, 13 Dec, 2022

Tchouameni emerges as new leader of France midfield

Al Khor: Aurelien Tchouameni might do most of his work in the shadows, but the France midfielder lit up the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with his brilliant opening goal in Saturday's quarter-final win over England.

The 22-year-old later gave away the first penalty of the game at Al Bayt Stadium which Harry Kane scored to equalise for England, yet France eventually ran out 2-1 winners and Tchouameni's role for the holders has been vital given the problems they faced coming into the tournament.

The outlook for head coach Didier Deschamps and his side appeared grim when they were struck by an avalanche of injuries, not least with their starting midfield duo of Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante both being ruled out.

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.