Preview - Group C: Argentina v Saudi Arabia

Tue, 22 Nov, 2022

Preview - Group C: Argentina v Saudi Arabia

Doha: Saudi Arabia are determined not to be overawed when they face Argentina in their opening FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match on Wednesday.

In what is being billed as Lionel Messi's final opportunity to win the coveted trophy, expectations are high that two-time champions Argentina will open their campaign with a win.

Saudi Arabia head coach Herve Renard, however, is determined his side will face the South Americans with confidence.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup/video/fifa_world_cup_qatar_2022™_-_know_your_team_|_saudi_arabia.html

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Preview - Group D: France v Australia

Wed, 23 Nov, 2022

Preview - Group D: France v Australia

Al Wakrah: Australia head coach Graham Arnold admitted Ajdin Hrustic will not be fit enough to start the Socceroos’ opener at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 when they take on defending champions France in Group D on Tuesday.

Midfielder Hrustic is still recovering from an ankle injury to deny Arnold his playmaking talents for the game, which is a rematch of the group phase clash between the two nations at the last FIFA World Cup Finals in Russia.

That encounter ended in a battling 2-1 loss for the Socceroos, with Aziz Behich’s late own goal handing the French victory, and Arnold is expecting another resilient performance from his players at Al Janoub Stadium.

England power past IR Iran

Mon, 21 Nov, 2022

England power past IR Iran

Al Rayyan: An early injury to Alireza Bieranvand set the tone for a 6-2 loss for the Islamic Republic of Iran in their first FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B outing against England at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday.

England, clearly the superior side, capitalised on Iran's early misfortune as they produced a stunning show to kick off their bid to win the FIFA World Cup for the first time since their 1966 triumph. 

Netherlands strike late to beat Senegal

Tue, 22 Nov, 2022

Netherlands strike late to beat Senegal

Doha: Late goals by Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen gave the Netherlands a 2-0 victory over African champions Senegal on Monday on their return to the FIFA World Cup stage.

With Senegal missing injured star man Sadio Mane and the Dutch without their main attacking threat Memphis Depay at kick-off, the Group A encounter in Doha looked set to end in a goalless draw.

Japan's Mitoma ready to make Germany sick in opener

Mon, 21 Nov, 2022

Japan's Mitoma ready to make Germany sick in opener

Doha: An illness meant Japan's Kaoru Mitoma arrived late in Qatar but the livewire winger insisted on Sunday he will be "100 percent" ready for his team's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 opener against Germany.

The 25-year-old has shown glimpses of his talent in the Premier League since joining Brighton in the summer, causing havoc with his mazy runs and scoring goals against Wolves and Arsenal.

He has also proved his worth for his country, notching a brace against Australia in March to clinch Japan's place at their seventh straight FIFA World Cup.