Preview - Quarter-final: Morocco v Portugal

Sat, 10 Dec, 2022

Preview - Quarter-final: Morocco v Portugal

Doha: Morocco head into Saturday's last-eight clash with Portugal knowing they are only one step away from making history as Africa's first FIFA World Cup semi-finalists, but they face a buoyant opposition fresh from scoring six goals against Switzerland.

Walid Regragui's Moroccans are in uncharted territory after a surprise run which saw them finish top of Group F after beating Belgium and Canada before a stunning victory over Spain on penalties in the last 16.

The Atlas Lions are only the fourth African side to reach the quarter-finals - after Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2937781.html

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2937782.html

Preview - Quarter-final: England v France

Sun, 11 Dec, 2022

Preview - Quarter-final: England v France

Al Khor: Defending champions France take on England in a mouthwatering FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final on Saturday that pits superstar Kylian Mbappe against a forward line-up packed with youthful zest.

The two European heavyweights, separated by just 32 kilometres of ocean, have surprisingly met just twice on the biggest stage, but not since 1982.

Japan target fifth AFC Asian Cup™ title after Qatar 2022 heartbreak

Thu, 08 Dec, 2022

Japan target fifth AFC Asian Cup™ title after Qatar 2022 heartbreak

Narita: Japan will put their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 heartbreak behind them and focus on becoming Asian champions for a fifth time, captain Maya Yoshida said after the team returned home on Wednesday.

The Blue Samurai were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup on penalties by Croatia in the last 16 on Monday, denying them a first-ever place in the quarter-finals.

But the defeat did not stop hundreds of fans from travelling to an airport near Tokyo to welcome the players and head coach Hajime Moriyasu back from Qatar.

Portugal hero Ramos 'never dreamt' of World Cup hat-trick

Thu, 08 Dec, 2022

Portugal hero Ramos 'never dreamt' of World Cup hat-trick

Doha: Portugal's hat-trick hero Goncalo Ramos said he had not even dreamt of starting a FIFA World Cup knockout match, let alone scoring three in his first start in the tournament.

The 21-year-old striker was handed a surprise start ahead of five-times Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo and rewarded head coach Fernando Santos with a brilliant match-winning display.

Regragui breaking new ground for African coaches

Fri, 09 Dec, 2022

Regragui breaking new ground for African coaches

Doha: Morocco boss Walid Regragui became the first ever African coach to take a team into the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals when his side beat Spain on penalties, despite only taking over the reins in August.

Regragui was appointed before the tournament with Moroccan football in turmoil after previous head coach Vahid Halilhodzic was sacked over "differences of opinion" with the country's football federation.

Portugal's Santos hits jackpot with bold calls

Fri, 09 Dec, 2022

Portugal's Santos hits jackpot with bold calls

Doha: Portugal head coach Fernando Santos had put off the decision for years, but eventually rolled the dice - and benched Cristiano Ronaldo.

The gamble paid off handsomely as Goncalo Ramos struck a hat-trick in a 6-1 defeat of Switzerland to set up a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final showdown with Morocco on Saturday.

Newly liberated Portugal have installed themselves among the FIFA World Cup favourites and in an exhilarating 90 minutes blew away criticism of their "uninspiring" football.

Social Wrap: Downtime and homecomings for stars

Thu, 08 Dec, 2022

Social Wrap: Downtime and homecomings for stars

Doha: The Asian teams may have all departed but the show must go on as eight nations continue their quests to be crowned the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 champions.

After some exhilarating Round of 16 action, eight more sides have left Qatar’s shores and those who remain are enjoying a short break before the tournament resumes for the quarter-finals on Friday. 

As some players return home and others take time off to look around the host country, the-AFC.com dives into the social media worlds of those involved.