Preview - Third Place Playoff: Croatia v Morocco

Sat, 17 Dec, 2022

Preview - Third Place Playoff: Croatia v Morocco

Doha: Morocco will not let their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi-final disappointment derail their bid to finish the tournament on a high.

Morocco, defeated 2-0 by defending champions France in the semi-finals on Wednesday, face Croatia in the third-place playoff on Saturday.

Croatia, equally disappointed after falling just short of a second consecutive appearance in the FIFA World Cup final, lost 3-0 to Argentina in their semi-final on Tuesday.

Social Wrap: Joy, despair and pride

Fri, 16 Dec, 2022

Social Wrap: Joy, despair and pride

Doha: The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has reached its final weekend as Argentina and France get set to face off for the title on Sunday while Croatia and Morocco battle it out for third place a day earlier.

There was a mixture of emotions for those involved in the semi-final clashes with elation for the Argentines and the French and heartbreak for the Croatians and the Moroccans. 

And those feelings are reflected as the-AFC.com delves into the social media accounts of those involved. 

Semi-finals in Numbers

Thu, 15 Dec, 2022

Semi-finals in Numbers

Doha: After 62 matches at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the two finalists have been confirmed as Argentina get set to face defending champions France in the showpiece event at Lusail Stadium on Sunday.

A Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina had few problems in brushing aside Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday before an early goal for the holders set them on their way to a hard-fought 2-0 win over Morocco on Wednesday. 

The-AFC.com highlights some of the stats and facts that stood out.

Qatar's Al Jassim to officiate third-place playoff

Fri, 16 Dec, 2022

Qatar's Al Jassim to officiate third-place playoff

Doha: Abdulrahman Al Jassim will be the referee for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 third-place playoff between Croatia and Morocco on Saturday.

Qatar's Al Jassim will be assisted by compatriots Taleb Al Marri and Saoud Ahmed Almaqaled at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.

It will be the trio's second match at Qatar 2022, having officiated the Group B tie between the United States and Wales on November 21.

Women referees 'opened up possibilities' at Qatar 2022, says Yamashita

Thu, 15 Dec, 2022

Women referees 'opened up possibilities' at Qatar 2022, says Yamashita

Tokyo: Women refereeing at the men's FIFA World Cup for the first time "opened up possibilities" and must be built on, Japan's trailblazer Yoshimi Yamashita said.

Yamashita was one of three women named on the list of 36 referees for the tournament in Qatar, which ends on Sunday.

She did not take charge of a match but was the fourth official for six first-round games.

Regragui salutes indomitable Morocco

Thu, 15 Dec, 2022

Regragui salutes indomitable Morocco

Al Khor: Morocco head coach Walid Regragui had only praise for his team's efforts after their fairytale run at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ended in a 2-0 semi-final defeat to France on Wednesday.

Goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani set the tone to steer the defending champions to a second successive final.

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.