Qatar 2022: Quarter-finals in Numbers

Mon, 12 Dec, 2022

Qatar 2022: Quarter-finals in Numbers

Doha: After four dramatic quarter-final match-ups, the semi-finalists at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 have been confirmed as defending champions France, Argentina, Croatia and Morocco continue their quests to claim football’s most prestigious prize. 

History for the African continent, Messi magic and penalty shootouts are among the talking points as we highlight some of the stats and facts that stood out in the last-eight fixtures. 

Atlas Lions' heroics can inspire future 'miracles', says 'keeper Bounou

Sun, 11 Dec, 2022

Atlas Lions' heroics can inspire future 'miracles', says 'keeper Bounou

Doha: Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou said his team's history-making FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign can show future generations from his country that they can create miracles.

The stopper produced a man-of-the-match display in Morocco's 1-0 win over Portugal on Saturday to take his team to the semi-finals for the first time.

Giroud savours 'extraordinary' win

Sun, 11 Dec, 2022

Giroud savours 'extraordinary' win

Al Khor: Olivier Giroud said France had to dig deep into their mental reserves to hold on for a 2-1 victory over England in Saturday's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final.

The AC Milan striker's header with 12 minutes to go sent France through to Wednesday's semi-final against Morocco as Harry Kane missed a late penalty, his second of the match.

Kane had levelled from the spot shortly after half-time, cancelling out Aurelien Tchouameni's brilliant long-range effort that gave France the lead on 17 minutes.

Regragui hails amazing Morocco players

Sun, 11 Dec, 2022

Regragui hails amazing Morocco players

Doha: Morocco head coach Walid Regragui lauded the battling spirit of his injury-hit side after they beat Portugal 1-0 on Saturday to become the first African country ever to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals.

Youssef En-Nesyri's header late in the first half sent the Atlas Lions through to a Qatar 2022 last-four showdown with reigning champions France, who defeated England 2-1 in their quarter-final on Saturday.

Deschamps: Hearts and guts got France through

Sun, 11 Dec, 2022

Deschamps: Hearts and guts got France through

Al Khor: France coach Didier Deschamps said his side showed "hearts and guts" to defeat England 2-1 on Saturday to reach the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi-finals.

Aurelien Tchouameni scored first for the FIFA World Cup holders at Al Bayt Stadium but Harry Kane's penalty brought England level.

After Olivier Giroud's header gave France the lead, Kane wasted a golden chance to equalise when he blasted a penalty over the bar with minutes remaining.

Kane devastated after spot-kick pain

Sun, 11 Dec, 2022

Kane devastated after spot-kick pain

Al Khor: Harry Kane was left "gutted" on Saturday after missing a crucial penalty in England's 2-1 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final defeat to France.

England skipper Kane blazed an 84th minute spot-kick over the bar that would have levelled the score at 2-2 at the Al Bayt Stadium.

It was another cruel chapter in England's decades-long psychodrama revolving around major tournaments and penalty heartaches.

Kane had earlier made no mistake with another penalty on 54 minutes that saw him equal Wayne Rooney's England goalscoring tally of 53 goals.

Tearful Ronaldo departs with dream in tatters

Sun, 11 Dec, 2022

Tearful Ronaldo departs with dream in tatters

Doha: Cristiano Ronaldo left the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in tears on Saturday, walking off down the tunnel with his dreams of winning the trophy in tatters.

Morocco earned a shock 1-0 quarter-final victory over Portugal, the north Africans' joy the stark opposite of Ronaldo's misery.

The Portuguese forward, 37, may never have another chance to win the game's biggest trophy, and his Qatar 2022  exit was especially bitter as he started the game as a substitute.

Argentina have 'passion and heart' says 'keeper Martinez

Sat, 10 Dec, 2022

Argentina have 'passion and heart' says 'keeper Martinez

Lusail: Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said "passion and heart" propelled his side into the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi-finals - and he was delighted to bring joy to his struggling country.

Martinez was one of the heroes of the quarter-final, saving the Netherlands' first two spot-kicks in the penalty shootout after the match ended 2-2 following extra time.

Argentina won the shootout 4-3 to move into a semi-final on Tuesday against Croatia, the surprise victors against Brazil.

Croatia's Dalic pledges 'this is not the end'

Sat, 10 Dec, 2022

Croatia's Dalic pledges 'this is not the end'

Al Rayyan: Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic pledged "this is not the end" after his team sensationally dumped Brazil out of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on penalties at the quarter-final stage on Friday.

The match finished 1-1 after extra time, with Bruno Petkovic cancelling out Neymar's brilliant solo opener in the dying minutes.

Croatia, finalists at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, won the shootout 4-2.