Qatar 2022: Round of 16 in Numbers

Wed, 07 Dec, 2022

Qatar 2022: Round of 16 in Numbers

Doha: Defeats for Australia, Japan and Korea Republic in the Round of 16 has brought the curtain down on Asia’s participation at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 but excitement continues to build as the global showpiece delivers pulsating action on the pitch and joyous scenes in the stands.

While the Socceroos, the Samurai Blue and the Taeguk Warriors now begin to look ahead to the AFC Asian Cup 2023™, the eight remaining sides continue their quests to be crowned the world champions. 

With a break in the action before the tournament resumes on Friday, the-AFC.com looks back at the stats and facts that caught the eye following the thrilling last-16 ties.

Then there were eight

Wed, 07 Dec, 2022

Then there were eight

Doha: The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has reached the quarter-final stage with defending champions France leading the cast.

Also through are former champions Argentina, Brazil and England.  

Three-time runners-up the Netherlands, 2018 finalists Croatia, Morocco and Portugal complete the last eight cast. 

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the quarter-final match-ups, with the ties to be played on Friday and Saturday.

Japan confident of bright future despite heartbreak

Tue, 06 Dec, 2022

Japan confident of bright future despite heartbreak

Doha: Japan failed to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals once again but stunning wins over Germany and Spain and more players moving to Europe suggest the Blue Samurai will return stronger.

Japan were eliminated by Croatia in the last 16 on Monday in Qatar, going out on penalties after a nerve-jangling 1-1 draw with the 2018 finalists.

Bento steps down as Korea Republic head coach

Tue, 06 Dec, 2022

Bento steps down as Korea Republic head coach

Doha: Paulo Bento announced he would not be staying on as head coach of Korea Republic after they were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Brazil on Monday.

"Now I need to think about the future, but I will not be with the Korea team. I am going to rest and then see," the 53-year-old former Portugal coach said after the loss in the last 16.

Ramos hat-trick steers Portugal through

Wed, 07 Dec, 2022

Ramos hat-trick steers Portugal through

Lusail: Goncalo Ramos scored a hat-trick as Portugal beat Switzerland 6-1 to advance to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-finals on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old Ramos, who started instead of Cristiano Ronaldo, became the youngest player to strike three times in a FIFA World Cup knockout match since Pele in 1958.

Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro and Rafael Leao were also on target for a rampant Portugal, who booked a showdown with Morocco on Saturday for a place in the last four.

Croatia's Dalic says Brazil squad 'scary'

Wed, 07 Dec, 2022

Croatia's Dalic says Brazil squad 'scary'

Doha: Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic called Brazil's squad "scary" but says his team are not big underdogs in Friday's quarter-final against the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 favourites.

Dalic's side, runners-up four years ago, beat Japan on penalties on Monday to guarantee at least their third best finish at the tournament.

England won't fear France, says Saka

Tue, 06 Dec, 2022

England won't fear France, says Saka

Doha: Bukayo Saka said England have no reason to feel inferior to France as they prepare to face the FIFA World Cup holders in a blockbuster quarter-final.

Fuelled by the brilliance of Kylian Mbappe, France have powered through to the last eight in formidable fashion as they look to retain the trophy.