Quarter-finals: 5 things to look out for

Fri, 09 Dec, 2022

Quarter-finals: 5 things to look out for

Doha: Just eight teams remain in the hunt to be crowned FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 champions as the quarter-finals get set to take place on Friday and Saturday.

Defending champions France are still in contention and Morocco have made history by becoming the first Arabic nation to reach the last eight, while South American giants Brazil and Argentina are aiming to end European dominance that stretches all the way back to 2006. 

With the 2018 runners-up Croatia, England, the Netherlands and Portugal all also in the mix, the-AFC.com has picked five things to look out for ahead of the coming match-ups.

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.

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.

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.

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'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.

Rice returns to England training after illness absence

Thu, 08 Dec, 2022

Rice returns to England training after illness absence

Doha: England midfielder Declan Rice returned to training on Thursday, easing fears about his fitness ahead of Saturday's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final against France.

Midfielder Kalvin Phillips told a news conference that Rice had taken part in the training session at their Al-Wakrah base.

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.