Argentina march on after classic against Netherlands

Sat, 10 Dec, 2022

Argentina march on after classic against Netherlands

Lusail: Argentina will face Croatia in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi-finals after beating the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 extra-time draw on a night of high drama on Friday.

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was the hero in the shootout after the South Americans let a two-goal lead slip in the final minutes of normal time after Lionel Messi had put them on the brink of the last four.

Wout Weghorst scored two dramatic late goals, the second from a remarkably inventive free-kick in the 11th minute of stoppage time, as the Netherlands fought back with seven minutes of normal time remaining to force extra-time.

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Tite bows out as Brazil coach

Sat, 10 Dec, 2022

Tite bows out as Brazil coach

Al Rayyan: Tite confirmed that it was the "end of a cycle" for him as head coach of Brazil after the favourites were dumped out of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in the quarter-finals on penalties by Croatia on Friday.

The 61-year-old, who has been in charge since 2016, had previously made it no secret that he would leave the position after the tournament in Qatar, regardless of the outcome.

Croatia shock Brazil to book semi-final ticket

Sat, 10 Dec, 2022

Croatia shock Brazil to book semi-final ticket

Al Rayyan: Croatia stunned favourites Brazil to reach the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi-finals on Friday, winning 4-2 on penalties after a nail biting last-eight tie finished 1-1 at the end of extra time.

Marquinhos missed the crucial spot-kick in the shoot-out, hitting the post when he had to score to keep Brazil in it after Rodrygo's earlier attempt had been saved by goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and Croatia converted all four penalties.

Croatia will meet Argentina, who also defeated the Netherlands on penalties, in the semi-finals. 

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.

Record-chaser Kane leading England's bid for glory

Fri, 09 Dec, 2022

Record-chaser Kane leading England's bid for glory

Doha: Harry Kane is on the brink of becoming England's record goalscorer, but the unselfish star would happily swap that historic landmark for the chance to lead his country to FIFA World Cup glory.

Kane heads into England's blockbuster quarter-final against world champions France on Saturday just one goal behind Three Lions record scorer Wayne Rooney.

The 29-year-old netted for the first time in this year's FIFA World Cup in the 3-0 last 16 win against Senegal on Sunday, taking his career England goal tally to 52.

France captain Lloris ready to make history

Fri, 09 Dec, 2022

France captain Lloris ready to make history

Doha: Captain of his country for more than a decade, Hugo Lloris will make French national team history on Saturday when he leads the FIFA World Cup holders into their quarter-final clash with England, tasked with shutting out his friend and club colleague Harry Kane.

Lloris and England captain Kane have been teammates at Tottenham since 2013, but by then the goalkeeper was already well established as France skipper having first been given the armband by Laurent Blanc in a friendly against the English in November 2010.

That came not long after France's disastrous FIFA World Cup campaign in South Africa, and 12 years on Lloris will win a French record 143rd cap against England at Al Bayt Stadium, overtaking previous record holder Lilian Thuram.