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.

Champs 'keeping feet on ground', says Griezmann

Thu, 15 Dec, 2022

Champs 'keeping feet on ground', says Griezmann

Al Khor: Antoine Griezmann said France were staying grounded after the defending FIFA World Cup champions defeated Morocco 2-0 on Wednesday to set up a final against Argentina.

The Atletico Madrid attacker has thrived in a playmaking role for France at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where Les Bleus are attempting to become the first team in 60 years to retain the title.

Hernandez shines in brother’s absence

Thu, 15 Dec, 2022

Hernandez shines in brother’s absence

Al Khor: Theo Hernandez's goal against Morocco on Wednesday set France on their way to a second successive FIFA World Cup final. But it could have been very different if his brother had not been injured minutes into the tournament.

Lucas Hernandez tore an anterior cruciate ligament in France's Qatar 2022 opening victory over Australia, ruling the Bayern Munich defender out for several months.

The injury blow came days after Les Bleus lost Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema to a thigh problem, with France head coach Didier Deschamps already deprived of first-choice midfielders Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante.

'Proud' Deschamps ready to counter Messi

Thu, 15 Dec, 2022

'Proud' Deschamps ready to counter Messi

Al Khor: France head coach Didier Deschamps admitted he was "immensely proud" after his side’s 2-0 win over Morocco took the holders through to another FIFA World Cup final on Wednesday, where he said his team would try to find a way of countering Lionel Messi in "scintillating form" for Argentina.

An early goal by Theo Hernandez and a late finish from substitute Randal Kolo Muani at the Al Bayt Stadium saw off the first ever African or Arab team to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final.

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.

Scaloni: Still one step to go

Wed, 14 Dec, 2022

Scaloni: Still one step to go

Lusail: Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni admitted it was difficult not to get carried away after his side beat Croatia in Tuesday's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi-final, but called on his side to quickly gather their focus for the final.

Captain Lionel Messi scored a penalty and then set up two goals for Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez as Argentina won 3-0 at the Lusail Stadium to advance to Sunday's final against either holders France or Morocco.

Messi hails Argentina character

Wed, 14 Dec, 2022

Messi hails Argentina character

Lusail: A delighted Lionel Messi hailed his side's strength of character after he starred in Tuesday's 3-0 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi-final win over Croatia.

Messi scored the opener from the penalty spot and then had a hand in two goals scored by Julian Alvarez at Lusail Stadium as Argentina eased through to Sunday's final where they will face either France or Morocco.

The victory continued a remarkable turnaround from Lionel Scaloni's team after they started their campaign in Qatar with a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia.

Bento bids emotional farewell to Korea Republic

Wed, 14 Dec, 2022

Bento bids emotional farewell to Korea Republic

Seoul: Paulo Bento has bid an emotional farewell to Korea Republic, calling his four years as head coach of the national football team a "beautiful experience which I will never forget".

The Portuguese former international midfielder took the Koreans to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where they were beaten 4-1 by Brazil last week.

The 53-year-old said in the immediate aftermath that he would not be staying on as coach.

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.