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.

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.

Heavyweights gear up for business end

Thu, 08 Dec, 2022

Heavyweights gear up for business end

Doha: Brazil, France and other FIFA World Cup heavyweights started the build-up to their quarter-final matches in earnest after Portugal made a huge statement of intent against Switzerland.

Five-time winners Brazil, defending champions France, Lionel Messi's Argentina and England are all still in the mix as the tournament in Qatar paused after non-stop action since November 20. 

But 2010 winners Spain were licking their wounds after crashing out to Morocco, ruminating on an identity crisis as they jetted home.

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.

Griezmann flourishing in new role for France

Thu, 08 Dec, 2022

Griezmann flourishing in new role for France

Doha: While Kylian Mbappe dominates the headlines for France, Antoine Griezmann's performances in a new midfield role have also been crucial for the holders on their run to Saturday's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final against England.

Griezmann had a difficult start to the season at Atletico Madrid and has not scored in Qatar, leaving Mbappe and Olivier Giroud to provide the goals as France seek to become the first team in 60 years to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup.

England can't obsess over hotshot Mbappe: Walker

Thu, 08 Dec, 2022

England can't obsess over hotshot Mbappe: Walker

Doha: England full-back Kyle Walker says his team cannot afford to obsess about France's free-scoring Kylian Mbappe ahead of Saturday's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final against the defending champions.

Right-back Walker is likely to be directly up against Mbappe, who is the tournament's top scorer so far, with five goals.

Portugal hero Ramos 'never dreamt' of World Cup hat-trick

Thu, 08 Dec, 2022

Portugal hero Ramos 'never dreamt' of World Cup hat-trick

Doha: Portugal's hat-trick hero Goncalo Ramos said he had not even dreamt of starting a FIFA World Cup knockout match, let alone scoring three in his first start in the tournament.

The 21-year-old striker was handed a surprise start ahead of five-times Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo and rewarded head coach Fernando Santos with a brilliant match-winning display.

Unity key to Dutch success, says Van Dijk

Thu, 08 Dec, 2022

Unity key to Dutch success, says Van Dijk

Doha: Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk said he has "only respect" for Argentina's Lionel Messi but believes unity in the Netherlands camp can make the difference in Friday's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final.

The Netherlands have not always been known for their team spirit at the FIFA World Cup but they were pictured returning to their hotel in a party mood after their last-16 win over the United States.

Head coach Louis van Gaal led the way as he danced and celebrated with hotel staff and Van Dijk believes the togetherness in the Dutch squad is "special".