Stunning Saudi Arabia silence Argentina

Wed, 23 Nov, 2022

Stunning Saudi Arabia silence Argentina

Lusail: Saudi Arabia have produced one of the biggest upsets of FIFA World Cup history as goals from Saleh Al Shehri and Salem Dawsari sealed a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Argentina to open their Group C campaign in stunning fashion on Tuesday.

A Lionel Messi penalty put Argentina in front inside 10 minutes at Lusail Iconic Stadium before the South American champions had three goals ruled out for offside as the Green Falcons went into the interval with only a one-goal deficit.

And an incredible five-minute spell after the break saw Al Shehri and Al Dawsari turn the game on its head as Saudi Arabia went 2-1 up by the 53-minute mark before withstanding an Argentina onslaught to end their opponents' 36-game unbeaten run and secure the greatest result in their history.

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Preview - Group E: Germany v Japan

Wed, 23 Nov, 2022

Preview - Group E: Germany v Japan

Doha: Japan will be on a mission to show their footballing pedigree when they take on Germany in their opening FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match on Wednesday.

Germany will start as the overwhelming favourites at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha but head coach Hajime Moriyasu said Japan are determined to match the four-time world champions. 

Queiroz proud of IR Iran players despite heavy England defeat

Tue, 22 Nov, 2022

Queiroz proud of IR Iran players despite heavy England defeat

Al Rayyan: Head coach Carlos Queiroz expressed his pride in his players' fighting spirit, despite the Islamic Republic of Iran’s succumbing to a 6-2 loss against England in Group B of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on Monday.

Mehdi Taremi got a brace from a second half strike followed by a very late penalty, while England had Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford, and man of the match Bukayo Saka (brace) to thank for their half a dozen tally of goals. 

Team Melli could be without Alireza Beiranvand for the game against Wales, due to take place on Friday after he suffered a nose injury forcing him to be substituted early on in the game.

Bale salvages Wales draw with USA

Tue, 22 Nov, 2022

Bale salvages Wales draw with USA

Al Rayyan: Gareth Bale rescued Wales with a late penalty to snatch a 1-1 draw with the United States in their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B clash on Monday.

Welsh skipper Bale lashed home an 82nd-minute spot-kick after earning the penalty moments earlier when defender Walker Zimmerman crashed into the former Real Madrid star.

It cancelled out Tim Weah's superb first-half goal for the Americans which had threatened to ruin Wales's return to the FIFA World Cup after a 64-year absence.

Netherlands strike late to beat Senegal

Tue, 22 Nov, 2022

Netherlands strike late to beat Senegal

Doha: Late goals by Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen gave the Netherlands a 2-0 victory over African champions Senegal on Monday on their return to the FIFA World Cup stage.

With Senegal missing injured star man Sadio Mane and the Dutch without their main attacking threat Memphis Depay at kick-off, the Group A encounter in Doha looked set to end in a goalless draw.

Sanchez: Nerves caused Qatar's defeat

Mon, 21 Nov, 2022

Sanchez: Nerves caused Qatar's defeat

Al Khor: Qatar head coach Felix Sanchez admitted his side suffered from stage fright as the FIFA World Cup 2022 hosts were handed a 2-0 defeat by Ecuador in their Group A clash at Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday.

Enner Valencia’s first-half double earned the South Americans a deserved win to leave the reigning AFC Asian Cup™
champions needing to win against Senegal on Friday to reignite their hopes of a place in the next phase of the competition.