Croatia's mental strength has deep roots - hero Petkovic

Mon, 12 Dec, 2022

Croatia's mental strength has deep roots - hero Petkovic

Doha: Croatia striker Bruno Petkovic says the team's mental strength that has propelled them to two penalty shoot-out wins at the FIFA World Cup has deep roots in the country's struggle for independence.

Petkovic scored a late equaliser to cancel out Neymar's opener for Brazil in the quarter-finals, before Zlatko Dalic's team held their nerve to win on spot-kicks. They also beat Japan on penalties in the previous round.

It is a familiar pattern for Dalic's men, who four years ago reached the final via three extra-time wins in the knockout stage, two of them after shoot-outs.

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Preview - Semi-final: Argentina v Croatia

Wed, 14 Dec, 2022

Preview - Semi-final: Argentina v Croatia

Lusail: Doha: Lionel Messi and Argentina's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 dream remains alive but an indefatigable Croatia side inspired by the enduring brilliance of Luka Modric stands in their way in Tuesday's semi-final in Lusail.

Argentina have recovered from the shock of losing their opening game in Qatar to Saudi Arabia and made the last four with an exhausting win on penalties against the Netherlands at the end of a fractious quarter-final on Friday.

Having been 2-0 up and cruising after 83 minutes, with Messi setting up one goal in sublime fashion and netting a penalty, they conceded twice late on and had to survive extra time before triumphing 4-3 in a shoot-out.

Argentina revel in 'home' support at Qatar 2022

Mon, 12 Dec, 2022

Argentina revel in 'home' support at Qatar 2022

Doha: Lionel Messi and Argentina's bid for a third FIFA World Cup crown is being boosted by hordes of travelling fans that have transformed each of their matches in Qatar into virtual home games.

Argentine football venues are renowned for their seething intensity - iconic Buenos Aires cauldrons such as the Bombonera or Monumental tremble with passionate ferocity.

Those kinds of scenes have been recreated regularly at Doha's Lusail Stadium, where tens of thousands of Argentine fans have created a raucous wall of blue-and-white-shirted sound.

Qatar 2022: Quarter-finals in Numbers

Mon, 12 Dec, 2022

Qatar 2022: Quarter-finals in Numbers

Doha: After four dramatic quarter-final match-ups, the semi-finalists at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 have been confirmed as defending champions France, Argentina, Croatia and Morocco continue their quests to claim football’s most prestigious prize. 

History for the African continent, Messi magic and penalty shootouts are among the talking points as we highlight some of the stats and facts that stood out in the last-eight fixtures. 

Croatia's Dalic pledges 'this is not the end'

Sat, 10 Dec, 2022

Croatia's Dalic pledges 'this is not the end'

Al Rayyan: Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic pledged "this is not the end" after his team sensationally dumped Brazil out of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on penalties at the quarter-final stage on Friday.

The match finished 1-1 after extra time, with Bruno Petkovic cancelling out Neymar's brilliant solo opener in the dying minutes.

Croatia, finalists at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, won the shootout 4-2.

Argentina have 'passion and heart' says 'keeper Martinez

Sat, 10 Dec, 2022

Argentina have 'passion and heart' says 'keeper Martinez

Lusail: Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said "passion and heart" propelled his side into the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi-finals - and he was delighted to bring joy to his struggling country.

Martinez was one of the heroes of the quarter-final, saving the Netherlands' first two spot-kicks in the penalty shootout after the match ended 2-2 following extra time.

Argentina won the shootout 4-3 to move into a semi-final on Tuesday against Croatia, the surprise victors against Brazil.

Giroud savours 'extraordinary' win

Sun, 11 Dec, 2022

Giroud savours 'extraordinary' win

Al Khor: Olivier Giroud said France had to dig deep into their mental reserves to hold on for a 2-1 victory over England in Saturday's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final.

The AC Milan striker's header with 12 minutes to go sent France through to Wednesday's semi-final against Morocco as Harry Kane missed a late penalty, his second of the match.

Kane had levelled from the spot shortly after half-time, cancelling out Aurelien Tchouameni's brilliant long-range effort that gave France the lead on 17 minutes.

Atlas Lions' heroics can inspire future 'miracles', says 'keeper Bounou

Sun, 11 Dec, 2022

Atlas Lions' heroics can inspire future 'miracles', says 'keeper Bounou

Doha: Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou said his team's history-making FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign can show future generations from his country that they can create miracles.

The stopper produced a man-of-the-match display in Morocco's 1-0 win over Portugal on Saturday to take his team to the semi-finals for the first time.