Gakpo: Netherlands 'improving every game'

Sun, 04 Dec, 2022

Gakpo: Netherlands 'improving every game'

Doha: The Netherlands are growing in confidence at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and getting better with every game, star forward Cody Gakpo said on Saturday after they put some underwhelming group-stage performances behind them to beat the United States and ease into the quarter-finals.

The Dutch secured a last-eight spot with a 3-1 victory which was set up by a wonderful opening goal, finished by Memphis Depay after a 20-pass move.

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Argentina end Australia's quarter-final dream

Sun, 04 Dec, 2022

Argentina end Australia's quarter-final dream

Al Rayyan: Australia showed all their customary grit and determination before crashing out of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on Saturday as goals from Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez sent Argentina on their way to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over the Socceroos at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

The Australians, appearing in the last 16 for the first time since 2006, roused themselves when Enzo Fernandez deflected Craig Goodwin’s strike past Emiliano Martinez, but the South Americans held on to set up a meeting with the Netherlands on Friday at Lusail Stadium.
 
The defeat brings to an end a remarkable run for Graham Arnold and his team, who had been written off by many prior to their departure for Qatar having booked their spot at the finals via the playoffs.

Back-to-back wins over Tunisia and Denmark after an opening day defeat at the hands of defending champions France saw Australia progress to the knockout rounds against the odds but the Copa America holders proved a challenge too far.

Netherlands first to go through with win over USA

Sun, 04 Dec, 2022

Netherlands first to go through with win over USA

Doha: Netherlands defeated USA 3-1 to become the first team to book their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final ticket on Saturday.

First-half goals from Memphis Depay and Daley Blind and a late strike from Denzel Dumfries sealed a deserved victory as the Dutch handed out a painful lesson in finishing to their American opponents.

The Netherlands, bidding to win their first FIFA World Cup after losing in three previous finals, will face Argentina - who defeated Australia 2-1 later on Saturday - in the last eight.

Son finally sheds tears of happiness

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

Son finally sheds tears of happiness

Al Khor: Son Heung-min said he cried "tears of happiness" after Korea Republic scored a last-gasp winner to beat Portugal 2-1 and reach the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 last 16 on Friday.

The Koreans appeared to be heading out of the tournament for much of the game but Hwang Hee-chan's 91st-minute winner lifted them to second in Group H, behind Portugal.

They faced a nervous wait on the pitch for Uruguay's match against Ghana to finish. The South Americans won 2-0 but were unable to find the one extra goal they needed, going out on goals scored.

Mature tactics help Japan's progress

Fri, 02 Dec, 2022

Mature tactics help Japan's progress

Doha: Japan were labelled naive when they exited the FIFA World Cup four years ago against Belgium. Now their canny tactics have upset Germany and Spain and taken them to the last 16 of Qatar 2022. 

The Blue Samurai will face Croatia on Monday after topping Group E with two stunning comeback wins over the European heavyweights.

Japan looked dead and buried when they fell behind in both games but head coach Hajime Moriyasu helped turn the tide with his substitutions and tactical changes.

Qatar 2022: MD3 in Numbers

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

Qatar 2022: MD3 in Numbers

Doha: After a thrilling final round of group stage fixtures at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, a record three Asian sides have booked their tickets to the knockout stages, while three have seen their campaigns come to an end. 

Australia, Japan and Korea Republic produced fabulous performances to defeat Denmark, Spain and Portugal as Qatar, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia all exited having left their mark on the tournament with some memorable moments. 

As the Socceroos, the Samurai Blue and the Taeguk Warriors now look ahead to huge games against Argentina, Croatia and Brazil, the-AFC.com reviews some of the stats and facts from Matchday Three in Qatar.