Sluggish England frustrated in US stalemate

Sat, 26 Nov, 2022

Sluggish England frustrated in US stalemate

Al Khor: England missed a chance to book their place in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 last 16 as Gareth Southgate's side produced a limp display in their 0-0 draw against the United States on Friday.

Southgate's men would have been guaranteed to advance from Group B with a victory in their second game of the tournament, but they rarely troubled a determined US team.

Having defeated Islamic Republic of Iran 6-2 on Monday, England lacked the urgency they showed in their opening game and were jeered off at full-time.

They managed just one shot on target and could easily have conceded in the first half when the US were in control for long periods at the Al Bayt Stadium.

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IR Iran defeat Wales to get back on track

Fri, 25 Nov, 2022

IR Iran defeat Wales to get back on track

Doha: Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian scored dramatic stoppage-time goals as the Islamic Republic of Iran breathed new life into their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign with a 2-0 win over 10-man Wales in Group B on Friday.

Following a goalless first half at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Iran twice struck the woodwork shortly after the restart before Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was dismissed in the 86th minute. Then, just as the game appeared to be ending in a stalemate, substitute Cheshmi and Rezaeian struck in the 8th and 11th minutes of added time to secure a crucial three points.

Iran will next take on the United States on Tuesday when a win would see them advance to the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

Qatar's hopes dashed by Senegal

Fri, 25 Nov, 2022

Qatar's hopes dashed by Senegal

Doha: Qatar exited the FIFA World Cup 2022 despite putting in an excellent performance in their 3-1 loss against Senegal at the Al Thumama Stadium on Friday.

Despite growing into the game after conceding twice, the Maroons failed to capitalise on their superiority - which produced a first-ever FIFA World Cup goal for them - and succumbed to their second loss in as many games.

Netherlands held by Ecuador

Sat, 26 Nov, 2022

Netherlands held by Ecuador

Doha: Cody Gakpo scored again at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 but the Netherlands missed the chance to secure a place in the last 16 on Friday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a battling Ecuador, a result which eliminated host nation Qatar.

Gakpo, the gangly PSV Eindhoven forward who has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United, put the Netherlands in front with a superb strike in the sixth minute at the Khalifa International Stadium.

Yet, with a large and vociferous support behind them, Ecuador fought back with such ferocity that the Dutch were rattled, and they deserved the equaliser when it came through Enner Valencia four minutes after half-time.

Preview - Group C: Poland v Saudi Arabia

Sat, 26 Nov, 2022

Preview - Group C: Poland v Saudi Arabia

Lusail: Salem Al Dawsari will captain Saudi Arabia in their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 clash with Poland on Saturday after head coach Herve Renard revealed Salman Al Faraj is unlikely to feature again during the Finals.

The Al Hilal midfielder was injured late in the first half of his side’s shock 2-1 win over Argentina in their Group C game at Lusail Stadium on Tuesday and will be one of two changes forced upon the French coach after the opening clash.
 
Yasser Al Shahrani has also been ruled out after returning to Riyadh in the hours following the Argentina game for surgery to both his pancreas and face as a result of a sickening clash with goalkeeper Mohammad Al Owais late in the first match.

Preview - Group D: Tunisia v Australia

Sat, 26 Nov, 2022

Preview - Group D: Tunisia v Australia

Al Wakrah: Head coach Graham Arnold told his Australia side "to muscle up" for what promises to be a physical FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 clash against Tunisia in front of a hostile crowd on Saturday.

Australia took a shock lead against holders France in their Group D opener in Qatar before being beaten 4-1 and have another tough test in a Tunisian side who held Denmark to a goalless draw.

Australia's FIFA World Cup campaign will be in grave danger if they don't win and it will be akin to an away match in Qatar with an estimated 30,000 Tunisian fans expected to back their side at Al Janoub Stadium.

Qatar 2022: MD1 in Numbers

Fri, 25 Nov, 2022

Qatar 2022: MD1 in Numbers

Doha: The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has got off to a pulsating start with the first round of group stage fixtures seeing former champions twice beaten by sides from Asia.

Saudi Arabia and Japan produced two of the most memorable results in Asian football history by defeating Argentina and Germany respectively, while Korea Republic picked up a credible draw against another team to have lifted the FIFA World Cup, Uruguay. 

After an exhilarating opening set of matches that also saw Australia, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Qatar take to the field, the-AFC.com highlights some of the numbers that caught the eye.

Fans at their inspiring best at Qatar 2022

Fri, 25 Nov, 2022

Fans at their inspiring best at Qatar 2022

Doha: Matchday One of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 concluded on Thursday with big wins, huge upsets and plenty of action.

As the world's best players took their first steps towards lifting the coveted trophy, fans from the 32 competing nations turned out in full force to cheer their sides on.