Heartbreak as Japan fall to Croatia

Tue, 06 Dec, 2022

Heartbreak as Japan fall to Croatia

Al Wakrah: Japan’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign ended in heartbreak on Monday as Hajime Moriyasu’s side lost their Round of 16 clash with Croatia 3-1 in a penalty shootout at the Al Janoub Stadium, with Mario Pasalic hitting the winning spot-kick to send the Samurai Blue home.

The Japanese quest for a quarter-final berth will go on for another four years after Takumi Minamino and Kaoru Mitoma missed the first two spot-kicks and Maya Yoshida also saw his penalty saved after the game had ended in a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes.

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Morocco to 'come out swinging' against Spain

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

Morocco to 'come out swinging' against Spain

Doha: Morocco coach Walid Regragui has urged his team to believe they can defeat powerhouse Spain as they attempt to reach a first FIFA World Cup quarter-final.

The north African side are in the last 16 for only the second time after advancing as winners of Group F ahead of 2018 runners-up Croatia, having defeated Belgium and Canada in Qatar.

Kane: Mature England ready for France battle

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

Kane: Mature England ready for France battle

Al Khor: Harry Kane hailed England's serene progress to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-finals after scoring his first goal of the tournament in a 3-0 win over Senegal in the last 16.

The Three Lions have now won a knockout game in three consecutive major tournaments for the first time to set up a mouthwatering clash against reigning champions France in the last eight on Saturday.

Winning the title is my obsession says Mbappe

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

Winning the title is my obsession says Mbappe

Doha: Kylian Mbappe said on Sunday he dreamed of winning the FIFA World Cup for a second time after his brace helped France to a 3-1 win over Poland  which advanced the holders to the quarter-finals in Qatar 2022.

"Of course, this World Cup is an obsession for me, it's the competition of my dreams," said the 23-year-old who burst onto the global stage by starring when France won the title in Russia four years ago."

Portugal's Carvalho aiming not to be next shock victims

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

Portugal's Carvalho aiming not to be next shock victims

Doha: Portugal midfielder William Carvalho is determined to help his team avoid becoming the victims of another FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 shock against Switzerland in the last 16 on Tuesday.

After Saudi Arabia beat Argentina and Japan won against both Germany and Spain, among other surprise results, the more fancied sides are wary of slipping up.

Australia came close to taking Argentina to extra-time on Saturday and Carvalho is staying cautious ahead of Portugal's match.

Rodri confident Spain have learnt their lesson

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

Rodri confident Spain have learnt their lesson

Doha: Spain's Rodri says his country have been warned about suffering another "collapse" when they face Morocco in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 last 16 on Tuesday.

La Roja fell to a shock 2-1 defeat by Japan on Thursday and finished second in Group E as a result, with the Samurai Blue netting two goals in a dramatic period at the start of the second half.

England turn on the power against Senegal to advance

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

England turn on the power against Senegal to advance

Al Khor: England set up a titanic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final against holders France as Jude Bellingham's masterclass inspired a 3-0 win against Senegal in the last 16 on Sunday.

Gareth Southgate's side survived a nervous start at the Al Bayt Stadium before Jordan Henderson and Harry Kane put Senegal to the sword with a pair of clinical finishes before half-time.

Bukayo Saka scored England's third, but it was Bellingham's prodigious work-rate and burgeoning quality in possession that allowed them to turn the tide.