Maradona would be 'super happy', says Messi

Thu, 01 Dec, 2022

Maradona would be 'super happy', says Messi

Doha: Lionel Messi believes Diego Maradona would be "super happy" after he led Argentina into the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 last 16 on Wednesday thanks to a 2-0 win over Poland.

Messi became his country's most capped player at the tournament with a 22nd appearance surpassing his legendary compatriot who died just over two years ago.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2936001.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2935994.html

Degenek on mission to stop Messi

Thu, 01 Dec, 2022

Degenek on mission to stop Messi

Doha: Australia will put their bodies on the line to stop Lionel Messi and spring a surprise against Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 last 16, tough-tackling Milos Degenek warned on Thursday.

The defender, who made his FIFA World Cup debut in Australia's 1-0 group win over Denmark on Wednesday, said Messi is his hero but all sentiments will be thrown aside when they meet on Saturday.

'Home ground' experience took Australia through, says Arnold

Thu, 01 Dec, 2022

'Home ground' experience took Australia through, says Arnold

Doha: Graham Arnold credited Australia’s extensive experience of the Qatari conditions for his side’s 1-0 victory over Denmark on Wednesday that moved the Socceroos into the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Mathew Leckie’s solo effort with an hour on the clock was the difference between the teams and the win sealed the runners-up berth in Group D for the Australians, taking the team through to the next phase for the first time since 2006 with two-time champions Argentina awaiting.
 
The win was Australia’s latest in Qatar after playing in the country during the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar™ before securing their place at the Finals in a pair of playoffs against the United Arab Emirates and Peru that were hosted in Doha in June.

Renard admits Mexico deserved victory as Saudi Arabia make exit

Thu, 01 Dec, 2022

Renard admits Mexico deserved victory as Saudi Arabia make exit

Lusail: Herve Renard admitted the better team won as Saudi Arabia exited the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 after a 2-1 defeat to Mexico on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia went into their final Group C tie at the Lusail Stadium knowing a win would take them into the knockout stage but found Mexico too hot to handle as they ended their campaign with three points.

'Injustice' fires up 'sorry' Son and Korea Republic

Wed, 30 Nov, 2022

'Injustice' fires up 'sorry' Son and Korea Republic

Doha: A "united" Korea Republic will be fired up by a burning sense of injustice when they face Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal on Friday as they fight to keep their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign alive.

Head coach Paulo Bento and his players were left fuming at the conclusion of Monday's 3-2 defeat to Ghana after English referee Anthony Taylor blew the final whistle before they could take a corner.

The defeat, having stormed back from 2-0 down before Mohammed Kudus's 68th-minute winner for Ghana, left Son Heung-min's side on the brink of elimination ahead of their final Group H game against Portugal.

Queiroz only has praise for heartbroken IR Iran players

Wed, 30 Nov, 2022

Queiroz only has praise for heartbroken IR Iran players

Doha: Carlos Queiroz paid tribute to his players’ efforts to pull themselves back into their clash with the United States at Al Thumama Stadium on Tuesday as the Islamic Republic of Iran crashed out of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic scored the only goal of the game eight minutes before the end of the first half to take Greg Berhalter’s side into the Round of 16 as runners-up in Group B behind England with the Iranians having to settle for a third place finish.

Sanchez positive despite Qatar's early exit

Wed, 30 Nov, 2022

Sanchez positive despite Qatar's early exit

Al Khor: Qatar's debut FIFA World Cup campaign may have ended with three defeats but head coach Felix Sanchez was far from despondent.

The 2022 hosts' were denied a winning finish, falling 2-0 to Netherlands in their final Group A match on Tuesday.

The defeat followed losses to Ecuador (2-0) and Senegal (3-1) but Sanchez said there were only positives from their inaugural participation in the global showpiece.