Preview - Group E: Japan v Spain

Fri, 02 Dec, 2022

Preview - Group E: Japan v Spain

Doha: Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda will be looking to push aside the disappointment of the Samurai Blue’s surprise loss against Costa Rica to secure a place in the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with victory over Spain when the nations meet on Thursday.

The Japanese have three points from their opening two games after claiming an impressive 2-1 win over Germany only to slip to the 1-0 loss against Costa Rica when victory would have sealed them a spot in the Round of 16.
 
Defeat against the Costa Ricans was greeted with despair among Japanese fans and the fate of Hajime Moriyasu’s team now hangs in the balance going into the game at Khalifa International Stadium.

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Japan dangerman Kamada struggling to find form

Wed, 30 Nov, 2022

Japan dangerman Kamada struggling to find form

Doha: Daichi Kamada was expected to be Japan's star man at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 but the forward has flopped so far and he faces a huge test against Spain on Thursday.

Kamada has made a big impact since joining German side Eintracht Frankfurt, winning the Europa League last season and scoring 12 goals in all competitions so far this term.

The 26-year-old has found success at his first FIFA World Cup harder to come by, despite playing in Japan's stunning 2-1 opening win over Germany.

Spain won't count chickens, must beat Japan: Luis Enrique

Wed, 30 Nov, 2022

Spain won't count chickens, must beat Japan: Luis Enrique

Doha: Luis Enrique said Spain will not count their chickens before they are hatched when they face Japan on Thursday, aiming to win and qualify for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 knockout phase.

La Roja are top of Group E on four points and are guaranteed to progress with a draw, but are aiming for all three points at the Khalifa International Stadium.

'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.