Preview - Semi-final: Argentina v Croatia

Wed, 14 Dec, 2022

Preview - Semi-final: Argentina v Croatia

Lusail: Doha: Lionel Messi and Argentina's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 dream remains alive but an indefatigable Croatia side inspired by the enduring brilliance of Luka Modric stands in their way in Tuesday's semi-final in Lusail.

Argentina have recovered from the shock of losing their opening game in Qatar to Saudi Arabia and made the last four with an exhausting win on penalties against the Netherlands at the end of a fractious quarter-final on Friday.

Having been 2-0 up and cruising after 83 minutes, with Messi setting up one goal in sublime fashion and netting a penalty, they conceded twice late on and had to survive extra time before triumphing 4-3 in a shoot-out.

Preview - Semi-final: France v Morocco

Thu, 15 Dec, 2022

Preview - Semi-final: France v Morocco

Al Khor: Defending world champions and title favourites France face African history-makers Morocco on Wednesday in what is sure to be a high-octane FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi-final at the Al Bayt stadium.

France, who defeated England on Saturday, are looking to become the first team in 60 years to retain the trophy but they can expect fierce resistance from the surprise package of the tournament.

Morocco's giant-killing run to the last four, the first time an African nation has made it this far, has electrified fans at home and delighted the Moroccan diaspora in Europe and beyond.

Semi-finals: 5 things to look out for

Tue, 13 Dec, 2022

Semi-finals: 5 things to look out for

Doha: Just four teams remain in the race to be crowned the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 champions as holders France, Argentina, Croatia and Morocco get set for their semi-final matches on Tuesday and Wednesday.

France are aiming to become the first side to defend the title since Brazil in 1962, while Argentina are looking to lift the FIFA World Cup for a third time, Croatia are seeking to reach back-to-back finals and Morocco are on a mission to continue to re-write history for African football. 

Ahead of the two semi-finals, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for.

Argentina revel in 'home' support at Qatar 2022

Mon, 12 Dec, 2022

Argentina revel in 'home' support at Qatar 2022

Doha: Lionel Messi and Argentina's bid for a third FIFA World Cup crown is being boosted by hordes of travelling fans that have transformed each of their matches in Qatar into virtual home games.

Argentine football venues are renowned for their seething intensity - iconic Buenos Aires cauldrons such as the Bombonera or Monumental tremble with passionate ferocity.

Those kinds of scenes have been recreated regularly at Doha's Lusail Stadium, where tens of thousands of Argentine fans have created a raucous wall of blue-and-white-shirted sound.

Croatia's mental strength has deep roots - hero Petkovic

Mon, 12 Dec, 2022

Croatia's mental strength has deep roots - hero Petkovic

Doha: Croatia striker Bruno Petkovic says the team's mental strength that has propelled them to two penalty shoot-out wins at the FIFA World Cup has deep roots in the country's struggle for independence.

Petkovic scored a late equaliser to cancel out Neymar's opener for Brazil in the quarter-finals, before Zlatko Dalic's team held their nerve to win on spot-kicks. They also beat Japan on penalties in the previous round.

It is a familiar pattern for Dalic's men, who four years ago reached the final via three extra-time wins in the knockout stage, two of them after shoot-outs.

Qatar 2022: Quarter-finals in Numbers

Mon, 12 Dec, 2022

Qatar 2022: Quarter-finals in Numbers

Doha: After four dramatic quarter-final match-ups, the semi-finalists at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 have been confirmed as defending champions France, Argentina, Croatia and Morocco continue their quests to claim football’s most prestigious prize. 

History for the African continent, Messi magic and penalty shootouts are among the talking points as we highlight some of the stats and facts that stood out in the last-eight fixtures.