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.

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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.

Tchouameni emerges as new leader of France midfield

Tue, 13 Dec, 2022

Tchouameni emerges as new leader of France midfield

Al Khor: Aurelien Tchouameni might do most of his work in the shadows, but the France midfielder lit up the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with his brilliant opening goal in Saturday's quarter-final win over England.

The 22-year-old later gave away the first penalty of the game at Al Bayt Stadium which Harry Kane scored to equalise for England, yet France eventually ran out 2-1 winners and Tchouameni's role for the holders has been vital given the problems they faced coming into the tournament.

The outlook for head coach Didier Deschamps and his side appeared grim when they were struck by an avalanche of injuries, not least with their starting midfield duo of Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante both being ruled out.

Ounahi poised for bigger things after Qatar 2022 breakout

Tue, 13 Dec, 2022

Ounahi poised for bigger things after Qatar 2022 breakout

Al Khor: Azzedine Ounahi has been at the heart of Morocco's run to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi-finals, tirelessly stamping his authority on the midfield and emerging as one of the revelations of the tournament.

Yassine Bounou's penalty-saving heroics stole the headlines in the last 16, but it was Ounahi who caught the eye of Spain head coach Luis Enrique following his side's shootout loss to Morocco.

Varane: Les Bleus will not be complacent

Tue, 13 Dec, 2022

Varane: Les Bleus will not be complacent

Al Khor: France defender Raphael Varane has insisted that there will be no complacency from the FIFA World Cup holders when they take on surprise package Morocco in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

Having edged out England in the last eight, Les Bleus are strong favourites to return to the final even though Morocco have already eliminated Spain and Portugal in the knockout phase in Qatar.

Bounou takes long and winding road to Morocco stardom

Tue, 13 Dec, 2022

Bounou takes long and winding road to Morocco stardom

Doha: Yassine Bounou has learned to be patient in his career, but the Morocco goalkeeper with a show-stopping nickname is proving he more than belongs on the big stage at this FIFA World Cup.

An unused squad member at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Bounou - or "Bono" as the name on his shirt reads - has played a fundamental part in helping Morocco set a new benchmark for African football in Qatar 2022.

With 14 foreign-born players in the squad, it has been a case of unity in diversity for Morocco - there is no better example of that solidarity than a defence which has conceded just once in five matches here.

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.