Argentina end Australia's quarter-final dream

Sun, 04 Dec, 2022

Argentina end Australia's quarter-final dream

Al Rayyan: Australia showed all their customary grit and determination before crashing out of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on Saturday as goals from Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez sent Argentina on their way to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over the Socceroos at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

The Australians, appearing in the last 16 for the first time since 2006, roused themselves when Enzo Fernandez deflected Craig Goodwin’s strike past Emiliano Martinez, but the South Americans held on to set up a meeting with the Netherlands on Friday at Lusail Stadium.
 
The defeat brings to an end a remarkable run for Graham Arnold and his team, who had been written off by many prior to their departure for Qatar having booked their spot at the finals via the playoffs.

Back-to-back wins over Tunisia and Denmark after an opening day defeat at the hands of defending champions France saw Australia progress to the knockout rounds against the odds but the Copa America holders proved a challenge too far.

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Son finally sheds tears of happiness

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

Son finally sheds tears of happiness

Al Khor: Son Heung-min said he cried "tears of happiness" after Korea Republic scored a last-gasp winner to beat Portugal 2-1 and reach the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 last 16 on Friday.

The Koreans appeared to be heading out of the tournament for much of the game but Hwang Hee-chan's 91st-minute winner lifted them to second in Group H, behind Portugal.

They faced a nervous wait on the pitch for Uruguay's match against Ghana to finish. The South Americans won 2-0 but were unable to find the one extra goal they needed, going out on goals scored.

Mature tactics help Japan's progress

Fri, 02 Dec, 2022

Mature tactics help Japan's progress

Doha: Japan were labelled naive when they exited the FIFA World Cup four years ago against Belgium. Now their canny tactics have upset Germany and Spain and taken them to the last 16 of Qatar 2022. 

The Blue Samurai will face Croatia on Monday after topping Group E with two stunning comeback wins over the European heavyweights.

Japan looked dead and buried when they fell behind in both games but head coach Hajime Moriyasu helped turn the tide with his substitutions and tactical changes.

Round of 16: 5 things to look out for

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

Round of 16: 5 things to look out for

Doha: After the group stage of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 produced incredible drama for Asia’s six representatives, the Round of 16 is already upon us as a record three of the continent’s sides continue their quest for glory.

Narrow wins over Tunisia and Denmark have seen Australia qualify for the knockout rounds for the second time, while Japan produced two of the biggest upsets in recent FIFA World Cup memory by defeating Germany and Spain to seal a fourth appearance in the last 16 and Korea Republic left it late to down Portugal and join the pair.

Ahead of the Socceroos’ match with Argentina, the Samurai Blue’s clash against Croatia and the Taeguk Warriors' date with Brazil, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for.

Qatar 2022 - Round of 16 set to be thrilling affair

Sat, 03 Dec, 2022

Qatar 2022 - Round of 16 set to be thrilling affair

Doha: The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 promises to be a sizzling affair following the conclusion of the Group Stage on Friday.

Asia will be represented by Australia, Korea Republic and Japan - a historic first - while France stayed on course to become the first team since Brazil to win back-to-back titles. 

Other former champions to advance to the knockout stage were Argentina, England and Spain while Germany and Uruguay were casualties.

The Round of 16 ties kick off on Saturday so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the eight matches coming up.

Netherlands first to go through with win over USA

Sun, 04 Dec, 2022

Netherlands first to go through with win over USA

Doha: Netherlands defeated USA 3-1 to become the first team to book their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final ticket on Saturday.

First-half goals from Memphis Depay and Daley Blind and a late strike from Denzel Dumfries sealed a deserved victory as the Dutch handed out a painful lesson in finishing to their American opponents.

The Netherlands, bidding to win their first FIFA World Cup after losing in three previous finals, will face Argentina - who defeated Australia 2-1 later on Saturday - in the last eight.