Triumphs count for nothing after exit - Doan

Tue, 06 Dec, 2022

Triumphs count for nothing after exit - Doan

Al Wakrah: Forward Ritsu Doan said Japan's historic FIFA World Cup wins over Germany and Spain counted for nothing after the Blue Samurai were eliminated by Croatia in the last 16 on Monday.

Japan missed out on a first-ever place in the quarter-finals after a 3-1 penalty shootout defeat to the Croatians, following a gruelling encounter that finished 1-1 after extra-time.

Japan beat both Germany and Spain in the goup stage in Qatar but Doan took no consolation from his team's achievements.

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Moriyasu urges Japan players to rise from disappointment

Tue, 06 Dec, 2022

Moriyasu urges Japan players to rise from disappointment

Al Wakrah: Hajime Moriyasu called on Japan’s players to use their disappointment at exiting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in a penalty shootout against Croatia on Monday to fuel their future improvement as the Samurai Blue once again missed out on the quarter-finals.

Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved spot-kicks from Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma and Maya Yoshida to ensure Zlatko Dalic’s side notched up a 3-1 shootout win after the teams had endured 120 minutes at Al Janoub Stadium and were locked in a 1-1 draw.
 
Japan’s exit is the fourth time the nation has missed out on a place in the last eight after losing to Turkey in 2002, Paraguay in 2010 and Belgium in Russia four years ago, when they lost out to the Europeans deep into injury time.

Bento steps down as Korea Republic head coach

Tue, 06 Dec, 2022

Bento steps down as Korea Republic head coach

Doha: Paulo Bento announced he would not be staying on as head coach of Korea Republic after they were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Brazil on Monday.

"Now I need to think about the future, but I will not be with the Korea team. I am going to rest and then see," the 53-year-old former Portugal coach said after the loss in the last 16.

Brazil dedicate victory to ailing Pele

Tue, 06 Dec, 2022

Brazil dedicate victory to ailing Pele

Doha: Brazil's players paid tribute to legend Pele, who is receiving hospital treatment in Sao Paulo due to his ailing health, after sauntering to a 4-1 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 victory over Korea Republic.

Following Monday's last-16 match at Stadium 974 in Doha, the players unfurled a huge banner to the 82-year-old, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.

First-half goals from Vinicius Junior, Neymar, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta saw Brazil put the game to bed long before Paik Seung-ho's stunning consolation in the second period.

Croatia can't win 'without drama', says Modric

Tue, 06 Dec, 2022

Croatia can't win 'without drama', says Modric

Al Wakrah: Croatia captain Luka Modric said his team "can't do it without a drama" after they reached the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-finals following a penalty shootout win against Japan on Monday.

Mario Pasalic struck the winning spot-kick after Dominik Livakovic saved three penalties.

Earlier, Ivan Perisic had pulled Croatia level in the 55th minute of normal time following Daizen Maeda's opener for Japan just before the break.

But no side could find a winner either in 90 minutes or in extra-time as it finished 1-1.

England won't fear France, says Saka

Tue, 06 Dec, 2022

England won't fear France, says Saka

Doha: Bukayo Saka said England have no reason to feel inferior to France as they prepare to face the FIFA World Cup holders in a blockbuster quarter-final.

Fuelled by the brilliance of Kylian Mbappe, France have powered through to the last eight in formidable fashion as they look to retain the trophy.

Winning the title is my obsession says Mbappe

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

Winning the title is my obsession says Mbappe

Doha: Kylian Mbappe said on Sunday he dreamed of winning the FIFA World Cup for a second time after his brace helped France to a 3-1 win over Poland  which advanced the holders to the quarter-finals in Qatar 2022.

"Of course, this World Cup is an obsession for me, it's the competition of my dreams," said the 23-year-old who burst onto the global stage by starring when France won the title in Russia four years ago."

Morocco to 'come out swinging' against Spain

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

Morocco to 'come out swinging' against Spain

Doha: Morocco coach Walid Regragui has urged his team to believe they can defeat powerhouse Spain as they attempt to reach a first FIFA World Cup quarter-final.

The north African side are in the last 16 for only the second time after advancing as winners of Group F ahead of 2018 runners-up Croatia, having defeated Belgium and Canada in Qatar.

Rodri confident Spain have learnt their lesson

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

Rodri confident Spain have learnt their lesson

Doha: Spain's Rodri says his country have been warned about suffering another "collapse" when they face Morocco in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 last 16 on Tuesday.

La Roja fell to a shock 2-1 defeat by Japan on Thursday and finished second in Group E as a result, with the Samurai Blue netting two goals in a dramatic period at the start of the second half.

Portugal's Carvalho aiming not to be next shock victims

Mon, 05 Dec, 2022

Portugal's Carvalho aiming not to be next shock victims

Doha: Portugal midfielder William Carvalho is determined to help his team avoid becoming the victims of another FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 shock against Switzerland in the last 16 on Tuesday.

After Saudi Arabia beat Argentina and Japan won against both Germany and Spain, among other surprise results, the more fancied sides are wary of slipping up.

Australia came close to taking Argentina to extra-time on Saturday and Carvalho is staying cautious ahead of Portugal's match.