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☆ Zelenskyy's risky 10-hour visit to Washington was in the works for months, and the secret journey was carefully coordinated with the US
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-22 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Zelenskyy's historic, risky 10-hour visit to Washington was months in the making. Pelosi held discussions on the trip with the top Ukrainian lawmaker as far back as October, AP reported. Along these lines, the White House did not announce Zelenskyy's visit until 1 am on Wednesday, though reports of the trip first emerged Tuesday. By coming to Washington, Zelenskyy was able to make a direct appeal to lawmakers and Americans for more help. December 22, 2022 — Update: This article was updated to state that Zelenskyy was accompanied by the US ambassador to Ukraine.

[1/2] U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy walk down the Colonnade to the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., December 21, 2022. The planning for Zelenskiy's speech began in October, according to a Pelosi aide, when she met with Ruslan Stefanchuk, chairman of Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada. Zelenskiy, Fried said, "didn’t go to Berlin, Brussels, London or Paris" for his first trip abroad since the start of the war. The optics of Zelenskiy receiving a hero's welcome as a defender of democracy carries a message far deeper than military aid. In a Senate speech he described Zelenskiy as "a leader who is fighting for his life, fighting for his country's survival and fighting to preserve the very idea of democracy."

☆ Factbox: How governments are trying to ease impact of inflation
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

* Ecuador's president decreed a 6% minimum wage hike for next year. * Hungary's government and private-sector employers have agreed on a 16% minimum wage increase for next year. * Poland will cap electricity prices for small businesses, hospitals and households in 2023, and raise the minimum wage twice. * Tunisia's government in September signed a deal with a major labour union to raise public-sector pay and the minimum wage. * Turkey in July raised the minimum wage by about 30%, adding to the 50% rise seen at the end of last year.

☆ Argentina beat France to win World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Jeremy Schultz | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Croatia beat Morocco 2-1 in the World Cup third-place playoff on Saturday to secure a top three finish in the tournament for the second consecutive edition.

☆ Croatia beats Morocco 2-1 to take 3rd place at World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

Luka Modric high-fived and embraced his Croatia teammates after what was likely the midfield great’s last appearance at the World Cup. Croatia ended up taking third place at the World Cup after a 2-1 win over Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday. We are leaving Qatar as winners.”The World Cup final between defending champion France and Argentina is scheduled for Sunday at Lusail Stadium. It is the second time Croatia has taken third place at the World Cup. “We had 0.01% of winning this World Cup at the outset and we managed to get through to the last four.

☆ Croatia's Modric wants to play Nations League, unsure about Euro 2024
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Dec 18 (Reuters) - Croatia midfielder Luka Modric said he intends to play for the Balkan nation until the Nations League finals in June next year but has yet to decide about his participation at the Euro 2024 tournament. I do not know if I will play until the Euros in Germany. I need to go step by step," Modric told beIN Sports. Now it is (to) go step by step and continue at least until Nations League and then we will see." "With this medal, we confirm that Croatia is playing an important role in world football.

☆ 'We love this team': Argentina street party erupts after World Cup win
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Nicolás Misculin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Bearing flags, hats and the country's iconic blue-and-white jerseys, Argentines took over Buenos Aires' downtown and other iconic spots within minutes after the win. "It was an incredible game, at times anguishing," said 46-year-old Diego Aburgeily, who cheered on the national side from the suburbs of Buenos Aires. The South American team, which lost the final of the tournament against Germany in 2014, had not won a World Cup since 1986. [1/5] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Final Qatar 2022 - Fans in Buenos Aires watch Argentina v France - Buenos Aires, Argentina - December 18, 2022 Argentina fans celebrate winning the World Cup REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian 1 2 3 4 5The final penalty kick from Argentina's Gonzalo Montiel caused the ball to sail neatly into the net. The final win cements Messi's status as a legend among Argentines, with Sunday's match expected to be his last appearance in a World Cup for his country.

☆ Stage set for clash of titans as Argentina take on France in World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

DOHA, Dec 17 (Reuters) - After 63 matches, the World Cup in Qatar comes to a close on Sunday when reigning champions France take on Argentina in a showpiece final at Lusail Stadium with both teams looking to add a third star to their crest. The last time these two teams met was at the 2018 World Cup where France beat Argentina 4-3 in the last 16, an encounter that was arguably the most entertaining match of the tournament in Russia. The final will also see a clash of generational stars when 35-year-old Messi, playing in his final World Cup match, faces his 23-year-old Paris St Germain team mate Kylian Mbappe. Both players have scored five goals at the World Cup and could potentially leave Qatar with three trophies as they also vie for the Golden Boot for the top scorer as well as the Golden Ball for the tournament's best player. Reporting by Rohith Nair in Doha Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Croatia beat Morocco 2-1 to finish third in World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Dave Lucas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

As the FIFA World Cup in Qatar edges towards the finale, here are some ecstatic and heart-breaking fan moments.

☆ Factbox: 10 memorable impressions from the Qatar World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

SAUDI ARABIA STUN ARGENTINAArgentina were cruising in their opening Group C game after Lionel Messi scored a first-half penalty. RONALDO EXITS FINAL WORLD CUP IN TEARSPortugal's talisman became the first male player to score in five World Cups with a penalty against Ghana. FIRST FEMALE REFEREE AT A MEN'S WORLD CUPFrenchwoman Stephanie Frappart was handed control of Germany's final Group E clash against Costa Rica, becoming the first female referee to officiate at a men's World Cup. Costa Rica coach Luis Fernando Suarez described it as a big step forward in 'sexist sport' and the 39-year-old Frappart produced a calm and assured display in Germany's victory. Germany needed a win over Costa Rica and for Spain to beat Japan to go through as runners-up, and at halftime that was exactly what was happening.

☆ REVIEW Soccer-Whatever the ending, Qatar World Cup duly delivered
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Both scenarios would be an appropriate final act to the first World Cup staged in an Arab country. But for a month the so-called beautiful game did, in the words of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, spread some joy. The marquee names of Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo delivered storylines. In five second-half minutes Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari wrote themselves into Saudi sporting folklore by scoring the goals to overturn a Messi penalty and seal the biggest statistical shock in World Cup history. Messi, channelling his inner-Maradona, inspired Argentina to beat Croatia and few would begrudge the diminutive number 10's record-breaking 26th World Cup appearance ending with him holding aloft the gleaming trophy.

☆ Croatia proud of World Cup third place, expect bright future
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Dec 17, 2022; Doha, Qatar; Croatia midfielder Luka Modric (10) and family pose for a photo after winning the third place match against Morocco during the 2022 World Cup at Khalifa International Stadium. Croatia, runners-up in 2018, prevailed with goals by Josko Gvardiol and Mislav Orsic to end their World Cup on a high as Luka Modric possibly bid farewell to the soccer extravaganza. "Yes this is the last World Cup for some of my players today due to their age. Dalic, however, is still counting on his old guard for the Nations League and the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Croatia qualified for the Nations League final four to be played in June with Italy, Spain and the Netherlands.

☆ Croatia edge Morocco 2-1 to clinch third spot at World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Despite defeat, Morocco also leave with heads aloft after becoming the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final. We won a tough game," said Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic, who also led the nation of four million people to runners-up in Russia four years ago. But the African side lacked the killer instinct in front of goal, the final pass or touch always found wanting. By the 67th minute, Morocco had made all five of their substitutions. We're still happy, we're among the four best teams in the world," Regragui said.

☆ Proud Morocco want to build African legacy after World Cup run, says Regragui
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"We wanted to bring joy to our fans but we're still happy, we're among the four best teams in the world," Regragui told reporters. "We probably will only realise what we accomplished in Qatar after four years, in the next World Cup. Regragui said he hoped their performance in Qatar would leave a lasting legacy for African football. "We have now allowed children to dream, dream of being footballers and going to the World Cup. "I'm sure that in 15 years an African team will win the World Cup."

☆ Orisic gives Croatia halftime lead against Morocco
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

DOHA, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Mislav Orsic curled in a brilliant goal in the 42nd minute to give Croatia 2-1 lead over Morocco at halftime in an open and entertaining World Cup third-place play-off on Saturday. Croatia went ahead after seven minutes with a clever free kick routine as Ivan Perisic peeled away then headed the ball back across goal for the masked Josko Gvardiol to meet it with a diving header from 13 yards out. The lead lasted less than two minutes as a Moroccan free kick looped up off the head of Lovro Majer and Achraf Dari bravely followed it to head in from close range. Both teams created some good chances before Orsic struck with a brilliant shot over and beyond goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and in off the post to restore Croatia's lead. Reporting by Mitch Phillips; Editing by Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Stopping the stars won't be enough to win World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

DOHA, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Despite the high profile performances of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in Qatar, Argentina and France can create danger all over the pitch, so stopping the superstars is only one battle in Sunday's World Cup final war. England were quick to double-team Mbappe whenever he picked up the ball and Argentina, probably through Nahuel Molina and Rodrigo De Paul, will try to do the same. Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot have both been excellent in Doha, with the latter expected to return after missing the semi-final through illness. As hundreds of opponents before them can attest, there is no real way to plan to keep him quiet. In general, the two attacks look stronger than the two defences, which, for the neutral at least, is always a good thing in a World Cup final.

☆ Croatia beats Morocco 2-1 to take 3rd place at the World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Croatia's Luka Modric, front, kicks the ball during the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between Croatia and Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Luka Modric led Croatia to third place in what was likely the midfield great's last appearance at the World Cup. The runners-up from four years ago secured another medal by beating Morocco 2-1 in the third-place match on Saturday. After becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals, Morocco's tournament ended in two losses. The World Cup final between defending champion France and Argentina is scheduled for Sunday at Lusail Stadium.

☆ Magical Messi saves his best for last in Qatar
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Andrew Cawthorne | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Dec 16 (Reuters) - As if he had not made enough fairy-tales, Argentina's little genius Lionel Messi has saved the potentially most magical script for his last World Cup - with one line left to write. After scoring a penalty to send Argentine fans into delirium, the usually impeccably-behaved Messi ran towards the Dutch bench cupping his ears in a provocative gesture. Though some pundits criticized him for disrespect, Argentine fans were largely delighted at the Maradona-like flashes of defiance from the introverted Messi. All that is missing in the Messi story is a World Cup. Carry it in your heart because that is more important than a World Cup and you've already won that, thanks Captain."

☆ Messi's 'Maradona moment' faces formidable French final hurdle
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

They really found their rhythm against Croatia, sweeping aside a team who had just knocked out Brazil, to march into the final on high. France looked the best side in the tournament in their first two group games and recovered from the Tunisia blip to turn on the style in beating Poland 3-1. The final will mark his 26th World Cup appearance, more than any other player, as the stars are seemingly aligning for the mini-maestro. Having lost to Germany in the 2014 final, Argentina are seeking a third triumph to follow 1978 and '86 but France are the team of the moment. Reporting by Mitch Phillips, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Key match-ups in World Cup final between Argentina and France
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/3] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Semi Final - Argentina v Croatia - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 13, 2022 Argentina's Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring their second goal with Lionel Messi and Nahuel Molina REUTERS/Carl RecineDOHA, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Argentina and France meet in Sunday's World Cup final at Lusail Stadium. Here are three of the key match-ups that are likely to have a strong bearing on the result:Kylian Mbappe v Nahuel MolinaMbappe is a candidate for the World Cup's player of the tournament, having led France to their second consecutive final. The jet-heeled 23-year-old forward has scored five times in six games, surpassing his tally from the 2018 tournament, and has now scored nine World Cup goals in 13 appearances across the two editions. Molina arrived at the World Cup having faced criticism after struggling in his first season with Atletico Madrid, but he has been solid during the tournament and started every match. Lionel Messi v Aurelien TchouameniOne of the most anticipated match-ups will be Argentina great Messi against France's rising star holding-midfielder Tchouameni.

☆ France's Deschamps on cusp of World Cup history but happy to shun limelight
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Of course, I'm proud and we all know there's a chance now to defend our title in the final," Deschamps said. Having captained France's 'golden generation' that won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship, the 54-year-old has now nurtured another golden generation over the past decade. "He's just an amazing manager and he's so humble... For me he's the greatest French manager by miles!" ADAPTABILITYWhat has made Deschamps successful in tournaments, especially at the World Cup since 2018, is not sticking to a particular identity or philosophy which is often the defining feature of big teams. "Didier Deschamps has shown he's the best head coach in the world in the last 10 years."

☆ Morocco playing seven games at one World Cup is priceless, says Regragui
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"But I told my players this is our seventh World Cup game. If you told any Morocco fan we would be playing our seventh game on Dec. 17, they would be proud. "Morocco played six World Cup games in 20-odd years and now we've played six games in a month - this is priceless. After the first game (where Morocco and Croatia drew 0-0 in the group stage) we knew the performance was very good," Regragui said. "I don't know if it's Modric's last game, he's a competitive warrior and will want to finish his World Cup in style.

☆ Scaloni heads into final as the coach who made Messi and Argentina smile again
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"He can't even direct traffic, how come he will direct the national team. They have since created a bond that has allowed a rejuvenated Messi to enjoy his best years with the national team. It was that which arguably gave them the foundation to regroup after their shock loss to Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener. Representing my country is an emotional thing," Scaloni told reporters after Argentina swept past Croatia 3-0 in their World Cup semi-final. Thanks to Scaloni's acumen, Argentina are on the brink of glory - and while Messi will claim the attention, his coach deserves his share of the plaudits.

Dec 16 (Reuters) - Argentina look set to keep Julian Alvarez in attack for Sunday's World Cup final against France after he scored twice in a devastating combination with Lionel Messi in the semi-final. He scored his first goal for the national side in the World Cup quarter-final against the Dutch, which Argentina won on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Leandro ParedesA defensive midfielder with Juventus, 28-year-old Paredes has featured in four of Argentina's World Cup games - infamously booting the ball at the Netherlands' bench in the quarter-final. Rodrigo De PaulThe tough 28-year-old Atletico de Madrid midfielder has been a stalwart in Scaloni's World Cup starting lineup, even playing through injury against the Dutch. The 35-year-old Paris St Germain forward is on a mission to lift his first World Cup at his fifth and final attempt and has been simply magnificent, scoring five goals while creating others with his dribbling and passing wizardry.

Fox and Peacock will broadcast the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final live on December 18 at 10 a.m. How to watch the 2022 World Cup FinalYou can watch the 2022 World Cup Final on Fox at 10 a.m. 2022 World Cup Final time and scheduleMatch Date and Time Channel Third-place game, Croatia vs. Morocco December 17, 10 a.m. ET Fox, Peacock World Cup Final, Argentina vs. France December 18, 10 a.m. The 2022 World Cup Final will be played at Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail, Qatar.

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