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☆ Morocco Stuns Spain in Penalty Shootout to Advance to World Cup Quarterfinals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Andrew Beaton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar—For a young Spanish team reeling from a shocking loss to Japan at the end of a group stage, Morocco provided a nasty test in the Round of 16. The Moroccans dominated qualifying in Africa, emerged first from a group here that included 2018 semifinalists Belgium and Croatia, and brought a sea of fans in red with green stars. Education City Stadium, inside a development that houses satellite campuses for international universities, sounded like it was smack dab in the middle of Casablanca.

☆ Morocco knock Spain out of World Cup on penalties
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Round of 16 - Morocco v Spain - Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - December 6, 2022 Morocco's Achraf Hakimi celebrates after scoring the winning penalty during the penalty shootout as Morocco progress to the quarter finals REUTERS/Matthew ChildsAL RAYYAN, Qatar, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Morocco dumped Spain out of the World Cup in a last-16 penalty shootout on Tuesday with Spanish-born Achraf Hakimi scoring the decisive spot-kick after Spain squandered all three of their attempts, following a 0-0 draw over 120 minutes. Hakimi, a product of the Real Madrid youth system, calmly slotted his penalty past Unai Simon in Spain's goal to seal Morocco's 3-0 win in the shootout. During the 90 minutes plus extra time, Spain dominated possession but failed to create many clear chances against Morocco’s stubborn defence. Morocco advanced to a quarter-final clash with either Portugal or Switzerland who meet later on Tuesday. Reporting by William Schomberg, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Morocco and Spain scoreless at halftime
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/3] Dec 6, 2022; Ar Rayyan, QATAR; Spain forward Marco Asensio (10) reacts after a missed scoring chance against Morocco during the first half in the round of sixteen match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY SportsAL RAYYAN, Qatar, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Morocco and Spain were deadlocked at 0-0 at halftime in their World Cup last-16 clash on Tuesday as both sides struggled to create clearcut scoring chances. Spain enjoyed plenty of possession at a raucous Education City Stadium with Morocco content to sit back and absorb the pressure, waiting for their chance to counter-attack. Morocco's best opportunity came near the end of the half when Nayef Aguerd headed over the bar from close range. Reporting by Steve Keating in Al Rayyan, Editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Analysis: Soccer-Morocco success hands Arab world its first World Cup quarter-finalist
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

In doing so, they became the first Arab nation to advance to the last eight, ensuring a breakthrough for the region in the first global tournament in the Middle East, and also became the fourth African side to go this far in World Cup history. The ear-shattering cacophonic combination of singing, drumming, jeering and whistling from Morocco’s supporters has created an atmosphere like no other in Qatar’s stadiums. They were again the vast majority in the capacity 44,667 crowd at the Education City Stadium, completely drowning out the Spain fans. But most of them shuffled from one side to another, rarely producing the penetrative pass Spain were looking for. They will however be mightily concerned to have lost centre back Nayef Aguerd, who limped off in tears in the second half, having just made the World Cup after ankle surgery kept him out for most of the season at his new English club West Ham United.

☆ Brave Morocco advance as Spain flop in shootout
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved spot-kicks from Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets after Pablo Sarabia had hit the post and Spanish-born Hakimi held his nerve to earn his team a quarter-final against either Portugal or Switzerland. Morocco became only the fourth African nation to reach the last eight of the tournament, 12 years after Ghana did so in South Africa. After a scrappy match finished deadlocked at 0-0 after extra time with few shots on target, Morocco fed off the raucous support of their red-clad supporters in the shootout as Spain crumbled. Spain enjoyed more than 75% of possession and completed almost 800 passes but Morocco caused problems for them on the counter-attack and goalkeeper Unai Simon made some good saves. It was the fourth time Spain have been knocked out of the World Cup on penalties and the second in a row.

☆ U.S. Soccer Believes That It Will Win—in 2026. There’s Work to Do.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Joshua Robinson | Andrew Beaton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar—An hour after the U.S. men’s national team had been eliminated from the World Cup, a handful of players were still strolling around the field at Khalifa International Stadium. They walked around, barefoot on the grass, soaking in their final moments on soccer’s biggest stage before they began the four-year wait for another shot. U.S. captain Tyler Adams lingered for as long as he could before the grounds crew ushered him off. The Americans had lost 3-1 to a technically superior Netherlands side, but Adams was convinced that his team shouldn’t have been the one going home.

☆ Morocco's Hakimi up against country of his birth at World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DOHA, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Achraf Hakimi was born in Madrid but will have little hesitation plotting the downfall of Spain when he and his Moroccan teammates take on the 2010 World Cup winners on Tuesday. The flying wingback is one of the key players in the north African outfit whose last-16 match in the Qatar World Cup against Spain, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, gives them a chance to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time. Hakimi could even have been on the opposite side, as he was called up when still a teenager for Spain's junior team. Hakimi was in the side that almost beat them in Kaliningrad in 2018, giving up an injury time equaliser in a 2-2 draw at the last World Cup in Russia. WINNING MENTALITY"Spain are a top five team and always come to the World Cup to win.

☆ Ronaldo in sharp focus ahead of Portugal match against Switzerland
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Karolos Grohmann | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Speculation regarding the future of Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and his outburst following his substitution against South Korea were in sharp focus on Monday ahead of their World Cup last-16 game against Switzerland. "I have not spoken to him about this," Santos told a news conference ahead of Tuesday's game against the Swiss. For Santos, what is important is Portugal reaching the last eight for the first time since 2006. Portugal always have the obligation to win," said Santos, who has been in charge since 2014. After each game, if you win the game you are closer to being a favourite," he added.

☆ U.S. Soccer Believes That It Will Win—In 2026. There’s Work to Do.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Joshua Robinson | Andrew Beaton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

☆ Argentina Advances to World Cup Quarterfinals with 2-1 Win Over Australia
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Jonathan Clegg | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar—The knockout round of the World Cup is home to some of the most dramatic and unpredictable moments in all of sports. But it isn’t the place to come looking for upsets. The group stage can be relied upon to deliver shockers and surprises—and this tournament has given us its fair share, including Saudi Arabia’s historic defeat of Argentina and Japan’s stunner against Germany. But when the knockout stage rolls around, it’s time for Cinderella to go home.

☆ World Cup winners will be team with best wide players, Wenger says
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Martin Petty | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"The teams block the centre of the pitch, so they open more on the flanks... it means the best teams who have the best wide players have the best chance to win the World Cup," Wenger said in a presentation in Qatar on Sunday. That defensive pattern also led to a 33% reduction since the 2018 World Cup in Russia in the number of "take-ons", or players in possession of the ball running at defenders and beating them, while many were being forced out wide. "This means the technical level of a goalkeeper distributing with has feet has become a vital element of quality of a team," Wenger said. "He is becoming a real part of the team; now they're part of the team, it's the modern part of the team." He also said he favoured the increase in the number of World Cup teams from 32 to 48 in 2026, saying it would encourage countries to raise their domestic standards.

☆ World Cup quarter-finals a step too far for gritty underdogs Poland
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

We succeeded, but in the next round we faced the world champions," Poland coach Czeslaw Michniewicz said. After weeks and months, we can proudly say we achieved what Poland wasn't able to achieve in 36 years." In order to take advantage of every striker in our team, we need to bring them closer to the right zone. Lewandowski and Szczesny may not be around for the 2026 edition after both players admitted the tournament in Qatar could be their last World Cup. Reporting by Rohith Nair in Al Rayyan; Editing by Ken Ferris and Clare FallonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ 'Miraculous' Croatia ready for similar-styled Japan
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Andrew Cawthorne | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"The population of Croatia is 4 million and the results we have achieved on the world stage are miraculous," said Dalic, whose nation were runners-up at the last World Cup and are unbeaten in three games in Qatar. We have become a world football force." The 12th-ranked Croatians are favourites to beat 24th-ranked Japan, but the Samurai Blue astounded expectations to defeat two powerhouses and former World Cup winners, Spain and Germany, at the group stage in comebacks. We have a similar mentality, Japan and Croatia. AGAINST THE ODDSThe coach said Croatia would fight to match or even better their performance in Russia.

☆ Brazil's Neymar fit to face South Korea, says coach Tite
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Dec 4 (Reuters) - Brazil forward Neymar is set to play for the five-times champions in their World Cup last-16 match against South Korea on Monday after recovering from an ankle injury, coach Tite said. Full back Danilo was also cleared by the medical staff for the game against South Korea. "Neymar will train today in the afternoon and if he trains well he will play," Tite told a news conference. Tite said Danilo was also fit to return against South Korea on Monday but Sandro was out. With Neymar back, Tite said there will be no changes in the forward line from the team that started against Serbia, with Lucas Paqueta behind Neymar, Vinicius Jr., Raphinha and Richarlison.

☆ The Striking Problem That Doomed America at the World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Andrew Beaton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter and Christian Pulisic walk off the pitch after the 3-1 loss to the Netherlands. AL RAYYAN, Qatar—The clearest sign that the U.S. would be returning home from the World Cup after the Round of 16 came just three minutes into its clash with the Netherlands. Christian Pulisic had the ball in the middle of the box, with only the Dutch goalkeeper between him and a 1-0 lead. Pulisic’s shot was saved without much difficulty. If the best U.S. goal scorer couldn’t capitalize on an ideal opportunity, how were the Americans going to score enough to hang in the World Cup?

☆ U.S. Eliminated From World Cup With 3-1 Loss to the Netherlands
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Joshua Robinson | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The Netherlands’ Memphis Depay scored the first goal of the match in the 10th minute. AL RAYYAN, Qatar—If the U.S. and the Netherlands had one thing in common at this World Cup, it’s that they both arrived having spent four years kicking themselves for missing the last one. They were stung, embarrassed and rebuilding almost from scratch. After four games in Qatar, the Americans’ return to the game’s biggest stage is over. With a 3-1 loss to the Netherlands in the round of 16 on Saturday, the U.S. is heading home from the World Cup.

☆ Lionel Messi plays 1,000th career game
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Dec 3 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi began the 1,000th game of his remarkable career on Saturday in Argentina's World Cup last 16 clash with Australia as he sought the only major trophy to elude him. The 35-year-old is Argentina's all-time top scorer, with 93 goals, and was making his 169th appearance for his nation. Messi joined Barcelona's youth setup at 13, becoming their top scorer also with with 672 goals in 778 games, before moving to Paris St Germain last year. In total, he has scored 788 career goals. Reporting by Andrew Cawthorne; Editing by Angus MacSwanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ With 2026 on the horizon future looks bright for young Americans
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Round of 16 - Netherlands v United States - Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar - December 3, 2022 United States players applaud fans after the match as United States are eliminated from the World Cup REUTERS/Annegret HilseAL RAYYAN, Qatar, Dec 3 (Reuters) - The United States exited the World Cup with a Round of 16 loss to the Netherlands on Saturday but looking towards the 2026 horizon, a bright future is rising for the young Americans. With defender DeAndre Yedlin, who played in Brazil in 2014, the only link to the country's World Cup past, the Americans' lack of experience was glaring at moments but offset by exuberance and a breathless work rate. A gritty, politically charged win over Iran and draws against England and Wales carried the United States into the last 16 but more will be expected on home soil. "We're just not there yet, we have to use this World Cup to establish ourselves. The loss to the Netherlands underscored the hard work ahead if the Americans plan to venture beyond the Round of 16 in 2026.

☆ Senegal seek to end African drought against England
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

England have faced African opposition 20 times, including seven at a World Cup, and have yet to lose. Senegal burst into that tournament by defeating reigning champions France and the dreadlocked Cisse has shared those memories with his players ahead of their date with England. "Beating England would be a tremendous achievement, I don't know how important it would rate compared to the victory in 2002, that was important as well. If we can beat a team like England it sends out a very strong message about the progress we have made." Bogaert explained that Senegal has done their homework and have paid special attention to set pieces - a part of the game where England have been particularly dangerous in recent years.

☆ Messi scores in milestone match as Argentina reach World Cup quarters
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Martin Petty | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Dec 3 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi scored his first goal in a World Cup knockout round on his 1,000th career appearance to beat Diego Maradona's tournament tally for Argentina as they beat off a late Australia fightback to win 2-1 on Saturday and reach the quarter-finals. Messi put Argentina ahead after 35 minutes with a coolly taken strike low into the corner for his 94th international goal to pass the great Maradona's eight World Cup goals, in a match where he was instrumental in almost every Argentine attack. Lifted throughout by rapturous, overwhelmingly Argentine support that sang and bounced in unison on all sides of the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Argentina pressed and finally made the breakthrough. After Goodwin's deflected shot found the net, there was a real prospect of extra time in a stadium where the Socceroos had booked their World Cup place via a penalty shootout in an intercontinental playoff earlier this year. Argentina looked dangerous late on as they battled for a third goal, with Lautaro Martinez firing wide before substitute Garang Kuol missed with seconds left in stoppage time.

☆ Proud Son endured 'longest six minutes' before Korea advanced
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"It was the longest six minutes of my life, but in the circle we were really positive," said Son, who will be playing in the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in his career. Korea's win over the Portuguese carried echoes of their 2-0 victory over Germany in Russia four years ago, which eliminated the then-defending champions. The Koreans will next take on tournament favourites Brazil on Monday with Son praising the unity within Paulo Bento's squad. "We're really, really close. I'm really grateful to those who didn't play, they could be sad but they didn't show their disappointment.

☆ England's Kane working on tapering form to peak in knockout rounds
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"I think it probably goes back to 2018 in the World Cup. "As the tournament went on I felt like my performances maybe dipped in the latter stages. I was trying to make sure that, physically and mentally, I was in the best place for the knockout stages. I would love to be sitting here with two or three goals now, but I think the group stage has gone well. We know that they're African champions - very proud, great competitive spirit, a lot of belief in the team," Southgate added.

☆ This Flying Dutchman Can Sink the Americans at the World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Andrew Beaton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar—Almost a decade ago, an American teenager who was starting to attract attention from the top teams in Europe made a pit stop in the Netherlands. Christian Pulisic’s time at PSV Eindhoven was brief, but he was there long enough to play in a youth tournament against the academies from other elite clubs. And one of his teammates would eventually become an even more dangerous attacking talent than he was. His name was Cody Gakpo. And Gakpo is now the player capable of sending Pulisic and the Americans home from the World Cup.

☆ Japan Upsets Spain and Eliminates Germany From the World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Joshua Robinson | Jonathan Clegg | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar—On the day his team landed in a World Cup group alongside Spain and Germany last spring, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu did his best not to sound alarmed. He spoke about his team’s belief, its inherent quality, and its desire to test itself against the best in the world. But, Moriyasu knew, there was no getting around the truth. Surrounded by two of the past three champions, Japan had landed in the World Cup’s Group of Death.

☆ Waiting is the hardest part as South Korea reach last 16
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"While waiting for the result of the Uruguay and Ghana match it was difficult," said goalscorer Hwang, whose heroics earned him man of the match honours. Portugal topped the group but the Koreans edged out Uruguay on the second tiebreak - number of goals scored. It marks only the third time that South Korea have made it to the round of 16 and they will be determined to try to match their best result - reaching the semi-finals at home in 2002. "I cannot compare because I did not know the Korean team back in 2002," said assistant coach Sergio Costa. Reporting by Steve Keating in Al Rayyan; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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