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☆ 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.

☆ 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.

DOHA, Qatar — Qatar's soccer World Cup appeared to be a public relations disaster. The event has become a magnifying glass for the tiny petrostate's human rights record, highlighting rather than airbrushing its treatment of LGBTQ people, women and migrant workers. "Qatar has a plethora of political objectives by hosting this event," said Danyel Reiche, a visiting associate professor at Georgetown University in Qatar, who co-wrote the book "Qatar and the 2022 FIFA World Cup: Politics, Controversy, Change." Qatar has used soccer to "overcome the invisibility of a small state," he added, allowing it to "become more influential in international affairs." Other authoritarian states hoping to burnish their global image may also view the event as a potential blueprint.

☆ 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.

☆ Messi! Mbappe! Mahomes! Grumpy Brady! It’s an All-Time Football Weekend
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Jason Gay | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

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☆ France and Argentina bring multiple plot lines to mouthwatering World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Amy Woodyatt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Standing in Messi’s way is his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappé, as France seeks to win back-to-back World Cup trophies. After a shock defeat by Saudi Arabia in its opening group game, Argentina’s World Cup campaign got off to the worst possible start. When asked whether Sunday’s game will be his last at a World Cup, Messi replied: “Yes. Like Griezmann, the 36-year-old Giroud has had a renaissance in this World Cup, after failing to score a single goal in 2018. We’ll enjoy it now and get ready for the last match of this World Cup.”

☆ Mental strength, moments of brilliance - how France reached the World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

GROUP STAGE MATCH 2: FRANCE 2-1 DENMARKHaving lost their last two games against Denmark in June and September, France were facing their first real test of the tournament. LAST 16: FRANCE 3-1 POLANDAfter France went through a brief rough patch, Giroud opened the scoring to become France's all-time top scorer on 52 goals - moving one ahead of Thierry Henry. They went ahead thanks to a 25-metre Aurelien Tchouameni strike, but cracked early in the second half with Harry Kane converting a penalty after a Tchouameni foul. They went ahead on five minutes thanks to Theo Hernandez's high-hooked volley, forcing their opponents to take the initiative. France will play Argentina, who are also looking to win the World Cup for the third time, in Sunday's final at the Lusail Stadium.

Theo Hernández and Randal Kolo Muani scored as France defeated underdog Morocco, 2-0, in Qatar on Wednesday, sending Les Bleus into the World Cup final against perennial powerhouse Argentina. The Frenchmen, winners of soccer's most coveted trophy in 1998 and 2018, are seeking to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup titles since Brazil did in 1958 and 1962. "In four days, we're going to play for a world title and we're really going to enjoy it." Morroco, which captured the world's imagination as the first African side to ever make the World Cup semifinals, will play for third place Saturday against 2018 runner-up Croatia. The next World Cup will be in North America in 2026 with the United States, Canada and Mexico serving as hosts.

☆ Defending champion France ends Morocco’s Qatar 2022 dream and reaches fourth World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Defending champion France ended Morocco’s 2022 World Cup dream on Wednesday thanks to a 2-0 victory at the Al Bayt Stadium. France is the first defending World Cup champion to reach the final in two decades. Lionel Messi and Argentina now await as France seeks to win back-to-back World Cup titles. They deserve a lot of credit for this World Cup. We’ll enjoy it now and get ready for the last match of this World Cup.”

☆ Analysis: Tactical masterplan, and grit, take France into World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Regragui had noted on Tuesday that France were tactical masters and able to adjust to any opponents as he praised Didier Deschamps as the best coach in the world. In previous games, Belgium, Spain and Portugal had been unable to match Morocco's grit, but on Wednesday, France showed they were also able to fight tooth and nail and rely on players going above and beyond. That wrapped a win that reminded everyone of France's tournament nous and that Argentina better come up with a masterplan of their own in Sunday's final at Lusail stadium. Just like Belgium were left frustrated by their defeat to France four years ago in Russia, Morocco might feel they were the better team on the day. Yet France once again barged into the final like a regular at a nightclub who gets in without a look from the bouncer.

☆ France stand firm to overpower gallant Morocco
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"There's emotion, there's pride, there's going to be a final step, we've been together with the players for a month, it's never easy, there's happiness so far," said coach Didier Deschamps. France found themselves in an absorbing battle as Morocco showed them no deference and made many chances of their own, coming close to an equaliser. The world champions’ defence had to scramble several times, including a late goalline clearance and Morocco struck the post with a spectacular bicycle effort. France swept forward and converted their first chance through Hernandez to put their opponents on the back foot. NO FAIRYTALEWhile there was to be no fairytale continuation of their unprecedented run to the last four, Morocco exited with their heads held high.

☆ A second chance: How Messi's Argentina reached the World Cup final again
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Messi scored a 10th minute penalty in the first half where Argentina had three goals disallowed for offside before the Saudis struck twice in the second half to stun the South American champions. If Argentina could take any solace from the result, it was that when they lost their group opener to Cameroon in 1990 they still reached the final. Substitute Enzo Fernandez scored with another sublime strike to seal the points and set Argentina on their way amid an electric atmosphere at Lusail Stadium, the biggest arena in Qatar. "Today starts another World Cup for Argentina," Messi had said after admitting they were poor in the first half. LAST 16: ARGENTINA 2-1 AUSTRALIAThe stars seemed to align for Messi in a physical last-16 clash with Australia as he scored in his 1,000th match to move past Maradona's World Cup tally.

☆ France favourites but Morocco eye another knockout punch
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The match against former colonial power France will take on an added edge. Morocco's exploits in Qatar have provided an outlet for marginalised migrant communities in France, who have been out on the streets celebrating their wins. After finishing top of a group that also included Croatia, Belgium and Canada, Morocco then knocked off the fancied Spaniards and Portuguese to reach the semis. France are expected to attack, Morocco resist. When you watch Rocky, you want to support Rocky Balboa and I think we are the Rocky of this World Cup.

☆ The US may have lost in the World Cup, but soccer is more popular than ever in America
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Harry Enten | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +36 min

The Atlas Lions made history as the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal. They made history as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. It was Morocco's first World Cup win since 1998 — and its third-ever at the tournament. Less spoken about is that they also rate better on television than the men do in the World Cup. We’ll just have to wait and see, though with the US, Canada and Mexico hosting the 2026 World Cup, soccer isn’t going away anytime soon.

☆ From bloody Balkan war to World Cup heavyweight: the making of Croatia as a soccer nation
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

Croatia’s World Cup pedigree is an altogether different story. Štimac challenges Clarence Seedorf of the Netherlands during the 1998 World Cup third place playoff match, which Croatia won 2-1. The Croatia players celebrate a goal against France in the 1998 World Cup semifinals. Having been appointed after the team’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup, Dalić came with pressure on his shoulders. Antonio Bronic/Reuters“There is no place in the national team dressing room of Croatia for big egos, and everyone knows that.

☆ As Mbappe takes back seat, old guard drives France on
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

DOHA, Dec 11 (Reuters) - As Kylian Mbappe was being muzzled by the England defence, it was France's old guard who took the defending champions through to the World Cup semi-finals in a nerve-racking 2-1 victory on Saturday. Griezmann capped his performance with two assists, the first for Aurelien Tchouameni's first-half thunderbolt, and the second for Giroud's 78th-minute winner. Griezmann has now set up 28 France goals, more than any other player, on his record 72nd consecutive appearance. It was, possibly, the biggest takeaway from France's victory. France next face Morocco, with Mbappe set to battle it out with club team mate and great friend Achraf Hakimi, as Les Bleus look to become the first team to retain their World Cup title since Brazil in 1962.

☆ World Cup 2022 - England 1-2 France: Harry Kane misses late penalty as Olivier Giroud heads defending champions into semifinals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Peter Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

France celebrates after beating England the Qatar 2022 World Cup quarter-final match in Al Khor on Dec. 10, 2022. But ultimately it was a penalty that caused England World Cup heartbreak again. England players console each other after losing to France in the Qatar 2022 World Cup quarter-final match in Al Khor on Dec. 10, 2022. How England's World Cup dream ended It was a dramatic ending to this epic first-ever knockout clash between these sides. Harry Maguire of England and Olivier Giroud of France clash during a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match on Dec. 10, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar.

☆ France tops England 2-1 to advance to World Cup semifinals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

AL KHOR, Qatar — Kylian Mbappe and France made it back to the semifinals of the World Cup on Saturday by beating England 2-1. The Moroccans became the first African team to reach the semifinals at the World Cup by beating Portugal 1-0. England, which lost to Italy on penalties in the final of last year’s European Championship, reached the semifinals at the 2018 World Cup. After scoring 12 goals on the way to the quarterfinals in Qatar, England trailed in the match for the first time at the World Cup. Mbappe is the leading scorer at the World Cup with five goals, one more that Giroud and Lionel Messi.

☆ World Cup champion France edges out England to reach semifinals as Harry Kane misses penalty
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —World Cup holder France remains on course in its title defense after beating England 2-1 to reach the semifinals at Qatar 2022. Aurélien Tchouaméni gave France a first-half lead, his powerful shot setting the game ablaze at the Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday. England grew into the game and team captain Harry Kane emphatically converted from the penalty spot to draw the 2018 semifinalists level. Giroud celebrates after scoring France's second goal against England. Kane emphatically took advantage, powering the ball into the corner of the France goal, in doing so becoming England’s joint top scorer alongside former Manchester United forward Rooney.

☆ England have more belief they can win World Cup than in 2018, says Kane
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

England reached the final of the Euros last year where they lost in a penalty shootout to Italy, but Kane is confident they can dethrone world champions France when they meet their European neighbours in Saturday's quarter-final. Of course we went there with the belief that we could win, but it was almost a new experience for a lot of us," Kane said. But whether we had the full belief to go and win the tournament, I'm not quite sure. "I feel like the belief has been building and building over the four or five years now. I know we're going into the game with maybe more belief than what we did back in 2018."

☆ World Cup quarterfinals: Morocco on the verge of history against Portugal as Kylian Mbappé’s France face England
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Alasdair Howorth | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The Moroccans have become the darlings of the World Cup. At the first “Arab” World Cup, they became the first Arab nation to qualify for the quarterfinals of the World Cup and, as the first African side to qualify for the quarterfinals in over a decade, they represent so much more than just their own nation. Born in Madrid, Achraf Hakimi scored the goal to knock Spain out of the World Cup. No team has scored more than Portugal’s 12 at the World Cup, but will the unstoppable Portugal be able to beat the immovable Morocco? Mbappé has already surpassed Cristiano Ronalo's World Cup goal scoring record and is level with Lionel Messi on nine.

☆ Analysis: Argentina fans begin to believe as Messi wills them into World Cup semis
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Philip O'Connor | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The mercurial 35-year-old did all he could in the 90 minutes to set up a semi-final against Croatia, who beat Brazil on penalties earlier on Friday, but a late collective collapse almost saw him make an embarrassing World Cup exit. Having earlier watched Neymar tearfully exit the Qatar World Cup without taking a penalty for Brazil, Messi took no chances in the shoot-out and stepped up first, setting the tone for what was to come. COMPELLING PLAYERWith Neymar out and Ronaldo benched by Portugal, only France's Kylian Mbappe can rival Messi as the tournament's most compelling player. There was joy, but the overriding emotion etched on Messi's face as his team celebrated with the fans was relief. Croatia await - get past them and maybe the fans that haven't always loved him will put him up there with Diego Maradona, but nothing less than victory in the World Cup final will suffice.

☆ France wary of England's pace and set-piece threat in quarter-final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Deschamps, who has won the World Cup with France as a player and coach, said he did not see many weaknesses in the England team but they did have some "slightly less strong points". "Pace is often one of the keys - when you are quick then the opponents have less time to get organised. But you need more than just pace to score goals," Deschamps said ahead of Saturday's game at Al Bayt Stadium. "If we compare both sides, there were more English players here who were at the World Cup in Russia than France players," Lloris added. "England reached the semi-finals at the last World Cup and were runners-up at the Euros, there's been a real progression.

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