World Cup: Croatia and Morocco to battle for the third-place finish
After suffering a 3-0 defeat in the semi-finals against Argentina, Croatia is back training in Doha for the third-place playoff against Morocco.
Doha Sport News
Messi carries the weight of Argentina into World Cup final
DOHA: As Lionel Messi approaches his second and likely last World Cup final, the stakes could hardly be higher.
IOC and Ukraine's Zelenskiy agree to disagree over Russian athletes
DOHA : The International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said the Games have a unifying mission when he spoke to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who called for a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, the IOC said on Thursday.
Argentina near full-strength for World Cup final against France
DOHA : Argentina made a statement in their 3-0 World Cup semi-final win over Croatia and will head into Sunday's showpiece with two players back from suspension and Angel Di Maria fit and ready to face France.
France substitutes give Deschamps food for thought as final looms
DOHA : Concerns were raised about France's alleged lack of strength in depth after the 1-0 defeat by Tunisia in the holders' last group game but Wednesday's 2-0 win over Morocco eased the doubts as Les Bleus reached their second World Cup final in a row.
Formidable France in familiar territory in World Cup final
DOHA: The inspirational leadership of Didier Deschamps and a deep pool of talent have turned France into the most formidable force in international football as they prepare to face Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final. France arrived in Qatar aiming to defy the fate of many recent holders, even as a flood of injuries threatened to derail their title defense. The reigning champions had been knocked out in the group stage in four of the past five tournaments, including France themselves in 2002. But Deschamps’ side have, in his own words, “reversed the trend” and after beating Morocco 2-0 in the last four on Wednesday, they have the chance to make history in the final at Lusail Stadium. No team have retained the trophy since Brazil in 1962, while no reigning champions had even made the final since the Brazilians in 1998. That team lost in Paris to a France side captained by Deschamps, who has been there for almost all of his country’s finest moments at major tournaments over a generation. After leading them to glory four years ago, he can become the first coach to win two World Cups since Italy’s Vittorio Pozzo in the 1930s. “Deschamps has been to three finals now, and he wins them,” French President Emmanuel Macron said after making a flying visit to Qatar for the semifinal. “Things always come in threes. Didier Deschamps brings luck as well as talent, so we are going to win it and bring the trophy home.”
Mental strength, moments of brilliance - how France reached the World Cup final
DOHA : France started the World Cup with more questions than answers after being ravaged by injuries, but they quickly ended the curse of the defending champions to reach the final thanks to their ruthlessness, mental strength and moments of sheer brilliance.
Morocco change the mood for African football with exploits in Qatar
DOHA : Morocco’s exciting run to a first-ever World Cup semi-final will inject a new energy in African football and hold out hope for the continent’s teams when they return in larger numbers in four years’ time.