Croatia coach not fooled by Belgium's woes
AL RAYYAN, Qatar : Rumours of Belgium's demise are greatly exaggerated, Croatia's head coach Zlatko Dalic said as he prepares his side for Thursday's decisive Group F showdown.
Morocco Sport News
History-chasing Morocco want ‘no regrets’, says coach
DOHA: Morocco coach Walid Regragui wants “no regrets” after facing Canada on Thursday, with his team aiming for qualification to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 1986. The north African side reached the last 16 in Mexico 36 years ago for the only time in their history, and a point against already-eliminated Canada would see them repeat the feat. Morocco are second in Group F, level on four points with leaders Croatia, who face Belgium, on three points, while Canada are bottom with no points. “We don’t want to have an eye on the Croatia and Belgium match to decide our own fate, we (need to) give everything we’ve got so we have no regrets at the end,” Regragui told a press conference Wednesday. “We’ll give everything we’ve got. Our players want to make history and will give 110 percent to ensure the Moroccan population is happy.” Morocco players have been allowed to bring their families to the tournament and after the 2-0 win over Belgium on Sunday, Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi was pictured in an emotional embrace with his mother in the stands. “Before we got here we had a strategy meeting, to bring families with us or not,” said Regragui. “Based on our experience in 2018, along with our technical team, we chose the option to bring the families. “Some players have kids, some would rather have their parents with them. We did a good job in that regard. When you win, there’s no negatives, everyone is happy, but if you lose they will say — ‘Why did you bring the families?’ “We meet them after the game and then we concentrate on the next one. “The spirit of family off the pitch, we want to bring that onto the pitch, and until now it’s functioning very well.”
'We are not in crisis', Belgium say ahead of Croatia clash
DOHA : Belgium's Timothy Castagne said on Wednesday the team was not in crisis after two lacklustre performances in the World Cup group stage that has prompted introspection ahead of a must-win match against Croatia to reach the knockout stage.
Morocco ready to fly African flag high against Canada-coach
AL RAYYAN, Qatar : Morocco will play to win against eliminated Canada in their final World Cup Group F match on Thursday to fly the African flag high even though a draw would be enough to send them through, coach Walid Regragui said on Wednesday.
Captain America Pulisic puts body on the line to punish cautious Iran
DOHA: Christian Pulisic has had a season to forget for Chelsea but in the blue shirt of his beloved United States he scored the goal that gave them their first win at the 2022 World Cup and a spot in the last-16 at the expense of political rivals Iran.
Analysis:Captain America Pulisic puts body on the line to punish cautious Iran
DOHA : Christian Pulisic has had a season to forget for Chelsea but in the blue shirt of his beloved United States he scored the goal that gave them their first win at the 2022 World Cup and a spot in the last-16 at the expense of political rivals Iran.
Hazard admits to frank discussions, but denies rift in Belgium squad
DOHA: Belgium captain Eden Hazard has denied there is a rift in the squad but admits frank words were exchanged between the players following their surprise 2-0 World Cup Group F loss to Morocco.
Belgium hold players’ meeting after poor start to World Cup
DOHA: Belgium’s squad held a meeting where players aired their “honest” views about how the team can salvage their World Cup campaign, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said Tuesday. Belgium arrived in Qatar as the No. 2-ranked team and one of the tournament favorites, but were unconvincing in a 1-0 win over Canada before losing to Morocco 2-0 on Sunday.