Tag: Soccer

Messi, Argentina Beat Croatia 3–0 to Reach World Cup Final

LUSAIL, Qatar—Lionel Messi is back in the World Cup final with Argentina on his mission to win soccer’s biggest prize for the first time. And, at 35, he could hardly be playing any better. Messi converted a penalty and had a hand in the other two goals by Julián Álvarez, leading Argentina to a 3–0…


Second Reporter Dies While Covering FIFA World Cup in Qatar

A Qatari reporter has suddenly died while covering the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, according to local media. The Gulf Times newspaper reported on Dec. 10 that journalist Khalid al-Misslam, who was working as a photographer for Al Kass TV, “died suddenly while covering the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.” The TV channel mentioned his death…


Messi, Modric Carry Argentina, Croatia Into World Cup Semis

DOHA, Qatar—Tears are flowing from soccer’s biggest superstars as they make emotional exits from what might be their last World Cup. First it was Neymar. Then it was Cristiano Ronaldo. Could Lionel Messi be next? Momentum is building behind Messi’s push to cap his career with the biggest prize in the game. The 35-year-old Argentina…


Ronaldo Says His Dream of Winning World Cup Has ‘Ended’

DOHA, Qatar—Cristiano Ronaldo said in a cryptic social media post that his dream of winning the World Cup with Portugal has ended, while stopping short of announcing his retirement from international duty. The 37-year-old Ronaldo left the field in tears after Portugal lost 1–0 to Morocco in the quarterfinals on Saturday. In his first comments…


Luis Enrique Replaced as Spain Coach After World Cup Exit

DOHA, Qatar—Luis Enrique was replaced by Luis de la Fuente as Spain’s coach on Thursday, two days after the national team was eliminated in the round of 16 at the World Cup. Spain lost to Morocco 3–0 in a penalty shootout after a scoreless draw in regular and extra time. The Spanish soccer federation thanked…


France Advances to Semifinals at World Cup, Tops England 2-1

AL KHOR, Qatar—Kylian Mbappe and France made it back to the semifinals of the World Cup on Saturday by beating England 2–1. Olivier Giroud scored in the 78th minute at Al Bayt Stadium to keep France on course to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. Giroud raced away…


Morocco Reaches World Cup Semifinals, Tops Portugal, Ronaldo

DOHA, Qatar—Morocco became the first African country to reach the World Cup semifinals by beating Portugal 1–0 on Saturday, likely ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s chances of ever winning soccer’s biggest prize. Youssef En-Nesyri scored the winning goal in the 42nd minute to continue Morocco’s improbable run that has generated an outpouring of pride in the Arab…


American Soccer Reporter Collapses and Dies While Covering World Cup Match

American soccer journalist Grant Wahl, 48, reportedly died after collapsing while covering Friday’s World Cup match between Argentina and Netherlands in Qatar. His agent, Tim Scanlan, said that Wahl suffered “some kind of acute distress” while covering Argentina’s quarter-final win over the Netherlands. He collapsed and was taken to the hospital, but he later died….


Germany Captain Manuel Neuer Breaks Leg While Skiing

MUNICH, Germany—Germany and Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer has been ruled out for the rest of the season after breaking his leg while skiing. The goalkeeper said in an Instagram post on Saturday that he underwent surgery on Friday. The post shows a photo of Neuer apparently in a hospital bed with his right leg…


Neymar Says He Is Unsure If He Will Play Again With Brazil

AL RAYYAN, Qatar—Brazil’s Neymar said on Friday he was unsure if he would play again for the national team after their heartbreaking World Cup quarter-final defeat to Croatia on penalties. “Honestly, I do not know. I think talking now is bad because of the heat of the moment. Maybe I’m not thinking straight,” an emotional…