Category: Games

The ‘World Cup and Camels’ event in Qatar aims to introduce the cultural heritage of camel racing to visitors.

Spectators seemed to be thrilled while watching the ‘camel handball’ matches played in Al-Shahaniya, a town near the capital Doha.

Each team had three camels as the Qatari national team and a team representing Africa met first. Then “Asia 3” faced “Amateurs 10” in another match.

A handball match on camels is for 30 minutes made up of two 15-minute halves.

Abdullah bin Muhammad Al-Kuwari, the Arab Union for Camel Races (MAHARI) president, told Anadolu Agency that the 2022 World Cup is an opportunity for Qatar to introduce the cultural heritage of the country to the world.

Al-Kuwari added that with this legacy they tried to generate a new branch of sports, ‘camel handball’, which is one of a kind.

The 2022 World Cup will end on Sunday as Argentina will face France at the Lusail Stadium.

Source: Anadolu Agency

The world football’s governing body on Thursday published a list of match officials including the referees of Sunday’s final and the third-place playoff that will be held on Saturday.

In the final, Marciniak will be assisted by his compatriots Pawel Sokolnicki and Tomasz Listkiewicz, and the fourth official will be Ismail Elfath from US.

Argentina and defending champions France will vie for the 2022 title at Lusail Stadium in Al Daayen.

Sunday’s final will kick off at 1500GMT.

A day before the final, the Qatar 2022 third-place playoff will be played between Croatia and Morocco at Ar-Rayyan’s Khalifa International Stadium.

Abdulrahman Al-Jassim, a Qatari referee, will officiate the bronze medal game on Saturday.

Other Qatari nationals Taleb Al Marri and Saoud Ahmed Almaqaleh will be Al-Jassim’s assistants.

Additionally, Brazil’s Raphael Claus was appointed as the fourth official of this match.

The Croatia vs. Morocco game will begin at 1500GMT as well.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Reigning world champions France beat Morocco 2-0 Wednesday to face Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final this weekend.

In the semifinal clash at Al Bayt Stadium, France scored the opener in the fifth minute.

French defender Theo Hernandez was in front of the box to score a first-time left-footed volley that beat Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

France’s Olivier Giroud made an attempt on goal in the 17th minute, but he hit the crossbar.

A few minutes later, Morocco captain Romain Saiss had to go off for an injury problem. Selim Amallah replaced him. It was an early change for the African team.

Giroud was unmarked during a quick attack by France but wasted another chance in the 35th minute.

Near the end of the first half, Moroccan defender Jawad El Yamiq’s overhead kick hit the bar.

France led the first half 1-0 in Al Khor.

It was not a one-sided match as Morocco struggled and piled pressure on France, so the game was combative in the second half as Morocco were seeking an equalizer.

But France doubled the gap in the 79th minute as Randal Kolo Muani scored an easy chance after being subbed in.

Kolo Muani netted his first international goal and determined the result of the match.

Near the end of the showdown, Morocco had a chance in France’s area, but it was missed.

France secured a 2-0 win to reach their fourth World Cup final.

Les Bleus will take on Argentina in Sunday’s final at Lusail Stadium in Al Daayen.

The French previously won the World Cup twice, in 1998 and 2018, but lost the 2006 final.

Meanwhile, Argentina bagged two World Cups in 1978 and 1986.

Lionel Messi-led Argentina last played in the 2014 final but returned home with a silver medal over a 1-0 loss to Germany.

Argentina were the World Cup runners-up in 1930, 1990 and 2014.

On Saturday, Croatia and Morocco will vie for a World Cup bronze medal at Khalifa International Stadium in Ar-Rayyan.

Croatia are seeking another bronze as they previously finished third at the 1998 World Cup in France.

The Croatian national team were also the 2018 runners-up.

In the meantime, Morocco will try to pick up their first-ever World Cup medal as the Atlas Lions were the first African nation to reach the semifinal stage in the contest.

Source: Anadolu Agency

The 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals were marked by many memorable moments like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar shedding tears, Messi’s quarrel with Louis van Gaal, the historic success of Morocco and Harry Kane’s missed penalty.

Historic berth of Morocco, prostrations of gratitude, tears of Ronaldo

Morocco celebrated their historic 1-0 victory against Portugal in the quarterfinals to the fullest after becoming the first African and Arab team to make its mark in the semifinals.

Moroccan players prostrated in gratitude after their victory at Al Thumama Stadium. Photos and footage of the moment were shared millions of times on social media.

On Portugal’s side, Ronaldo was among the substitutes in the match, as in Switzerland, and was able to enter the game in the second half against Morocco.

The 37-year-old, the only player to score in five World Cups, experienced the great sadness of being eliminated from his last World Cup and was unable to hold back his tears as he walked through the dressing room corridor.

Neymar’s tears

Brazil, one of the biggest contenders of the World Cup, had the shock of being eliminated by Croatia 3-5 on penalties.

Neymar, the star of the team, with all eyes on in Brazil, reflected the sadness he experienced on the field after the match.

He couldn’t get up from his seat and failed to control his tears. Efforts to calm the Brazilian player also did not work, and he returned to the dressing room crying.

Tension between Argentina and Netherlands

One of the toughest matches of the quarterfinals was undoubtedly between the Netherlands and Argentina.

Argentina, which had a 2-0 lead, were later shocked as Wout Weghorst scored twice in the final minutes of the match.

In the overtime period, which ended 2-2, Argentina managed to qualify for the semifinals by defeating the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties.

The Netherlands-Argentina match will also be remembered for the tensions between the players of the two teams. Arguments involving the teams’ benches were frequent.

After Argentina passed the tour, some Argentine players shouted and chanted while looking at Dutch players, which increased the tensions. Many cards were shown in this episode.

Messi’s gesture with his hand behind his ears in front of Dutch Coach Louis van Gaal and his unkind words to a Dutch player at the end of the match were discussed for a long time by the public.

Harry Kane’s missed penalty

Missed penalties by star players in World Cups mostly make the most memorable scenes.

Although not as memorable as Roberto Baggio’s penalty, Harry Kane’s penalty missed against France seems to be staying on the minds of the British for a long time.

Kane, who brought his team to a 1-1 draw with a penalty goal against France, got behind the ball once again to use the penalty in the 96th minute.

But this time, the English captain sent the ball over and missed the chance to level the match again.

In the remaining minutes, England’s efforts to equalize turned out to be in vain, and the British said goodbye to their semifinal dreams with a 2-1 defeat.

Source: Anadolu Agency

The semifinal stage in the 2022 FIFA World Cup will kick off Tuesday with the Argentina vs. Croatia match in Qatar’s Al Daayen.

Lionel Messi-led Argentina toppled the Netherlands in a thrilling penalty shootout 4-3 in the previous stage last week.

Messi, 35, played in his fifth World Cup tournament and scored four goals for Argentina during the Qatar 2022.

Argentina won two World Cups in 1978 and 1986.

They are craving for a world title for 36 years.

The South American powerhouse were the World Cup runners-up in 1930, 1990 and 2014.

In the 2014 final in Brazil, Argentina lost to Germany 1-0 to return home with another silver medal.

Meanwhile Croatia, Argentina’s opponents in the semifinals in Qatar, previously beat five-time champions Brazil 4-2 on penalties in the quarterfinals.

Like Argentina, Croatia eye another World Cup final.

Croatia, called Vatreni, were the 2018 finalists to amaze the authorities, and it is their best in the top football contest.

Vatreni came third in the 1998 World Cup and it will be Croatia’s third semifinal in the Qatar 2022.

In the 1998 semifinals, Croatia were beaten by champions France 2-1 at Stade de France, Saint-Denis.

Croatia is led by 37-year-old skipper Luka Modric, who has been playing for his nation since 2006.

Like Messi, Modric is very likely to play his final World Cup this winter.

The Argentina vs. Croatia match at Lusail Stadium will start at 1900GMT on Tuesday.

Italy’s Daniele Orsato will referee the match.

France to face dark horses Morocco in semifinals

Defending world champions France were into the 2022 World Cup semifinals after eliminating England 2-1 last weekend.

On Wednesday, France will play against Morocco, who previously beat Portugal 1-0 to carry on their fairy tale.

Following their triumph against Portugal, Morocco became the first African nation to reach World Cup semifinals. The Atlas Lions are spending a dream tournament in Qatar.

However France played World Cup semifinals for many times as Les Bleus were third in 1958 and 1986, and came fourth in 1982.

In the 2006 World Cup, France were runners-up after losing to Italy 5-3 on penalties at Olympiastadion in Berlin.

France lifted the World Cup twice; in 1998 when they were hosts and in 2018 in Russia.

French forward Kylian Mbappe scored five goals to be the top scorer in the 2022 World Cup.

The top scorer of the tournament will be awarded with a Golden Boot.

Another Les Bleus forward Olivier Giroud scored four goals to contribute to France in the offense.

Youssef En-Nesyri of Morocco scored two goals during the team’s Qatar 2022 campaign.

The match between France and Morocco at Al Khor’s Al Bayt Stadium will begin at 1900GMT.

Messi eyes new milestones

Argentine superstar Messi eyes two new individual milestones in the semifinal phase in Qatar.

Messi will equal Germany’s Lothar Matthaus’ record for the most World Cup appearances by a player with 25 if he will play against Croatia.

Miroslav Klose of Germany and Messi have 24 appearances each in the World Cup.

Both Matthaus and Klose have already retired from the game.

In addition, Messi will be Argentina’s top scorer in the World Cup if he scores against Croatia on Tuesday.

Last weekend Messi equaled former La Albiceleste forward Gabriel Batistuta with the most World Cup goals for Argentina with 10 goals in the tournament’s history.

However Messi has a quite long way to beat Klose for the most FIFA World Cup goals in history.

Ex-Germany forward Klose is still the World Cup’s all-time top scorer with 16 goals in four editions in 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the field in tears after Portugal’s 0-1 defeat against Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday, has said his dream of winning a World Cup for the country has ended.

“Winning a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career,” the star forward said in an Instagram post on Sunday.

“Fortunately, I won many titles of international dimension, including for Portugal, but putting our country’s name on the highest level in the world was my biggest dream.

“I fought for it. I fought hard for this dream. (..) I gave my all. I left everything on the field. I never turned my face to the fight and I never gave up on that dream.

“Unfortunately, yesterday the dream ended … my dedication to Portugal has not changed for an instant. I was always one more person fighting for everyone’s goal and I would never turn my back on my teammates and my country,” he said.

He also thanked his country and World Cup hosts Qatar.

“Thank you, Portugal. Thank you, Qatar. The dream was beautiful while it lasted … Now, it’s time to be a good advisor and allow each one to draw their own conclusions.”

Ronaldo has been capped 195 times and scored a record 118 goals for his country.

He started the Saturday fixture on the bench and came on only in the 51st minute at the Al Thumama Stadium.

By beating Portugal, Morocco made history as the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Argentina toppled the Netherlands on Friday in a thrilling penalty shootout by 4-3 and will play Croatia in the World Cup semifinals.

The Argentine national team took the lead in the 35th minute as Nahuel Molina finished in a one-on-one after Lionel Messi sent a perfect through ball into the penalty area. Molina scored his first international goal.

Argentina led at the end of the first half 1-0 at Lusail Stadium.

In the 73rd minute, the referee awarded a penalty to Argentina when Marcos Acuna was brought down in the penalty area.

Messi successfully converted to double the gap.

He equaled former forward Gabriel Batistuta with the most World Cup goals for Argentina with 10 goals in the tournament’s history.

But Netherlands’ forward Wout Weghorst scored on a header to narrow the gap in the 83rd minute.

The Dutch were full of hope during 10 minutes of stoppage time as Weghorst was on the score sheet again to spoil Argentina’s party.

The Besiktas striker scored in the final minute of injury time and sent the match to extra time.

Near the end of regular time, Teun Koopmeiners took a freekick but sent a low ball to Weghorst. The pass tricked the Argentina wall. Weghorst finished to make it 2-2.

In extra time, Lautaro Martinez’s shot was parried by goalkeeper Andries Noppert, then Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez hit the crossbar.

In penalty kicks, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved twice in a heroic performance.

Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis had their penalties saved.

Koopmeiners, Weghorst and Luuk de Jong scored for the Netherlands.

For Argentina, Messi, Leandro Paredes, Gonzalo Montiel and Lautaro Martinez scored.

Only Fernandez missed.

Argentina will take on Croatia on Dec. 13.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Croatia beat Brazil 4-2 on penalties to qualify for the 2022 World Cup semifinals on Friday.

Neither team were able to break the deadlock for the first 45 minutes at Doha’s Education City Stadium.

Despite several efforts from both national sides, neither Brazil nor Croatia were able to score in the second half as the quarterfinal went to extra time.

In the 105th minute, Brazil scored the opener when Neymar made a close-range finish, assisted by Lucas Paqueta.

With this goal, Neymar equaled legendary striker Pele’s Brazil goalscoring record of 77.

Croatia leveled the match with a minute-117 goal from Bruno Petkovic in the center of the penalty box, with Mislav Orsic assisting.

The extra time ended with a 1-1 tie.

Nikola Vlasic, Lovro Majer, Luka Modric, and Orsic respectively converted their spot kicks against Brazil during the penalty shootout.

Rodrigo and Marquinhos missed their penalties, while Casemiro and Pedro converted the penalties for Brazil.

Croatia will face the winner of the Netherlands vs. Argentina game in the next stage.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Formula One on Thursday announced a new agreement that extends the Dutch Grand Prix’s inclusion in the world championship for three more years.

The race at Circuit Zandvoort, which was included in the calendar in 2021, for the first time since 1985, has been approved to be on Formula 1 calendar until 2025.

The tickets for the race, which will be held in the home country of Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen and former Formula 2 champion Nyck de Vries in August 2023, are already sold out.

“The Dutch Grand Prix has quickly established itself on the calendar as a fan favorite, bringing incredible energy and a great fan experience every year,” said Stefano Domenicali, the F1 president.

The 2023 season of the F1 World Championship will begin in Bahrain on March 5, 2023.

Source: Anadolu Agency