Welcome to Sportstar’s highlights of the build-up to matchday 8 of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Four matches - Japan vs Costa Rica, Belgium vs Morocco, Croatia vs Canada and Spain vs Germany - were played today.
QATAR 2022 LIVE UPDATES: DAY 8
Spain vs Germany
Spain fell one step short of becoming the second team after France to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 in Qatar even as Germany’s Niclas Füllkrug fired in an 83rd minute equaliser to keep his team’s hopes alive. (FULL MATCH REPORT)
Croatia vs Canada
Croatia thumped Canada 4-1 to send the North American side out of the FIFA World Cup at the Khalifa International Stadium on Sunday. (FULL MATCH REPORT)
Belgium vs Morocco
The Belgium national team is “too old”, Kevin De Bruyne rightly said. In its second World Cup game it was phlegmatic once more, and Thibaut Courtois, too, looks fallible playing with men who have lost most of their extraordinary talents. (FULL MATCH REPORT)
FOLLOW Belgium vs Morocco live
Japan vs Costa Rica
Japan vs Costa Rica LIVE Score, FIFA World Cup updates
Germany’s FIFA World Cup survival on the line against Spain
When the World Cup draw came out in April, one of the highlights of the group stage was Sunday’s Spain vs Germany at Al Bayt Stadium.
Eight months later, the game between the two former world champions and pre-tournament favorites gained even more prominence thanks to Germany’s surprising loss to Japan in its opener in Qatar.
Another setback against Spain this weekend and Germany may be heading home early for the second straight World Cup. A loss — coupled with at least a draw by Japan against Costa Rica earlier on Sunday — will mean elimination for the four-time champions - PREVIEW.
Carlos Queiroz demands Jurgen Klinsmann’s resignation from FIFA Technical Study Group
Carlos Queiroz - the Iran coach - said Jurgen Klinsmann’s criticism of his team “a disgrace to football”. He also demanded Klinsmann’s resignation from his role at FIFA Technical Study Group for the World Cup.
After Iran beat Wales 2-0 on Friday, Klinsmann - a former USA coach - said Iranian players “worked the referee” while appearing on BBC as an analyst - REPORT.
Casemiro backs Rodrygo to replace Neymar in Switzerland game
Versatile Brazil forward Rodrygo has hugely impressed international teammate Casemiro, who said on Saturday he could replace the injured Neymar in Brazil’s next game in the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Neymar is due to miss Brazil’s next two group games against Switzerland and Cameroon after he was injured in Thursday’s 2-0 win over Serbia - REPORT.
After talking the talk, Canada coach Herdman hopes side walks the walk against Croatia
Canada had just lost its first World Cup match in 36 years, outplaying Belgium for much of a 1-0 defeat, and an emotional John Herdman revealed in the on-field interview what he had just told his players during a postgame huddle.
“I told them they belong here. And we’re going to go and F Croatia,” the coach said with a smile, using a single letter to avoid a televised profanity. “That’s as simple as it gets.”
His words reveberated all the way to Zagreb as Sunday’s Croatia-Canada game approached - REPORT.
Croatia looks for first win against Canada
Canada had just lost its first World Cup match in 36 years, outplaying Belgium for much of a 1-0 defeat, and an emotional John Herdman revealed in the on-field interview what he had just told his players during a postgame huddle.
“I told them they belong here. And we’re going to go and F Croatia,” the coach said with a smile, using a single letter to avoid a televised profanity. “That’s as simple as it gets.”
Brazil striker Neymar plans comeback despite swollen ankle
Neymar is planning a World Cup comeback despite posting a photo of his ankle still looking very swollen.
Neymar is undergoing treatment for damaged ligaments in his right ankle after getting hurt in Brazil’s 2-0 opening win over Serbia on Thursday. Team doctors said Neymar will miss Monday’s match against Switzerland but did not elaborate on a timetable for his return — or say whether he will be able to return at all - REPORT.
Belgium faces Morocco, hopes to seal Last 16 berth
Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne knew he didn’t play well in his team’s opening World Cup game. He said as much when he accepted the man of the match award.
“I don’t know why I got the trophy,” De Bruyne said. “Maybe it’s because of my name.”
With De Bruyne looking to improve after the unimpressive 1-0 win over Canada, Belgium has a second chance against Morocco on Sunday to show why it is the No. 2-ranked team in the world behind Brazil - PREVIEW.
FIFA World Cup: Japan eyes knockouts with win in Costa Rica clash
How big was Japan’s 2-1 upset of Germany in the opening round of the World Cup?
Newspapers in Japan used the term “Daikimboshi” from sumo wrestling to describe the magnitude of the surprise: when a low-ranked wrestler overpowers a grand champion.
The victory has also been compared to Japan’s 34-32 upset of powerful South Africa in the 2015 rugby World Cup in England.
Japan was the underdog against four-time champion Germany, but it will be a strong favorite in its next Group E match against Costa Rica, where a victory could move Japan into the knockout stage with a game to spare - PREVIEW.
WATCH: Messi’s stunning goal vs Mexico in Argentina’s 2-0 win
Lionel Messi has fascinated the Lusail Stadium crowds and his fans from across the world, putting Argentina ahead against Mexico with a goal in the 64th minute as La Albiceleste won the match 2-0 to keep their Last-16 hope alive in the FIFA World Cup 2022 - WATCH MESSI GOAL.
DAY 7 RECAP
Australia vs Tunisia
A Mitch Duke header gave Australia its first World Cup victory in 12 years with a 1-0 win over Tunisia in a hard-fought contest on Saturday that kept alive its hopes of progressing from Group D - REPORT.
Poland vs Saudi Arabia
With history in its sight and its accompanying riches, Saudi Arabia stepped into the Education City Stadium field with an extra spring in its step. But a missed penalty from Salem Al-Dawsari, the scorer of a Messi-esque goal in front of Messi the other afternoon, left the side disappointed after a 2-0 loss to Poland - REPORT.
France vs Denmark
Kylian Mbappe scored twice to send champion France into the last 16 of the World Cup as it beat Denmark 2-1 in its Group D clash at the 974 Stadium on Saturday, making it first side to qualify for the knockout stage - REPORT.
Argentina vs Mexico
Lionel Messi thumped in a 64th minute goal and Enzo Fernandez added another late in the game to give Argentina a 2-0 victory over battling Mexico in their World Cup Group C match on Saturday and reignite its tournament hopes - REPORT.
