World Cup semi-final

We'll send you a myFT Daily Digest email rounding up the latest FIFA World Cup news every morning. England generally lose to big teams at major tournaments but ...

For cost savings, you can change your plan at any time online in the “Settings & Account” section. Compare Standard and Premium Digital For a full comparison of Standard and Premium Digital,

From Europe, defending champions France and 2018 runner-up Croatia will move on to the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi's Argentina will represent South ...

Croatia is no pushover, however. [Telegram](https://t.me/mothershipsg) to get the latest updates. [sustained an injury](https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2022/achraf-hakimi-and-nayef-aguerd-miss-morocco-training/) in their match against Spain, while centre-back and captain Romain Saiss was forced off due to a hamstring problem in the second half of the Portugal match. [France's victory](https://mothership.sg/2022/12/france-beats-england/) over rival nation England, we're down to the final four contenders for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Despite their fairytale run so far (Morocco has yet to concede a goal scored by an opponent, with the only goal conceded being an own goal in the match against Canada), the team has been hit with a slew of injuries. After knocking Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal out of the tournament, the team made history, by being the first African nation and country with Arabic heritage to advance to the semi-finals of a World Cup tournament.

Morocco extended their dream run at the World Cup on Saturday as they out-thought and out-fought Portugal in a 1-0 win to become the first ever African ...

Bounou saved again from Joao Felix with seven minutes left. Register for free to Reuters and know the full story Morocco came close to a second goal four minutes into the second half as Jawad El Yamiq got a touch to Hakim Ziyech’s in-swinging free kick but Costa was in place this time to block.

Ahead of those crunch semi-finals, which are Argentina vs Croatia and France vs Morocco, there will be lots of developments and important team news to keep an ...

There are no World Cup matches taking place this Sunday, December 11. That's because we're in between the quarter-finals and the semi-finals. There really is a lot to discuss, then, this Sunday. There aren't any World Cup fixtures this Sunday, December 11. This has been an incredible World Cup for Morocco and their fans have continued celebrating all over the world. Zlatko Dalic has been speaking about the Argentina vs Croatia match and about how to stop Lionel Messi. There have been various tributes paid to Grant Wahl by those who knew him best. As we look ahead to the World Cup semi-finals, there are only three players who'll miss out with suspension. There's no hiding from it, it hurts and it'll take some time to get over it but that's part of sport." Argentina were worried there might be more suspensions following a FIFA investigation into the behaviour of certain players after their shootout win, but it seems there won't be any bans. So, we'll bring you all that and much more on this live blog. Which clubs are the best represented?

Harry Kane scores a penalty for England but misses another as the defending champions progress to a meeting with Morocco on Wednesday.

“We’re in the position we are as a team because of his leadership, because of his goals over a long period of time. “The result is the result because of 100 minutes of football and lots of things that happened at both ends of the pitch. World Cup: Fifa charges Argentina for players’ disorder at Netherlands match Harry Maguire headed against the base of the post and Shaw’s low centre bounced to safety off Saka’s shins as England sought the lead, but it was at the other end that the winner was to come. Kane’s steeliness of his nerve came to the fore as he levelled, calmly repositioning the ball and waiting an age to strike powerfully past Lloris having already sent the goalkeeper the wrong way. Defending champions France moved into the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar on Saturday with Olivier Giroud’s header giving Didier Deschamps’ side a late lead and Harry Kane missing from the penalty spot as the 2018 winners secured a 2-1 victory at Al Bayt Stadium. You need a bit of luck sometimes.” Neither side made any changes from their respective wins over Senegal and Poland in the previous round and England started brightly, with Bukayo Saka pressuring the French defence and Phil Foden seeing an early shot blocked on the edge of the area.

Croatia will not attempt to stop Argentina superstar Lionel Messi by man-marking him but instead will focus on immobilising the entire team in their World ...

"Maybe I'll experience something similar in the semi-final or beyond." "Mateo, Luka and Marcelo are the best Croatia midfield in history. We have to stop the entire Argentina team," he said. "We will try to stop them as a team and not with man-marking. There is huge pressure you have never experienced before. When you pass them the ball it is safer than having your money in the bank," the defender said.

to stream all 64 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2022ᵀᴹ live and free any time on your favourite device. Will a more disciplined Argentina outfit show up this ...

Aside from their 4-1 thrashing of Canada in their second Group F match, Croatia have struggled to win a match inside the allocated 90 minutes throughout the tournament. Australia also gave them a good run for their money, netting in the 77th minute and coming agonisingly close to an equaliser on multiple occasions. However Argentina are nearly as impressive, having become the first team to be involved in six penalty shootouts at the World Cup from their last outing, winning five and losing one. We won´t be looking for excuses, we are here on a mission.” While France sealed both of their knock-out matches in regular time, Morocco had to grind through a scoreless 120 minutes against Spain and the dreaded penalty shootout to progress to the final eight. Having already secured a spot in the last 16, France had the luxury of resting a number of key players in their final group match against Tunisia, while Morocco still needed a result against the eliminated Canada to qualify above Belgium or Croatia in their group.

The four teams are still riding high after their respective wins in the World Cup quarter-finals, but anticipation is already building ahead of the next ...

"We gave them a little ammunition with two penalties, but it is with hearts and guts that we held on to this result," France manager Didier Deschamps said. I told the guys before the match we had to write history for Africa. Your legacy is far from over," Pele wrote on Instagram. The four teams are still riding high after their respective wins in the World Cup quarter-finals, but anticipation is already building ahead of the next step: the semis on Tuesday and Wednesday. But Kane blasted his kick high over the crossbar, spurning the chance to send the game into extra time. Croatia will attempt to reach its second World Cup final in as many competitions, and Morocco is looking to continue its historic run after it became the first African team and the first Arab team to ever make it to the final four.

FIFA World Cup 2022 is steadily reaching its climax, with the semi-finals about to begin. France, Croatia, Argentina, and Morocco are the four teams that ...

Morocco will be the first African nation to play the semi-final and compete against the defending champions France, after the former defeated star-studded Portugal in the quarterfinals. This is expected to facilitate trade as the West ratchets up sanctions on Russia. The South American nation gained its lost ground after suffering a shocker from Saudi Arabia in the opening match. Four teams, France, Argentina, Croatia, and Morocco, will be vying against each other to enter the last round of this tournament. [US News](/news/international/us), [UK News](/news/international/uk), [Canada News](/news/international/canada), International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) [FIFA World Cup](/fifa-world-cup-2018-in-russia)2022 has so far witnessed thrilling matches as it was a roller-coaster ride for many teams.

Preview of Argentina's World Cup semi-final against Croatia, including team news, lineups and prediction.

[Croatia predicted lineup vs Argentina](https://www.90min.com/posts/croatia-predicted-lineup-vs-argentina-world-cup-semi-final-13-12-22) "We shall not surrender.” In each of their last six World Cup knockout matches, straddling this year and 2018, Croatia have fallen behind, coming back to advance in five of those games. [Argentina predicted lineup vs Croatia](https://www.90min.com/posts/argentina-predicted-lineup-vs-croatia-world-cup-semi-final-13-12-22) Dalic's underdogs undoubtedly have the determination - and talent - to dig out another result against the odds but it's not the most likely outcome. [ final-eight](https://www.90min.com/posts/netherlands-2-2-argentina-3-4-on-pens-player-ratings-as-messi-s-world-cup-dream-continues-9-12-2022) encounter. Croatia are not a side to skittishly hold a lead against. Argentina's late implosion against the Netherlands was not the first lead they have ceded in Qatar. Croatia extended their 100% record to five successive shootouts at the expense of the Selecao. [Luka Modric](https://www.90min.com/players/luka-modric) and Mateo Kovacic - but managed to walk the disciplinary tightrope. Both teams to score – Both teams have scored in eight of Croatia’s last 10 matches at the World Cup, while Argentina have both scored and conceded in five of their last seven World Cup games. De Paul lasted for 66 minutes before he was replaced by Leandro Paredes. Argentina managed to recover from the shock of a quick-fire Dutch double to win on spot-kicks - unlike their South American rivals Brazil.

France and Argentina entered the World Cup as contenders, but Croatia and Morocco have proved to be worthy challengers for the title.

This time it is seeking to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to mount a successful defense of its World Cup title. That has manifested in each and every one of its games so far; the French may have faced more illustrious teams here, but they have certainly not encountered such a hostile atmosphere. It barely broke a sweat in this tournament before facing England, and such is France’s self-assurance that it needed to play well for less than a third of that quarterfinal to make it through. Just as significant, though, is the fact that this will feel like a Moroccan home game. But even more impressive than its performance was that it recovered from conceding a late equalizer to win the game on penalties. The first is Morocco’s bloody-minded obstinacy. Here’s a primer to the Argentina has shown a nerve and a coolness even in that white heat that indicates a certain steel. The emotion pulsing through Argentina’s players and fans has never been far from the surface in Qatar. “Any of the four teams can win it,” he said. DOHA, Qatar — Even Didier Deschamps, France’s ordinarily gnomic coach, seemed a little indifferent in the wee hours of Sunday morning. It had made the final four.

Italian referee Daniele Orsato and VAR Massimiliano Irrati have been assigned to the World Cup semi-final between Argentina and Croatia.

He was rested for the entire Round of 16 and quarter-finals, but returns for the semi-final. Orsato has emerged as one of the primary candidates to officiate the Final, especially as he already took control of the opening game in the tournament between hosts Qatar and Ecuador, then in Argentina’s 2-0 group stage win over Mexico. Italian referee Daniele Orsato and VAR Massimiliano Irrati have been assigned to the World Cup semi-final between Argentina and Croatia.

England flew home from Qatar on Sunday after their World Cup hopes were ended by France and Gareth Southgate doesn't think he'll be able to watch next ...

That will keep [Zinedine Zidane](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/zinedine-zidane) waiting as the ex- [Real Madrid](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/real-madrid-cf) boss has been lined up as the next France manager. [FA](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/the-fa) plane back to the Midlands, others flew to different destinations for a short break before rejoining their clubs for the rest of the [Premier League](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/premier-league) season. They know they missed a glorious chance to reach the World Cup final as [Morocco](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/morocco-football-team) have [caused a major upset](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/morocco-portugal-world-cup-ronaldo-28701931) to reach the last four. He added on Wednesday’s semi final with Morocco: “The match will be watched a lot in France, because there’s a big Moroccan community. He is happy and many people I imagine are happy in France, but I like to enjoy what we have achieved again, that is to say, to be again among the four best teams in the world. But we’re happy in the end, it was justice.” [Didier Deschamps](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/didier-deschamps), looks set to stay on as France boss until 2024. “This is a very exciting young English squad and, despite the intense disappointment of last night, they should be very proud of their performances in Qatar. But sport can have fine margins and on the day, against the current world champions, it was not to be. Southgate will spend Christmas at home but admits he may find it hard to switch on the television and watch the rest of the tournament. Let us know your stance in the Meanwhile, FA chief Mark Bullingham has praised Southgate and insisted England’s players should be “proud” of their World Cup campaign.

Didier Deschamps' side has defied whispers of disharmony, a glut of injuries and the curse of reigning champions to reach the final four, surviving an almighty ...

[France predicted lineup vs Morocco](https://www.90min.com/posts/france-predicted-lineup-vs-morocco-world-cup-semi-final-14-12-22) [England](https://www.90min.com/teams/england) at the Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday. That metaphor may prove to be a little too accurate when the Atlas Lions come up against football's Apollo Creed. France meanwhile have won two of their four shootouts at the World Cup. "I think now the world is with Morocco.” [here](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2MxBJzNaal2blHdqTX00y8) to download or listen to the episode in full! [BeGambleAware.org](https://www.begambleaware.org/) [Morocco predicted lineup vs France](https://www.90min.com/posts/morocco-predicted-lineup-vs-france-world-cup-semi-final-14-12-22) [World Cup](https://www.90min.com/world-cup)," Regragui declared, capturing the swell of neutral support for Morocco after defeating Portugal. [France vs Morocco H2H Results (All Time)](https://www.90min.com/posts/france-h2h-record-against-morocco) [almighty scare](https://www.90min.com/posts/england-1-2-france-player-ratings-as-kane-misses-penalty-in-quarter-final-exit) from a spirited England in the quarter-finals. [World Cup](https://www.90min.com/world-cup)

Each team played three matches in the group stage before half were eliminated. The top 16 battled it out for a place in the quarter-finals. Now, those final ...

The top 16 battled it out for a place in the quarter-finals. [Neymar unsure if he’ll play for Brazil at another World Cup](/sports/2022/12/10/neymar-unsure-if-hell-play-for-brazil-again-at-another-world-cup) [For Brazil fans, the ‘sadness is too much’ after World Cup exit](/sports/2022/12/10/for-brazil-fans-sadness-is-too-much-after-world-cup-loss) Published On 10 Dec 2022

Croatia and Argentina face each other on Tuesday at the Lusail Stadium with a place in the World Cup final at stake.

Plenty of studies have shown that playing in front of a supportive crowd does impact performance in a positive way. Will that impact the game? It will help Croatia that Argentina also had to go to penalties in their emotionally draining quarter-final win over the Netherlands and a crucial factor on Tuesday will be which team finds themselves fresher for the task.

Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are both one step away from the final in Qatar.

It certainly isn’t one to be missed. Now, just four teams remain. Following the conclusion of the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals, only two Manchester United players remain in the competition - and they have a chance of meeting in the final.

Holders France take on first-time semi-finalists Morocco for a place in the final.

"But I will try my best to be on the pitch. The two sides have played each other 11 times before, with Morocco winning on one occasion and France winning seven times. The last-16 clash saw Morocco celebrate a historic World Cup win over Spain. This is the second of the semi-finals. Head coach Didier Deschamps said after the match: "We are getting to the semifinals. France will face Morocco, after the 2018 champions

Plus, head-to-head record, latest odds and how both teams have fared in Qatar so far.

As he was challenged the ball rebounded back to him from Josip Juranovic and then from an off-balance Borna Sosa and Alvarez just kept going and going and poked it home. Alvarez side-footed past Livakovic and it was game over. He had already been feeling the back of his leg and was moving less easily. As he held off Gvardiol, Messi was able to get his shot away with Livakovic parrying. Despite Luka Modric’s claim to be the best midfielder of his generation it felt like the narrative was set to be Messi’s and so it proved. If there had been metal bars around the pitch it could not have been more cagey and it felt like it would take something surprising to break the deadlock. Messi will need Alvarez with the Manchester City striker not only scoring twice, and earning the penalty, but doing all of his running for him. And running and running. It was pure genius from the genius. Quite why Messi ended up playing the whole game when he could barely run was surprising. This tournament, so rich in its football, its drama, its upsets, and so controversial in so many other ways, has the final act it so craved. In his fifth attempt it really is his final chance.

Didier Deschamps' defending champions will have to overcome partisan crowd in crunch clash.

In Russia four years ago, they kept four clean sheets on the way to the final. Those now playing in France have mostly spent the past four months looking up from the wrong end of the top table. “They’ve let in just one goal so far,” he said. His complaint was that a home game, an important warm-up for European Championship qualifying, had been made to sound and feel like an away fixture because of the unbalanced support among the almost 80,000 there. But ask Mbappe if there’s anybody who he’d less like to have marking his favoured left-wing position than Achraf Hakimi, and he would struggle for an answer. “I looked around and saw only Moroccan flags, and not French ones,” observed William Gallas.

The Qatar World Cup semifinals will start on December 14 (Wednesday) and the first match will be played between Argentina and Croatia.

TRENDING France will face Morocco the next day (Thursday, December 15). Lionel Messi's Argentina outpassed Netherlands with Extra Time and penalties in its favour. While Morocco became the first African country to reach the World Cup semifinals by defeating Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal 1-0, Croatia ousted five-time champions Brazil 4-2 in penalties. Morocco, Croatia, Argentina and France have made it through the quarterfinals that wrapped up last week.

This combination picture during the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament shows Croatia's midfielder Luka Modric, left, in Doha on Dec 9, and Argentina's ...

Plenty of studies have shown that playing in front of a supportive crowd does impact performance in a positive way. Argentina will play Croatia in the Qatar 2022 World Cup football semi-final match in Doha on Dec. This combination picture during the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament shows Croatia's midfielder Luka Modric, left, in Doha on Dec 9, and Argentina's forward Lionel Messi in Doha on Dec. Will that impressive mental strength prove to be decisive again or will those extended battles take a toll physically? Will that impact the game? Croatia and Argentina face each other on Tuesday at the Lusail Stadium with a place in the World Cup final at stake.

England may be out but four teams remain in the Qatar World Cup. BBC Sport looks at the subplots before two semi-finals no-one predicted.

Italy, Spain and Germany have all exited early as reigning champions over the past 12 years, but France have banished that curse. Could they have more to cheer on Tuesday? [France.](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/france) No opposition player has scored against Morocco so far in Qatar - they have conceded just once, an own goal against Canada. [Croatia](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/croatia) can see off Argentina. [World Cup Daily](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p02nrsln) on BBC Sounds [Saturday's win over England](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63843792) meant they became the first defending champions since Brazil, in 1998, to reach the semi-finals. [Messi shines as Argentina win chaotic Qatar classic](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63925260) [Fifa World Cup: Schedule and route to the final](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/schedule) [World Cup TV coverage guide](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60959746) [Argentina](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/argentina) superstar can win the World Cup for the first time. ['Everyone loves us' - joy at Morocco history makers](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63931391) [Morocco run to semi-finals can 'galvanise' Africa](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/africa/63935099) [France v Morocco semi-final to be shown live on BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63932185) [Morocco](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/morocco) have already made history. [World Cup](/sport/football/world-cup)

Croatia and Argentina face each other on Tuesday at the Lusail Stadium with a place in the World Cup final at stake.

Argentina vs Croatia, Morocco vs France. The World Cup 2022 semi-finals have been decided, here's when the games are.

ET. The two semi-finals are on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 of December, with both games being at 2:00 p.m. The 2022 World Cup is in to its final week and we’re at the semi-final stage.