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Tag: Qatar
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France ends Morocco’s Cinderella story at World Cup
France ends Morocco’s Cinderella story at World Cup – CBS News
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It’s Argentina vs. France in the World Cup final: Here’s everything you should know about the matchup
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After a month of stiff competition in Qatar, the 2022 World Cup’s final matchup is finally set.
Argentina learned Wednesday that defending World Cup winner France will be its opponent in the final on Sunday. France topped a history-making Morocco side 2-0 a day after Argentina shut out Croatia, which lost to France in the 2018 final, a day earlier. Croatia and Morocco square off for third place in the tournament.
Argentina and France, led by Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, respectively, were two among a handful of favorites heading into the quadrennial footballing spectacle.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of the World Cup final.
When is the World Cup final?
The tournament title match will be played Sunday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m. Eastern time. That’s 6 p.m. in Qatar, earlier than the tournament matches have typically been played.
The World Cup final can be watched in the U.S. on Fox
FOX,
-0.90%
FOXA,
-0.72%
and Telemundo, owned by Comcast
CMCSA,
-3.70%
unit NBCUniversal. Fox is available through nearly all cable providers, and cord cutters can stream the match live through FuboTV FUBO, SlingTV, the Alphabet-owned
GOOG,
-0.56%
GOOGL,
-0.59%
YouTubeTV and Comcast’s Peacock.Who’s favored to win?
Both teams have been oddsmakers’ favorite in every one of their 2022 World Cup matches leading up to the final. But for the grand finale, France is seen a slight favorite over Argentina. France is +175 to win, which carries an implied probability of 36.4%, while the Argentina team is being given a 35.1% chance to win, according to the implied-probability data taken from DraftKings’
DKNG,
-1.60%
odds on Wednesday. The outstanding percentage would account for a draw, though all matches beginning in the knockout stage go to a penalty shootout if a score is tied at the end of regulation and at the end of two 15-minute halves of overtime.What’s at stake?
A win for France would mean back-to-back men’s World Cup wins for the European nation, and France’s third title in history.
Likewise, a win for Argentina would mean its third World Cup title, and the first World Cup win for legend of the game Messi.
Related: Budweiser says it will award unconsumed Qatar beer to the World Cup winner
A record-breaking amount of prize money will also be at stake. FIFA has allocated $440 million in prize money this year, up from $400 million for the 2018 World Cup, hosted by Russia. (FIFA announced on the same day in December 2010 its selection of Russia and Qatar to host the global game’s marquee event in 2018 and 2022, respectively.)
This year’s winning side will get $42 million, up $4 million from the 2018 tournament.
The runner-up will receive $30 million, and the third- and fourth-place teams are going home with $27 million and $25 million. As for the rest, the teams that lost in the quarterfinals will each receive $17 million; teams that lost in the second round will get $13 million each; and teams knocked out in the group stage (including the U.S.) will get $9 million each. All 32 qualifying teams also received $1.5 million for securing their spots in the tournament. Only Qatar, as the host country, did not have to play its way in through regional competition.
Is this really Lionel Messi’s last World Cup?
Messi, playing in his fifth career World Cup, has said that this would probably be the last time he plays in the competition.
Failing over the years to achieve in international competition for Argentina what he has in club play (save an appearance in the 2014 final against Germany and a Copa America title in 2021), chiefly with Barcelona in Spain and now with Paris Saint-Germain in France, where he and Mbappé are teammates, Messi has previously announced and rescinded an intent to step back as an international. Only now he’s 35.
From the archives (January 2010): Club or country? Soccer World Cup revives old tensions
“Yes. Surely, yes,” Messi said when asked whether Sunday’s game will be his last at a World Cup. “There’s a lot of years until the next one, and I don’t think I have it in me, and finishing like this is best.”
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England Soccer Legend Hits Out At ‘Extraordinarily Racist’ U.S. Ahead Of 2026 World Cup
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Gary Lineker has lashed out at the U.S. by dubbing it an “extraordinarily racist country” ahead of it co-hosting the 2026 World Cup.
The soccer player turned commentator has been at the forefront of the BBC’s World Cup coverage in Qatar over recent weeks.
Speaking to the “News Agents” podcast, Lineker discussed with host Emily Maitlis why Qatar was ever permitted to host the 2022 World Cup in the first place.
He said: “We pointed facts out at the beginning of the tournament; those facts remain. So, lots of people were killed doing the stadiums. Yes, the stadiums are extraordinary, but at a great price. Homophobia is an issue here, women’s rights are a little bit of an issue here.”
“For me it was always really more about the corruption side of it because, as I said previously, I think pretty much every country, including our own, has got issues,” he continued. “And we’re off to America in four years’ time, with Canada and Mexico, but obviously America’s an extraordinarily racist country.”
Gary Lineker has led the BBC’s coverage of the Qatar World Cup. Chris Brunskill/Fantasista via Getty Images
Lineker added this point while indicating there are “always issues” with host countries – but noted that with Qatar it was “more the fact that we just pointed out a few facts and particularly the aspect of it being so corrupt”.
He continued: “They said it was going to be summer and it was in the winter. I don’t think anything’s particularly changed but it’s been a cracking tournament but that’s football; football is a wonderful sport.”
Lineker has already faced backlash from Qatar for discussing the country’s human rights record on air instead of showing the opening ceremony on the BBC.
The head of Qatar’s World Cup committee Hassan Al-Thawadi subsequently claimed the BBC’s coverage was “very racist”. But, speaking to “News Agents,” Lineker questioned whether people high up in Qatar even watched the BBC coverage in the first place. He also denied there was any discussion with Qatari authorities about his discussion of the country’s controversies.
He said: “There was one bit where the guy went on a radio station back home, I think he’s one of the organizers, and said he tried to reach out to me time and time again to get an interview and that, frankly, wasn’t true at all, neither to myself nor my agent. And then he said it was through the BBC and the BBC have no record of it whatsoever.”
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World Cup security guard dies after ‘fall’ while on duty at the Lusail Stadium | CNN
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CNN
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A Kenyan security guard who reportedly fell while on duty at Qatar’s Lusail Stadium has died in hospital, his family and officials have confirmed to CNN.
His employer had notified the migrant worker’s family on Saturday that 24-year-old John Njue Kibue had fallen from the 8th floor of the stadium while on duty, his sister Ann Wanjiru said.
“We don’t have the money to get justice for him, but we want to know what happened,” she told CNN.
A medical certificate obtained by CNN shows he was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Hamad General Hospital in Doha. The document says Njue had a “severe head injury, facial fractures and pelvic fractures.”
In a statement, the organizers of the World Cup – the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy – announced Kibue’s death.
“We regret to announce that, despite the efforts of his medical team, he sadly passed away in hospital on Tuesday 13 December, after being in the intensive care unit for three days,” the statement added.
“His next of kin have been informed. We send our sincere condolences to his family, colleagues and friends during this difficult time.”
Earlier this week, the committee announced that Kibue suffered a serious fall while on duty.
“Qatar’s tournament organisers are investigating the circumstances leading to the fall as a matter of urgency and will provide further information pending the outcome of the investigation, ” it said in its statement.
“We will also ensure that his family receive all outstanding dues and monies owed.”
He had been unconscious since Saturday and was connected to a machine to help him breathe, his medical records showed. A family member was informed on Monday morning of his death.
But the security guard’s family says his Qatari employer, Al Sraiya Security Services, has not explained how he fell or any of the circumstances surrounding his death.
“We want justice. We want to know what caused his death. They have never sent us a picture to show where he fell from or given us any other information,” his sister Wanjiru told CNN.
CNN has contacted Al Sraiya Security Services for comment after the guard’s death and is yet to receive a response.
In a statement to CNN, the Kenyan embassy in Qatar said it was aware of the matter and “undertaking necessary consular assistance whilst awaiting official communication from Qatar’s Supreme Committee and competent authorities.”
The guard’s family says he moved to Qatar last November for a contract with Al Sraiya Security Services.
A WhatsApp message seen by CNN was sent to his colleagues at other World Cup stadiums soliciting for contributions.
“He came here to support his family back home but by bad luck his dreams came to an end today,” it reads in part. “Let’s do something for our beloved comrade.”
He is the second migrant worker reported dead since the tournament began in the Gulf nation after another was reportedly killed in an accident at a resort used by Saudi Arabia during the group stages.
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UK MPs defend accepting ‘lavish’ Qatari gifts before World Cup
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LONDON — British MPs have defended taking gifts paid for by the Qatari government as a corruption scandal in Brussels shines the spotlight on lobbying by the country ahead of the World Cup.
The Qatari government spent more than £260,000 in gifts, hospitality and travel on British MPs since October last year.
Human rights campaigners have criticized the access afforded to the Qatari government following the arrest of European Parliament Vice President Eva Kaili and three others in connection with an alleged illicit influence campaign by Qatar. A series of raids by the Belgian federal police resulted in the detention of five people they said had committed “alleged offenses of criminal organization, corruption and money laundering,” and yielded €600,000 in cash, plus phones and computers.
All the trips by MPs were declared in accordance with parliamentary rules but human rights campaigners have questioned their legitimacy.
Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s chief executive, said: “No politician should be taking money or lavish trips from Qatar. Instead, they should be speaking out against the regime’s extensive human rights violations.”
Rose Whiffen, research officer for Transparency International U.K., said: “MPs should ask themselves why governments with poor human rights records are offering them paid foreign trips before deciding whether it is right to accept them.”
While there is no evidence of bribes to U.K. MPs, some MPs who received benefits from the Gulf state currently hosting the FIFA World Cup have been criticized for initiating debates in which they praised Qatar’s record on human rights in the House of Commons.
Alun Cairns, a former Cabinet minister and chair of the Qatar all-party parliamentary group (APPG), put forward a debate about the country in the House of Commons in October in which he hailed its progress on human rights in a lengthy speech. He cited Nelson Mandela’s words that “sport can change the world” and spoke of “the importance of bringing together cultures to better understand, influence and progress” so that “each nation respects, sees and supports human rights.”
Analysis by POLITICO as part of a wider investigation into APPGs showed Cairns visited Qatar twice in 2022 on trips worth a total of £9,323 including flights, accommodation and meals.
David Mundell, another former Cabinet minister and vice-chair of the Qatar APPG, said in the same debate, referring to criticism of Qatar’s record on gay rights: “Many of the people who have voiced opinions on this issue should also focus their energies on the handling of LGBT issues in professional football in the U.K.”
Mundell made one visit to Qatar last year worth more than £7,000.
Lisa Cameron, an SNP MP who is another vice-chair of the Qatar APPG, said that “understanding of [mental health issues] is progressing right across the world, including in Qatar.” She made one visit this year worth £3,865.
In total, 36 MPs have accepted the hospitality of the Qatari government since October last year, with three MPs receiving benefits worth more than £13,000 each. The average trip was worth £5,922.70.
Deputy Commons Speaker Nigel Evans received the largest total, despite his position which precludes him from speaking in any debates or putting forward questions.
These MPs rarely voiced criticism of Qatar. Conservative Mark Pritchard raised questions about their funding of the Eritrean regime back in 2010 before he began accepting their hospitality, and Labour’s Chris Bryant has condemned the decision to hold the World Cup in Qatar after saying he regretted taking their money.
Analysis of the APPG records showed the group was composed of only six to ten parliamentarians from 2015 to 2021, when membership increased to 14 and then again to 17 this year.
Eight MPs in receipt of benefits from the Qataris are members of the APPG, while several others declared “APPG business” as the reason for their visits despite not being registered members of the APPG.
MPs who responded to requests for comment defended their actions as a way of holding Qatar to account.
Doyle-Price said: “It is precisely to challenge them on their human rights record that we go on these trips … If we are going to moralize at Qatar we should be a bit more honest with ourselves about our own shortcomings.”
Furniss said she went there “in order to have full and frank discussions with political leaders on their human rights record” and added she was “disappointed by the lack of progress.”
Bryant noted that MPs attended a center for Afghan refugees and that they “forcefully put our human rights concerns to the Qatari authorities.” However, he added that “they didn’t want to listen and it all felt wrong,” which led him to conclude he should not have gone.
The MPs’ code of conduct stipulates they may not initiate any parliamentary proceeding that “would have the effect of conferring any financial or material benefit on a foreign government … which has, within the previous six months, funded a visit they have undertaken or provided them with hospitality.”
Cairns’ initiation of a debate on Qatar in October after his visit in March appears to fall just outside the six-month rule. He did not respond to a request for comment.
Earlier this week MPs backed proposals to strengthen the code of conduct including a requirement to “avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organizations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work.”
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Sport and Equalities Minister Stuart Andrew have attended World Cup games in Qatar, though there is no suggestion their trips were funded by the organizers.
In the U.K., declarations by MPs setting out gifts they have accepted and their business interests can be completed up to 28 days later and so the rules have not required MPs accepting hospitality during the World Cup to declare it yet.
Graham Lanktree contributed reporting.
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Esther Webber
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European far-right cheers over Qatar corruption scandal
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For years, they’ve locked horns with EU leaders who accuse them of flouting the rule of law, oppressing minorities, and maintaining unsavory ties with foreign regimes such as Vladimir Putin’s in Russia.
But now, as a corruption scandal engulfs Brussels, ensnaring a senior figure of the center-left, Europe’s far-right leaders feel that the shoe is on the other foot — and they are going on the attack against a pro-EU establishment that they say has presided over massive corruption while lecturing them about how to run their countries.
The upshot is that right-wingers ranging from France’s Marine Le Pen to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Polish President Andrzej Duda may seek to turn the scandal into a political weapon — as leverage in rule-of-law disputes with Brussels and to whip up anti-EU sentiment ahead of European Parliament elections in 2024.
“They dragged us through the mud over a totally transparent and legal loan from a Czech Russian bank,” National Rally chief Le Pen tweeted, referring to a €9 million loan her party secured in 2014. “At the same time, Qatar was delivering suitcases full of cash to all these corrupt people who are supposedly in the ‘camp of the good.’”
In Hungary, Orbán, who’s locked in an epic struggle with Brussels over rule-of-law failings in his country, mocked the EU in a tweet of his own, writing that the Parliament was “seriously concerned about corruption in Hungary” over a photograph of world leaders doubled over with laughter.
Polish lawmakers from the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party, which is also at odds with Brussels over rule-of-law infringements, struck a similar note, pointing out that MEP Eva Kaili, the most prominent suspect in the Qatar corruption case, had been a vocal critic of their country.
“The question arises: Where is the problem with the rule of law? In Poland or in the European Union?” said Dominik Tarczyński, an MEP with the ruling Polish party.
“The European Parliament is not a transparent institution, and support for Socialists like Eva Kaili exposes the values of the European Parliament and ridicules this EU institution,” said Bogdan Rzońca, another PiS lawmaker.
Political impact
The cries of hypocrisy from the European far-right came as Belgian police carried out further raids on Tuesday, sealing off more offices in the European Parliament.
Four people, including Kaili and her Italian partner, Francesco Giorgi, remain in police custody on charges of corruption, money laundering and participation in a criminal organization. Kaili is set to appear before a Belgian judge on Wednesday.
The EU’s top officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Parliament President Roberta Metsola, have lined up to condemn the finding in stark terms, vowing to crack down on corruption across all of the EU’s institutions, which employ more than 60,000 people across the bloc.
But for the far-right, which in many countries casts itself as the enemy of “lesson-giving” EU bureaucrats, those words rang hollow as they said the allegations uncovered since last Friday only underscore the double standards of EU elites who are quick to condemn Poland and Hungary but fail to clean up on their own doorstep.
“The European Union loves to give lessons to the entire world. It gives lessons to Hungary. It gives lessons to Poland. It even gives lessons to [European border agency] Frontex. It would do much better to start cleaning its own house,” said Philippe Olivier, a National Rally MEP and close aide to Le Pen.
The probe was likely to draw in further people, including from other political groups in Parliament, and would increase scrutiny on von der Leyen, who’s under pressure over the terms of a deal she negotiated with Pfizer to buy COVID-19 vaccines, he added.
Less than two years before EU voters head to the polls to elect a new Parliament, Olivier predicted that the corruption scandal would have a political impact in France, where Le Pen has twice reached the final round of a presidential election, only to be defeated both times by the centrist Emmanuel Macron.
“People already have the feeling that the EU is a giant rule-making machine with no oversight,” he said. “This only adds to the picture, so I’m optimistic.”
Even on the left, some politicians acknowledged that the allegations, which so far concern members of the Socialists and Democrats group in Parliament, would be damaging because they create an equivalency between socialists accused of taking money from Qatar and right-wingers who have taken money from Russia.
Jan Cienski contributed reporting.
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Nicholas Vinocur
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EU leaders try to sideline Qatar scandal — while they still can
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For once, the European Parliament won’t be the sideshow.
A corruption scandal has inflamed the Parliament just as EU leaders gather on Thursday for one of their regular summits. And the explosive revelations — bags of cash, possible influence peddling involving Qatar and Morocco — have reversed the script.
Normally, when EU leaders get together, the Parliament president attends, and barely anyone notices. The appearance is typically brief. The press conference is sparsely attended.
Not this time.
Parliament President Roberta Metsola will arrive at the European Council Thursday morning to a sea of cameras, as the media continues to chronicle the allegations swarming around the EU’s popularly elected body. She is due to update the EU’s 27 national leaders on the troubling details that have caused at least one MEP to be arrested on suspicions of corruption.
But for most EU leaders, it’s a case of “not my problem.”
“Really this is an issue for the Parliament,” said one European Council official. “We expect to get a debrief from Metsola, but nothing more.”
The European Council’s instinct to try and sidestep malfeasance allegations at the heart of the EU could be self-defeating — and store up problems for the EU in the long term.
“The potential reputational damage here can be immense,” Petros Fassoulas, secretary general of the pro-EU organization European Movement International, told POLITICO. “Most people don’t distinguish between one institution or another. The issue is that once you put the word corruption next to any European institution, people automatically associate the EU with the act of corruption.”
Looming in the distance is the 2024 European elections — the once-every-five-years exercise that is the nearest thing the EU has to a bloc-wide election.
The European elections have traditionally been a place for anti-EU forces to make their voices heard. Indeed, some of the EU’s biggest critics — Britain’s Nigel Farage and France’s Marine Le Pen come to mind — have grabbed attention in the European Parliament before moving home to spread their Euroskeptic message further.
Now there is a fear that the Qatar scandal, which has rocked Parliament, could discredit the institution even more.
“This scandal risks playing straight into the hands of anti-European, anti-democratic forces,” Fassoulas said. “It’s vital that the EU gets ahead of this, especially in light of the European elections in 2024.”
Apart from Metsola’s scheduled debrief to EU leaders Thursday morning, no further discussion of the scandal is on the official agenda for Thursday’s gathering. One diplomat said that the leaders’ response may depend on what she has to say.
EU leaders have also plenty of other issues to discuss.
Deep divisions have emerged over the European Commission’s plan to counter packages of U.S. subsidies they worry are luring investments away from Europe, countries still can’t agree on how (and whether) to cap gas prices, and Romania and Bulgaria remain incensed they’ve not been allowed into the Schengen free-travel zone.
Additionally, there were last-minute hiccups on a multi-layered deal to unlock €18 billion in aid for Ukraine and finalize a minimum corporate tax rate, after Poland blocked the proposal late Wednesday.
But in reality, the harsh spotlight being shed on the EU’s relationship with Qatar could be uncomfortable for many countries, especially as calls come to reassess lucrative aviation agreements with Doha.
Several EU members have also upped their reliance on the Gulf state for energy as they seek to wean off Russian gas. In recent weeks, German firms struck a 15-year deal to buy liquified natural gas from Qatar. And on Wednesday, Hungary announced that energy group MVM would begin talks with QatarEnergy about buying LNG gas.
Asked if the allegations about possible cash-for-influence infiltrating Parliament should cause the EU to reassess other commercial interests with Qatar, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz sidestepped the question on Wednesday, keeping the focus on the specificities of the ongoing Belgian case.
“What needs to be reviewed is which accusations are to be made against those who are now confronted with the accusation of having been bribed, and of course this also applies to those who were on the other side, meaning those who bribed,” he told reporters in Brussels.
Scholz’s economy minister, Robert Habeck, explicitly argued on Tuesday evening that the unfolding discoveries shouldn’t alter his country’s gas-purchasing plans.
“These are two different things,” Habeck said.
Not all EU leaders want to duck the issue, however.
Arriving at an EU summit with southeast Asian countries on Wednesday, Irish leader Micheál Martin said the public was “shocked” at what had transpired, and he called for the establishment of an EU-wide body to police the institutions, including Parliament.
“The whole idea of an overseeing body to ensure compliance and adherence to ethics is required,” he said. “Obviously, due process has to take place but nonetheless, people must have confidence in European Union institutions, and particularly the European Union Parliament, because it has increased its powers over the years.”
Other leaders echoed a view that many Parliament members espoused this week — that the corruption allegations don’t point to a systemic problem, only a few bad apples. Speaking in Brussels Wednesday, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas conceded that the revelations were damaging “not only to the European Union but also to European politicians.”
“I must confirm and say we are not all like this,” she added, noting that having these cases out in public may help prevent them in the future.
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Suzanne Lynch
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England’s Harry Kane ‘gutted’ by penalty miss against France
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“There’s no hiding from it, it hurts,” England’s captain said on social media about his World Cup penalty miss.
England’s Harry Kane has said he is “absolutely gutted” after missing a crucial penalty shot that could have tied the match in his team’s World Cup quarterfinal loss to France.
Kane sent the ball sailing several feet over the French goalkeeper and his Tottenham Hotspur teammate Hugo Lloris, in the 83rd minute of the match on Saturday, essentially sealing a 2-1 win — and a semifinal place — for the French.
On Sunday, Kane said the botched scoring chance against the reigning World Cup champions “will take some time to get over”.
The 29-year-old striker also took “responsibility for” his botched shot.
“Absolutely gutted,” Kane wrote on Instagram.
“We’ve given it everything and it’s come down to a small detail which I take responsibility for. There’s no hiding from it, it hurts and it’ll take some time to get over it but that’s part of sport.”
England has not won a World Cup since 1966.
The English captain’s missed penalty came as the Three Lions frantically attempted to claw themselves back into the match after Aurelien Tchouameni and Olivier Giroud gave Les Bleus a slim 2-1 lead.
It was Kane’s second penalty kick of the match. The English captain had sent the crowd at Al Bayt Stadium into a frenzy in the 54th minute after he hammered home England’s first goal past Lloris to equal Wayne Rooney as the highest scorer for England.
Kane, though, said he is not about to dwell on the loss.
“Now it’s about using the experience to be mentally and physically stronger for the next challenge,” Kane said.
“Thanks for all the support throughout the tournament — it means a lot.”
Kane and his team will now set their sights on the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship in Germany.
France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris watches Harry Kane’s penalty pass over the net at Qatar’s Al Bayt Stadium on December 10, 2022 [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera] Kane was a force in Qatar, scoring two goals and tallying three assists — the most by any player at the tournament — for the Three Lions after starting in all of England’s five tournament matches. The last time any English player accomplished the feat was David Beckham in 2002.
Kane ultimately fell short of his 2018 performance in Russia — his first World Cup — which saw him collect six goals en route to a Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer.
Following the loss to France, England coach Gareth Southgate’s future with the team is uncertain.
Southgate said he needed time to decide whether continuing on as coach was the “right decision” for the team.
France now prepares to clash with a spirited Morocco in the World Cup semifinals.
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Prominent U.S. soccer journalist Grant Wahl dies in Qatar while covering World Cup
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Prominent U.S. soccer journalist Grant Wahl dies in Qatar while covering World Cup – CBS News
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Neymar says ‘psychologically destroyed’ by Croatia World Cup loss
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‘I am psychologically destroyed,’ the Brazilian forward wrote on his Instagram account, which has received 18.8m likes.
Brazil’s Neymar said his team’s elimination from the 2022 World Cup following a devastating penalty shootout loss to Croatia has “psychologically destroyed” him.
Seleçãol were knocked out on Friday by Croatia in a stunning 4-2 quarterfinal penalty showdown that left Neymar in tears.
“I am psychologically destroyed,” Neymar said in an Instagram post on Saturday. “It is definitely the defeat which has hurt me the most, which left me paralysed for 10 minutes after the match, after which I burst into tears without being able to stop.”
“It is going to hurt for a very long time, unfortunately,” he said.
His revelatory Instagram post has tallied more than 18.8 million likes and counting.
Neymar, who hinted this could be his final World Cup, said he was unsure on Friday whether he’d return to the Brazil side for another run at the Coupe Du Monde.
“Honestly, I do not know,” Neymar, 30, told reporters in Al Rayyan, Qatar, after the heartbreaking defeat.
But in response to Neymar’s emotional Instagram post on Saturday, Brazilian football legend Pele urged him to, “continue to be an inspiration”.
On Friday, Neymar had put Brazil on pace to cement a semifinal place by notching the game’s first goal in the first half of extra time, tying him with Pele as his country’s all-time leading scorer with 77 goals in 124 international matches. But Croatia, who tallied an equaliser in the dying minutes of added time, ultimately snuck away with a victory on penalties, stunning Brazil.
Brazil’s Neymar at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on November 24, 2022 [Reuters/Dylan Martinez] (Reuters) Neymar broke down in tears in midfield after his teammate Marquinhos’ shot rang off the post, giving Croatia the win.
He had been slated to take the fifth penalty shot that never was.
In a remarkable and touching post-match moment, Brazilian defender Dani Alves quickly came to his aid, embracing a weeping Neymar as he absorbed his fate.
“He should have taken the fifth and decisive penalty,” Brazilian coach Tite told reporters after the game. “The player with the most quality and mental skills is the one to be in charge in the moment when the pressure is high.”
Pele, 82, who was hospitalised earlier this month for a respiratory infection amid a cancer diagnosis, also congratulated Neymar for tying his record in an Instagram post of his own.
“I saw you grow up, I cheered for you every day and finally I can congratulate you on equalling my number of goals with the Brazilian National Team,” wrote Pele. “We both know that it’s much more than a number. Our greatest duty as athletes is to inspire.”
He again called Neymar a national “inspiration”.
“Unfortunately, the day is not the happiest for us, but you will always be the source of inspiration that many aspire to become,” the football great added. “I’ve learned as time goes by the more our legacy grows. My record was set almost 50 years ago, and no one has come close to it until now. [You] got there boy.”
A Brazilian supporter at the Croatia-Brazil match at Education City Stadium on December 9, 2022 [Showkat Shafi/Al Jazeera] Emotions were running high for Brazilian fans in Doha and around the world after Brazil’s unexpected departure from the tournament.
“The sadness is too much,” Brazil supporter Paolo Souza told Al Jazeera after Friday’s match at Education City Stadium. “We had the best team in the world.”
Indeed, Brazil had been ranked number one by FIFA heading into the 2022 World Cup. And for many fans of the South American team – who will now have to wait another four years for a shot at redemption – the loss struck a nerve.
“We were very confident that we could win it this year but it was not meant to be,” Souza said.
“The defeat is so painful.”
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CBS Weekend News, December 10, 2022
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CBS Weekend News, December 10, 2022 – CBS News
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Witnesses Recount Heartbreaking Last Moments Of Soccer Journalist Grant Wahl
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“Every once in a while, you hear the keen edge of panic in someone’s voice and know that death and his friends are nearby,” London Sunday Times reporter Josh Glancy chillingly recalled about the sudden death at the World Cup of Grant Wahl, “probably the best known” soccer writer in America.
Glancy was transfixed at the time, along with a horde of other sports writers, by the edge-of-your-seat Dutch soccer battle against Argentina in Doha, Qatar, early Saturday.
But then a “panicked voice” called out from the press box, yelling: “We need a medic!” Glancy recounted in the Times Saturday.
“We all turned around to see a man in terrifying distress just behind us, clearly suffering some form of attack or seizure. We bellowed for a medic,” Glancy wrote.
Keir Radnedge, a columnist at World Soccer Magazine, also told CNN that colleagues near him began shouting for medical assistance after Wahl, 48, collapsed. Chairs were moved to make space for Wahl so medics could help him, he recalled.
Medics quickly arrived, and Glancy said he was “momentarily reassured,” hoping it was merely a fleeting seizure, or an allergic reaction to something. But when they began administering CPR, indicating Wahl’s heart had stopped, the entire press box was “gripped with anxiety,” Glancy recounted.
AL KHOR, QATAR – DECEMBER 10: Flowers and a picture in memory of Grant Wahl, an American sports journalist who passed away whilst reporting on the Argentina and Netherlands match, are placed prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between England and France at Al Bayt Stadium on December 10, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) Hector Vivas – FIFA via Getty Images
A journalist with first aid training and two medics continued to take turns to pump Wahl’s chest, he said. Two New York Times journalists who were on the scene said medics performed chest compressions and other treatment for about 20 minutes before Wahl was taken out of Doha’s Lusail Iconic Stadium.
Shockingly, there was no defibrillator to use, Glancy said. “Why wasn’t there a defibrillator? That was the question we kept asking each other, as the medics pumped and pumped to no avail,” Glancy wrote.
Wahl’s friends from different parts of the press box gathered around him. One of them, soccer journalist Guillem Balague, muttered: “This isn’t real.”
Eventually Wahl, his face covered, was taken away on a stretcher. Just minutes earlier, he’d been laughing and tweeting excitedly about the game.
“Godspeed, my friend,” Balague tweeted later. “If I get asked what journalism is, I’ll say your name. Your loyalty, sense of humor, affection, your dress code! will never be forgotten,” he added, referring to a rainbow shirt Wahl wore that angered Qatar authorities.
“You have been taken form us far too early,” Balague added. “There was still so much to write, live and discuss.”
A cause of death has not yet been determined. Wahl had reportedly complained for days about not feeling well and having trouble sleeping.
Wahl was a soccer analyst for CBS Sports and a longtime reporter for Sports Illustrated. He was an outspoken critic of Qatar and its oppression of the LGBTQ community. He posed a photo of himself outside the United States’ game against Wales in a rainbow flag T-shirt — for which he was briefly detained. He said his phone was “ripped” from his hands by a guard and he was told to remove his shirt. Same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar.
Family, friends, colleagues and sports fans were devastated by Wahl’s death.
“The entire U.S. soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl,” said an unsigned statement from the United States Soccer Federation. “His writing and the stories he told will live on.”
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Tributes for Grant Wahl pour in after soccer journalist’s death at World Cup
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Moments after it was reported that esteemed sports journalist Grant Wahl had died while covering the World Cup in Qatar, tributes to the CBS Sports contributor began pouring in online.
Wahl, 49, was in the press box for the quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands when he appeared to suffer “some kind of acute distress,” his agent, Tim Scanlan, told CBS News. Paramedics were called to the scene, Scanlan said, but were unable to revive him. The exact cause of death is not yet known.
A prolific journalist, Wahl wrote for multiple outlets and was a CBS Sports contributor. He was an analyst on CBS Sports HQ throughout the Qatar World Cup, and wrote guest columns focused on the U.S. men’s national team for CBS Sports. He was also an editorial consultant for soccer documentaries on Paramount+.
Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
In 2002, Wahl got to know then-teen LeBron James while he was working on a Sports Illustrated cover issue that featured James. The basketball star on Friday paid tribute to Wahl while speaking to the media.
“I’m very fond of Grant and having that cover shoot,” James said, adding, “I’ve always kind of watched from a distance. Even when I moved up in the ranks and became a professional and he kind of went to a different sport and things of that nature over the years, anytime his name would come up I would always think back to me as a teenager and having Grant in our building down at St. V. So, it’s a tragic loss.”
Tennis legend and gender equality advocate Billie Jean King responded to the news by tweeting: “Heartbreaking to hear of the death of Grant Wahl. A talented journalist, Grant was an advocate for the LGBTQ community & a prominent voice for women’s soccer. He used his platform to elevate those whose stories needed telling. Prayers for his family.”
U.S. Men’s National Team captain Tyler Adams also took to Twitter to express his sympathy, writing, “On behalf of myself and the @USMNT, we offer our deepest sympathy to @celinegounder & all those who mourn the loss of Grant Wahl. As players we have a tremendous amount of respect for the work of journalists, & Grant’s was a giant voice in soccer that has tragically fallen silent.”
In a tweet, Wahl’s wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, a medical contributor for CBS News, said that she was “in complete shock” and thanked Wahl’s “soccer family” and their friends for their support.
Sports commentators and journalists also paid tribute to Wahl’s impressive career. Senior CBS Sports writer and analyst Matt Norlander said he couldn’t “comprehend” Wahl’s loss.
“That is not computing. If he’d wanted to, Grant would’ve been THE preeminent scribe in college basketball. Instead, he changed lanes and forever altered the way American soccer was covered and popularized. Legendary. This is a tragedy,” he tweeted.
In a second post, he called Wahl “a great man and fearless reporter.”
“Life is fragile and there is always a reminder in there to live each moment for what it is. Don’t worry about the past nor the future, take care of the now. It’s the only guarantee in life,” wrote Taylor Twellman, a former U.S. soccer player and media commentator.
ESPN basketball analyst Jay Bilas tweeted that Wahl was “everything a great journalist should strive to be, and an even better person.”
“I’m devastated by the loss of Grant Wahl,” ESPN investigative reporter Don Van Natta Jr. wrote. “He was a peerless journalist and kind man whose coverage of soccer was fair … fearless.”
Several soccer teams also shared statements.
“The beautiful game is better because of him,” Los Angeles women’s team Angel City F.C. tweeted, crediting Wahl for his “contribution to the soccer community, especially women’s soccer.”
D.C. United, the Washington soccer team, called Wahl a “passionate and dedicated champion” of the game.
The U.S. Soccer Federation said in a statement that the “entire U.S. soccer family is heartbroken” by Wahl’s death. “Grant’s passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a major role in helping to drive interest and respect for our beautiful game. As important, Grant’s belief in the power of the game to advance human rights was, and will remain, an inspiration to all.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed “disbelief and immense sadness,” adding, “his love for football was immense and his reporting will be missed by all who follow the global game.”
Prior to Saturday’s quarterfinal match between England and France, FIFA paid tribute to Wahl on the video screens of Al Bayt Stadium.
Getty Images
“Through his work, Grant shared his love of football with millions,” the stadium’s public address announcer said in a statement. “FIFA and the world of football expresses sincere condolences to his wife Céline, his family and friends at this most difficult time.”
Flowers and a photo of Wahl were placed at what would have been his designated press seat for the match, which was left empty.
JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber tweeted that the organization was “shocked, saddened and heartbroken” by his passing.
The National Women’s Soccer League tweeted that it was “heartbroken” by the news, writing that Wahl’s “commitment to sharing the stories of our beautiful game was unmatched, but more importantly, his integrity, thoughtfulness and kindness were central to the way he lived.”
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story used an incorrect age for Grant Wahl and has been updated to correct his age.
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France Advances To Semifinals At World Cup, Tops England 2-1
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AL KHOR, Qatar (AP) — 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.
England striker Harry Kane had a chance to even the score late in the match but he sent a penalty attempt over the bar.
It was his second spot kick of the match. He earlier scored to make it 1-1 after Aurelien Tchouameni had given France the lead.
France will next face Morocco in the semifinals on Wednesday. The Moroccans became the first African team to reach the semifinals at the World Cup by beating Portugal 1-0.
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Grant Wahl, renowned soccer journalist, dies at age 49 at Qatar World Cup
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Renowned soccer journalist Grant Wahl has died, the U.S. Soccer Federation reported Friday. Wahl, 49, was in Qatar covering the World Cup when he passed away.
Wahl’s agent, Tim Scanlan, said that the journalist “appeared to have suffered some sort of acute distress in the press room” of the stadium during the quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands, when the two teams began playing in extra time. Paramedics were called to the scene, Scanlan said, but were unable to revive him.
Qatari officials said in a statement that Wahl “received immediate medical treatment on site, which continued as he was transferred by ambulance to Hamad General Hospital.” The exact cause of death is not yet known.
Wahl had been tweeting during the match, which was part of the eighth World Cup he had covered.
“The entire U.S. soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl,” the U.S. Soccer Federation said in a statement Friday night. “Fans of soccer and journalism of the highest quality knew we could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game, and its major protagonists.”
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
Wahl spoke about his health on his Spotify podcast Thursday, saying that he had contracted bronchitis while covering the World Cup.
“I took some time off here myself,” Wahl told listeners. “We had two days off here without games. Seventeen straight days of games and my body, I think, told me, even when the U.S. went out, ‘Dude, you are not sleeping enough,’ and it rebelled on me. So I’ve had a case of bronchitis this week. I’ve been to the medical center at the clinic twice now, including today. I am feeling better today. I basically cancelled everything on this Thursday that I had, and I napped, and I am doing slightly better. You can probably tell by my voice that I am not doing 100% here.”
Scanlan told CBS News that Wahl had an “aggressive schedule” while in Qatar.
“I asked, ‘Was it too much?’ and he said no, this is what he lived for, and he loved the World Cup,” Scanlan said, referencing a conversation on Dec. 3, about a week before Wahl’s death. “He had just been recognized for his eighth World Cup. He had turned 48 yesterday. He was a noted chef and loved to entertain. Twenty good friends that came to his apartment last night to celebrate.”
A prolific journalist, Wahl wrote for multiple outlets and was a CBS Sports contributor. He was an analyst on CBS Sports HQ throughout the Qatar World Cup, and wrote guest columns focused on the U.S. men’s national team for CBS Sports. He was also an editorial consultant for soccer documentaries on Paramount+.
Wahl was also married to Dr. Celine Gounder, a CBS News medical contributor. Gounder tweeted that she was “in complete shock” and thanked Wahl’s “soccer family” and their friends for their support as the news was reported.
Ned Price, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said that the agency was in communication with officials in Qatar.
“We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Grant Wahl and send our condolences to his family, with whom we have been in close communication,” Price tweeted. “We are engaged with senior Qatari officials to see to it that his family’s wishes are fulfilled as expeditiously as possible.”
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber tweeted: “We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken over the tragic passing of Grant Wahl. He was a kind and caring person whose passion for soccer and dedication to journalism were immeasurable.”
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story used an incorrect age for Grant Wahl and has been updated to correct his age.
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American Journalist Grant Wahl Dies While Reporting On World Cup Match In Qatar
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Highly-regarded American soccer journalist Grant Wahl died covering the World Cup in Qatar on Friday at age 48 after collapsing at the quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands.
Wahl fell back in his seat in a section of Lusail Stadium reserved for journalists during extra game time, and nearby reporters called for medical help. Emergency services arrived on the scene, treated him for 20 or 30 minutes on site and took him out on a stretcher,
The World Cup organizing committee said he was taken to Doha’s Hamad General Hospital, but it did not state a cause of death. “We are in touch with the US Embassy and relevant local authorities to ensure the process of repatriating the body is in accordance with the family’s wishes,” it said in a statement.
Following his passing, U.S. Soccer tweeted a statement that read, “The entire U.S. Soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl. Fans of soccer and journalism of the highest quality knew we could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game, and its major protagonists: teams, players, coaches and the many personalities that make soccer unlike any sport here in the United States.“
Wahl’s widow, Dr. Celine Gounder, retweeted that statement on Twitter, adding, “I am so thankful for the support of my husband @GrantWahl’s soccer family & of so many friends who’ve reached out tonight. I’m in complete shock.” She also asked for privacy at this time, telling the New York Times that she would leave all public comment to the U.S. Embassy in Qatar and the United States Soccer Federation. Ned Price, a State Department spokesman, and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that U.S. officials are in contact with Wahl’s family and “engaged with senior Qatari officials to see to it that his family’s wishes are fulfilled as expeditiously as possible.”
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Wahl, who wrote for Sports Illustrated for over two decades and then started his own website, according to the Associated Press, was a major influence on soccer coverage during a time of increased interest after the U.S. hosted the 1994 World Cup. He also brought a critical eye to the organizational bodies of the international sport.
Wahl also worked for Fox Sports from 2012-19 and was hired by CBS Sports in 2021 as an analyst and editorial consultant. Wahl wrote the 2009 book “The Beckham Experiment” after English soccer star David Beckham joined Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy, and the 2018 book “Masters of Modern Soccer.”
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Emily Kirkpatrick
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World Cup 2022 – Morocco 1-0 Portugal: Youssef En-Nesyri scores winner as Cristiano Ronaldo exits Qatar tournament
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Walid Regragui, head coach of Morocco, celebrates after the team’s victory against Portugal on Dec. 10, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.
Justin Setterfield | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
Morocco became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup as Youssef En-Nesyri’s first-half winner added Portugal to the list of shocked teams in Qatar.
Striker En-Nesyri profited on a mistake from Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa to head home the historic strike for not only Walid Regragui’s side — but the entire African continent.
Not even the 51st minute introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo — once again left on the bench by his manager Fernando Santos — could inspire a Portugal comeback, as Bruno Fernandes hit the crossbar while Goncalo Ramos and Bernardo Silva missed the target from good positions.
Late on, Morocco required heroics from goalkeeper Bono who saved from Joao Felix and Ronaldo while Pepe missed a sitter in the final minute of eight in stoppage time — which also saw substitute striker Walid Cheddira sent off for two quickfire yellow cards.
Morocco’s shock run to the last four — which has seen them beat Belgium, Spain and Portugal and concede just one own goal in five World Cup matches — sets up a semi-final clash with the winner of England and France’s blockbuster quarter-final.
How Morocco pulled off another shock to create history
Fresh from their 6-1 win over Switzerland in the last 16, Portugal began the game brightly with a couple of first-half chances falling to Joao Felix.
The forward put an early header straight at Bono and saw a deflected shot land on the top of the Morocco goalkeeper’s net before flashing over a first-time finish from the edge of the area when found in acres of space.
Moments of the match…
- 5 mins: Joao Felix missed the first of three big first-half chances by heading straight at Bono from a free-kick.
- 42 mins: Youssef En-Nesyri beats Diogo Costa to the ball to head home what ends up being the winner.
- 45 mins: Bruno Fernandes hits the bar and moments later sees a penalty appeal waved away.
- 51 mins: Moments after Hakim Ziyech nearly made it 2-0, Cristiano Ronaldo enters the field of play.
- 58: Goncalo Ramos heads a free header wide of goal following Otavio’s cross.
- 83 mins: Bono tips over Joao Felix’s goalbound strike away from the top corner of the net.
- 90+1 mins: Ronaldo breaks clear of the Morocco defense but his low shot is saved by Bono.
- 90+4: Walid Cheddira sent off for Morocco after two quickfire yellow cards.
- 90+7: Pepe heads wide from close range in the final big chance of the game for Portugal
- Full Time: Ronaldo storms off the pitch in tears
Meanwhile, Fernando Santos’ side were warned about En-Nesyri’s threat in the air as he fired over a free header from a corner, while Selim Amallah and Sofiane Boufal went close in quick succession but both failed to find the target.
Eventually, Morocco’s resilience paid off three minutes before half-time as Portugal goalkeeper Costa came for Attiyat Allah’s long hanging ball from the left and collided with his own defender in Dias, leaving En-Nesyri to nod home.
Youssef En-Nesyri scores a goal for Morocco during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match against Portugal on Dec. 10, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.
Justin Setterfield | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
A frantic end to the first half saw Fernandes crash a dipping volley against the crossbar before seeing a penalty challenge waved away by referee Facundo Tello when put through on goal moments later.
Morocco started the second period strongly, with Hakim Ziyech testing the gloves of Costa from a free-kick — a major chance which prompted the introduction of Ronaldo on 51 minutes
But it was Goncalo Ramos who was on the receiving end of a major chance immediately after Ronaldo’s entrance, heading Otavio’s defense-opening cross wide from inside the box.
Bernardo Silva had two great opportunities in quick succession to level but curled over from the edge of the area before failing to connect in the box after a smart free-kick move.
Yet none of those chances compared to the three that fell Portugal’s way in the final 10 minutes. First, Felix’s rasping drive towards the top corner was tipped over by Bono — who had to be equal to Ronaldo’s low effort when the 37-year-old ran through one-on-one.
Morocco were close to finding a second when Zakaria Aboukhlal burst clear through but his clumsy chip was easily saved by Costa — yet Pepe had an even better chance at the other end as he headed wide from inside the six-yard box following Rafael Leao’s cross.
The full-time whistle sparked jubilant scenes from the Morocco players and their thousands of supporters in the stands — while Ronaldo immediately marched off the pitch in tears in what is likely to be his last World Cup appearance.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match against Morocco on Dec. 10, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.
Patrick Smith | FIFA | Getty Images
Pepe rages at Argentine referee
Portugal defender Pepe criticized the appointment of Argentine referee Tello in the wake of the Argentina players’ comments about officiating and added time following their quarter-final win over the Netherlands on Friday.
Argentina conceded an equalizer at the end of 11 minutes of stoppage time to send their tie into extra-time, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez claiming referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz wanted the Netherlands to score, while captain Lionel Messi was also critical.
Pepe says the appointment of Tello in this game should not have been approved, with Argentina still in the tournament.
“We conceded a goal that we weren’t expecting but… I’m going to have to say it. It’s unacceptable for an Argentine referee to referee our game,” said Pepe. “After what happened yesterday, with Messi talking, all of Argentina talking and the referee comes here.
“What did we play the second half? The goalkeeper kept dropping to the ground. There were only eight minutes of stoppage time. We worked hard and the referee [gave] eight minutes?
“We didn’t play anything in the second half. The only team that played football was us. We are sad. We had the quality to win the World Cup and we didn’t manage to.”
“Our players are distressed,” said Portugal coach Fernando Santos, who shrugged off questions about his own future and added that he didn’t regret not starting Ronaldo.
“Cristiano is a great player and he came on when we thought it was necessary. But no, no regrets.”
Meanwhile, Morocco goalkeeper Bono said: “Pinch me, I’m dreaming.
“Morocco is ready to face anyone in the world. We have changed the mentality of the generation coming after us. They’ll know Moroccan players can create miracles.”
Player of the match — Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco)
Such was Portugal’s domination in possession, Morocco metronome Sofyan Amrabat only touched the ball 32 times in the 90 minutes.
Sofyan Amrabat celebrates Morocco’s victory over Portugal during the World Cup on Dec. 10, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.
Eric Verhoeven | Soccrates Images | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
But what the midfielder did on the rare occasions in which he did get on the ball was phenomenal and he was instrumental in relieving pressure on the Morocco backline.
Amrabat made eight ball recoveries and three tackles but also showed his ability to bring the ball forward — entering the final third twice and creating one clear-cut chance.
Put simply, Amrabat was everywhere for Morocco and is staking a real claim to be named Player of the Tournament.
‘Don’t take Morocco lightly’
Sky Sports’ Graeme Souness speaking on ITV:
“Morocco were fabulous — it was a mirror of the Spanish game [which they won on penalties].
“They were sensational when it came to defending their box. In terms of the hard work, being organized and determination they were a credit to their country.
“Do not take them lightly. They will not be a different Morocco next time, they will play the exact same way.
“They had a game plan which worked well. Every time the Portuguese got the ball, they got back in numbers. It’s ok to say that, but when you’re constantly bringing the other team onto to you, one person normally falls asleep in danger. No-one did that.
“For Argentina, France and England, if you asked them and they gave you an answer, they would be happy for Morocco getting there. That might be a mistake.”
What does the result mean?
Morocco move into the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, Dec. 14, kick-off at 7 p.m. GMT. Should they win that, the World Cup final takes place at 3 p.m. GMT on Sunday, Dec. 18.
The African side will play the winner of England and France‘s quarter-final, which kicks off at 7 p.m. GMT on Saturday night.
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Soccer writer Grant Wahl dies at World Cup match in Qatar
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LUSAIL, Qatar — Grant Wahl, one of the most well-known soccer writers in the United States, died early Saturday while covering the World Cup match between Argentina and the Netherlands. He was 48.
U.S. media seated near him said Wahl fell back in his seat in a section of Lusail Iconic Stadium reserved for journalists during extra time of the game, and reporters adjacent to him called for assistance. Emergency services workers responded very quickly, the reporters said, and the reporters later were told that Wahl had died.
“He received immediate emergency medical treatment on site, which continued as he was transferred by ambulance to Hamad General Hospital,” the World Cup organizing committee said in a statement, which did not list a cause of death. “We are in touch with the US Embassy and relevant local authorities to ensure the process of repatriating the body is in accordance with the family’s wishes.”
Wahl tweeted on Wednesday that he had celebrated his birthday that day.
“We could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game, and its major protagonists,” the U.S. Soccer Federation said in a statement. “Grant’s belief in the power of the game to advance human rights was, and will remain, an inspiration to all. Grant made soccer his life’s work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be with us.”
Wahl was covering his eighth World Cup. He wrote Monday on his website that he had visited a medical clinic while in Qatar.
“My body finally broke down on me. Three weeks of little sleep, high stress and lots of work can do that to you,” Wahl wrote. “What had been a cold over the last 10 days turned into something more severe on the night of the USA-Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort.”
Wahl wrote that he tested negative for COVID-19 and sought treatment for his symptoms.
“I went into the medical clinic at the main media center today, and they said I probably have bronchitis. They gave me a course of antibiotics and some heavy-duty cough syrup, and I’m already feeling a bit better just a few hours later. But still: No bueno,” he wrote.
Wahl wore a rainbow T-shirt in support of LGBTQ rights to the United States’ World Cup opener against Wales on Nov. 21 and wrote that security refused him entry and told him to remove the shirt. Gay and lesbian sex is criminalized in Qatar, a conservative Muslim emirate.
Wahl wrote he was detained for 25 minutes at Ahmed Bin Ali stadium in Al Rayyan, then was let go by a security commander. Wahl said FIFA apologized to him.
U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price tweeted late Friday: “We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Grant Wahl and send our condolences to his family, with whom we have been in close communication. We are engaged with senior Qatari officials to see to it that his family’s wishes are fulfilled as expeditiously as possible.”
Wahl is survived by his wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, an associate professor at New York University School of Medicine, attending physician at Bellevue Hospital Center and CBS News contributor.
Gounder tweeted that she was thankful for the support of her husband’s “soccer family” and friends who had reached out.
“I’m in complete shock,” she wrote.
Among Wahl’s work before he began covering soccer exclusively was a Sports Illustrated cover story about LeBron James in 2002, when James was a junior at St. Vincent-St. Mary High in Akron, Ohio.
“He was always pretty cool to be around. He spent a lot of time in my hometown of Akron,” James said in Philadelphia after the Los Angeles Lakers lost in overtime to the 76ers. “Any time his name would come up, I’ll always think back to me as a teenager having Grant in our building down at St. V’s. It’s a tragic loss. It’s unfortunate to lose someone as great as he was. I wish his family the best. May he rest in paradise.”
A voter at times in FIFA’s annual awards, Wahl had been among 82 journalists honored by FIFA and the international sports press association AIPS for attending eight or more World Cups.
“Only some days ago, Grant was recognised by FIFA and AIPS for his contribution to reporting on eight consecutive FIFA World Cups, and his career also included attendance at several FIFA Women’s World Cups, as well as a host of other international sporting events,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said. “His love for football was immense and his reporting will be missed by all who follow the global game.”
Wahl graduated from Princeton in 1996 and worked for Sports Illustrated from 1996 to 2021, known primarily for his coverage of soccer and college basketball. He then launched his own website.
Wahl also worked for Fox Sports from 2012-19.
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP—Sports
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Tributes pour in to soccer journalist Grant Wahl after his death at World Cup
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Moments after it was reported that esteemed sports journalist Grant Wahl had died while covering the World Cup in Qatar, tributes to the CBS Sports contributor began pouring in online.
Wahl, 48, was in the press box for the quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands when he appeared to suffer “some kind of acute distress,” his agent, Tim Scanlan, told CBS News. Paramedics were called to the scene, Scanlan said, but were unable to revive him. The exact cause of death is not yet known.
A prolific journalist, Wahl wrote for multiple outlets and was a CBS Sports contributor. He was an analyst on CBS Sports HQ throughout the Qatar World Cup, and wrote guest columns focused on the U.S. men’s national team for CBS Sports. He was also an editorial consultant for soccer documentaries on Paramount+.
Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
Sports commentators and journalists paid tribute to Wahl’s impressive career. Senior CBS Sports writer and analyst Matt Norlander said he couldn’t “comprehend” Wahl’s loss.
“That is not computing. If he’d wanted to, Grant would’ve been THE preeminent scribe in college basketball. Instead, he changed lanes and forever altered the way American soccer was covered and popularized. Legendary. This is a tragedy,” he tweeted.
In a second post, he called Wahl “a great man and fearless reporter.”
“Life is fragile and there is always a reminder in there to live each moment for what it is. Don’t worry about the past nor the future, take care of the now. It’s the only guarantee in life,” wrote Taylor Twellman, a former U.S. soccer player and media commentator.
ESPN basketball analyst Jay Bilas tweeted that Wahl was “everything a great journalist should strive to be, and an even better person.”
I’m devastated by the loss of Grant Wahl,” ESPN investigative reporter Don Van Natta Jr. wrote. “He was a peerless journalist and kind man whose coverage of soccer was fair an fearless.”
Several soccer teams also shared statements.
“The beautiful game is better because of him,” Los Angeles women’s team Angel F.C. tweeted, crediting Wahl for his “contribution to the soccer community, especially women’s soccer.”
Washington, D.C.’s soccer team called Wahl a “passionate and dedicated champion” of the game.
The U.S. Soccer Federation said in a statement that the “entire U.S. soccer family is heartbroken” by Wahl’s death. “Grant’s passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a major role in helping to drive interest and respect for our beautiful game. As important, Grant’s belief in the power of the game to advance human rights was, and will remain, an inspiration to all.”
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber tweeted that the organization was “shocked, saddened and heartbroken” by his passing.
The National Women’s Soccer League tweeted that it was “heartbroken” by the news, writing that Wahl’s “commitment to sharing the stories of our beautiful game was unmatched, but more importantly, his integrity, thoughtfulness and kindness were central to the way he lived.”
In a tweet, Wahl’s wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, a medical contributor for CBS News, said that she was “in complete shock” and thanked Wahl’s “soccer family” and their friends for their support.
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Grant Wahl, renowned soccer journalist, dies at Qatar World Cup
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Renowned soccer journalist Grant Wahl has died, the U.S. Soccer Federation reported Friday. Wahl was in Qatar covering the World Cup when he passed away.
The cause and circumstances of his death were unclear.
“The entire U.S. soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl,” the U.S. Soccer Federation said in a statement Friday night. “Fans of soccer and journalism of the highest quality knew we could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game, and its major protagonists.”
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
Wahl had tweeted earlier Friday that he was covering the quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands.
A prolific journalist, Wahl wrote for multiple outlets. He was an analyst on CBS Sports HQ throughout the Qatar World Cup, and wrote guest columns focused on the U.S. men’s national team for CBS Sports. He was also an editorial consultant for soccer documentaries on Paramount+.
Wahl was also married to Dr. Celine Gounder, a CBS News medical contributor. Gounder tweeted that she was “completely in shock” and thanked Wahl’s “soccer family” and their friends for their support as the news was reported.
“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken over the tragic passing of Grant Wahl,” Major League Soccer’s commissioner Don Garber tweeted. “He was a kind and caring person whose passion for soccer and dedication to journalism were immeasurable.”
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates.
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