US journalist Grant Wahl dies on the beat, aged 48
December 11 – American journalist, Grant Wahl, 48, passed away after collapsing during the World Cup quarter-final between Argentina – the Netherlands in the press box of Lusail Stadium.
Qatar 2022
Qataris and FIFA brush off another worker death accusing world media of a ‘false narrative’
December 9 – Dismissing the death of a migrant worker from the Philippines at Saudi Arabia’s training resort in Qatar, World Cup boss Nasser Al Khater has said: “Death is a natural part of life, whether at work, whether in your sleep.”
Qatar, FIFA and ‘silent’ Infantino pressured over whistleblower Ibhais’ jailing for a crime he didn’t commit
December 8 – Human rights organisation FairSquare has called on the UN to help World Cup whistleblower Abdullah Ibhais, who is currently in prison serving a three-year sentence. Ibhais family have accused FIFA of “callous indifference” over his plight within and an opaque Qatari legal system.
Rainbow’s end: FIFA says no politics but Palestinian flags, songs and banners go unchecked
By Andrew Warshaw
December 8 – They may not have had a team at the World Cup in Qatar but they have enjoyed a massive following just the same.
Infantino puts a bird’s-eye spin on the ‘greatest group stages ever’ as he brings joy to the world
December 8 – In an inhouse interview, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has claimed Qatar hosted the “best group stage ever” at a World Cup with high attendances and record television figures.
Portugal brush Swiss aside as Ramos stars after Ronaldo is dropped to bench
By Andrew Warshaw
December 7 – It was a massive gamble and fortunately for Portuguese coach Fernando Santos it paid off – and then some.
Morocco create Arab and African history with penalty shoot-out elimination of Spain
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
December 7 – It was with the cheekiest of Panenkas that Achraf Hakimi and Morocco upset Spain to create a 3-0 penalty win, and World Cup history, to progress to the last eight of the tournament.
Eto’o apologises for ‘violent altercation’ with fan after World Cup match
December 7 – Samuel Eto’o has apologised for a “violent altercation” when in a bizarre and distasteful incident he kicked a fan outside a World Cup stadium.
Polish PM scraps on World Cup bonus plan after public backlash
December 7 – Poland’s prime minister has backed down on a promise to award bonuses to the national team after the World Cup.
Pele’s health is improving, say doctors, with no new complications
December 7 – Brazil great Pele’s condition is improving in hospital, according to his doctors.
FIFA cracks down on Uruguayans behaving badly and Serbia’s anti-Kosovan politics
December 6 – FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against both Uruguay and Serbia for a range of misdemeanours during their respective final group games at the World Cup which saw both countries eliminated.
Brazil turn of the style and the joy to cement their status as Qatar 2022 favourites
December 6 – Brazil danced their way to a 4-1 victory against South Korea and a last-eight encounter with Croatia after a barnstorming first half against the Asian team.
FIFA-stooge Wenger holds the company line, saying early exiting teams were too focussed on ‘politics’
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
December 5 – FIFA’s head of global development Arsene Wenger has claimed that teams who avoided political demonstrations have played better at the World Cup, taking a swipe at Germany and Denmark. He also praised the tournament experience as “unique”.
Dutch brush past USA to line up Argentina
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
December 3 – Spearheaded by Memphis Depay and Denzel Dumfries, the Netherlands breezed past an inexperienced US side 3-1 to reach the last eight of the World Cup where they will meet Argentina.
Six of the best: Qatar 2022 sets record for group-stage survivors from outside traditional powers
By David Owen
December 3 – Qatar 2022, a World Cup of upsets? Well, actually yes, as the group stage draws to a close, the opening phase of this massively controversial tournament has indeed, by one objective yardstick, been the most surprising in recent history.