Netherlands’ Noppert on Messi in World Cup: `He’s a human’
December 7, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Andries Noppert is ready to face Lionel Messi if the Argentina star takes a penalty kick in Friday's World Cup quarterfinal match.
“He’s the same like us. He’s a human,” the Netherlands goalkeeper said Wednesday.
Croatia, Serbia fined for Balkan statements at World Cup
December 7, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The Croatian and Serbian soccer federations were fined by FIFA on Wednesday for making Balkan political statements at the World Cup.
Ronaldo loses Portugal spot to sully World Cup journey
December 7, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — So, the dream is still alive for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Soccer's most prolific modern-day scorer might yet, at the age of 37 and probably playing in his last World Cup, claim the one major title to elude him in a career like no other.
Belgium forward Hazard retires from international soccer
December 7, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Belgium forward Eden Hazard retired from international soccer on Wednesday, nearly a week after his country's aging generation of players was eliminated from the World Cup.
World Cup Viewer’s Guide: Quarterfinalists bid for title
December 7, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — After non-stop soccer for the past two weeks, the World Cup is taking a small break.
There will be two days of rest before the quarterfinals start in Qatar with at least one surprising team still in contention to win soccer's biggest prize.
Young Spain squad and its ‘tiki-taka’ stumble at World Cup
December 7, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Spain lost to Morocco 3-0 in a penalty shootout in the round of 16 at the World Cup on Tuesday, failing to make it to the quarterfinals for the third straight time since winning its last world title in South Africa in 2010.
Switzerland falls again to first World Cup knockout punch
December 7, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Switzerland exited the World Cup at the round of 16 stage, just as it usually does in the modern era.
A 6-1 rout by Portugal on Tuesday left little space for feeling that progress was made, even if the squad was hit by a bout of sickness in Qatar.
The next World Cup will jump to 48 teams. Is bigger better?
December 7, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The next World Cup will be the biggest ever after world soccer body FIFA took the leap from a 32-team field to 48 teams in 2026.
AP PHOTOS: World Cup fans explore Qatar’s artificial reefs
December 7, 2022 GMTMESAIEED, Qatar (AP) — Thirty feet (9 meters) deep into the waters of the Persian Gulf, angel fish swim in and out of rusted trucks and SUVs. Plastic bags and water bottles, blown in from the nearby shoreline, float across the ocean floor.
Samuel Eto’o sorry for altercation outside World Cup game
December 7, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Cameroon soccer federation president and former star player Samuel Eto’o apologized for kicking a man to the ground in what he called a “violent altercation” outside a World Cup stadium early Tuesday.
Ronaldo a solitary figure after being benched at World Cup
December 7, 2022 GMTLUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo was a solitary figure as he walked off the field following a World Cup match in which he was not the center of attention.
Moroccans celebrate historic World Cup win against Spain
December 7, 2022 GMTRABAT, Morocco (AP) — Exuberant Moroccans poured into the streets of their capital and in cities across Europe on Tuesday, waving flags and honking horns to celebrate their national soccer team's historic victory over Spain at the World Cup.
Pistons run away in 2nd half, embarrass Heat 116-96
December 7, 2022 GMTMIAMI (AP) — The Detroit Pistons had a rare easy win.
Bojan Bogdanovic scored 28 of his 31 points in the second half, Alec Burks added 18 and the Pistons ran away in the final two quarters to beat the Miami Heat 116-96 on Tuesday night.
Little known before World Cup, Ramos goals lift Portugal
December 7, 2022 GMTLUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — In his first start for Portugal's national team, Gonçalo Ramos showed that he has the goods — and the goals — to stand in for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Even at the World Cup.
Ronaldo dropped, Ramos scores 3 for Portugal at World Cup
December 6, 2022 GMTLUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — A chant of “RONALDO! RONALDO!” swept around the biggest stadium at the World Cup, followed by loud jeers when the fans realized their idol wasn’t coming onto the field.
Hakimi’s ‘Panenka’ penalty advances Morocco at World Cup
December 6, 2022 GMTAL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — The sheer audacity. The simple execution. And then … delirium.
Achraf Hakimi converted the decisive spot kick for Morocco with a little dink of a shot known as a “Panenka” in a penalty shootout win over Spain to make his team the first Arab country ever to reach the World Cup quarterfinals Tuesday.
Twilight for Busquets, last of Spain’s champs at World Cup
December 6, 2022 GMTAL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — Sergio Busquets stood in the center circle, hands on hips, a blank look on his face.
He reached soccer’s top step with Spain and now had been stung by La Roja’s third straight elimination from a major tournament on penalty kicks, this time 3-0 to Morocco after a 0-0 draw Tuesday in the round of 16 of the World Cup.
Morocco beats Spain on penalties to advance at World Cup
December 6, 2022 GMTAL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — The first World Cup held in an Arab nation has produced the Arab world's first quarterfinalist.
Morocco became only the fourth African country to reach the quarterfinals at the biggest soccer tournament in the world by beating Spain 3-0 in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw through extra time.
France forward Giroud expects Mbappé to beat scoring records
December 6, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Two days after Olivier Giroud broke the France national team’s goal-scoring record, he’s already looking behind his back at Kylian Mbappé.
That’s fine with the 36-year-old veteran, who said Tuesday he is having fun with the man he described as the best striker he has ever played with.
Doctors say Pelé’s health improving, remains in hospital
December 6, 2022 GMTSAO PAULO (AP) — Brazilian soccer great Pelé is improving, doctors said Tuesday.
The 82-year-old Pelé has been hospitalized for a week to treat a respiratory infection aggravated by COVID-19.
Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus has surgery, out of World Cup
December 6, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus has undergone surgery on a knee injury that ended his involvement at the World Cup, Arsenal said Tuesday.
Ake expects tough time marking teammate Álvarez at World Cup
December 6, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Nathan Ake finds it difficult marking Julián Álvarez in training at Manchester City.
He’s expecting his task to be even harder when they go head to head at the World Cup on Friday.
Poland leader backs down from World Cup players’ bonus
December 6, 2022 GMTWARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland’s prime minister on Tuesday backed down from his initial declaration to award bonuses to the national soccer team for it World Cup performance amid high inflation and hardship in the country.
Belief is Croatia’s biggest weapon vs Brazil at World Cup
December 6, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — In terms of population, there's no contest between Brazil and Croatia.
“Brazil has 200 million people, we only have 4 million,” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić said Tuesday. “So we are pretty much like a suburb of a major city in Brazil.”
What’s next for Japan after exit on penalties at World Cup?
December 6, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — In Japan's fourth appearance in the round of 16 at the World Cup, the team was knocked out for the fourth time. The Japanese lost to Croatia in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
South Korea looks to youth after World Cup loss to Brazil
December 6, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — South Korea lost in the round of 16 of the World Cup and then lost its coach.
The team was beaten by five-time champion Brazil 4-1 on Monday.
Brazil dancing again after big win at World Cup
December 6, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The joy — and the dancing — are back for five-time champion Brazil at the World Cup.
The big win over South Korea on Monday secured Brazil a berth in the quarterfinals in Qatar.
World Cup Viewer’s Guide: 2 quarterfinals places left
December 6, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The final day of the round of 16 concludes Tuesday at the World Cup when Morocco faces Spain, and Portugal goes head-to-head with Switzerland for the final two spots in the quarterfinals.
Paulo Dybala, the Serie A standout not needed by Argentina
December 6, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Paulo Dybala posted a photo of himself on Instagram laughing along with his Argentina teammate Lionel Messi, with the accompanying words: “We carry on with a smile!
Neymar scores, Brazil advances to quarterfinals at World Cup
December 6, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — It was the same old Neymar out there, looking fit and scoring a goal to move closer to Pelé’s all-time record and lead Brazil into the World Cup quarterfinals.
Saudis in off-field win before Japan, Koreans exit World Cup
December 6, 2022 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Hours before Japan and South Korea endured painful second-round exits from the World Cup in Qatar, continental soccer rival Saudi Arabia had plenty to celebrate.
The All India Football Federation’s decision to pull out of the race to host the 2027 Asian Cup, announced while all the football focus in East Asia was centered on Japan and South Korea’s knockout games on Monday, left Saudi Arabia as the only candidate to host the continental championship.
World Cup betting down in Las Vegas but higher than expected
December 6, 2022 GMTLAS VEGAS (AP) — The World Cup may be the globe's biggest sporting event, yet in the United States in the fall, it competes with a full sports betting calendar.
Las Vegas sportsbook directors weren't overly optimistic the betting would be higher than the 2018 World Cup, which was played in the more usual summer months in Russia.
Son exits World Cup without showing his best for South Korea
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — As Brazil’s big-time player made his return to the World Cup in Qatar, the superstar of South Korean soccer made his exit.
Son Heung-min is his country’s Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and, yes, Neymar, all wrapped up into one.
Bobby Wood signs with New England Revolution
December 5, 2022 GMTFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Former U.S. national team forward Bobby Wood agreed Monday to a one-year contract with Major League Soccer's New England Revolution.
Bierhoff resigns as director of Germany’s teams, academy
December 5, 2022 GMTBERLIN (AP) — Oliver Bierhoff is the first managerial casualty of Germany’s early World Cup exit after agreeing to resign as managing director of the country’s national soccer teams and academy.
Image of Pelé shines bright for Brazilian fans at World Cup
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The image of a young Pelé celebrating goals and lifting trophies with Brazil’s national team appeared brightly on the shirts, flags and banners of Brazilian fans gathering before the Seleçao’s World Cup match against South Korea on Monday.
Neymar scores for Brazil in return from injury at World Cup
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — There were no signs of the limp or the swollen ankle that had sidelined Neymar at the World Cup.
There was a goal, though.
Neymar scored from the penalty spot in the 13th minute to help Brazil beat South Korea 4-1 and advance to the quarterfinals for the eighth straight World Cup.
EXPLAINER: What’s post-World Cup future for Qatar’s stadiums
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The World Cup stadium was designed to leave a minimal footprint in the Qatari sand. It's now due to be dismantled.
Stadium 974 played host to seven matches, the last of which was Brazil's 4-1 win over South Korea in the round of 16 on Monday.
Croatia going deep again at World Cup after shootout win
December 5, 2022 GMTAL WAKRAH, Qatar (AP) — Croatia is going deep at another World Cup, and the team is taking the long route once again.
Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved three penalty kicks in Croatia's 3-1 win over Japan in a shootout on Monday, securing a return to the quarterfinals for the runner-up in the 2018 tournament.
Japan national team loses again in round of 16 at World Cup
December 5, 2022 GMTAL WAKRAH, Qatar (AP) — After making it back to the round of 16, Japan is headed back to the drawing board.
The Japanese reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the fourth time, and then lost for the fourth time.
Pelé to watch Brazil’s World Cup match from the hospital
December 5, 2022 GMTRIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazilian soccer great Pelé will be cheering on his country's national team on Monday in its World Cup game against South Korea from the hospital, where he is being treated for a respiratory infection aggravated by COVID-19.
UAE leader makes surprise visit to Qatar following boycott
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The leader of the United Arab Emirates made a surprise visit Monday to Qatar as it hosts the World Cup — his first since leading a yearslong four-nation boycott of Doha over a political dispute that poisoned regional relations.
Ronaldo looks to shine like Mbappé, Messi at World Cup
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo was the usual hot topic at Portugal’s pregame news conference at the World Cup on Monday — though the issues were hardly positive for his veteran coach to handle.
Sterling leaves England World Cup camp after home break-in
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — England forward Raheem Sterling has left the team's World Cup camp in Qatar and returned to Britain after a break-in at his home.
The 27-year-old Chelsea player missed England’s 3-0 victory over Senegal in the round of 16 on Sunday and it was not known if he would be back for the quarterfinal match against France on Saturday.
Serbia charged by FIFA for team, fans conduct at World Cup
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — FIFA brought disciplinary charges against Serbia on Monday for alleged misconduct by players and fans including offensive chants at a World Cup match against Switzerland.
Uruguay players charged for confronting World Cup referee
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Four Uruguay players were charged with offensive behavior by FIFA on Monday for their angry pursuit of the referee after being eliminated from the World Cup.
Americans’ World Cup-ending loss seen by 16.5M on US TV
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The United States' tournament-ending 3-1 loss to the Netherlands at the World Cup was seen by 16.5 million on U.S. English- and Spanish-language television and digital streams, according to figures released by Fox and Telemundo.
Spain is prepared for penalties against Morocco at World Cup
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Spain coach Luis Enrique gave his team a unique assignment following a penalty shootout loss to Italy at last year's European Championship.
“I told my players they have homework ahead of the World Cup.
Arab fans in Qatar rally behind Morocco at World Cup
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Moroccans in Qatar are feeling the love from across the Arab world ahead of their country’s World Cup clash with Spain on Tuesday.
After their own teams were eliminated from the first World Cup in the Middle East, many Qatari, Saudi and Tunisians fans in Doha are now rallying behind Morocco — the last Arab team left in the tournament.
Neymar lookalike causes double takes at World Cup in Qatar
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — While one Neymar was about to make his return at the World Cup, another was going home after a short — and tumultuous — stint in Qatar.
World Cup fans find booze at hotels, Qatar’s 1 liquor store
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — In a dusty neighborhood on the outskirts of Qatar's capital, guards stand duty at a gated compound ringed with razor wire, carefully checking passports and permits before allowing anyone inside.
Spain or Morocco? World Cup passions blur in Spanish exclave
December 5, 2022 GMTCEUTA, Spain (AP) — The World Cup knockout game between Spain and Morocco will bring millions of fans on both sides of the Strait of Gibraltar together around screens in bars and living rooms to see which country will keep alive its dream of soccer glory.
Believe the hype, Bellingham is lighting up the World Cup
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Jordan Henderson knew exactly who to thank after opening the scoring in England’s 3-0 win against Senegal at the World Cup.
Pointing a finger in the direction of Jude Bellingham, Henderson charged over to his teammate, pressed his face nose-to-nose with the teenager and stared intensely into his eyes before embracing him in celebration.
Mbappé is bringing soccer to a new dimension at World Cup
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo's precision. Lionel Messi's vision. The speed and power of the original Ronaldo — the one from Brazil.
Kylian Mbappé is elevating his performance to a new dimension at the World Cup.
Poland finds its true level at World Cup, beaten by the best
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Poland heads home from the World Cup as the latest team unable to overcome an inspired Kylian Mbappé, who dominated in France’s 3-1 win in the round of 16.
What next for African champ Senegal after World Cup exit?
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — African champion Senegal was outplayed by England and given a reality check as it was eliminated in the last 16 at the World Cup.
Saudi Arabia now the only bidder for soccer’s 2027 Asian Cup
December 5, 2022 GMTKUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Saudi Arabia is now the only candidate to host the 2027 Asian Cup after India’s soccer federation withdrew its bid on Monday.
Preparing for the month-long tournament can let Saudi Arabia show its soccer hosting ambitions to FIFA, which is seeking bidders for the 2030 World Cup and future editions of a revamped Club World Cup.