Sports Bulletin

Special Report ISLAMABAD: Defending champions France vanquished England 2-1 in the 4th quarterfinal of the FIFA World Cup 2022 to move to the semifinal at Al Bayt Football Stadium Qatar, as winners will meet Morocco in the second semifinal of the quadrennial soccer fixture of the world. French footballers were looking for a nice touch from the start of the game and kept the ball in control. They got a couple of chances during the first 10 minutes of the game and in the 11th minute, English goalkeeper J Pickford collected the ball neatly when an accurate shot was right on target. A left-side move also created a chance but unfortunately, French forward Dembele could not connect the ball into the net. Finally, Aurelien Tchouameni thrived to earn the lead for his team in the 17th minute, when he smashed the ball from out of the box and made the scoreboard 1-0. English lad got a free kick from the right side near the box but French goalkeeper H Lloris made that unsuccessful in the 21st minute of the first half. However, during the 25 to 30 minutes of play England were looking so aggressive and made back-to-back attempts to square the match. In the 25th minute, England captain S Kane took review for claiming a penalty kick but it was turned down after watching the reply, soon after this incident England forward Foden kicked the ball on target but the opponent’s goalkeeper was alert. England wasted another chance in the 30th minute when on a corner kick the forwards were unable to convert the ball into the net, as there were three English players in the box near the goal-line. France retained the lead 1-0 at half-time. Finishing the first half in a one-goal deficit, England players started the second half with pace and attacked twice in a row in the 47th minute and produced the corner too but French goalkeeper H Lloris defended both attempts bravely and did not allow opponents to guide the ball in the goal. Henderson made a move from the right flank that ended in smoke. In the 53rd minute, England made the match even at 1-1 on a penalty kick. Captain Harry Kane smashed the ball accurately into the net. Woeful English forward H Maguire could not head the ball into the net in the 70th minute, as his effort went in vain and the ball crossed the goal-line after touching the goalpost on the right side of the goalkeeper, as England wasted a golden opportunity to get the lead in the last quarterfinal of the FIFA World Cup 2022.   Olivier Giroud scored the second goal for defending champions in the 78th minute by heading the ball into the net after receiving the ball from the left side and reset the scoreboard to 2-1. Unluckily, English skipper Harry Kane kicked the penalty out in the 84th minute and could not level the score 2-2. The final score was 2-1 in the last quarterfinal of the Qatar Football World Cup. France will clash with Morocco in the second semifinal of the mage football fixture of the world on December 15, 2022, as the first semifinal will be played on December 14, 2022, between Argentina and Croatia.

Report: Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD: Croatia made another mark in the history of the FIFA World Cup after deleting 4-time champions Brazil from the Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 4-2 on penalty shoots in the first quarterfinal here at Education Football Stadium Doha Qatar on Friday night. The match was tied 1-1 after 120 minutes of the game. Winners kicked all four penalties accurately in the goal while Brazil could push the ball in the net twice. One was stopped by the goalkeeper Dominik Ltvakovic and one came back after hitting the left-side of the goalpost. In the first quarterfinal of a mega soccer fixture, both teams Brazil and Croatia started the game with a gentle pace and struggled to control the ball, as the opening 15 minutes of time, was wasted in the middle of the playground. In the 20th minute, the forwards missed a chance when from the right flank a cross passed in front of the goalpost. Later Brazil threw away an open occasion in the 23rd minute of the game. They also got 1st corner kick but that could not be fruitful for Brazil. The ball possession ratio was 51 and 49 in the favour of Yellow Shirts. Brazil attempted five shoots while Croatia 3 on the goalpost each other but no one could change the scoreboard, as the 45 minutes game ended without any score. The referee brought out the yellow card twice from his pocket and showed two players, each one from both sides. Croatia attempted 8 fouls while Brazil did 5 times in the first part of the match. Meanwhile, in the second half, Brazil changed its tactic and displayed the skill of soccer by showing some aggression and combined moves. They attached 16 times against Croatia in the quarterfinal encounter. They kept control of the ball the 51 percent of 90 minutes of the game. They wasted open net chances in the 47th minute and 66th minute. Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Ltvakovic performed excellently and saved certainly goal attempts in the whole match. Extra time was given to the first quarterfinal to make the decision of the first semifinal team of the FIFA World Cup 2022. After massive attacks, Brazil scored the goal after the first part of the extra time, as injury time was going on. Neymar netted the ball after his personal effort, which made the score 1-0. Bruno Petkovic leveled the game 1-1 in the 117th minute of the match, as he kick the ball accurately to the left side of the goalkeeper, as soon as he received the pass from left-out players. However, no one could change the scoreboard during the next three minutes of extra time. After 120 minutes, the quarterfinal was leveled 1-1. Brazil XIs: Alisson (Goalkeeper), Danilo, T Silva, Marquinhos, Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta, E Militao, Raphinha, Neymar, V Junior, Richarlison, Croatia XIs Dominik Ltvakovic (Goalkeeper), Boma Sosa, Josko Gvardiol, Dejan Lovren, Josip Juranovic, Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic, Andreg Kramaric, Mario Pasalic Quarterfinals Line-up: 1st Quarterfinal: Croatia beat Brazil 1-1 (4-2 Penalty Shoots) 2nd Quarterfinal: Argentina vs Netherlands 3rd Quarterfinal: Morocco vs Portugal 4th Quarterfinal: France vs England  

Goncalo Romes scores hat-trick, Portugal to meet Morocco in the third quarterfinal Report: Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD: Portugal outclassed Switzerland 6-1 in the last pre-quarterfinal of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 at Lusail Football Stadium in Doha, Qatar in the wee hours of Wednesday. Also, the top-eight stage line-up is completed and four times champions Brazil will meet Croatia in the first quarterfinal of the prestigious quadrennial fixture of the soccer world. In the last pre-quarterfinal of the Qatar Football World Cup, both teams began the game with a bit slothful pace and tries to maintain control of the ball. During the first 15 minutes of the first half, spectators did not see any teamwork or joint effort to target the opponents’ goalpost. Players were shifting the ball with long passes and not eager to make any combined move from the left or right corner, as the ball remained in the middle during the first 15 minutes.   Portugal entered the pitch without world-famous soccer player Christina Ronaldo, Goncalo Romes jolted the challenger by scoring the first goal of the match from the left side to put his team in driving seat 1-0 in a knock-out stage of the top international sports fixture of the world. Later, they wasted a couple of occasions in the 21st and 22nd minutes of the match, as kicks were on target but could not prove fruitful. Pope, 39, doubled the lead after neatly netting the ball in the 33rd minute of the match on a right flank corner kick and rotated the scoreboard 2-0. Before the second goal, Shaqiri missed a chance to level the game 1-1 in the 30th minute. Sow also failed to head the ball properly in the goalpost, as he was in the box and in front of the goal line in the 38th minute of the first half. At the halfway stage of the match, Portugal were leading 2-0 in the last fixture of the top-16 team’s round. Meanwhile, in the second part of the encounter, Portugal showed their class and struck the third goal in the 51st minute of the match, this was again Goncalo Romes, who guided the ball in the right direction to make the score line 3-0. Raphael Guerreiro added the 4th goal in the 55th minute from a left-side move. He did not neglect the chance to score a goal after receiving a fine pass from his teammate. Raphael comfortably steered the ball into the net. Switzerland’s striker, Manuel Akanji reduced the deficit after scoring the goal in the 58th minute of the match, as Portugal’s players showed some leniency after scoring the 4th goal. Hero of the day, Goncalo Romes inked a new record after scoring three goals to make a median hat-trick in the Qatar World Cup 2022, as this was 5th goal of the winning team in the do-or-die encounter. Portugal’s coach sent Christina Ronaldo to the field 18 minutes before the final whistle. The substitute player Rafael Laeo scored the sixth goal in injury time to make the scoreboard 6-1. Portugal XIs: D Costa (Goalkeeper), R Gurreiro, R Dias, Pepe, D Dalot, B Silva, W Carvallho, Otavio, B Femandes, Goncalo Romes, J Fellix Switzerland XIs: Y Sommer (Goalkeeper), E Fermandes, F Schar, M Akanji, R Rodringuez, R Freuler, G Xhaka, X Shaqiri, D Sow, R Varges, B Embolo Quarterfinals Line-up: 1st Quarterfinal: Brazil vs Croatia 2nd Quarterfinal: Argentina vs Netherlands 3rd Quarterfinal: Morocco vs Portugal  4th Quarterfinal: France vs England 1st Semifinal on December 9, 2022 2nd Semifinal on December 10, 2022 3rd Position Play-off on December 17, 2022 Final on December 18, 2022

Report: Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD: Morocco have confirmed their berth in the top-8 stage of FIFA World Cup 2022 after beating Spain 3-0 on penalty shoots in a nerve-jangling pre-quarterfinal at Education Stadium Doha Qatar on Tuesday night. Defending champions France, England, Croatia, Brazil, Netherlands, and Argentine have already reached the quarterfinals after winning their respective knock-out round contests. Both teams started the game with pace and went all out to get the lead in the do-or-die fixture. During the first 15 minutes, Spain kept possession of the ball while Morocco had only 26 percent possession, as no one team could attack the goalpost. Morocco also missed a free kick, as Spain spurned the ball bit away from the post in the 25th minute of the game, as they wasted a golden opportunity to change the scoreboard in their favor. After 30 minutes of the first half match was scoreless but both teams show aggression and attacked the opponents’ goalpost but failed to guide the ball into the goal. Mostly the time, the Spanish guys kept the ball in control but they attempted seven fouls in this effort. Morocco did three fouls, as Spain attacked twice in the 34th and 35th minutes of the crucial fixture. Morocco’s defenders did not allow Spanish players to get the lead. In the 42nd and 43rd minutes, Morocco muffed two occasions to net the ball. A fraction of the last, Spain again missed a golden chance to make the score 1-0 at halftime. Although, in the first half Spain controlled the ball maximum time and created three possibilities to kick the ball into the net, as players of both teams display an aggressive and fast game in the first 45 minutes. Goalkeepers of both sides made their best efforts to stop the rivals’ attempts and spectators applauded their performance in the first half, which ended 0-0. Spain’s Torres shoot accurately on target to score a goal in the 54th minute of the match, from the left flank a free kick was right on target, which was brilliantly protected by Morocco goalkeeper Bono. Spain’s coach made the first change of the match and replaced Gavi with M Asensio in the 62nd minute of the game. Spain wasted two more occasions to earn the lead in the 88th minute and during injury time, as both teams were aggressive in the injury time but no one could make the goal. After 90 minutes of regular time score was 0-0, as in the 4th minute Morocco’s goalkeeper blocked a free kick bravely and saved the blushes of his team. At the final whistle, the score was 0-0 on the scoreboard. Extra time of 30 minutes was given to make the decision of the match, as Morocco’s forward wasted a golden opportunity in the 104th minute of the match, as the Spanish goalkeeper stopped the ball with his right leg. Spain also targeted the opposite goalpost twice in the first part of extra time but that could be fruitful for Spain. Morocco forward player Youssef En-Nesyri was alone with the ball near the box but could not make it a historical finish. Spain squandered an open goal chance when merely 30 seconds were left for the final whistle. Match ended goalless after 120 minutes of the game, as both teams lost countless chances to score a goal After 120 minutes, five penalty shoots were given to each team to decide the quarterfinalist team of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Bono defended 2 penalty shoots back to back and the first kick was hit back from the goalpost, as Morocco reached the quarterfinal of the Qatar World Cup 2022. The final score was 3-0. Morocco XIs: Bono (Goalkeeper), Achref Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Romain Saiss, Noussair Mazraovi, Azzedine Ounahi, Sofyan Amrabat, Selim Ammallah, Hakim Ziyech, Youssef En-Nesyri, Sofiane Boufal Spain XIs U Simon (Goalkeeper), J Alba, A Laporte, Rodzi, Mllorante, Pedri, S Busquets, Gavi, D Olmo, M Asmsio, F Torrer Quarterfinals Line-up: 1st Quarterfinal: Brazil vs Croatia 2nd Quarterfinal: Argentina vs Netherlands 3rd Quarterfinal: Morocco vs Portugal / Switzerland  4th Quarterfinal: France vs England 1st Semifinal on December 9, 2022 2nd Semifinal on December 10, 2022 3rd Position Play-off on December 17, 2022 Final on December 18, 2022         

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD: The three times Asian Champions, Saudi Arabia will host the 2027 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Football Cup, as India withdrawn from his bit to get the rights of holding mega football event of the Asian nations. According to AFC statement, after All India Football Federation’s decision of withdrawal, Saudi Arabia remained single bidder of the said event, as AFC has awarded the tournament to Saudi Arabia to host the mega soccer fixture of the Asian countries. “The Asian Football Confederation has been officially notified by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) of their decision to withdraw their bid from the AFC Asian Cup 2027 host selection process,” the regional body said Monday without elaborating. Saudi Arabia defeated two times world champions Argentina 2-1 in their opening clash of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 at the different venues of Qatar.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: The Chairman, Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Normalisation Committee (NC), Haroon Malik vowed to make a repaid progress for the federation’s elections and restoring football activities in the country, which would be gradually helpful for Pakistan football and footballers to earn due recognition across the world. He was talking to media persons in a press briefing at the FIFA Football House on Thursday flanked by NC member Shahid Niaz Khokhar, said: "Pakistan football has been moving in the right direction, along with restoring normal activities and making positive progress for transparent elections as per mandate. “Almost 4000 clubs have now been registered under Pakistan Football Connect while 1737 users have been given access. However, 1074 users have started using the website. Unfortunately, due to recent floods and difficulty in accessing the internet, some clubs and academies are still unaware of Pakistan Football Connect but we are trying to provide guidance and all possible support. The last date of registration is 15th December 2022. He said that as the national women’s football team played an international event after a gap of eight years, the tryouts of women were held in different cities in Pakistan. Soon the camp is going to start as the women’s team is all set to take part in the four-nation tournament in Saudi Arabia. "The hosts Saudi Arabia will play against Pakistan and two other countries. The tournament kicks off on the 11th of January and lasts till the 19th of January 2023. The tournament will be a part of SAFF’s football strategy of developing and up-skilling women’s football as well as connecting continents of Africa and Asia." He further said: “We participated in the FIFA Executive Summit on the eve of the FIFA World Cup 2022 opening and the international community expressed happiness over the restoration of football activities in Pakistan. With the support and encouragement of important members of FIFA, we will try to improve things for the promotion of sports in the country. "The powerhouses of football showed deep interest in Pakistan football and corroborated the PFF NC of their all-out support for a better future for Pakistan football. The good ties with the international community will prove fruitful for domestic football in the country," Haroon Malik concluded. Member Normalisation Committee Shahid Niaz Khokhar said: “We are glad to inform you that Pakistan successfully conducted a Futsal Level-I Coaching Course in Pakistan. The course was done in two sessions and 15 participants took part in each session. This course will have a profound effect on Pakistan Futsal,” he added.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD: The first Gulberg Football Tournament will be played from December 10 to 24, 2022 at Gulberg football ground. According to an official, 16 teams will take part in the soccer event which will be divided into two groups. The final of the tournament will be played on December 24, 2022 at the same venue.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: The South African FIFA-certified female referee Akhona Makalima has arrived here on Tuesday to conduct an international course on ‘women's leadership and career mentorship in sports’ on the invitation of Galaxy Sports Academy (GSA). Akhona Makalima, who is South Africa's first FIFA female referee and has honor of refereeing the FIFA U19 Women World Cup held in Costa Rica this year, has been conducting the course entitled as 'Career Mentorship in Women Sports and Football Refereeing’ at Government College University (GCU) Lahore till November 25 under the patronage of the US Department of State Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP).  International hockey player and Pakistan's first female Olympic volunteer Rabia Qadir, who is also an alumna of the GSMP class of 2016, invited Akhona Makalima for the second time to Pakistan to train and prepare the next generation for female mentors and sports leaders.  Currently, there is no Pakistani female referee on the FIFA panel. So during this course, Makalima will train 25 national and international athletes about how they move forward in life after their playing career and become mentors and leaders. She will also guide the participants about the pathway how to become a referee at the international level.  Government College University Vice Chancellor Dr. Asghar Zaidi has taken a keen interest in the course and provided local hospitality and world-class facilities for the FIFA-certified female referee. During this visit, Akhona Makalima will also participate in different events, where she will celebrate the FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted for the first time by an Islamic country.

Sports Bulletin Report Doha, Qatar: Saudi Arabia stunned two times champions Argentine 2-1 in the first match of day three of FIFA World Cup 2022 here at Lusail Iconic Stadium Qatar on Tuesday. Argentine skipper Messi scored the first goal for his team in the 10th minute of the match on penalty kick, which was awarded after seeing the action reply on screen. After around 10 minutes Argentine netted the ball and the referee gave the goal, Saudi Arabia took the review against the decision and the referee turned his decision back. At the half time, Argentina were ahead with the score of 1-0. Salah Al Shehri equalized the score soon after the break in the 48th minute. Salem Al Dawsuri led his team in the 53rd minute of the match, as the best side of the soccer world went in deficit 1-2. Saudi Arabia maintained their lead till the end of 90 minutes.  

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD: Single match passes will be on sale from today in Australia (AEDT) and in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZDT) with prices starting at AUD/NZD$20 for adults and AUD/NZD$10 for children Visa cardholders will have priority access from 25 to 31 October 2022, with all fans being able to secure single match passes from 1 November 2022 Single match passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis so fans are urged to act quickly to secure tickets to the biggest women’s sporting event in the world Two-time FIFA Women's World Cup winner Carli Lloyd encourages fans not to miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity With the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ Draw complete, and 29 of the 32 teams confirmed to be heading to Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand in 2023, single match passes are now available to fans at FIFA.com/tickets. Kicking off on 20 July 2023, the ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ is set to be an unmissable experience with 32 teams competing in 64 matches across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Tickets are being made available first with a Visa Presale period from 25 to 31 October 2022, before going on sale to the general public from 1 November 2022 until 3 March 2023. The 25 October sales phase will commence at midday in Australia (AEDT) and 2pm in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZDT). For further information on what time tickets will go on sale in your country click here.