DOHA: Rousing team talks, feuding teammates and pithy one-liners — AFP looks back at some of the best quotes of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar:
“Take your phone and take a picture with him if you want!” — Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard suggests a novel approach to dealing with Argentina’s Lionel Messi in his half-time team-talk. Renard’s words did the trick as Saudi Arabia upset the South Americans 2-1.
“People say the favorites are France. But we have the greatest player of all time.” — Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez on his team’s not-so-secret weapon, Lionel Messi.
“It’s high time we stop with this conversation, stop the controversies. It’s high time for you to leave (Cristiano) Ronaldo alone, in acknowledgement for what he’s done for Portuguese football.” — Portugal coach Fernando Santos tries to shift the focus from his superstar.
“When you watch Rocky, you want to support Rocky Balboa because of his hard work and commitment and I think we’re the Rocky Balboa of this World Cup.” — Morocco coach Walid Regragui sums up his team’s underdog spirit.
“It’s not my fault because I didn’t miss the penalty.” — Uruguay veteran Luis Suarez is unrepentant about his infamous 2010 World Cup handball against Ghana.
“No chance, we’re too old. I think our chance was 2018. We have a good team, but it is aging.” — Belgium talisman Kevin De Bruyne dismisses the Red Devils’ chances of winning the World Cup.
“Where did it go wrong? We probably also attack badly because we are too old, that must be it now, surely?” — Belgium’s veteran defender Jan Vertonghen hits back at De Bruyne after defeat to Morocco.
“You talk of human rights, racism, kids dying in schools with shootings, we have solidarity with all those causes. But here our mission is to bring smiles to all people for 90 minutes.” — Iran coach Carlos Queiroz takes a dig at American culture ahead of the Iranians’ game with the USA.
“I am psychologically destroyed. It is definitely the defeat which has hurt me the most, which left me paralyzed for 10 minutes after the match, after which I burst into tears without being able to stop.” — Distraught Brazil star Neymar after his team’s shock exit to Croatia.
“As the captain, I’ll take that on the chin and that responsibility.” — England captain Harry Kane after a missed penalty proves crucial in a 2-1 quarter-final loss to France.
“There’s nobody I would have rather had in that situation and if we had one tomorrow I’d feel exactly the same way.” — England manager Gareth Southgate rallies to Kane’s defense.
“When it happens this way, it feels like watching like a horror movie.” — Kai Havertz after Germany’s stunning first-round exit.
“I’m going to go home and hug my kids, maybe find a camel and go and ride in the desert for a couple of days and get my head straight.” — Canada coach John Herdman after his team’s elimination.
Quotes of the World Cup
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Quotes of the World Cup
Hakimi, Salah and Osimhen head star-packed AFCON last-16 cast
- A star-studded cast led by Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen switch to knockout fare from Saturday, when the Africa Cup of Nations resumes in Morocco
RABAT: A star-studded cast led by Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen switch to knockout fare from Saturday, when the Africa Cup of Nations resumes in Morocco.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Hakimi was crowned 2025 African player of the year in November. Liverpool attacker Salah and Galatasaray striker Osimhen were the runners-up.
After 36 matches spread across six groups, the 16 survivors from 24 hopefuls clash in eight second-round matches over four days.
Fit-again Hakimi is set to lead title favorites Morocco against Tanzania, Salah will captain Egypt against Benin and Osimhen-inspired Nigeria tackle Mozambique.
AFP Sport looks at the match-ups that will determine which nations advance to the quarter-finals, and move one step closer to a record $10 million (8.5 million euros) first prize.
Senegal v Sudan
Veteran Sadio Mane and Paris Saint-Germain 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, in two appearances off the bench, have been among the stars as 2022 champions Senegal confirmed why they are among the favorites by winning Group D. Sudan, representing a country ravaged by civil war since 2023, reached the second round despite failing to score. Their only Group F win, against Equatorial Guinea, came via an own goal.
Mali v Tunisia
“If we carry on playing like this we will not go much further,” warned Belgium-born Mali coach Tom Saintfiet after three Group A draws. Tunisia did well to hold Morocco, but were woeful against Nigeria until they trailed by three goals. The Carthage Eagles then scored twice and came close to equalising.
Morocco v Tanzania
A mismatch on paper as Morocco, whose only previous title came 50 years ago, are 101 places above Tanzania in the world rankings. The east Africans ended a 45-year wait to get past the first round thanks to two draws. Morocco boast a potent strike force of Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid and Ayoub El Kaabi of Olympiacos. They have scored three goals each to share the Golden Boot lead with Algerian Riyad Mahrez.
South Africa v Cameroon
South Africa debuted in the AFCON 30 years ago by hammering Cameroon 3-0 in Johannesburg. It should be much closer when they meet a second time with only four places separating them in the world rankings. In pursuit of goals, South Africa will look to Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster while 19-year-old Christian Kofane struck a stunning match-winner for Cameroon against Mozambique.
Egypt v Benin
Struggling to score for Liverpool this season, Salah has regained his appetite for goals in southern Morocco. He claimed match winners against Zimbabwe and South Africa to win Group B. Benin celebrated their first AFCON win 25 years after debuting by edging Botswana. The Cheetahs are a compact, spirited outfit led by veteran striker Steve Mounie, but lack punch up front.
Nigeria v Mozambique
Livewire Osimhen is a huge aerial threat and could have scored hat-tricks against Tanzania and Tunisia in Group C, but managed just one goal. Fellow former African player of the year Ademola Lookman has also impressed. Mozambique lost 3-0 in their previous AFCON meeting with the Super Eagles 16 years ago. It is likely to be tighter this time with striker Geny Catamo posing a threat for the Mambas (snakes).
Algeria v DR Congo
The clash of two former champions is potentially the match of the round. It is the only tie involving two European coaches — Bosnian Vladimir Petkovic and Frenchman Sebastien Desabre. Algeria and Nigeria were the only teams to win all three group matches. Former Manchester City winger Mahrez has been an inspirational captain while scoring three times.
Ivory Coast v Burkina Faso
This is the only match featuring nations from the same region. Burkina Faso and defending champions Ivory Coast share a border in west Africa. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo was the only winner of two player-of-the-match awards in the group stage. The Ivorian now face impressive Burkinabe defenders Edmond Tapsoba and Issoufou Dayo.
