Standings · Ninety XI

Results & fixtures

ResultArgentina (pens)

ResultArgentina (pens)

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Messi looking to guide Argentina to third FIFA World Cup title as they take on France in Qatar.

After 62 matches and 163 goals which saw 32 teams from five confederations trimmed down to two, the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup final between the White & Sky Blue and Les Bleus takes center stage this Sunday. The 29-day tournament saw unprecedented upsets, with contenders such as Germany and favorites, five-time champions Brazil, eliminated pre-maturely, while Morocco set a record as the only African nation to ever reach a World Cup third-place play-off. Argentina vs. France kicks off at 16:00 (GMT+1) on December 18 at Lusail Stadium. Argentina reached the World Cup final in Qatar after a Lionel Messi-inspired 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday. La Albiceleste redesigned their shape to keep the Checkered Ones at bay, relying on quick counter-attacking play from Messi (34’ P.) and Julián Álvarez (39’ & 69’). "We're celebrating because it's something very exciting, but there's still a step left," Lionel Scaloni said after his side reached the WC final for the first time since 2014, when they lost to Germany, 0-1. This will be Argentina’s sixth appearance in a World Cup final, with only Germany having more (8). It is also the fourth FIFA World Cup meeting between both sides, and victory here would see La Albiceleste [WWWDW] become crowned champions for a third time. The Argentines were champions in 1978 and at the 1986 World Cup when Maradona inspired the White and Sky Blue to the finals. - Following a controversial quarter-final clash against England, which featured the infamous "hand of God" goal. The Argentines lost in their most recent World Cup meeting against France, but have two victories in all [2W, 0D, & 1L]. "I am enjoying this a lot," Lionel Messi said, looking to put the decade-long raging debate over the much-acclaimed "GOAT" status to bed in a last-gasp effort to pick up the single piece of silverware that has since eluded him. Scaloni lined up a 4—4—2, but Argentina morphed into a 5—3—2 while playing Croatia, leaving Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez in attack. He is expected to adopt the same strategy for Sunday’s World Cup final against France. France reached back-to-back FIFA World Cup finals after a hard-fought 2-0 win over Morocco, while President Macron sat right next to Gianni Infantino in the VIP section. Theo Hernández (5’) put France in front with an improvised acrobatic finish past the onrushing Bono, well before a combination of dazzling footwork saw Mbappe’s effort on goal converted by Randal Kolo Muani (79'). Les Bleus are looking to become the first defending champions to win consecutive episodes of the FIFA World Cup final since Brazil did so in 1962. Now in their fourth FIFA World Cup final, a victory over Argentina would see France [WLWWW] become three-time champions following final-day victories at the 1998 and 2018 editions of the World Cup. However, Les Bleus have only three victories over Argentina across all competitions [3W, 3D, & 6L]. Having batted away questions over a Benzema comeback, Didier Deschamps will keep the 4—2—3—1 with Olivier Giroud in place. Joint-top scorers and PSG teammates Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi [5 goals each] go head-to-head in another subplot in the race for the FIFA World Cup golden boot. Meanwhile, Adrien Rabiot and Kingsley Coman are in doubt for Sunday’s final.

Ninety XI

Croatia vs. Morocco: "We have to fight for third," Dalić says after failed bid for back-to-back World Cup finals.

After an embarrassing defeat at the semi-finals, the Checkered Ones take on the Atlas Lions in Saturday’s third-place play-off clash, having failed to make back-to-back appearances at the FIFA World Cup final. Croatia vs. Morocco kicks off at 16:00 (GMT+1) on Saturday, December 17, at the Khalifa International Stadium. Croatia were swept away by a Messi-inspired Argentina following a 3-0 defeat to the White & Sky Blue on Tuesday. The Checkered Ones failed to replicate the inspiring form seen against Brazil, conceding twice in five minutes after goals from Julián Álvarez (39’ & 69’) - who eventually bagged a brace - and Lionel Messi (34’ P.). "Perhaps this is the end of the generation of the World Cups," Zlatko Dalić said after seeing his side fail to reach back-to-back FIFA World Cup finals. Croatia are now looking to settle for third place when they make their final appearance in Qatar. "Now [we] have to fight for third," Dalić said. The last time the Checkered Ones [WDDDL] took part in a FIFA World Cup third-place play-off match was in their debut appearance in 1998 after they lost to host country France [1-2] at the semi-finals. Croatia then defeated the Netherlands, 2-1 on July 11, 1998, following goals from Rosinečki (13’) and Davor Šuker (36’). The Blazers have kept a clean sheet in all three previous World Cup meetings with African countries, defeating Cameroon 4-0 in 2014 and Nigeria 2-0 in 2018, while picking up a goalless draw with Morocco on Match Day 1 in Qatar. Petković failed to return to the starting line-up against La Albiceleste, with Dalić preferring Mario Pašalić, Andrej Kramarić, and Ivan Perišić at the attacking end of the 4—3—3. He is expected to keep the trio in place for Saturday’s clash against Morocco. Despite a valiant display, the Atlas Lions were subdued by holders France in Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup semi-final clash following a 2-0 loss to Les Bleus. Theo Hernández (5’) put France in front with an acrobatic finish past the onrushing Bono. But unlike Croatia, Morocco put up a fight worthy of a semi-final place, coming close on a few occasions but lacking the required finish to draw level. Nifty footwork from Mbappe saw him weave through a forest of legs before his attempt on goal was deflected and tucked away by Randal Kolo Muani (79'), who was only forty-four seconds old on the pitch having come off the bench. "The most important thing is to have shown a good face," Walid Regragui said after failing to see his side become the first African country in a World Cup final. A European nation has won this fixture in the last 10 episodes, but the Atlas Lions [WWDWL] are looking to break the ten-time jinx as the farthest-reaching African nation at the World Cup. Walid Regragui dropped the familiar 4—3—3 for a defensive 5—4—1 against France with Youssef En-Nesyri in attack. However, he is expected to revert to the former, with Sofiane Boufal and Hakim Ziyech forming part of the attacking trio.

Ninety XI

France vs. Morocco: Les Bleus looking to reach back-to-back FIFA World Cup finals.

After a hard-fought victory over the Three Lions, Les Bleus take on the Atlas Lions for a highly coveted spot at the FIFA World Cup final in Qatar. France vs. Morocco kicks off at 20:00 (GMT+1) on Wednesday, December 14, at Al Bayt Stadium. France reached back-to-back semi-finals at the FIFA World Cup, having knocked England out on Saturday night following a hard-fought 2-1 win. Kyle Walker had kept Kylian Mbappe relatively quiet except for one episode when speed was called upon, following the highly publicized subplot leading into Saturday’s quarterfinal. However, it was a remarkable 28-yard effort from Aurélien Tchouaméni (17’) that paved the way for a French lead. Harry Kane (54’ P.) had converted his first penalty for the leveler before firing the second well above the crossbar, leaving Olivier Giroud (78’) with the winner after a well-placed header. With only Morocco standing in their way, the defending champions now look to mount a proper title defense by reaching the final at the World Cup once again, having defeated Croatia 4-2 last time out in Russia. Didier Deschamps admitted his side were "lucky" against England after giving away two penalties but remains optimistic heading into Wednesday’s semi-final following favorable history. France [WWLWW] have won their last three World Cup matches at this stage in 2018, 2006, and 1998, going on to become champions on two occasions, and have never lost to Morocco [3W, 2D, & 0L] in their previous five meetings. In addition, France have alternated between a win and a loss in their last six meetings with African nations at the World Cup, losing to Tunisia 1-0 on Match Day 3. If the trend is anything to go by, then Deschamps will be hoping for a win when he lays out the 4—2—3—1 with Olivier Giroud in attack. Mbappe [5 goals] remains the top scorer at the World Cup in Qatar, with Giroud and Lionel Messi coming in behind with 4 goals each. Morocco became the first African country to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after a towering header from Youssef En-Nesyri (42’) saw them knock Portugal and a teary Cristiano Ronaldo out of the World Cup. "What's important for future generations is we've shown that it is possible for an African team to get to the semi-finals of the World Cup," Walid Regragui said after the huge upset. A herculean task now awaits Morocco, but Regragui believes his side can become the first African country to reach a FIFA World Cup final. "Even the final, why not?" he quipped. The Atlas Lions [DWWDW] are yet to concede from an opposing shirt, having shipped only an own goal against Canada. A 4—3—3 with Youssef En-Nesyri, Sofiane Boufal, and Hakim Ziyech in attack is expected against France. The victor will face either Croatia or Argentina at the FIFA World Cup final in Qatar, slated for the 18th of December at the 80,000-capacity Lusail Stadium. Walid Cheddira [red card] is suspended for Wednesday’s clash.

Ninety XI

Argentina vs. Croatia: La Albiceleste looking to reach second FIFA World Cup final since 1990.

After reaching the semi-finals in dramatic fashion following a penalty shootout, La Albiceleste takes on the Checkered Ones for a place in the final at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Argentina vs. Croatia kicks off at 20:00 (GMT+1) on Tuesday, December 13, at Lusail Stadium. Argentina meets Croatia in back-to-back episodes of the FIFA World Cup, having reached the semi-finals for only a second time since 1990, where they met Italy in a 1-1 draw before progressing via penalties. The White & Sky Blue found their way into the semi-finals following a penalty shootout with the Netherlands after both sides were locked in a 2-2 draw at the end of extra time, having blown a two-goal lead. "From my point of view, we didn't deserve to go to penalties, but even so, the team continued to show its face," Lionel Scaloni said after the "ugly game," which saw Argentina emerge victorious following a 4-3 win. Argentina [LWWWD] are now looking to reach the final of the World Cup for the first time since 2014, when they lost to Germany 1-0 after extra time. However, the White & Sky Blue have only racked up one victory [1W, 0D, & 2L] in their last three meetings against the Checkered Ones, a 2-1 win back in November 2014 where Lionel Messi found the back of the net from the spot. Scaloni made the switch from a 4—3—3 against the Socceroos to a defensive 5—3—2 against the Flying Dutchmen. Knowing that Croatia has been a handful in recent times having seen Argentina concede seven times in three meetings against the Checkered Ones, the 44-year-old is expected to keep the defensive shape in place with Julián Álvarez and Lionel Messi in attack. The Checkered Ones dug deep to find their way past Brazil via a penalty shootout after Bruno Petković (117’) found the leveler, three minutes shy of full-time in extra-time. Both sides had failed to score in regular time until Neymar (105’+1) found the back of the net in the first half of extra time. "Once again we demonstrated what it means not to surrender," Zlatko Dalić said after seeing his side knock out the five-time World Cup champions. Croatia is looking to reach the World Cup final for the second time in a row, having done so in Russia. Both sides last met at the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Croatia [DWDDD] swept Argentina aside in a 3-0 win. Bruno Petković is expected to return to the starting line-up having made an off-the-bench appearance against the Little Canary. The 28-year-old Dinamo Zagreb forward is expected to join Mario Pašalić and Ivan Perišić in attack in Dalić’s 4—3—3. It remains to be seen if this episode in Qatar will play out as it did four years ago, in a World Cup tournament already filled with so many upsets and similarities.

Ninety XI

Morocco looking to knock Portugal out for a spot at the semi-finals in Qatar.

Having eliminated Spain to reach the quarterfinals, the Atlas Lions are back against Portugal for a spot in the semi-finals at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Morocco vs. Portugal kicks off at 16:00 (GMT+1) on Saturday, December 10, at the Al-Thumama Stadium. Morocco earned a spot in the quarterfinals following a penalty shootout with Spain after both sides were locked in a goalless draw following extra time. "We wanted to try and win the game before penalties, but we knew if it went to penalties, we have one of the best goalkeepers in the world," Walid Regragui said after seeing his side emerge victorious following a cheeky penalty by Achraf Hakimi. Having reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time, the Atlas Lions are now looking to become the first African team to reach the semifinals. However, there have been 11 previous games in the knockout phase between African and European teams, with nine of those games won by the latter. Morocco [WDWWD*] are unbeaten in five World Cup games [2W, 3D, & 0L] and are looking to stage an upset against Portugal, having won once in two previous World Cup meetings [1W, 0D, & 1L]. The North African side has conceded only once over the course of the World Cup in Qatar and are hoping their defense can hold firm against a Portuguese team with an average of three goals per match. Walid Regragui is expected to stick to the 4—3—3 seen against Spain, with Youssef En-Nesyri, Sofiane Boufal, and Hakim Ziyech in attack. Portugal made light work of Switzerland following a 6-1 win over the Red Crosses for their first appearance in the quarterfinals since reaching the last eight at the FIFA World Cup in Germany 2006. Portugal [WWWLW] are now looking to progress beyond the quarter-finals, having done so at their last two appearances in this phase, - against DPR Korea in 1966 and England in 2006. Ronaldo was dropped from the starting lineup following questionable remarks upon being substituted in the game against South Korea. With his replacement, Benfica's Gonçalo Ramos, bagging a hat-trick, the iconic no. 7 could be faced with the daunting task of finding his way back to the starting line-up so soon. Fernando Santos remained tight-lipped over his starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game. "Ronaldo will definitely [play]," he said without confirming the skipper’s place from the get-go. However, with team unity at the World Cup a top priority, Fernando Santos could sacrifice João Félix for a 4—1—2—1—2, restoring Cristiano Ronaldo to the starting line-up alongside Tuesday's hero, Gonçalo Ramos. The victor will take on either England or France in a semi-final clash on December 14.

Ninety XI

England takes on France in search of second World Cup semi-final appearance since 1990.

Having swept Senegal aside for back-to-back appearances at the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, the Three Lions are back against Les Bleus, looking for a second appearance at the semi-finals since 1990. England vs. France kicks off at 20:00 (GMT+1) on Saturday, December 10, at Al Bayt Stadium. The Three Lions emerged victorious following the clash with the Lions of Teranga after a 3-0 win over Senegal. Having reached the quarterfinals in back-to-back episodes of the FIFA World Cup, England are now looking to reach the semi-finals for only a second time since doing so in 1990 when they faced West Germany at the FIFA World Cup in Italy. This will be the third World Cup meeting between England and France, with the Three Lions having back-to-back victories after a 2-0 win in 1966 and a 3-1 win in 1982. A victory here would see Gareth Southgate become the first English manager to guide England [DWDWW] to two World Cup semi-finals. The 52-year-old made a tricky decision to drop Marcus Rashford after the brace against Wales, moving Phil Foden to the left of Harry Kane to re-accommodate Bukayo Saka on the right in the now preferred 4—3—3. A similar shape with the trio in attack is anticipated for Saturday's clash. Meanwhile, Kyle Walker will shoulder the responsibility of keeping Mbappe quiet. "He's a great player [Kylian Mbappe], but I'm not going to roll out a red carpet for him," he said. Raheem Sterling remains unavailable due to personal reasons, while Callum Wilson and Declan Rice failed to join training due to minor injuries. A fabulous 3-1 win over Poland saw France become the first defending champions to reach the quarterfinals since Brazil did so at the 2006 World Cup. A brace from Kylian Mbappe (74’ & 90’+1), coupled with an Olivier Giroud (44’) goal, saw France get past Poland despite a goal from Robert Lewandowski (90’+9 P.). Didier Deschamps [2012-?], who is the longest serving manager in Qatar, is looking to guide France into their third semi-final since they claimed the title as host country in 1998. Les Bleus [LWWLW] hope to escape defeat, having lost only once in their last eight meetings with England across all competitions [5W, 2D, & 1L]. Amid talks of a possible departure after the World Cup, Deschamps is poised to keep the 4—2—3—1 with Olivier Giroud in attack. Giroud became France's top scorer (52) following the goal against Poland, while Mbappe is the tournament's top scorer with five goals. The PSG forward failed to feature in a training session but is expected to be available on Saturday, according to reports from Sky Sports. The victor will face either Morocco or Portugal in a semi-final clash on December 14.

Ninety XI