Here’s what’s happened today at the FIFA World Cup — and what’s happening tomorrow.
Australia are through to the round of 16 after beating Denmark, and will play Argentina in the next round. France and Poland also go through to the knockout stages, despite both losing their pool games today.
Meanwhile, New Zealand referee Matt Conger played a vital part in Tunisia’s win against France.
READ MORE: New Zealand referee at centre of controversial decision to disallow French ‘goal’ >>>>
Games played on Thursday December 1, 2022
Group D
Tunisia 1 (Khazri 58′)
France 0
Australia 1 (Leckie 60′)
Denmark 0
Group C
Poland 0
Argentina 2 (Mac Allister 46′, Alvarez 67′)
Saudi Arabia 1 (Aldawsari 90+5′)
Mexico 2 (Martin 47′, Châvez 52′)
Games to be played on Friday December 2, 2022
Croatia and Belgium meet for the first time in a tournament setting to contest a place in the knockout phase. Croatia will secure a round-of-16 berth if they avoid defeat, while Belgium can only be sure of progressing with a victory. If Morocco lose to already-eliminated Canada, it is possible that both these European teams could advance.
With defeats in their opening two matches, Canada are already out, but Morocco, who are second in the group on four points, are well placed to seize one of Group F’s two qualifying berths. A draw will be enough to see them through as group runners-up – as will a defeat for Belgium against Croatia in the group’s other final fixture – while a win could see them secure top spot. The countries’ respective captains, Atiba Hutchinson and Romain Saïss, are teammates at Turkish club Beşiktaş.
Japan’s momentous 2-1 victory over Germany in their opening game was offset by a 1-0 defeat by Costa Rica, and they can only be certain of prolonging their stay at the tournament if they win their final Group E fixture against Spain, who will go through if they avoid defeat and are guaranteed top spot if they win. This is the first competitive meeting between the teams.
Germany, who have failed to win either of their first two group fixtures for the first time, prop up Group E, but if they beat Costa Rica by two or more goals, they can only be eliminated if Japan defeat Spain. Costa Rica will go through if they beat Germany, or with a draw if Spain beat Japan.
Group F
Croatia v Belgium
Al Rayyan Stadium, Ar-Rayyan, 4am (NZT)
Canada v Morocco
Al Thumama Stadium, Al Thumama, 4am (NZT)
Group E
Japan v Spain
Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, 8am (NZT)
Costa Rica v Germany
Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, 8am (NZT)
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