Tayyaba Bibi

Reg #1389-FSS/BSMC/F19

FIFA World Cup 2022 has so far witnessed thrilling matches as it was a roller-coaster ride
for many teams. With many upsets in the ongoing world cup in Qatar, four teams have
reached the semi-finals, which will decide the two finalists.
The stage for the semi-finals has been set. Four teams, France, Argentina, Croatia, and
Morocco, will be vying against each other to enter the last round of this tournament. Morocco
will be the first African nation to play the semi-final and compete against the defending
champions France, after the former defeated star-studded Portugal in the quarterfinals.
After beating the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, Argentina will face Croatia, the last world-
cup runner-up. The South American nation gained its lost ground after suffering a shocker
from Saudi Arabia in the opening match. If France and Croatia enter the final, it will be a kind
of Déjà vu.
The full fixture for the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup is mentioned below:
December 14, 2022 – Croatia vs. Argentina
Venue - Lusail Stadium, at 12:30 AM Indian Standard Time.
December 15, 2022 – Morocco vs. France
Venue - Al Bayt Stadium, at 12:30 AM, Indian Standard Time.
Argentina have lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar, defeating France 4-2 on penalties after
a thrilling 3-3 draw over 120 nerve-shredding minutes.

Last 16
Netherlands 3-1 USA
Argentina 2-1 Australia
England 3-0 Senegal
France 3-1 Poland
Japan 1-1 Croatia (1-3 PSO)
Brazil 4-1 Korea
Morocco 0-0 Spain (3-0 PSO)
Portugal 6-1 Switzerland

Quarter-finals
Netherlands 2-2 Argentina (3-4 PSO)
Croatia 1-1 Brazil (4-2 PSO)
England 1-2 France
Morocco 1-0 Portugal

Semi-finals
Argentina 3-0 Croatia
France 2-0 Morocco

Third-place play-off
Croatia 2-1 Morocco

Final
Argentina 3-3 France (4-2 PSO)
Religious:
The controversy is largely tied to the Muslim country’s beliefs and mores. It’s about human
rights, welcoming LGBTQ fans, drinking alcohol and modest dress. It’s as much a cultural
and societal issue as it is a sporting one. It is also, of course, a religion-news story. The
focus of the news coverage so far has been around what could happen off the field as much
as on it.

Qatari officials have labeled much of the negative coverage either racist or Islamophobic.
Either way, this could be the first global sporting event in history where religion, and
understanding it, will be a major part of the overall context of this competition. Even the
World Cup’s official mascot is an homage to Islamic garb.
I explore many of these themes and issues in my new book on the history of the World Cup.
With over a billion followers, Islam is the second-largest religion in the world after
Christianity. Muslims are forbidden from drinking alcohol since the Prophet Muhammad — to
whom Muslims believe the word of God was revealed in the Quran — spoke against it. This
is key for sports editors and journalists to understand when it comes to Qatar 2022
coverage.

For example, Qatari officials have said beer will be sold inside the venues and drinking will
be allowed inside designated areas, such as fan zones, hotels and restaurants. I was asked
that very question months ago when I was booking my trip to Doha. At the same time,
billboards have been put up across the country with quotes from the Prophet Muhammad.
An estimated 1.5 million international visitors are expected to travel to Qatar for the 32-
nation tournament, although many LGBTQ fans say they are not going to make the trip.
That’s an important story that has been well covered. The other story that hasn’t is what
Qataris think of the World Cup coming to them. Are they willing to welcome the world? We
know that the officials say they are. Are Muslims split on such social issues? I have to think
they are — but that story hasn’t been reported on as of yet. In a second explainer, AP —
under the headline “Traveling to, around Qatar during FIFA World Cup” — focused on how
to get around and what to see.