FIFA World Cup 2022: Asian and African sides produced stunning results in Qatar one of the most thrilling group stages at a World Cup came to an end on December 2. The Round of 16 fixtures were confirmed after some big names crashed out early.
The build-up to FIFA World Cup 2022 was all about Qatar and the controversies surrounding the Arab country hosting the showpiece event. However, once the focus shifted to football, it was a non-stop thrill ride. The group stage of the FIFA World Cup was a topsy-turvy ride over 47 matches and it ended with a bang on Friday, December 2.
There were stories of heroics, redemption and upsets before the Round of 16 fixtures were confirmed on the final match day of the group stage. Traditional powerhouses were shaken, Asian sides scripted history while African teams proved they are a force to reckon with in one of the most thrilling group stages in the history of the World Cup.
For the first time since 1994, no team won all three group games. 4-time champions Germany were shown the door even as they did not enter the tournament as favourites.It was the second successive time Germany exited the World Cup in the group stage. Semi-finalists in Russia in 2018, Belgium were ousted as their golden generation flopped at the biggest stage in Qatar.
Qatar were not able to do what Russia did 4 years ago as they became the second host nation to exit in the group stage of the World Cup.
ROUND OF 16: FIXTURES AT QATAR 2022
Netherlands v USA on December 3 at 8:30 pm IST
Argentina v Australia on December 4 at 12:30 am IST
France v Poland on December 4 at 8:30 pm IST
England v Senegal on December 5 at 12:30 am IST
Japan v Croatia on December 5 at 8:30 pm IST
Brazil v South Korea on December 6 at 12:30 am IST
Morocco v Spain on December 6 at 8:30 pm IST
Portugal v Switzerland on December 7 at 12:30 am IST
Each match of the Round of 16 will be broadcast live on the Sports18 and Sports18 HD TV channels in India and Jio Cinema’s app and website will both offer free live streaming of the event.
