• The Canadian Press

    US, Iran fans mingle in Qatar ahead World Cup clash

    DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Smiling U.S. and Iranian fans mingled and posed for photos outside a stadium in Doha ahead of a politically charged World Cup match on Tuesday. The atmosphere was generally festive though the political divisions among Iran fans were apparent outside Al Thumama Stadium, as they have been during previous Iran games during the tournament as pro-government fans confronted those expressing support for the anti-government protests across Iran. Two London-based Iranians, wearing T-sh

  • The Canadian Press

    Qatar says farewell to World Cup in 2-0 loss to Netherlands

    AL KHOR, Qatar (AP) — Ibrahim Al-Ghanim, a former Qatar national soccer team defender, was dressed like thousands of other local men as he rushed to his seat through a main foyer at Al Bayt Stadium. He wore the traditional thobe — the long-sleeve, floor-length white robe — and came to celebrate Qatar's national team on Tuesday in its final match at the World Cup. “We are all here to support Qatar and the team, and to enjoy it,” Al-Ghanim said. “Of course, no Qatari expected to win the World Cup.

  • The Canadian Press

    World Cup Viewer's Guide: Messi tries to avoid elimination

    DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Two of the best players on the planet go head-to-head when Lionel Messi of Argentina and Robert Lewandowski of Poland meet with World Cup implications in what is likely Messi's final attempt to win the tournament. That match is part of an intense Wednesday at the World Cup: Mexico could be eliminated from the group stage for the first time since 1978 and Saudi Arabi has a chance to advance after its opening-game upset over Argentina. But the spectacle will be at Stadium 974 in