The ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar finished all its group-stage games on Friday, and the round of 16 kicks off just one day later with three-time runners-up the Netherlands taking on the US on Saturday at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan. Like in every other edition, there are surprises, joy and tears in the first World Cup held in the Northern Hemisphere's winter months. Here are some of the highlights from the just-concluded group stage.
Iran's Saeid Ezatolahi cries after their World Cup Group B loss to the US in Doha, Qatar, on November 29, 2022. Photo: VCG
Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen reacts after their loss to Australia in Al Wakrah, Doha on November 30, 2022. Photo: AFP
Mexico's "superfan" Hector Ramirez (right), popularly known as "Caramelo," and his sons, known as "Caramelo Jr," cheer on the stands ahead of the World Cup match between Saudi Arabia and Mexico in Lusail, Qatar on November 30, 2022. Photo: AFP
Argentina's Lionel Messi (left) leads the ball past Poland players during their World Cup Group C match in Doha, Qatar on November 30, 2022. Photo: AFP
Ecuador's Piero Hincapie (below) fouls Senegal's Ismaila Sarr and commits a penalty during their World Cup Group A match in Doha, Qatar on November 29, 2022. Photo: AFP
Croatia's Luka Modric celebrates with his children after the win over Belgium in Al Rayyan, Qatar on December 1, 2022. Photo: IC
France's defender Raphael Varane warms up ahead of the World Cup Group D match between Tunisia and France in Al Rayyan, Qatar on November 30, 2022. Photo: AFP
