• HOW ARGENTINA QUALIFED FOR WORLD CUP 2022: October 8, 2020. Argentina 1 (Messi pen 13’) Ecuador 0: Three points to kick-off the campaign thanks to Lionel Messi’s first-half penalty that extended their unbeaten run under manager Lionel Scaloni to eight games. "It was important to start with a win because we know how difficult the qualifiers are and all the matches are going to be as hard as this one," Messi said. Getty
    HOW ARGENTINA QUALIFED FOR WORLD CUP 2022: October 8, 2020. Argentina 1 (Messi pen 13’) Ecuador 0: Three points to kick-off the campaign thanks to Lionel Messi’s first-half penalty that extended their unbeaten run under manager Lionel Scaloni to eight games. "It was important to start with a win because we know how difficult the qualifiers are and all the matches are going to be as hard as this one," Messi said. Getty
  • October 13, 2020. Bolivia 1 (Moreno 24’) Argentina 2 (La. Martinez 45’, J Correa 79’): A late goal from Joquin Correa helped Argentina come from behind to earn their second win on the spin and their first victory in Bolivia since 2005. "We knew what this game meant to us because of its history," striker Lautaro Martinez said. "We're not going to deny that it's difficult to play here. I think this team showed lots of heart and lots of brains. We're very happy." Getty
    October 13, 2020. Bolivia 1 (Moreno 24’) Argentina 2 (La. Martinez 45’, J Correa 79’): A late goal from Joquin Correa helped Argentina come from behind to earn their second win on the spin and their first victory in Bolivia since 2005. "We knew what this game meant to us because of its history," striker Lautaro Martinez said. "We're not going to deny that it's difficult to play here. I think this team showed lots of heart and lots of brains. We're very happy." Getty
  • November 12, 2020. Argentina 1 (Gonzalez 41’) Paraguay 1 (A Romero pen 21’): Argentina recovered from a goal down but dropped their first points of the campaign. Messi saw a second-half goal disallowed by VAR for a foul early in move. Defender Nicolas Otamendi said: “In the first half we were a bit uncomfortable with the pressure but … we spent almost the entire second period in their half of the field. We got the goal but unfortunately it didn't stand." Getty
    November 12, 2020. Argentina 1 (Gonzalez 41’) Paraguay 1 (A Romero pen 21’): Argentina recovered from a goal down but dropped their first points of the campaign. Messi saw a second-half goal disallowed by VAR for a foul early in move. Defender Nicolas Otamendi said: “In the first half we were a bit uncomfortable with the pressure but … we spent almost the entire second period in their half of the field. We got the goal but unfortunately it didn't stand." Getty
  • November 17, 2020. Peru 0 Argentina 2 (Gonzalez 17’, La. Martinez 28’): A comfortable win thanks to goals from Nico Gonzalez and Lautaro Martinez. The win moved Argentina into second in the table, two points behind leaders Brazil. “Happy with the victory, we needed it after the game we played the other day [against Paraguay],” Lionel Messi said via Argentina’s Twitter account. “From the beginning we had a great match, the goals came and we created many, many chances.” Getty
    November 17, 2020. Peru 0 Argentina 2 (Gonzalez 17’, La. Martinez 28’): A comfortable win thanks to goals from Nico Gonzalez and Lautaro Martinez. The win moved Argentina into second in the table, two points behind leaders Brazil. “Happy with the victory, we needed it after the game we played the other day [against Paraguay],” Lionel Messi said via Argentina’s Twitter account. “From the beginning we had a great match, the goals came and we created many, many chances.” Getty
  • June 3, 2021. Argentina 1 (Messi pen 23’) Chile 1 (Sanchez 36’): Honours even in Santiago del Estero in what was Argentina's first competitive outing since November with both teams looking rusty. "It's been a long time since we played together," Messi, who scored a first-half penalty after Lautaro Martinez was fouled, said. “It was a difficult game as always against Chile, happy with the result and performance even though we couldn't get the victory." Getty
    June 3, 2021. Argentina 1 (Messi pen 23’) Chile 1 (Sanchez 36’): Honours even in Santiago del Estero in what was Argentina's first competitive outing since November with both teams looking rusty. "It's been a long time since we played together," Messi, who scored a first-half penalty after Lautaro Martinez was fouled, said. “It was a difficult game as always against Chile, happy with the result and performance even though we couldn't get the victory." Getty
  • June 8, 2021: Colombia 2 (Muriel pen 51’, Borja 90+4’) Argentina 2 (Romero 3’, Paredes 8’): The visitors were 2-0 up in first 10 minutes after goals from Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes, only for Colombia to fight back and earn a late point thanks to substitute Miguel Borja. "I think we had the chances," said Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul "They have a great goalkeeper. We're not happy with a draw." Getty
    June 8, 2021: Colombia 2 (Muriel pen 51’, Borja 90+4’) Argentina 2 (Romero 3’, Paredes 8’): The visitors were 2-0 up in first 10 minutes after goals from Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes, only for Colombia to fight back and earn a late point thanks to substitute Miguel Borja. "I think we had the chances," said Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul "They have a great goalkeeper. We're not happy with a draw." Getty
  • September 2, 2021. Venezuela 1 (Soteldo pen 90+4’) Argentina 3 (La. Martinez 45+2’, J Correa 71’, A Correa 74’): Argentina extended their unbeaten run to 21 games. The home side went down to 10 men in the first half after Adrian Mertinez was shown a straight red for fouling Lionel Messi. "I think we had a great first half, even before they were left with a man less," said Lautaro Martinez. "After the goal we had more space to work in and we are taking all three points home." AFP
    September 2, 2021. Venezuela 1 (Soteldo pen 90+4’) Argentina 3 (La. Martinez 45+2’, J Correa 71’, A Correa 74’): Argentina extended their unbeaten run to 21 games. The home side went down to 10 men in the first half after Adrian Mertinez was shown a straight red for fouling Lionel Messi. "I think we had a great first half, even before they were left with a man less," said Lautaro Martinez. "After the goal we had more space to work in and we are taking all three points home." AFP
  • September 5, 2021. Brazil v Argentina (match abandoned): Chaotic scenes as the match was called-off after five minutes when Brazilian health officials invaded the pitch to stop Argentina's England-based players from playing, saying they had breached the country's Covid-19 quarantine rules. Lionel Scaloni said: "I'm not looking to find any guilty parties. Whether something happened or not, it wasn't the right time for that intervention.” Reuters
    September 5, 2021. Brazil v Argentina (match abandoned): Chaotic scenes as the match was called-off after five minutes when Brazilian health officials invaded the pitch to stop Argentina's England-based players from playing, saying they had breached the country's Covid-19 quarantine rules. Lionel Scaloni said: "I'm not looking to find any guilty parties. Whether something happened or not, it wasn't the right time for that intervention.” Reuters
  • September 9, 2021. Argentina 3 (Messi 14’, 64’, 88’) Bolivia 0: Lionel Messi’s brilliant hat-trick moved him above Pele as South America’s top international scorer with 79 goals in what was his seventh treble for the national team. “I really wanted to be able to enjoy it,” Messi said. “I waited a long time for this, I looked for it and I dreamt of it. It’s a unique moment for the way it happened after so much waiting.” Reuters
    September 9, 2021. Argentina 3 (Messi 14’, 64’, 88’) Bolivia 0: Lionel Messi’s brilliant hat-trick moved him above Pele as South America’s top international scorer with 79 goals in what was his seventh treble for the national team. “I really wanted to be able to enjoy it,” Messi said. “I waited a long time for this, I looked for it and I dreamt of it. It’s a unique moment for the way it happened after so much waiting.” Reuters
  • October 7, 2021. Paraguay 0 Argentina 0: The visitors fail to score in a match for the first time since June 2019 but remain unbeaten in qualifying. “We had some good moments," said Argentina defender Nicolas Tagliafico. "We maybe struggled to control the game. There were times when Paraguay came at us and were dangerous.” Reuters
    October 7, 2021. Paraguay 0 Argentina 0: The visitors fail to score in a match for the first time since June 2019 but remain unbeaten in qualifying. “We had some good moments," said Argentina defender Nicolas Tagliafico. "We maybe struggled to control the game. There were times when Paraguay came at us and were dangerous.” Reuters
  • October 10, 2021. Argentina 3 (Messi 38’, De Paul 44’, La. Martinez 62’) Uruguay 0: An easy win was started thanks to a fluke goal from Lionel Messi when his pass from 35 metres out into the area managed to sneak straight into the net. "We played a great game," said Messi. "Everything worked out perfectly. Uruguay wait for you and they generate danger. Once we got the first goal we started to find space and the goals appeared." AFP
    October 10, 2021. Argentina 3 (Messi 38’, De Paul 44’, La. Martinez 62’) Uruguay 0: An easy win was started thanks to a fluke goal from Lionel Messi when his pass from 35 metres out into the area managed to sneak straight into the net. "We played a great game," said Messi. "Everything worked out perfectly. Uruguay wait for you and they generate danger. Once we got the first goal we started to find space and the goals appeared." AFP
  • October 14, 2021. Argentina 1 (La. Martinez 43’) Peru 0: Another win for Argentina, although they were thankful that Yoshimar Yotun missed a penalty when his strike clipped the crossbar and flew over. The win left Scaloni’s team three points behind leaders Brazil. "Those that take penalties are the great players and the rest is luck," said Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. AFP
    October 14, 2021. Argentina 1 (La. Martinez 43’) Peru 0: Another win for Argentina, although they were thankful that Yoshimar Yotun missed a penalty when his strike clipped the crossbar and flew over. The win left Scaloni’s team three points behind leaders Brazil. "Those that take penalties are the great players and the rest is luck," said Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. AFP
  • November 12, 2021. Uruguay 0 Argentina 1 (Di Maria 7’): An early goal from Angel Di Maria was enough to earn three points as Uruguay put up more of a fight than their weak capitulation in October. "Winning today was a gigantic step. We deserve this, we have worked for this," goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said. "They needed points, playing here was hard. This Argentina has amazing courage, and when we don't play well we have to win anyway." AFP
    November 12, 2021. Uruguay 0 Argentina 1 (Di Maria 7’): An early goal from Angel Di Maria was enough to earn three points as Uruguay put up more of a fight than their weak capitulation in October. "Winning today was a gigantic step. We deserve this, we have worked for this," goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said. "They needed points, playing here was hard. This Argentina has amazing courage, and when we don't play well we have to win anyway." AFP
  • November 16, 2021. Argentina 0 Brazil 0: Honours even in a tense game that maintained both teams’ unbeaten records and saw Argentina join their opponents in securing a place at the finals in Qatar. Lionel Scaloni said: "Winning the Copa, qualifying for the World Cup unbeaten - it was a dream. Having qualified so far in advance, in a really difficult qualifying section, is something we should be proud of." AFP
    November 16, 2021. Argentina 0 Brazil 0: Honours even in a tense game that maintained both teams’ unbeaten records and saw Argentina join their opponents in securing a place at the finals in Qatar. Lionel Scaloni said: "Winning the Copa, qualifying for the World Cup unbeaten - it was a dream. Having qualified so far in advance, in a really difficult qualifying section, is something we should be proud of." AFP
  • January 27, 2022. Chile 1 (Brereton 21’) Argentina 2 (Di Maria 10’, La. Martinez 34’): Lionel Messi and Lionel Scaloni were missing after Covid infections but it did not stop Argentina winning again to make it 28 games without defeat. "We knew it was going to be difficult at high altitude and after a long flight," said Angel Di Maria. "Everything is always much easier when Leo is here. We were without the best in the world and our coach as well but we got the victory.” Reuters
    January 27, 2022. Chile 1 (Brereton 21’) Argentina 2 (Di Maria 10’, La. Martinez 34’): Lionel Messi and Lionel Scaloni were missing after Covid infections but it did not stop Argentina winning again to make it 28 games without defeat. "We knew it was going to be difficult at high altitude and after a long flight," said Angel Di Maria. "Everything is always much easier when Leo is here. We were without the best in the world and our coach as well but we got the victory.” Reuters
  • February 1, 2022. Argentina 1 (La. Martinez) Colombia 0: The match brought together a home side that had not conceded a goal in their last four home matches and a Colombian team that had not scored in their last six qualifiers. "No matter who plays nothing changes," said winger Angel Di Maria. "We remain the same, with the same mentality. We show sacrifice and humility.” Reuters
    February 1, 2022. Argentina 1 (La. Martinez) Colombia 0: The match brought together a home side that had not conceded a goal in their last four home matches and a Colombian team that had not scored in their last six qualifiers. "No matter who plays nothing changes," said winger Angel Di Maria. "We remain the same, with the same mentality. We show sacrifice and humility.” Reuters
  • March 25, 2022. Argentina 3 (Gonzalez 34’, Di Maria 79’, Messi 82’) Venezuela 0: The home side were without four players suspended for breaching Covid-19 quarantine rules ahead of September's suspended game against Brazil but still ran out comfortable winners. “We are very happy,” said midfielder Rodrigo De Paul. “We love playing in this shirt. The best thing about this group is that it treats every game as a final. This is what it's all about. Never letting up.” Reuters
    March 25, 2022. Argentina 3 (Gonzalez 34’, Di Maria 79’, Messi 82’) Venezuela 0: The home side were without four players suspended for breaching Covid-19 quarantine rules ahead of September's suspended game against Brazil but still ran out comfortable winners. “We are very happy,” said midfielder Rodrigo De Paul. “We love playing in this shirt. The best thing about this group is that it treats every game as a final. This is what it's all about. Never letting up.” Reuters
  • March 29, 2022. Ecuador 1 (Valencia 90+3’) Argentina 1 (Alvarez 24’): Argentina finish the campaign unbeaten, although were denied all three points by Enner Valencia’s injury-time leveller. Lionel Scaloni said: "Today's game was played on a field that was not in good condition – it was almost impossible to play on the ground – even so, we had a good first half, but in the second they came at us." AP
    March 29, 2022. Ecuador 1 (Valencia 90+3’) Argentina 1 (Alvarez 24’): Argentina finish the campaign unbeaten, although were denied all three points by Enner Valencia’s injury-time leveller. Lionel Scaloni said: "Today's game was played on a field that was not in good condition – it was almost impossible to play on the ground – even so, we had a good first half, but in the second they came at us." AP

World Cup

Road to Qatar: how Argentina qualified for World Cup 2022 - in pictures

A look at how Lionel Messi and Co qualified for the finals in Qatar

Gareth Cox

June 26, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

With the Copa America crown safely in the bag, Argentina will now be looking to win the World Cup for a third time.

Argentina defeated Brazil to become South American champions last year, as Lionel Messi finally won a first major honour with his country at the age of 34.

It also ended Argentina's 28-year wait for a major trophy, and brought Brazil's unbeaten home record that stretched back more than 2,500 days to a close.

Qualification for Qatar was achieved in style as they finished second in the South American qualifying to Brazil, undefeated in 17 games.

Messi and Lautaro Martinez finished as leading scorers with seven goals apiece, with the former overtaking Pele to become top international scorer in South American football.

There was controversy along the way, though, when their match against Brazil was abandoned in farcical scenes in Sao Paulo last September.

Brazilian state health officials and police, clutching documents, came on to the pitch accusing Argentina players of breaking infringing Covid-19 rules.

Fifa has since ordered the game to be replayed while also handing out fines and suspensions.

In Qatar, Argentina have been drawn in Group C, alongside Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.

In the gallery above, you can see how Argentina qualified for the finals that kick-off on November 20. To view the next image, click on the arrows or just swipe if on a mobile device.

Argentina's fixtures in Qatar

November 22 Argentina v Saudi Arabia – Lusail Stadium (2pm)

November 26 Argentina v Mexico – Lusail Stadium (11pm)

November 30 Poland v Argentina – Stadium 974 (11pm)

Inside Palestine-Israel

Cracks in the Wall

Ben White, Pluto Press 

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The specs

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Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

While you're here
While you're here
Top New Zealand cop on policing the virtual world

New Zealand police began closer scrutiny of social media and online communities after the attacks on two mosques in March, the country's top officer said.

The killing of 51 people in Christchurch and wounding of more than 40 others shocked the world. Brenton Tarrant, a suspected white supremacist, was accused of the killings. His trial is ongoing and he denies the charges.

Mike Bush, commissioner of New Zealand Police, said officers looked closely at how they monitored social media in the wake of the tragedy to see if lessons could be learned.

“We decided that it was fit for purpose but we need to deepen it in terms of community relationships, extending them not only with the traditional community but the virtual one as well," he told The National.

"We want to get ahead of attacks like we suffered in New Zealand so we have to challenge ourselves to be better."

How to wear a kandura

Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Moon Music

Artist: Coldplay

Label: Parlophone/Atlantic

Number of tracks: 10

Rating: 3/5

While you're here
Top financial tips for graduates

Araminta Robertson, of the Financially Mint blog, shares her financial advice for university leavers:

1. Build digital or technical skills: After graduation, people can find it extremely hard to find jobs. From programming to digital marketing, your early twenties are for building skills. Future employers will want people with tech skills.

2. Side hustle: At 16, I lived in a village and started teaching online, as well as doing work as a virtual assistant and marketer. There are six skills you can use online: translation; teaching; programming; digital marketing; design and writing. If you master two, you’ll always be able to make money.

3. Networking: Knowing how to make connections is extremely useful. Use LinkedIn to find people who have the job you want, connect and ask to meet for coffee. Ask how they did it and if they know anyone who can help you. I secured quite a few clients this way.

4. Pay yourself first: The minute you receive any income, put about 15 per cent aside into a savings account you won’t touch, to go towards your emergency fund or to start investing. I do 20 per cent. It helped me start saving immediately.

MATCH INFO

Day 1 at Mount Maunganui

England 241-4

Denly 74, Stokes 67 not out, De Grandhomme 2-28

New Zealand 

Yet to bat

The specs: Fenyr SuperSport

Price, base: Dh5.1 million

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 800hp @ 7,100pm

Torque: 980Nm @ 4,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 13.5L / 100km

KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

'My Son'

Director: Christian Carion

Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis

Rating: 2/5

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Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
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The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

Updated: September 28, 2022, 8:57 AM
World CupArgentinaLionel Messi