Nasser Al Khater, the chief executive of Qatar 2022, said "death is a natural part of life" when he was questioned over reports of a migrant worker dying during the World Cup.

The Athletic reported on Wednesday that a Filipino man said to be in his early 40s died while working at the base of Saudi Arabia during the group stage.

According to the report, the incident is being investigated by the Qatari government.

Asked by the BBC for a comment on the reports, Al Khater extraordinarily said "death is a natural part of life" as he questioned why the interviewer had chosen to ask him about the incident.

He said: "We're in the middle of a World Cup and we have a successful World Cup, and this is something you want to talk about right now?

"I mean, death is a natural part of life, whether it's at work or in your sleep.

"Of course, a worker died, our condolences go to his family, however this is strange this is something you want to focus on as your first question."

The Qatar World Cup has been dominated by off-field issues, such as the host nation's questionable human rights and its treatment of migrant workers.

On Thursday, FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura was asked by Reuters for a comment on the incident.

"We've already elaborated... about what we are doing in Qatar," she said.

"We are talking about things we have already discussed for months and months, time and time again."

At the time of publication, FIFA had not responded to Stats Perform's request for comment.

Cristiano Ronaldo declared Portugal are "too close to be broken by outside forces" in response to reports he threatened to leave the World Cup.

Portuguese outlet Record claimed on Thursday that Ronaldo threatened to leave his country's camp in Qatar after being told he would not start the last-16 tie with Switzerland.

That came on the back of head coach Fernando Santos criticising the captain's reaction to being substituted in the 2-1 loss to South Korea in the final group game.

However, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) was quick to deny that Ronaldo, who came on as a substitute in Tuesday's 6-1 win over Switzerland, made any sort of threat.

And free agent Ronaldo took to Twitter shortly after vowing to continue giving his all in Portugal's bid to win a first World Cup.

"A group too close to be broken by outside forces," the forward posted alongside an image of his team-mates celebrating a goal against Switzerland. 

"A nation too brave to let itself be frightened by any adversary. A team in the truest sense of the word, which will fight for the dream until the end! Believe with us! Strength, Portugal!"

The FPF earlier stated: "News released this Thursday reports that Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during a conversation with Fernando Santos.

"The FPF clarifies that at no time did the captain of the Selecao, Ronaldo, threaten to leave the national team during the stay in Qatar.

"Ronaldo builds up a unique track record every day at the service of the national team and the country, which must be respected and which attests to the unquestionable degree of commitment to the national team.

"Incidentally, the degree of dedication of the player most capped by Portugal was again demonstrated – if necessary – in the victory against Switzerland."

Ronaldo's replacement, Benfica youngster Goncalo Ramos, scored a hat-trick in the thumping win against Switzerland to set up a quarter-final with Morocco on Saturday.

Santos is expected to stick with Ramos against Spain's conquerors Morocco, meaning a place on the bench once again for Ronaldo.

Ronaldo, who did not take part in full training on Wednesday, is both Portugal's most-capped player (195) and all-time leading goalscorer (118).

Louis van Gaal is not expecting a classic World Cup encounter between the Netherlands and Argentina on Friday due to the way "football has evolved".

The quarter-final at Lusail Stadium will be the sixth finals meeting between the two sides.

Those previous clashes include a dominant Netherlands win in 1974, a controversial 1978 final and Dennis Bergkamp's memorable winner at this stage in 1998.

Most recently, however, Van Gaal's Netherlands and Argentina played out a goalless draw in the semi-finals eight years ago, with La Albiceleste advancing on penalties.

Speaking at a pre-match news conference on Thursday, Van Gaal appeared to suggest a similarly tight affair was likely this time.

Explaining his "new vision", the Oranje coach had "a very attacking DNA" at Ajax in the 1990s but learnt at Barcelona "you can't always pursue that goal".

"It is much more difficult to play as offensively as Ajax used to play," Van Gaal added as he again faced criticism for the Netherlands' style of play. "If you fail to see that, it is very difficult to understand this is the way things go.

"When, in 2014, I started developing the more defensive system, people criticised me. Now, half the world is playing that kind of football. Football has evolved in that direction."

Asked how this latest episode in the Netherlands-Argentina rivalry might compare, the coach said: "I've just provided you with a wonderful answer to your question: football is no longer being played as in 1988 or 1974 or whatever.

"Then it was an open game, which it no longer is. You can have all sorts of opinions about that, but this is simply the way football has evolved.

"It is always possible to have decisive moments that you remember years afterwards, like Bergkamp's goal, so undoubtedly we will continue to remember this forever."

Memphis Depay, appearing alongside Van Gaal, is of a similar view, saying: "The game is going to be decided in moments.

"I believe we can catch a moment and go through. We obviously want to play a good game, but there's also going to be a tactical game, I think."

Van Gaal is unlikely to shift away from that "defensive system" now as the Netherlands prepare for a step up in quality.

"Argentina in my view are a top country with top football players in their squad," Van Gaal said. "The tournament actually is starting tomorrow for real for us.

"Of course, I don't want to downplay the importance of other countries we've been able to beat, but Argentina and possibly Brazil in the next round are quite different from the countries we've played in the groups and in the last 16."

Zlatko Dalic has no issue with Brazil's players dancing to celebrate a goal, though he would not want to see his Croatia squad do the same.

Brazil's celebrations during their 4-1 rout of South Korea have drawn criticism from some quarters.

Coach Tite has had to explain no disrespect was intended when he joined in with Richarlison's 'pigeon' dance after the striker netted a sublime third goal in the round of 16 match on Monday, though he also said Brazil will not stop dancing in celebration.

Croatia meet Brazil in the first quarter-final on Friday, and Dalic would prefer his players not to celebrate in such a manner.

"[Brazil] have their own way that they celebrate," Dalic said in a press conference.

"They celebrate how they know, they are so festive, so in unity, demonstrating their character and tradition.

"It's their right. Is that a disrespect towards the opponent? I cannot say.

"I would not like to see my players celebrate like that. But it's a different culture, they like to dance and it's nice."

While Dalic would rather come up against Brazil later in the competition, he believes taking on the five-time world champions is the pinnacle of international football.

"There is no better moment than playing against Brazil. Anyone could only dream of such a game," he said. 

"We know what Brazil means in the football world but we do not have a lot to lose. We must fight them, must give our best.

"Croatia is one of the eight best in the world, that’s a great success, and we want to do more, that would be spectacular."

Dalic's sentiment was echoed by captain Luka Modric, who said: "They have great players. Top-notch players, playing in the best leagues and clubs and I enjoy playing against them, enjoy watching them and we have a chance to face a great team like Brazil.

"It's pure pleasure watching them. This is all that one can wish for – to play against them."

Four-and-a-half years on from reaching the final in Russia, Dalic says Croatia must recognise they are in a rebuilding process - regardless of the result against Brazil.

"This is a new team, we have 18 new players from the previous World Cup," Dalic explained. "We cannot draw comparisons.

"In 2018 we had a team playing together for 10 years in a row, playing in the best leagues and clubs. This is not the situation with our current team. We need time to mature.

"Our new team is yet to prove itself, the World Cup is a great opportunity to prove that."

Brazil head coach Tite insists the Selecao will continue dancing during goal celebrations because it is part of their "culture" as he dismissed the suggestion they are showing disrespect.

Croatia await Brazil in the World Cup quarter-finals after Tite's side beat South Korea 4-1, a victory that saw them exhibit some of the best football on display at Qatar 2022.

Brazil players celebrated each goal by dancing, and Tite even joined in for the celebration after Richarlison made it 3-0.

The coach mimicked Richarlison's trademark pigeon dance after the Tottenham forward came over to the Brazil dugout.

Some pundits criticised Brazil for their celebrations, suggesting they were showing disregard for their opponents, but this is not an opinion Tite will accept.

For him, such criticism essentially reflects ignorance of Brazil and its culture.

"This is not my team, this is the Brazil team and I have the responsibility of being head coach," Tite told reporters in Thursday's pre-match press conference.

"I am very sorry, but I won't make comments about people who do not know Brazilian football history, Brazilian culture, the way each one of us is.

"So, to those I leave that noise aside. I want my connection to be to my job, to people I relate to, to those who relate to my work, who know how much I respect and know my history.

"Those are the ones I give my heart and attention to. I am very discrete. I will continue to be so, because I respect the culture and the way I am, and this national team I play with.

"Having said this in terms of education we will definitely be identifying with [young people] and lots of other kids who will dance because that's our culture when we score, and it's not being disrespectful to anyone.

"That's how we do things, that's us in terms of culture, but we also help the education of these kids in school and we will continue doing things in our manner."

He added: "Once again, the Brazilian football identity is not me, it started a long time ago with desperate communities training boys who could produce good football. Even with all the risks it entails.

"I know we face criticism but that's the football I believe in, even if we face challenges and criticisms for not winning the World Cup, we keep moving forwards. That's what we believe in."

The topic of Brazil's dancing and celebrations was frequently brought up during Tite's briefing, with it seemingly the main takeaway for many after the win over South Korea.

While Tite was clearly frustrated by the perception of Brazil being disrespectful, he delved deeper into the issue as he claimed his involvement in the Richarlison celebration showed how engaged he is with young people.

"I think it's a connection I have with younger generation," he continued. "I am 61 and I work with players who are 21, 22 years old. They could be my grandkids.

"I have a connection with them, all those who truly know me. If I have to choose between those who know me and those who don't know me, I choose those who I do know, of course.

"And if I have to dance to connect with them, we will continue dancing. I also use a metaphor; when we paint a painting, the entire painting is the athletes. They are the ones who are portrayed.

"We are just participants; we just contribute to the painting. The players themselves are the painting."

Hakim Ziyech needs a "change of air" and should join Manchester United from Chelsea, former Morocco international Mustapha El Haddaoui has told Stats Perform.

The 29-year-old has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge, with just one start and five appearances in the Premier League this season.

A major U-turn occurred at international level, however, with Ziyech back in the fold for Morocco following Vahid Halilhodzic's exit and the arrival of Walid Regragui.

Ziyech has played a key part in the side's stellar performances at the World Cup, with the Atlas Lions reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in their history and becoming the first African side to reach the last eight since Ghana in 2010.

El Haddaoui is now calling for a similar turnaround at club level, as he wants to see a move across the Premier League to reunite with Erik ten Hag, who Ziyech played under at Ajax.

"He has to change of air because over there, [Chelsea] don't trust him. Now he is coming back very strong," he said.

"His problem with Vahid, who didn't want to call him, disturbed him. In the national team, when there is a FIFA date, everyone joins their selections. He stays there [in London] and it went around in his head.

"He sees that among the others who are with him at Chelsea, who go to the national team, he is of the same level, even superior, and he has lost a little bit of confidence.

"The coach who was there or the one who arrived afterwards didn't have much confidence in him.

"Afterwards, when you don't play, you lack playing time, you lack motivation, and you lack timing in the match. Now we see his potential, we see what he is capable of, but he has many offers.

"He has to move from Chelsea or go to Manchester United because the Ajax coach wanted him, he had him in his team. But he will bounce back. But now he has to leave during the transfer window."

Morocco's performances at the World Cup have inspired hope across the African continent, though El Haddaoui was always optimistic about the Atlas Lions.

"It's not just a pleasure, it's an exceptional joy, given what this team has shown, this Moroccan team," he added.

"I believed in it from the start. When the draw was made, I told myself that Morocco had a chance and that they would go through to the second round with another country. I knew that this generation had potential.

"Moreover, with the change of coach, the arrival of Walid Regragui has given new life to this team and the players. He made a call for the return of Ziyech and [Noussair] Mazraoui.

"How can we do without this world-class player? I hope we will go all the way. We were dreaming about it, but now it's starting to happen."

Portugal stand in the way in Morocco's bid to become the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, with a meeting set for Saturday at Al Thumama Stadium.

Hakim Ziyech needs a "change of air" and should join Manchester United from Chelsea, former Morocco international Mustapha El Haddaoui has told Stats Perform.

The 29-year-old has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge, with just one start and five appearances in the Premier League this season.

A major U-turn occurred at international level, however, with Ziyech back in the fold for Morocco following Vahid Halilhodzic's exit and the arrival of Walid Regragui.

Ziyech has played a key part in the side's stellar performances at the World Cup, with the Atlas Lions reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in their history and becoming the first African side to reach the last eight since Ghana in 2010.

El Haddaoui is now calling for a similar turnaround at club level, as he wants to see a move across the Premier League to reunite with Erik ten Hag, who Ziyech played under at Ajax.

"He has to change of air because over there, [Chelsea] don't trust him. Now he is coming back very strong," he said.

"His problem with Vahid, who didn't want to call him, disturbed him. In the national team, when there is a FIFA date, everyone joins their selections. He stays there [in London] and it went around in his head.

"He sees that among the others who are with him at Chelsea, who go to the national team, he is of the same level, even superior, and he has lost a little bit of confidence.

"The coach who was there or the one who arrived afterwards didn't have much confidence in him.

"Afterwards, when you don't play, you lack playing time, you lack motivation, and you lack timing in the match. Now we see his potential, we see what he is capable of, but he has many offers.

"He has to move from Chelsea or go to Manchester United because the Ajax coach wanted him, he had him in his team. But he will bounce back. But now he has to leave during the transfer window."

Morocco's performances at the World Cup have inspired hope across the African continent, though El Haddaoui was always optimistic about the Atlas Lions.

"It's not just a pleasure, it's an exceptional joy, given what this team has shown, this Moroccan team," he added.

"I believed in it from the start. When the draw was made, I told myself that Morocco had a chance and that they would go through to the second round with another country. I knew that this generation had potential.

"Moreover, with the change of coach, the arrival of Walid Regragui has given new life to this team and the players. He made a call for the return of Ziyech and [Noussair] Mazraoui.

"How can we do without this world-class player? I hope we will go all the way. We were dreaming about it, but now it's starting to happen."

Portugal stand in the way in Morocco's bid to become the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, with a meeting set for Saturday at Al Thumama Stadium.

Cristiano Ronaldo provided Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti with no problems during their time together at Santiago Bernabeu, the head coach has insisted.

The 37-year-old is a free agent following his dramatic release from Manchester United ahead of the World Cup, which came after a seismic interview with Piers Morgan where he slammed the club's owners and manager Erik ten Hag.

Having fallen out of favour at Old Trafford, Ronaldo found himself struggling for selection once again on the international stage after being dropped by Portugal for their 6-1 last-16 triumph over Switzerland.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) have insisted Ronaldo did not threaten to leave Portugal's World Cup camp due to a disagreement with coach Fernando Santos in the wake of being named as a substitute.

However, Ancelotti has made it clear that he never experienced any challenges during the pair's time together in the Spanish capital.

"I had him for two years, zero problems. In fact, he solved them for me," Ancelotti told Corriere Dello Sport.

"Can someone who scores at least one goal per game be considered a problem?

"Cristiano trains very well, he is attentive to detail, for me it was all too easy to manage him. He's an exceptional player.

"With me, he will have played a hundred games and scored more than a hundred goals, one who scores 50 every year is someone who does good for the team."

Ancelotti was asked whether he considers this tournament to be the 'last dance' for Ronaldo, though he is not sure that assessment is correct.

"I don't know - he probably still feels 20-years-old because he is fine, from his body he has the answer he seeks," added Ancelotti.

"He has always treated the physique in an almost paroxysmal way.

"But the competition has become tough, for Portugal even someone like [Rafael] Leao starts from the bench."

Back at club level, Ancelotti is looking to knock Barcelona off their perch at the top of LaLiga and has positive news regarding Karim Benzema, who was ruled out of the World Cup with France.

"He's coming back on Saturday, we will put it right," he said on the forward.

Luis Enrique has left his position as head coach of Spain following his side's surprise World Cup last-16 defeat to Morocco, the Royal Football Federation (RFEF) has confirmed.

Spain were eliminated on penalties after Tuesday's contest at Education City Stadium finished goalless after extra-time.

Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique's contract was due to expire at the end of the tournament in Qatar, and it was confirmed on Thursday he will not be staying on.

"The RFEF would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff at the helm of the absolute national team in recent years," the statement read.

"The sports management of the RFEF has transferred to the president a report in which it is determined that a new project should start for the Spanish soccer team.

"The aim is to continue with the growth achieved in recent years thanks to the work carried out by Luis Enrique and their collaborators.

"Both the president, Luis Rubiales, and the sports director, Jose Francisco Molina, have transmitted the decision to the coach.

"The RFEF energetically wishes Luis Enrique and his team the best of luck in their future professional projects.

"The coach earns the love and admiration of his collaborators in the national team and of the entire Federation, which will always be his home."

Luis Enrique had been in charge of Spain since 2018, bar a four-month period in 2019 when stepping aside due to the illness and subsequent death of his young daughter.

He led La Roja to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 last year, where they lost on penalties to Italy, and to the 2020-21 Nations League final, where they were beaten by France.

Spain's loss to Morocco was their third straight tournament exit on penalties, having also suffered defeat by that method against hosts Russia in the 2018 World Cup last 16.

Luis Enrique's side started their Qatar 2022 campaign in style with a thumping 7-0 win over Costa Rica, which they followed up with a creditable 1-1 draw against Germany.

However, a 2-1 loss to Japan saw them finish second in Group E and they were unable to overcome a Morocco side 15 places below them in the latest FIFA rankings.

Spain's failure to score a single penalty in Tuesday's shoot-out made them just the second team to do so in World Cup history, after Switzerland against Ukraine in 2006.

Asked about his future after that match, in which Spain recorded just one shot on target despite registering 1,019 passes, Luis Enrique said: "I can't tell you.

"Your colleagues already asked me and I don't know because I don't know this decision.

"Now is not the time for me to talk about my future. My contract is going to end, but I'm happy with the national team, with the federation, the president.

"I could always carry on but I need to think and have peace of mind about what's the best for me and my national team."

Spain's next match is against Norway on March 25 in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier.

Luis Enrique has left his position as head coach of Spain following his side's surprise World Cup last-16 defeat to Morocco, the Royal Football Federation (RFEF) has confirmed.

Spain were eliminated on penalties after Tuesday's contest at Education City Stadium finished goalless after extra-time.

Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique's contract was due to expire at the end of the tournament in Qatar, and it was confirmed on Thursday he will not be staying on.

"The RFEF would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff at the helm of the absolute national team in recent years," the statement read.

"The sports management of the RFEF has transferred to the president a report in which it is determined that a new project should start for the Spanish soccer team.

"The aim is to continue with the growth achieved in recent years thanks to the work carried out by Luis Enrique and their collaborators.

"Both the president, Luis Rubiales, and the sports director, Jose Francisco Molina, have transmitted the decision to the coach.

"The RFEF energetically wishes Luis Enrique and his team the best of luck in their future professional projects.

"The coach earns the love and admiration of his collaborators in the national team and of the entire Federation, which will always be his home."

Luis Enrique had been in charge of Spain since 2018, bar a four-month period in 2019 when stepping aside due to the illness and subsequent death of his young daughter.

He led La Roja to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 last year, where they lost on penalties to Italy, and to the 2020-21 Nations League final, where they were beaten by France.

Spain's loss to Morocco was their third straight tournament exit on penalties, having also suffered defeat by that method against hosts Russia in the 2018 World Cup last 16.

Luis Enrique's side started their Qatar 2022 campaign in style with a thumping 7-0 win over Costa Rica, which they followed up with a creditable 1-1 draw against Germany.

However, a 2-1 loss to Japan saw them finish second in Group E and they were unable to overcome a Morocco side 15 places below them in the latest FIFA rankings.

Spain's failure to score a single penalty in Tuesday's shoot-out made them just the second team to do so in World Cup history, after Switzerland against Ukraine in 2006.

Asked about his future after that match, in which Spain recorded just one shot on target despite registering 1,019 passes, Luis Enrique said: "I can't tell you.

"Your colleagues already asked me and I don't know because I don't know this decision.

"Now is not the time for me to talk about my future. My contract is going to end, but I'm happy with the national team, with the federation, the president.

"I could always carry on but I need to think and have peace of mind about what's the best for me and my national team."

Spain's next match is against Norway on March 25 in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier.

David Warner's manager has claimed Australia players were encouraged to tamper with the ball after a hiding at the hands of South Africa 16 months before the scandal blew up.

Australia were thrashed by an innings and 80 runs in Hobart in November 2016, after being bowled out for 85 in their first innings.

James Erskine said Warner, his client, has been unfairly treated after his part in the sandpaper scandal at Newlands in March 2018, and pointed back to the Hobart game.

Opening batter Warner was banned from elite cricket for a year and from leadership positions for life after he was deemed to have been the instigator in the plot to alter the condition of the ball in Cape Town.

However, Erskine says there was more to the episode than has thus far come to light.

He told the SEN radio network: "When the truth comes out, everyone's going to turn around and say, 'Well, why was David Warner picked upon?'.

"The truth will come out. Let me tell you. Someone will... there's lots of people. There's two cricketers who put their hands up and said, 'Why don't we all just tell the truth? They can't fire all of us.'

"That's what happened. Two senior executives were in the changing rooms in Hobart and basically were berating the team for losing to South Africa.

"Warner said we've got to reverse-swing the ball, and the only way we can reverse-swing the ball is basically by tampering with it. So they were told to do it."

Erskine did not accuse the executives of being those responsible for giving the go-ahead to tamper with the ball.

He did, however, stress the three players punished for the scandal – Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft – were far from the only people involved.

Erskine said: "You'd have to be a blind black labrador, there was far more than three people involved in this thing, they all got a canning and David Warner was completely villainised.

"He has shut up, he protected Cricket Australia, he protected his fellow players on my advice, because at the end of the day no one wanted to hear any more of it and he's got on playing cricket."

Cricket Australia has yet to comment on Erskine's latest claims.

Warner this week withdrew his appeal against a lifetime captaincy ban with Australia, saying he has no interest in "a public lynching" over his part in the controversy.

The 36-year-old, who has returned to favour since his ban, was given the chance to appeal against the decision after Cricket Australia's code of conduct changed in November, but has now confirmed he will no longer do so.