This Week in Sport: 12th December − 18th December 2022

Lionel Messi celebratingDecember continues to provide high quality sporting fixtures every day. On Monday, the LA Clippers play the Boston Celtics and Tuesday and Wednesday sees the semifinals of the FIFA World CUp take place with Argentina facing Croatia and France coming up against Morocco. Thursday sees an exciting NFL matchup with the Seattle Seahawks hosting the San Francisco 49ers and the European Rugby Champions Cup continues with Leinster versus Gloucester on Friday. Saturday is the start of the Test cricket series between Australia and South Africa, and then the FIFA World Cup concludes on Sunday.

 

NBA: Los Angeles Clippers v Boston Celtics

Monday 12th December 3:30AM (13th) GMT/7:30PM Local Time

Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles 

Despite losing at the weekend, the Celtics will be fighting to keep their top spot in the Eastern conference. On the other hand, the Clippers won their last game, and have won their last two games against the Celtics. With their home crowd advantage the Clippers will want to build on their winning momentum.

Official Website: NBA

Tickets: Ticketmaster

Merchandise: NBA Store

 

FIFA World Cup: Argentina v Croatia

Tuesday 13th December 7:00PM GMT/10:00PM Local Time

Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail 

In the first Semi-final of the week Argentina and Croatia play for their place in the Final. Both teams beat their Quarter-final opponents on penalties. Croatia’s star goalkeeper, Dominik Livaković, made some crucial saves during their match, as well as saving a Brazilian penalty, so Argentina will be looking to win this match in open play, to avoid facing another round of penalties. 

Official Website: FIFA World Cup

Tickets: FIFA

News: FootyLight

 

FIFA World Cup: France v Morocco

Wednesday 14th December 7:00PM GMT/10:00PM Local Time

Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor 

There are high stakes in this second Semi-final where France will continue their quest to retain their World Champion status, after knocking out England. Morocco have already surpassed expectations by beating Portugal in the Quarterfinals. If they win this Semi-final, Morocco will become the first African country to reach a World Cup Final.  

Official Website: FIFA World Cup

Tickets: FIFA

Travel: Expedia

 

NFL: Seattle Seahawks v San Francisco 49ers

Thursday 15th December 01:15AM (16th) GMT/ 5:15PM Local Time

Lumen Field, Seattle

In this NFC West divisional game, the 49ers only have a one game lead over the Seahawks. The 49ers lost their Quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, last week with a broken foot, so their running game will likely be key but rookie QB, Brock Purdy, has been impressive so far. 

Official Website: NFL

Tickets: Ticketmaster

Fantasy: Fantasy NFL

 

European Rugby Champions Cup: Leinster Rugby v Gloucester Rugby

Friday 16th December 8:00PM GMT/8:00PM Local Time

RDS Arena, Dublin 

In Round 2 both teams will be wanting to continue their winning streak. In Round 1, Leinster started their campaign with a strong win against Racing 92, and Gloucester managed to get the win at home over Bordeaux Bègles.

Official Website: European Professional Club Rugby

Tickets: European Professional Club Rugby

Podcast: The Rugby Pod

 

Cricket in Australia: Australia v South Africa (1st Test) Day 1

Saturday 17th December 00:20AM GMT/10:20AM Local Time

The Gabba, Brisbane 

South Africa head to Australia for their three-match Test series. South Africa have won their last two Test series against Australia, on home and away soil (2017 in Australia and in 2018 in South Africa). Australia will be hoping the home ground advantage can help them to gain victory over the Proteas.

News: CricBlog

Statistics: ESPNCricInfo

Podcast: Sky Sports Cricket Podcast

 

FIFA World Cup: TBC v TBC

Sunday 18th December 3:00PM GMT/6:00PM Local Time

Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail 

Sunday sees the culmination of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The World Cup Final is being held in the Lusail Iconic Stadium on 18th December which is also Qatar National Day. Which country will be lifting the solid gold World Cup Trophy?

Official Website: FIFA World Cup

Tickets: FIFA

World Cup Highlight Videos: FIFA

 

Photo by: AFA Selección Argentina

 

Written and information correct on 11th December 2022 at 10pm GMT

Use the full Fixture Calendar website to explore all the world’s sporting events.

 

See what else is happening in the world of sport

Fixture calendar