Liverpool Need Van Dijk's Defensive Vision
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FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 NNBABA | Page 5 Our adventure Second to Nunn hasn’t ended as Heat sink yet, says Hilal’s Sixers, Celtics Eduardo down Mavs Friday, December 20, 2019 Rabia II 23, 1441 AH GULF TIMES SPORT SPOTLIGHT Qatar 2022 will be a dream for players and fans: Beckham QNA who was given a tour of Educa- A regular visitor to Qatar in re- thing about the World Cup — it Doha tion City Stadium by HE the Sec- cent years, Beckham said he had inspires future generations,” he retary-General of the Supreme seen the country rapidly evolve. continued. “There will be a lot Committee for Delivery & Legacy “I’ve been here quite a few of children in Qatar seeing their ngland legend David Hassan al-Thawadi. times and I’ve seen the change own national team playing games Beckham believes Qatar He continued: “I wish I was still and development,” said Beck- and saying ‘maybe that can be me will host a unique version playing because to play in stadi- ham, who was visiting to attend one day.” of the FIFA World Cup ums like this, it’s a dream. Players the FIFA Club World Cup semi- Al-Thawadi took the chance Ethat inspires future generations. are going to be spoilt here.” fi nal between CF Monterrey and to thank Beckham for visiting During a visit to Education Beckham, who won 115 caps for Liverpool FC at Khalifa Interna- Education City Stadium, which City Stadium — exactly three England, said it is important to tional Stadium. will become the third tourna- years before the Qatar 2022 fi - take the World Cup to new coun- “Most importantly, it’s always ment venue to be unveiled when nal will take place — the former tries. been such a family environment it opens in early 2020. Manchester United, Real Ma- “That’s what the World Cup is here — and I think that is some- “It was a pleasure to welcome drid, AC Milan, LA Galaxy and all about — giving countries the thing as a player and a fan you re- David to Qatar and show him Paris Saint-Germain star said chance to host the biggest com- ally want at a World Cup. Three round our latest tournament the Qatar’s tournament will be petition in the game. It changes years to the day until the World venue, Education City Stadium. “a dream” for players and fans economies, changes people’s Cup fi nal it’s going to be pretty It was wonderful to hear him say thanks to its friendliness and lives, changes fan experiences incredible.” how impressed he is with the sta- state-of-the-art facilities. and gives people an opportunity Beckham, who won 19 major dium and that he’s excited about “I think as a player and a fan to experience football in places trophies during a glittering 20- the World Cup being hosted in you want to visit a World Cup you wouldn’t expect to visit. It’s year playing career, added that the Middle East and Arab world competition with great facilities, given Qatar an opportunity to do Qatar 2022 will inspire young for the fi rst time. I look forward safe facilities, great hotels and something that’s so special and, people across the country and to seeing David again over the great culture — and that’s what as you see, something unique is around the world. coming years and, of course, dur- Former England star David Beckham (left) was taken on a tour of the Education City stadium by HE the Qatar is all about,” said Beckham, really being created here.” “I think that’s the greatest ing the tournament,” he said. Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Hassan al-Thawadi. FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP Liverpool set sights on Flamengo in ‘tough’ fi nal ‘Flamengo’s season is over, they are here with a full squad, but we just have to recover as quickly as possible’ AFP Doha Liverpool need Van Dijk’s defensive iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is looking forward vision: Kewell to a “really tough game” Reuters in the Club World Cup London, United Kingdom Lfi nal against Flamengo after Roberto Firmino’s injury-time goal gave the Anfi eld side a hard- iverpool missed the calming pres- fought 2-1 win over Monterrey ence of defender Virgil van Dijk of Mexico on Wednesday. Lin their 2-1 victory over Mexico’s Firmino came off the bench Monterrey in the Club World Cup semi- to turn in a cross from fellow final on Wednesday, former midfielder substitute Trent Alexander- Harry Kewell said. Arnold in the 91st minute at the Dutch international Van Dijk missed Khalifa International Stadium the match through illness and manager in Doha after Naby Keita’s early Juergen Klopp was forced to play mid- opener for a weakened Liver- fielder Jordan Henderson in a make- pool side had swiftly been can- shift defence, with centre backs Dejan celled out by Argentine striker Lovren and Joel Matip also out injured. Rogelio Funes Mori. Liverpool grabbed a stoppage-time win- Having taken time out from ner through substitute Roberto Firmino their seemingly relentless march after teammate Naby Keita’s goal was towards the Premier League title cancelled out by Rogelio Funes Mori to travel to Qatar, Liverpool will and Kewell said that his former team be relieved at coming through were far from comfortable without Van this test, and they remain on Dijk. course to win this competition “When I watch Liverpool, I see Virgil for the fi rst time. constantly talking to everyone around However, they must now beat him. He’s always communicating with a Flamengo side who have won full backs and people in front of him,” the Copa Libertadores and the Kewell, a part of the Liverpool side that Brazilian title in the last month lost the 2005 Club World Championship under Portuguese coach Jorge final, told BBC Sport. Jesus, and who will have had an “Yes people talk about him being a extra day to prepare for the fi nal great defender because he can play out after defeating Saudi club Al- Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (centre) celebrates with Naby Keita after the win in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Monterrey on Wednesday. (Reuters) from the back and is comfortable on Hilal 3-1 on Tuesday. the ball, but a defender’s first job is to “Tough game, really tough tre-back sat out the Monter- at kick-off along with Firmino At such a busy stage in the goalkeeper Marcelo Barovero. Funes Mori before Mane, Alex- defend, and in the case of Van Dijk, it is game,” said Klopp when asked rey game due to illness, leaving and Alexander-Arnold, instead season, Klopp also admitted his However, Monterrey’s re- ander-Arnold and Firmino all to organise the rest of his defence too. about the prospect of facing skipper Jordan Henderson to handing starts to the likes of relief when the winning goal sponse was swift, as the CON- entered the fray in the closing “That’s what Liverpool missed the most Flamengo in what will be a re- partner Joe Gomez in defence. Adam Lallana, Xherdan Shaqiri went in, saying: “I was actually CACAF Champions League stages. against Monterrey. No one had his kind peat of the 1981 Interconti- “It was an easy decision be- and Divock Origi. afraid of extra time to be honest winners drew level within two Clearly determined to avoid a of defensive vision or ability to spot nental Cup fi nal, when a Brazil- cause he couldn’t train yester- “It was only possible the hard so I was more than happy when minutes when Funes Mori — draining extra half-hour, Klopp’s danger.” ian team captained by Zico beat day — he was on the pitch for a way,” said Klopp of the way in Bobby scored that goal.” the brother of former Everton game plan paid off as Firmino Klopp’s side face Brazilian outfit Fla- Bob Paisley’s European Cup couple of minutes until the me- which his side won, with Firmi- Liverpool got off to a fl ying defender Ramiro — converted pounced in the 91st minute. mengo in Saturday’s final, a repeat of holders 3-0 in Tokyo. dia left, and then unfortunately no’s late goal coming after goal- start and were rewarded with the the rebound after Alisson saved “The team played really the 1981 Intercontinental Cup when a “Flamengo’s season is over, he had to leave as well,” Klopp keeper Alisson made a string opening goal in the 12th minute. from Jesus Gallardo. well and gave everything,” said Zico-inspired team beat Liverpool 3-0 they are here with a full squad, said about Van Dijk, who has of key saves to stop Monterrey Salah, spurred on by the The Mexicans grew in confi - Monterrey coach Antonio Mo- in Tokyo. but we just have to recover as played in every Premier League from going in front. backing of adoring fans in an dence after that, with captain hamed. “Overall I thought we “Clearly, they need him (Van Dijk) back quickly as possible and then and Champions League game “We had problems before the offi cial attendance of over Dorlan Pabon, the Colombian had the clearest chances and in the team to face Flamengo — if he’s make ourselves ready.” this season. “We will see how game, we knew we would have 45,000, produced a stunning international, testing Alisson their goalkeeper made four or fit, Liverpool will be calm and comfort- He will hope to have Virgil quick he can recover.” some problems in the game, but pass to release Keita, the mid- before the interval and again fi ve big saves.