Fortuna Dusseldorforf shock Bundesligaiga leaders Dortmundnd PAGE 19 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018

Inam-ul-Haq leads Qatar Stars to big win over Asian Stars in Doha PAGE 18 INTERNATIONAL TWENTY20 BANGLADESH VS WEST INDIES

‘LEGEND’ SUPER-SUB Solskjaer is now MOVES INTO THE HOT SEAT caretaker Man United manager AFP right-hand man Beckham support to be looking to hire a head of LONDON will join the 45-year-old Solsk- David Beckham sent his for- football, reporting to Wood- jaer as first-team coach, work- mer teammate a message of ward, to oversee football op- OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER ing alongside support on Instagram that erations – a role it is believed was on Wednesday handed the and Kieran McKenna. read: “Good luck Ole”. Mourinho had a long-standing daunting task of saving Man- “Manchester United is in Norwegian Prime Minister reluctance about. chester United’s season after my heart and it’s brilliant to Erna Solberg tweeted: “FINAL- Solskjaer joined United as the disastrous final few months be coming back in this role,” LY CONFIRMED! Great day a player from Molde in 1996 of Jose Mourinho’s reign. said the Norwegian. “I’m real- for Norwegian football. Good and was part of ’s The Old Trafford hierarchy ly looking forward to working luck keeping control of the Red team that won the treble of the sacked Mourinho in the after- with the very talented squad Devils, @olegs26_ole.” Champions League, Premier math of Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at League and FA Cup in 1998/99. Anfield that left the 20-times Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer) is a club legend with huge He scored 126 goals in 366 champions an embarrassing 19 appearances for United be- points behind league leaders experience, both on the pitch and in coaching tween 1996 and 2007, winning Liverpool after just 17 matches. roles. His history at Manchester United means he six titles, and Former United striker Sol- lives and breathes the culture here and everyone is delighted in 2008 he became the club’s skjaer, the current manager to have him back. reserve-team manager, before of Norwegian side Molde, will taking the managerial reins at take charge of the first team Manchester United Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward Norwegian club Molde. with immediate effect and will He won the league title for remain in place as caretaker the first time in Molde’s his- manager while the club looks we have, the staff and every- United are hoping that Sol- tory in 2011 and repeated the for a new full-time boss. one at the club,” skjaer, who coached Paul Pog- feat the following year. Tottenham manager Mau- Executive vice-chairman ba and Jesse Lingard in the The Norwegian’s first ricio Pochettino and former Ed Woodward said: “Ole is a reserves, will inject renewed game in charge of Manchester Real Madrid boss Zinedine club legend with huge experi- positivity into an ailing side, United will be Saturday’s trip Zidane are among the favour- ence, both on the pitch and in whose underperforming play- to former club Cardiff. ites to take the United job on coaching roles. ers and drab style played a big Solskjaer managed the a full-time basis at the end of “His history at Manches- part in Mourinho’s exit. Bluebirds between January the season. ter United means he lives and Solskjaer is seen as a safe 2014 and September 2014, fail- Mourinho was axed on breathes the culture here and pair of hands who under- ing to stop them being relegat- Tuesday after just two-and-half everyone at the club is de- stands the club, as United tar- ed from the Premier League, years in charge at Old Trafford, lighted to have him and Mike get a return to the pinnacle of returning to Molde in 2015. with United in sixth place in the Phelan back. English football -- a position Speaking moments before Premier League and facing an “We are confident they will they have ceded to bitter rivals Solskjaer’s appointment, former uphill task to qualify for next unite the players and the fans Manchester City since Fergu- United first-team coach Rene year’s Champions League. as we head into the second half son’s retirement in 2013. Meulensteen warned it would A file photo of former Manchester United’s Norwegian striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before his testimonial Alex Ferguson’s former of the season.” The club are understood be a huge job for the Norwegian. match against Espanyol at the Old Trafford, Manchester, on August 2, 2008. (AFP) THREE THINGS MANCHESTER UNITED NEED TO FIX TO RESTORE CLUB TO ITS FORMER GLORY ANCHESTER UNITED’S deci- triumph earlier this year, Mourinho’s up to Pogba, Mourinho had caused a swashbuckling sides, United have a United so exciting to watch under hamstrung by the error-prone perfor- sion to sack Jose Mourinho sharp response that he needed to huge rift in the squad and there were commitment to attacking play that Ferguson is high on the to-do list. mances of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling Mbrought an abrupt end to his try harder for United set in motion a also palpable tensions with Alexis failed to resonate with Mourinho. and Eric Bailly. troubled reign but the fallout at Old chain of events that contributed to Sanchez, Antonio Valencia, Luke Having made his reputation by using BUILD A SOLID FOUNDATION The result was a woeful 29 league Trafford will linger for months his downfall. Shaw and Anthony Martial. Morale cautious tactics to stifle opponents, Mourinho complained long and loud goals conceded in 17 games this to come. United have appointed Mourinho was already frustrated by in United’s dressing room is at a low Mourinho felt he could bend United to about the failure of United executive season -- more than any other side Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as caretaker Pogba’s apparent unfocused at- ebb after such a divisive period and his will but the scathing reaction from vice-chairman Ed Woodward to land outside the bottom five. manager to see them through to the titude and perceived lack of effort healing those wounds is essential. fans and club legends to his nega- the transfer targets he wanted in the In contrast, leaders Liverpool have end of the season before hiring a in a United shirt, so when his club’s tive approach in the goalless draw at close-season and his fears were not benefited hugely from the expensive long-term successor to Mourinho. record signing was transformed into RESTORE UNITED TRADITION Anfield last season should have been unfounded. United felt Mourinho had signing of Dutch defender Virgil van But Solskjaer –- and whoever eventu- a rampaging figure in midfield for The final whistle on a dour 0-0 draw a warning that he needed to adapt to been backed sufficiently during a Dijk last season, while Manchester ally fills Mourinho’s shoes -- has an France, his manager tried to shame at Liverpool had barely been blown a different culture. spree of around £400 million ($506 City and Tottenham have also thrived enormous task to restore the club to him into action with his acerbic as- before Mourinho felt the backlash Instead, Mourinho stuck stubbornly million) over two-and-a-half years, so with solid rearguards. its former glories. sessment. Pogba’s relationship with from his decision to ignore United’s to his guns, alienating sections of the Leicester’s Harry Maguire and Tot- Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, Inter Three issues that need to be fixed: Mourinho was destined to get even tradition as English football’s Old Trafford faithful with a series of tenham’s Toby Alderweireld failed to Milan’s Milan Skriniar and Atletico worse as he was stripped of the vice- great entertainers. cautious game-plans even in home arrive as defensive ballast. Madrid’s Diego Godin are all reported MEND BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS captaincy and feuded with the boss From Matt Busby’s “holy trinity” matches. Erasing the memories of Mourinho had been desperate to bol- to have interested United and could Questioned about Paul Pogba’s on the training ground. With several of George Best, Bobby Charlton Mourinho’s conservatism by recre- ster his leaky defence but instead he be targeted in the January transfer influential role in France’s World Cup of United’s younger players looking and Denis Law to Alex Ferguson’s ating the thrilling style that made had to make do with a unit that was window. (AFP)

‘Disrespectful, silly’ Kohli blasted at home & abroad

AFP “At the end of the match, you should NEW DELHI be able to look each other in the eyes, Kohli, Shastri roles need to be assessed: Gavaskar shake hands and say ‘great contest’,” he Sunil Gavaskar has said that the roles of Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri INDIA captain Virat Kohli faced stiff wrote in a column for Fox Sports. need to be assessed if India fail to perform in the final two Tests in Melbourne criticism both Down Under and at home “Virat Kohli could not do that with and Sydney. He said that since India’s tour of South Africa at the start of the on Wednesday after his side’s crushing Tim Paine, shaking the Australian year, picking the wrong players “has lost matches which could’ve been won.” loss to Australia in the 2nd Test. captain’s hand but If India fail to win the next two matches, “the selectors need to think whether Former Australian paceman Mitch- barely making we are getting any benefit from this lot -- the captain, coach and support staff,” ell Johnson called Kohli “disrespectful” eye contact Gavaskar told Aaj Tak TV news network. Indian football team members in their new kits ahead of the AFC and “silly” over his heated exchanges with The Indian Express said that the biggest bone of contention in Perth was not Asian Cup 2019. India have been drawn in Group A of the AFC Asian with fellow skipper Tim Paine during him. selection but that Kohli “has little confidence in some of his teammates”. “It’s Cup 2019 along with hosts UAE, Thailand and Bahrain. the Perth Test. a viciously self-fulfilling prophecy: the more you think they can’t do it, they won’t Former India great Sunil be able to do it,” the paper said. It cited the non-selection of Ravindra Jadeja, AIFF dreams of World Cup qualification Gavaskar meanwhile hit out and Kohli saying that fellow spinner Ravichandran Ashwin would probably not at “selection blunders” and have played even if he had been fit. “Kohli quite rightly rates (Australian spinner NEW DELHI: Ahead of India’s pull their feet together, we can the Indian Express daily Nathan) Lyon highly, but one wonders how Ashwin and Jadeja would feel about participation in the 2019 AFC make it a reality,” he added. slammed Kohli’s “explicit their captain’s assessment of them,” the paper added. “India can still win this Asian Cup, All India Football The Indian team had earlier par- lack of confidence” in series, but for that to happen, Kohli will have to back his players.” (AFP) Federation (AIFF) President ticipated in the AFC Asian Cup some of his players. Praful Patel termed the coun- in 1964, 1984 and 2011. Kohli and Paine To me, that is disrespect- al attacks,” he said. try’s fourth participation in the National team skipper Sunil exchanged barbs, at ful. Kohli gets away with He added that the re- continental championship as Chhetri heaped praise on one point prompt- more than most cricketers marks in Perth were nothing a “precursor to India’s goal his teammates. ing intervention simply because he is Virat compared to their Australian tour in to achieve a berth in the FIFA “The reasons that we have from the umpire, Kohli and he gets placed 2014, when he claimed to have been World Cup by 2026.” qualified for the AFC Asian Cup during the game on a pedestal but this called a “spoilt brat”. But Johnson said “The Asian dream needs to be 2019 is because players like that Australia won by Test left the Indian captain Kohli’s behaviour made a mockery of his achieved by 2026 as there will Sandesh Jhingan, Gurpreet 146 runs on Tuesday to lev-el looking silly.” pre-series claims that he was a changed be 8 teams from Asia in the Singh Sandh, Anirudh Thapa, the four-match series 1-1. After the game both Paine and man and didn’t plan to initiate any con- FIFA World Cup,” Patel said at Jeje and Udanta Singh and all It was reported that Kohli be- Kohli played down their on-field frontations. “What we saw this Test says a press conference here on others. It is because of these littled Paine as just “a stand-in sledging, which was picked up by otherwise,” he said. Wednesday. “You just always players that I go on the pitch captain” – a claim angrily denied stump microphones. “From my experiences with him cannot live a dream and we without any pressure. They do by India’s team management. India captain Virat Kohli described it as simply banter and what I am seeing as an observer have to make the Asian dream all the hard work while I just tap The retired Johnson said the fa- Kohli during the that was part and parcel of Test cricket. now, not much has changed. It was a reality. And with the form the the ball in,” he said. India play mously combative Kohli’s antics 2nd Test against “As long as there is no swearing the disappointing and that is not the only national team is in, and if Sunil their first match against were unnecessary. Australia in Perth. line doesn’t get crossed. And no person- area where he let himself down.” Chhetri and everybody can Thailand on January 6. (IANS) 18 Thursday, December 20, 2018 Sports Haq leads Qatar Stars to big win over Asian Stars

victory. Iqbal Chaudhry also QCA hosted the had a brace for 19. match to celebrate Awais Malik dealt out the first blow when he removed Qatar National Qalandar Khan (8) at 28. Day at Asian Town Chaudhry got rid of both opener Ansari (18 with three Stadium fours) and Alam (20 with one four) at 47. Dharmang, TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK who smashed two sixes and DOHA one four in his 27-ball 40, and Asadullah Khan re- A large crowd of more than paired the damage and took 10,000 fans thoroughly en- the score 102. joyed Qatar Stars’ big 71-run However, Gul’s departure victory, set up by skipper In- at 111 triggered the slump am-Ul-Haq, over Asian Stars and the Asian Stars folded at the Asian Town Cricket at 117 in 17 overs. Their last Stadium on Tuesday. six players could add only six The Qatar Cricket As- Asian Stars team players pose with QCA president after the match. runs, failing to negotiate with sociation (QCA) hosted the the bowling of Nadeem Khan Twenty-20 match in the In- reached a healthy 188 for team. Ahmadzai bowled su- and Haq. dustrial Area venue as a part eight with Haq hammering perbly to grab four wickets QCA president Kuwari of the grand festivities that Qatar Cricket Association President Yousef Jeham al Kuwari with Qatar Stars players after their victory a glorious 102. His fiery 64- for 28. Mirando, Mendis and expressed his gratitude to marked the Qatar National against Asian Stars at the Asian Town Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. ball knock contained 11 fours Naveed, one of three play- the International Asian Star Day. Famous cricketers of the and three sixes. Before being ers assisting the Asian team, players for accepting his Asian sub-continent gath- Members and other officials, Ambassador to Qatar His Ex- Thushara Mirando (both Sri the last man out, he added 82 shared three wickets. invite to come to Doha, cel- ered here to make the occa- including Operations Man- cellency P. Kumaran, who at- Lanka), Umar Gul, Fawad runs with Khurram Shahzad The Asian team were ebrate the Qatar National sion memorable. ager Manzoor Ahmad and tended the match. Alam (both Pakistan), Mo- for the fifth wicket. troubled in the beginning by Day and add international QCA President Yousef Je- Domestic Cricket Head Gul The Asian Stars Eleven hammad Elias (Bangladesh), Shahzad collected 32 off Nadeem Khan (three for 18 flavour to the grand occa- ham al Kuwari hosted a din- Khan Jadoon, were present featured Asadullah Khan, Mahamad Hashim Ansari, 22 balls with four bounda- in three overs). Later captain sion. He also thanked the ner for the players of both at the stadium to witness the Mohammad Yamin Ah- Sanjam Regmi (both Nepal) ries and a six. M Rizlan (16) Haq polished off the lower- home team for playing well the teams at Torch Hotel on match. There were many dig- madzai (both Afghanistan), and Venkatesh Prasad (India) and Faisal Javed (14) were order to return four for 13 to and the crowd for support- Monday. Kuwari, QCA Board nitaries, including the Indian Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Batting first, Qatar Stars other scorers for the home cause wrap up the massive ing the match.

Bangladesh’s Shakib fined for shouting at umpire Post-scandal OZ ‘grit’ hailed

AFP DHAKA after ‘best win’ for decades BANGLADESH captain Shakib Al Hasan was fined 15 percent Herald said that “after nine of his match fee for shouting In beating India, months, Australia are re- at the umpire during Monday’s born and rebaptised” while opening Twenty20 interna- Paine’s men the Sydney Daily Telegraph tional against West Indies, the pulled off their trumpeted that the nation International Cricket Council again had “a cricket team it said. first Test win can cheer for without feeling Shakib was also handed mixed emotions”. one demerit point, his second since the “Tim Paine’s men are not such penalty since the introduc- the finished product,” added tion of the system in September ball-tampering the Telegraph. 2016, for the offence during saga in SA “They have soft spots and hosts’ eight-wicket defeat. Bangladesh cricket captain will lose plenty of Tests but Shakib now has two demer- Shakib Al Hasan. (AFP) AFP in a strange sort of way this it points, having been handed PERTH, AUSTRALIA makes their victory over India one for an offence during a Shakib scored 61 off 43 balls all the more meritorious.” Twenty20 against Sri Lanka in in the game in Sylhet but could NINE months on from the While Australia’s bowl- March this year. Shakib showed not prevent a humiliating loss biggest scandal to hit Aus- ing attack is world class, of dissent while batting after the for his side. West Indies bowled tralian cricket, the embat- concern will be the failure of umpire did not call a wide in the out Bangladesh for 129 and tled team have come out the middle-order Peter Hands- 14th over of the Bangladesh in- knocked off the target with 55 other side with a victory that comb and continued frailty at nings. balls in hand to take 1-0 lead in on Wednesday was hailed as the top of the order. “He first shouted at the um- the three-match series. their most important in dec- With a win under their pire and then got involved in a The second and third ades. belt and the series level, Aus- prolonged discussion,” said an matches will be held in Dhaka In beating India by 146 tralia now head to the Mel- ICC statement issued late on on Thursday and Saturday. runs in Perth, Tim Paine’s bourne Cricket Ground caul- Tuesday. Bangladesh swept West In- men pulled off their first Test dron for the Boxing Day Test “After the match, Shakib ad- dies 2-0 in the preceding Test win since the ball-tampering with the same squad, resist- mitted the offence and accepted series before winning the three- saga exploded in South Africa ing any temptation to change. the sanction,” it said, adding no match one-day international in March. Former skipper Ricky formal hearing was required. series 2-1. The cheating row saw Australian players celebrate their victory against India after day five of the second Test cricket match in Ponting said they needed to coach Darren Lehmann quit, Perth on Tuesday. (AFP) keep playing hard, uncompro- captain Steve Smith and mising cricket without court- vice-captain David Warner that winning back faith and impressed by the way Paine “The triumph over India ing too much controversy. Quick read banned, and Cricket Australia respect from fans and the me- has handled himself. in Perth might be the most “Just not relax,” Pont- dump a swathe of top execu- dia has been challenging. “Quality performance important Test win by an Aus- ing told cricket.com.au when Marathon champion Kirui undecided on tives. “I’m relieved personally,” from Australia this week ... tralian side since Allan Border asked what Australia must do world title defence The unassuming Paine he said after his maiden win Tim Paine is a very very good led his side out of the wilder- stay on top of India. was installed as skipper and as skipper eased the pressure. leader who deserves all the ness in the 1989 Ashes,” said “They’ve set a bit of blue- NAIROBI: Former marathon world champion Geoffrey Kirui of Kenya Justin Langer as coach, vow- Test great Shane Warne credit,” he tweeted. the newspaper’s chief cricket print this week with the way said that he will wait until April to decide whether he will feature at the ing to change their win-at- summed it up in a tweet after Importantly, the win in writer Peter Lalor. they’ve played. They just have 2019 World Championships. With a change in program seeing the all-costs culture and rebuild a the victory, saying: “This was Perth to level the four-Test “Paine’s men may not have to build on that now. 2019 World Championships coming later in the year than usual, Kirui team that had been rocked to the best Test win for Aust in series 1-1 was also warmly gone as long without success “There’s no doubt with is unsure if he will defend his crown in Doha, Qatar, or pass it up in its core. a long time. Tim Paine take a embraced by the country’s and they haven’t even won the one win a bit of belief comes order to compete in other lucrative big city marathons, reports Xinhua. It has taken time and bow - we now have a Test cap- sometimes-scathing media, series, but rarely has an outfit but they can’t just rock up in The 25-year-old told Xinhua that he is gaining more experience at the Paine, who has proven to be tain.” with The Australian hailing suffered as much as this one Melbourne and expect India marathon distance, and hopes to turn around his fortunes in 2019 an exceptional wicketkeeper Former England skipper “the grit of a new Australia in the past nine months.” are going to play like they did and return to the winner’s podium. (IANS) and a savvy captain, admitted Michael Vaughan was also cricket era”. The Sydney Morning here (in Perth).” Sixth seed Bergs survives Virgili scare Russell, Nets sink Lakers 115-110

AFP to set up clash against Saraiva LOS ANGELES

time and bowed out. Italian Lor- D’ANGELO Russell produced Zhurbin among enzo Frigerio knocked out Wang a double-double to lead the three upsets in 7-6(5), 7-5 after their engrossing Brooklyn Nets to victory match lasted two hours and nine against his former club with Qatar F6 Futures minutes. Bulgarian Alexandar a 115-110 win over LeBron Lazarov stunned Lescure 6-2, James and the Los Angeles second round 7-6(3) in one hour and 39 min- Lakers on Tuesday. utes. He will take on second seed Russell was selected by the TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Aslan Karatsev, who downed Lakers with the second over- DOHA his Russian compatriot Rich- all pick in the 2015 draft, but ard Muzaev in straight sets but was traded only two years later BERNARDO Saraiva shocked needed a tie-break in the opener. after an unhappy start to his third seed Alexander Zhurbin in Frigerio’s next opponent NBA career. the second round of the Qatar will be Constantin Schmitz, the However the 22-year-old F6 Futures Tennis Tournament, German who eliminated top point guard reminded the Lak- D’Angelo Russell of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles around Los Angeles continuing the Russian rival’s Sixth seed Zizou Bergs overcame wild card Adelchi Virgili in the seed Goncalo Oliveira in the ers of his talents with a deci- Lakers defense during the third quarter of their NBA game at Barclays miserable run at the Khalifa In- second round of the Qatar F6 Futures tennis in Doha on Wednesday. opener and advanced to the sive contribution to lead the Center on Tuesday. (AFP) ternational Tennis and Squash quarter-finals when his chal- Nets to victory at Brooklyn’s Complex on Wednesday. lenger Florian Lakat of France Barclays Center. determined to extend their win- a spirited rally late in the fourth The Portuguese, after split- Results retired after trailing 1-6, 0-2. Russell finished with 22 ning run. quarter when they ran up 10 ting the first two sets, broke Singles (second round) Greek Michail Pervolarakis points, 13 assists and four re- “One game at a time,” Rus- unanswered points to get within Zhurbin in the second game to Constantin SCHMITZ (GER) 6-1 2-0 Retired Florian LAKAT (FRA) and Dutch Jesper de Jong will bounds as the Nets improved sell said. “We’re not satisfied. three of Brooklyn. forge 5-2 ahead in the decider. In Lorenzo FRIGERIO (ITA) 7-6(5)7-5 Tak Khunn WANG (FRA) [5] battle for a spot in the semi- to 14-18 in the Eastern Con- We want to keep it going.” Elsewhere on Tuesday, the eighth game, he reeled four Bernardo SARAIVA (POR) 3-6 7-5 6-2 Alexander ZHURBIN (RUS) finals after both required three- ference standings. Russell was “He hurt us,” Lakers head Cleveland bagged only their points in a row to gain another [3] Zizou BERGS (BEL) [6] 4-6 6-3 6-4 Adelchi VIRGILI (ITA) set victories over their rivals one of six Brooklyn players to coach Luke Walton said of Rus- eighth win of a miserable break and book a spot in the Michail PERVOLARAKIS (GRE) 6-4 7-5 Vladyslav ORLOV (UKR) Vladyslav Orlov of Ukraine and finish in double digits as the sell. “He’s a talented player and season after Larry Nance Jr. quarter-finals after two hours Alexandar LAZAROV (BUL) 6-2 7-6(3) Mick LESCURE (FRA) [8] Matic Spec of Slovenia. home side completed a sixth we know that. Give him credit. tipped in a game-winner at the and 15 minutes on the court. Jesper DE JONG (NED) 4-6 6-1 6-3 Matic SPEC (SLO) Mousa Shanan Zayed, who straight victory. “He had a big time game to- buzzer to give the Cavaliers an His next rival will be sixth Aslan KARATSEV (RUS) [2] 7-6(4) 6-4 Richard MUZAEV (RUS) is teaming up with Constantin “You look at the scoreboard night but that’s why this team’s upset 92-91 win over the Indi- seed Zizou Bergs, the sixth seed Bittoun Kouzmine, was the last - it took the whole team to get won six in a row now -- they’ve ana Pacers. from Belgium, who also had Italian wild card Adelchi Virgili. and 56 minutes. Qatari player left in the fray. He it done tonight,” Russell said af- got a lot of different guys that The Pacers, third in the rough time in Doha in the previ- Bergs secured a lucky break Like Bergs, fifth seed Tak and Kouzmine were knocked terwards. “Defensively we came can hurt you.” Eastern Conference, struggled ous two events but managed to in the third game of the de- Khunn Wang, the Qatar F5 title out by third seeds Mikalai Hal- in and did our job. I couldn’t be James finished with 36 to get going with Bojan Bogda- enter the last eight with a fight- cider and defended the lead to winner, and eighth seed Mick iak and Alexander Zhurbin 6-3, more proud of our guys.” points but was unable to drag novic their top-scoring starter ing 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory against emerge the winner in one hour Lescure floundered at the crucial 4-6 (6-10). Russell said the Nets were the Lakers over the line, despite with 14 points. Sports Thursday, December 20, 2018 19 QSL CUP Fortuna loss: Dortmund open door for potential Gladbach Friday thriller

DPA BERLIN

A pre-Christmas cracker awaits in the Bundesliga on Friday when Borussia Moe- nchengladbach travel to Borussia Dortmund knowing a win will take them within three points of the league leaders. Gladbach dismissed lowly Nuremberg 2-0 on Tuesday while Dortmund stumbled for the first time this season to lose 2-1 at Fortuna Dusseldorf. That set up a dramatic showdown in the last match- day ahead of the Bundesliga midseason break. “We deserved to lose because we didn’t invest Pedro Miguel of Al Sadd (centre) vies for the ball with Hilal Mohammed enough,” admitted Dortmund of Al Khor during their QNB Stars League match recently. goalkeeper Roman Buerki while captain Marco Reus promised an improvement against Gladbach Al Khor brace “We need to play with more purpose and desire, wait for our chance and take it. To- to face Al Sadd day it didn’t work out,” he said. “As always, we need to TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK for the youngsters in the team. dust ourselves down and con- DOHA The Wolves concluded their tinue, we have our next oppor- preparation for the match with tunity on Friday. I’m sure that AL Khor face Al Sadd in the a training session at the club’s we’ll show a very different side QSL Cup Round 4 match at premises on Wednesday even- to ourselves then.” the Jassim Bin Hmad Sta- ing. One defeat from 16 league dium on Thursday. Al Khor Al Sadd is third in Group games remains an excellent are joint-leaders in Group B B with four points, five adrift record for Dortmund under alongside Al Rayyan with nine of joint-leaders Al Khor and coach Lucien Favre but an- points, while Al Sadd in third Al Rayyan. Anything short of other slip against Gladbach are five points adrift. victory for Al Sadd will put could potentially undo a lot of The Wolves will need to their qualification hopes in a the good work done in the first bring their QNB Stars League very tight corner though the half of the season. form to bear in this fixture to top four teams in the group And the large Dortmund overcome the determined Al qualify. squad is set to be stretched to Khor who have collected maxi- AL Khor has won all three the limit after Manuel Akanji mum points in three matches. matches in the group and will and Abdou Diallo picked up in- Their recent 3-1 victory over Al be looking to consolidate their juries in Dusseldorf with Dan- BUNDESLIGA: Fortuna Duesseldorf’s players celebrate their 2:1 victory after the German first division Bundesliga match against Borussia Dort- Duhail moved them to the top position. Axel Zagadou already absent. mund in Duesseldorf, Germany, on Tuesday. (AFP) of the league standings and Al Shahania will open the “We need to wait and see who’ll has seen them score record round’s action by taking on Al be capable of playing at centre- fence, they will be hopeful Results Plea to grab the goals. best at this stage since their number of goals. Ahli. It will be followed by si- back on Friday,” said Favre. of firing Dortmund back to They have consistently last championship 42 seasons multaneous kick-offs between Attack could be the best winning ways. M’gladbach 2 - 0 Nürnberg played down their title creden- ago. Fixtures Al Sadd and Al Khor and Al form of defence for Dortmund, Gladbach, however, will Hertha BSC 2 - 2 Augsburg tials but a win In contrast, six-time Rayyan and Al Sailiya. even in a tough encounter arrive full of confidence and Wolfsburg 2 - 0 Stuttgart away to “one of the best reigning champions Bay- Al Shahaniya v Al Ahli Al Shahania have yet to against Gladbach, having aware victory will give them Düsseldorf 2 - 1 Dortmund teams in Europe,” accord- ern Munich have not had Al Sadd v Al Khor open their account and are ly- scored a league best 42 goals cause to dream of a first Bun- ing to Fabian Johnson, could their strongest campaign. Al Rayyan v Al Sailiya ing at the bottom of the table. including 27 in eight home desliga title since 1977. cause a revision. But a win over RB Leipzig They are the only side without games so far. “We’re looking forward quality team.” “We’re playing against the on Wednesday would move a point in the group. Marco Reus and Paco to the top-of-the-table clash The Foals also have in- best German team at the min- them to within six points of Friday Jose Murcia’s men will Alcacer have been in deadly in Dortmund,” keeper Yann jury concerns as they defeated ute,” said coach Dieter Hecking. the two Borussias and open Al Duhail v Al Arabi face a tough task against Al form up front with 10 and 12 Sommer said. Nuremberg without Raffael “But we are also a good team.” the door to potentially the Al Kharitiyath v Qatar SC Ahli, who are placed fourth goals respectively and even “It will be a great game and Lars Stindl, relying on Gladbach’s record of 33 most exiting title race in Ger- Al Gharafa v Umm Salal with three points. with personnel issues in de- in a great setting against a Thorgan Hazard and Alassane points from 16 matches is their many in years. In Group A, Al Duhail take on Al Arabi in the first match on Friday. That will be fol- The meeting between the lowed by two simultaneous sides is expected to be explo- kick-offs — Al Kharaitiyat vs Team China arrives in Doha for final training; Iraq start prep sive as witnessed in the recent Qatar SC and Al Gharafa vs league match where Al Sadd Umm Salal. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Lippi’s men will have a 10-day also two important games be- for similar success in this edi- ising a two-week preparatory won 2-1. But the Wolves will Al Gharafa, Al Duhail, Qa- DOHA preparation during which they fore the Asian Cup. Just as we tion of the tournament. camp in Doha as part of its be without nine key players tar SC and Umm Salal all have will play against Iraq and Jor- expected four years ago, we In the 2019 Asian Cup, final preparations. who are with the Qatar nation- five points, but they are placed CHINA’S men’s national foot- dan in two warm-up matches are looking forward to a good China are in Group C where During the camp the Iraqi al team in preparation for the in that order on goal difference ball team arrived in Doha on before the Italian announces performance this time.” they will face Kyrgyzstan in team will play friendly with Asian Cup 2019. Jesualdo Fer- and by virtue of having scored Wednesday where they will the final 23-player list for the For this event in 2015, Chi- their opening match on Janu- Palestine and China on De- reira’s men have a pool U-23 more number of goals. hold their final training sessions continental tournament. na won all three group games ary 7, and then play the Philip- cember 24 and 28 , and will Players and first team players Al Kharaitiyat are fifth ahead of the AFC Asian Cup, Goalkeeper Yan Junling led by coach Alain Perrin, and pines on January 11. Their last start career in the Asian Cup to select from for the big fix- with three points, while Al which will kick off in the United said, “I hope we can show reached the last-eight where group game is against South on January 8 against their ture. The likes of Xavi Her- Arabi have yet to open their Arab Emirates on January 5. the results of our training in they lost 2-0 to hosts Austral- Korea on January 16. Vietnamese team in Group D nandez, Ali Asadalla and Gabi account, having lost all three After leaving Haikou train- Haikou in the two upcoming ia, who went on to claim the Meanwhile, the Iraqi na- which also includes Iran and are expected to provide cover of their matches. ing centre for Qatar, Marcello warm-up matches, which are title that year. China is hoping tional football team are organ- Yemen.

COACHES, MEDICAL STAFF OF JORDANIAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION VISIT ASPETAR

The technical and medical staff of Jordanian Football National Team visited Aspetar, the orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital in Doha, on Wednesday. This was as a part of their training camp in Qatar held in preparation for the AFC Asian Cup 2019 scheduled to take place in the UAE from January 5. Commenting on his visit to Aspetar, Head coach of the men’s senior Jordanian national team, Vital Borkelmans, said he was impressed by the world-class facilities at Aspetar – the tailored services on offer to all athletes implemented in a focused manner and in accordance with the latest developments in the industry. As part of the team’s preparations, Jordan will play a friendly match with Qatar’s national team on Sunday. 20 Thursday, December 20, 2018 The Last Word Two Qatari artists Of a voyage to Indonesia to selected for 1st NY Artist Residency rev up spirit of volunteering

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK new generation of creators and DOHA help Qatar originate sources for The student volunteers conducted vocational workshops and participated in a range of cultural activities art and creativity from within.” QATAR Museums (QM) has The ISCP is a laboratory for TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK selected Qatari artists Fatima the world’s most promising art- DOHA Mohammed and Sarah al Oab- ists and curators. It supports idli for the first residency pro- the creative advancement of EDUCATION Above All (EAA) gramme at ‘Studio 209 NY’, a its participants and promotes Foundation’s programme new partnership for an interna- cultural exchange through resi- Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) tional art residency which will dencies, exhibitions and public again succeeded in taking its commence in 2019. programmes. voyage towards Indonesia Fatima, who will join the In- Housed in East Williams- by recently coordinating a ternational Studio & Curatorial burg, with 35 work studios and student volunteer trip in col- Program (ISCP) from January 1 two gallery spaces, the ISCP is laboration with the College of to March 30, 2019, is a contem- New York’s most comprehen- North Atlantic-Qatar (CNA– porary Qatari artist who works sive international visual arts Q) and Titian Foundation In- in mixed media, printmaking residency programme, and the donesia. and installation art. She also fourth largest worldwide. With During the trip, a group creates her own homemade inks over 1,350 alumni from more of 20 students and three staff from medicine that is meant to than 80 countries, it hosts more from CNA-Q travelled with dors for Qatar, which is a re- cure her back ailment. than 100 residents each year. ROTA staff to the SMK1 Ngaw- sponsibility they embrace and In 2016, Fatima graduated The Qatari artists will have en Technical School in the take very seriously. They were from Virginia Commonwealth access to a diverse global net- Klaten district of Yogyakarta particularly happy to dem- University Qatar with a bach- work of colleagues along with to facilitate various technical onstrate their patriotism and elor’s degree in Painting and other programme benefits, vocational workshops over a pride for Qatar during this trip Printmaking and a minor in Art including a private, furnished five-day service learning pro- on National Day which they History. Fatima has had two studio space, monthly access to gramme. celebrated in Indonesia with group shows at the Katara Art cultural institutions in and out- The workshops focused local students by sharing the Center and one group show at side New York, monthly private on relevant speciality areas of culture, history and souvenirs Virginia Commonwealth Uni- studio visits with professionals CNA-Q students that added of their homeland.” versity Qatar. from other museums, galleries value to the curricula of local Since 2006, ROTA has Sara, who will join ‘Studio and alternative spaces, the op- students with topics including implemented 37 interna- 209 NY’ from April 1 to June portunity to meet with one of Entrepreneurship, Sustaina- tional volunteer trips aimed 30, 2019, is a portrait and doc- the two visiting critics to ISCP bility, Personal Development, at providing opportunities umentary photographer. Her each month, as well as the op- Safety & Security and Health for volunteers to add value to self-initiated projects explore portunity to realise public pro- & Nutrition. projects while also learning the varying political, philo- jects in several offsite venues in The student volunteers about development challenges sophical and social issues of New York. also participated in a range and how education addresses today. Most recently, her work QM has also announced of cultural and team-building them. has been exhibited as part to the the next application deadline activities in order to better Nepal, Bangladesh, Tunisia Talking about the ini- riences wherein they learn Volunteers have included Contemporary Art Qatar shows for artists wishing to join the understand the people, cul- and Indonesia, the Volunteer tiative, Mohammed al Saleh, more about others through high school students, univer- in Germany and Russia. residency in New York for the ture and environment of In- Programme has sought to cre- ROTA National Programmes cross-cultural exchange and sity students and adults while Khalifa al Obaidly, direc- summer and fall slots com- donesia. ate a movement of volunteers director, said: “ROTA’s In- interpersonal communication trips typically last from seven tor at the Fire Station, stated: mencing July 1 – September ROTA’s Volunteer Pro- and responsible global citi- ternational Volunteer Trips as well as learn about them- to 10 days and combine volun- “’Studio 209 NY’ is the latest 30, 2019 and October 1 – De- gramme has been conduct- zens within Qatar that actively provide so many opportuni- selves through reflection and tary service with experiential addition to Qatar Museums’ cember 31, 2019. The open call ing International Volunteer carry out initiatives to make a ties for volunteers and local improved self-awareness. learning opportunities, cross comprehensive portfolio of pro- will run from January 1, 2019 Trips since 2006. Through positive impact on the lives of beneficiaries alike to enjoy “These young ROTA Vol- cultural exchanges and leader- grammes that look to nurture a to March 1, 2019. trips to Pakistan, Cambodia, communities across Asia. some really profound expe- unteers also act as ambassa- ship training. MoQ celebrates National Day HIA transforms into a cultural arena with patriotic fervour and gaiety TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK enjoyed shopping at a pop-up DOHA airside souq hosted by local businesses offering authentic HAMAD International Air- Qatari products, which will be port (HIA), in partnership live until the end of the month. with Qatar Duty Free (QDF), Qatar Duty Free and HIA transformed its terminal into also treated every traveller this a cultural arena for Qatar Na- year with a Qatar National Day tional Day. gift and offered 20 percent dis- Taking place during the count vouchers to all passengers busy holiday season, the Na- between December 16 and 19, tional Day celebration offered redeemable at many of the food, thousands of international beverage and retail outlets. passengers arriving, depart- The airport also teamed ing and transferring through up with Ahmed al Maadheed, the airport the opportunity to the celebrated artist behind experience vibrant Qatari cul- the iconic Tamim Al Majd por- ture and all it has to offer. trait, who created artwork ex- MALL of Qatar (MoQ) delighted ling, among other activities. The airport’s celebration, clusively for the airport on this visitors over 12 days from De- Throughout the mall, creative which kicked off on Decem- occasion. cember 7 to 18 with a variety of artworks from 11 schools ber 15, will continued until The activation took place engaging activities and opportu- have been displayed December 20 with HIA’s ex- during one of the busiest nities for families and friends to as part the mall’s very pansive terminal transformed months of the year at the air- share their love and pride of the own initiative ‘What with Qatar National Day fes- port, giving travelers the op- country. Qatar means to you’. tivities ranging from dazzling portunity to admire the many The festive programme in- “As the nation’s decorations, festive pop-ups, facets of Qatar’s national iden- cluded Qatar Philharmonic mall, we are proud to eye-catching artwork, to deli- tity. From taking a minute to Orchestra performances, celebrate the National cious dates and coffees loved enjoy hot Arabic coffee or ad- daily Ardah shows featur- D a y day with our partners by the Qataris. miring live performances of ing 12 performers, a henna and visitors who have inspired the A true testament to HIA as national dance, travellers left booth and a traditional kids continued solidarity with Qatar,” a gateway to culture, the air- HIA with a memorable experi- area with face painting, flag said Stuart Elder, CEO of Mall of port curated an unforgettable admired the terminal adorned live traditional Ardha dance ence demonstrating what Qa- making and balloon model- Qatar. (TNN) experience for travellers, who with national flags, watched a and music performance and tari hospitality is really about. Curtain comes down on Katara’s National Day festivities

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK artwork of Qatari symbols, DOHA enhancing their patriotic spirit and boosting artistic AS the National Day festivi- and cultural knowledge. ties at Katara have come to Medical institutions also an end, visitors enjoyed the contributed to the celebra- final day of activities with joy tions by giving health aware- and patriotic fervour. ness information and free Thousands of people vis- medical check-ups for visitors. ited Katara during this year’s Members of the Qatari festivities to enjoy an array Armed forces thronged at of events organised as part the Katara esplanade to join of the celebrations. in the celebrations with the Qatar Olympic Com- visitors, displaying their mittee (QOC) President HE skills and some of their vin- Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al A drone show conducted Folk dance bands, in- Another unique event a great success and was per- Italy, and the Amiri Guard tage machinery. Thani also participated in on Tuesday included more cluding a Russian band and was the operetta ‘All united formed on two different days cavalry took part in the mili- Moreover, Katara in- the activities at Katara on than 300 drones which an Asian band, were also Hand in Hand’, which re- with more audience each tary music festival. augurated one of its major the National Day by leading glowed in the sky above Ka- present at the festival per- flected the spirit of solidarity time. Besides, several art projects, ‘Al Thuraya Dome’ the flag parade at the Katara tara forming different sym- forming before the audi- of citizens with expatriates Several countries, in- workshops were organised Planetarium, on the occasion esplanade. bols related to Qatar. ences. in Qatar. The operetta was cluding Jordan, Turkey and for children to draw the best of the National Day.