Al Sadd being on top of QNB Stars league table excites coach Ferreira PAGE 19 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2018

Struggling Australia seek more Lyon-hearted performances PAGE 18 EUROPA LEAGUE ARSENAL VS FK QARABAG ‘Humble’ PSG keeping cool heads after making it to Champions League last 16 AFP header from Marquinhos, Kylian Liverpool and Napoli, who were in their hands. Mbappe, who also laid on Cavani’s BELGRADE Mbappe’s injury-time strike and eliminated due to their defeat “We showed for a second time opener. Liverpool beating Napoli 1-0 en- at Anfield. after the match against Liverpool PARIS Saint-Germain (PSG) coach sured first place in the group after Topping such a keenly-contested that we are ready for this kind of Attacking trio triumph Thomas Tuchel said his side needs Marko Gobeljic pulled one back for group is a huge boost for PSG, match,” added Tuchel, whose side PSG had Red Star on the back foot to “stay humble” after they thumped the hosts early in the second half. who have dominated French football began the group stage with a 3-2 de- from the start, and their blistering Red Star Belgrade 4-1 on Tuesday “We made mistakes, but I really since being taken over by Qatari in- feat by the Reds at Anfield and then attacking trio of Neymar, Mbappe and qualified for the last 16 of the liked the reaction after Belgrade’s vestors. struggled to contain Napoli in the and Cavani did not waste time in Champions League, finishing ahead goal. We controlled the match,” said Arrival in the knockout stage two draws with the Italian side. putting the away side ahead. of Liverpool and Napoli to top a Tuchel to RMC Sport after the win. comes after two straight wins for However, PSG scored 10 goals Just eight minutes were on the tight Group C. “We need to stay humble and PSG, with Tuesday’s beating of Red in two games against Red Star, who clock when Cavani tapped Mbappe’s First-half goals from Edinson have a professional attitude. Star coming after a crucial 2-1 vic- beat Liverpool and drew with Napo- pass into an open goal, after the Cavani and Neymar set the French We are improving and tory over Liver- pool that li in Belgrade – dropped points that French teenage sensation met the Hard to beat champions on their way, we are hard to beat.” put quali- allowed the Ligue 1 leaders to finish excellent Marco Verratti’s through before a PSG fin- fication top. ball, brushed Filip Stojkovic aside We need to stay humble and bullet ished the “We are happy, we came for and slipped a perfect pass for the group qualification and we Uruguayan. have a professional attitude. stage on 11 showed our inten- Red Star captain Stojkovic had We are improving and we are points, two tions (with the a torrid evening, and Neymar made hard to beat. ahead of win),” said light work of the 25-year-old on his second- way to a wonderful solo goal in the Paris Saint-Germain coach placed 31st minute, dribbling into the box Thomas Tuchel. and sitting down the hosts’ keeper Milan Borjan before lifting the half, and could have scored twice second into the net. before Gobeljic smashed past Gian- The Ligue 1 leaders should luigi Buffon in the 56th minute to have been out of sight three min- set the Rajko Mitic stadium ablaze utes before the break, but Mbappe with noise. wasted an excellent chance However Marquinhos snuffed to make it three, again their enthusiasm out when he met bursting through past Di Maria’s beautiful deep free-kick Stojkovic on the left to make sure of the three points only to fluff his shot with 17 minutes remaining. Mbap- into the side netting. pe’s neat finish as the final seconds Red Star came out ticked away and Liverpool’s win firing in the second were the icing on the cake for PSG. PSG’s Marquinhos (hidden) is congratulated by teammates, including Cavani, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, after he scored a goal against Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday. (AFP)

Djokovic attends RSB-PSG match Five Qatari referees for 2019 Asian Cup

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

THE Asian Football Confed- eration (AFC) has chosen five Qatari referees to officiate in the 2019 Asian Cup to be held in the UAE from January 5 to February 1, 2019. The selected referees are Abdul Rahman al Jassim, Khamis al Kuwari, Khamis al From left: Saud Ahmed, Talib Salem, Khamis al Kuwari, Khamis al Marri and Abdul Rahman al Jassim. Marri, and assistant referees Saud Ahmed and Talib Salem. Sanchez names preliminary Qatar squad for the AFC meet The referees will leave for the UAE on December 30 to DOHA The Qatar national team coach Felix Sanchez has announced a preliminary 27-man squad for take part in a final six-day the AFC Asian Cup to be held in the UAE next month. The list will be trimmed to 23 players Serbia’s Novak Djokovik (centre) during the European Champions League match between Red Star Belgrade workshop, which will be held AFTER Al Annabi’s final training camp and three friendlies. Qatar will play Jordan on December 23, (RSB) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Rajko-Mitic Stadium in Belgrade on Tuesday. The star, from January 1 and conclude KYRGYZSTAN on 25th, Algeria on 27th and Iran on December 31st in Doha before leaving for the who is on a short vacation back home, will be back in action starting with the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in on January 5. UAE for the continental competition. Doha from December 31, 2018 to January 5, 2019. (AFP) With the Asian Cup ex- QATAR are in a tough Group E of the competition alongside Lebanon, North Korea, and Saudi tended to 24 teams from 16, Arabia. Qatar will take on Lebanon in their first match on January 9, North Korea on the 13th and the AFC has announced the Saudi Arabia on 17th. Two teams from each group will qualify for the knock-out stage. Khalifa gets ready for Qatar ExxonMobil Open appointment of 60 referees to THE LIST: Goalkeepers: Saad Al Sheeb, Youssef Hassan, Mohammed Al Bakri, Jassim Al Hail, Ya- run the 2019 Asian Cup. zen Naim; Defenders: Bassam Hisham, Sultan Al Brake, Hamed Ismail, Boualem Khoukhi, Tariq Sal- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK facilities are being put in place to witness the best of their be- In addition to this list, man, Abdelkareem Al Ali, Pedro Miguel, Mohammed Alaa, Abdul Karim Hassan, Ali Afif, Mohammed DOHA to ensure another very success- loved sport as the world’s top which is the largest in the Musa; Midfielders: Salim Al Hajri, Assem Madbo, Karim Boudiaf, Ali Awad, Ahmed Fathy, Abdulrah- ful week-long feast of tennis. players compete in Doha yet history of the tournament, man Fahmy, Abdulaziz Hatem; Forwards: Hassan Al Haydous, Akram Afif, Almoez Ali, Ahmed Alaa. WITH less than three weeks to Novak Djokovic, the cur- again. Qatar ExxonMobil Open the AFC has also announced go before the 2019 edition of rent Wimbledon and US Open has earned the reputation of the appointment of 4 re- Qatar ExxonMobil Open, the champion, tops the entry list being one of the best organ- serve officials, where the list video assistant. nounced that a team of refer- edition in 2015 in Australia. Khalifa International Tennis of star players billed to feature ised tournaments on the ATP of referees includes 19 from “The expansion of the ees from CONCACAF will be During this period, the refer- and Squash Complex in Doha at this year’s event. He will be tour and this year won’t be an member national federa- Asian Cup was a strategic led by Mexican referee Cesar ees participated in 10 sessions has begun to wear a new look joined by the likes of Dominic exception. Fans are guaranteed tions and represents five re- decision that would not only Arutur, who co-managed the in order to ensure consistency with branding materials al- Thiem, Nikolov Basilashvili, the best of entertainment as gions of the AFC. benefit teams and players, 2018 World Cup, as part of of decisions and reach the ready in place. David Goffin, Karen Khachanov they watch their beloved stars The best referees of Asia but also extend to all as- the exchange programme be- highest levels. The annual tennis tourna- and this year’s slug it out on the courts of the were chosen based on their pects of football develop- tween the two continental un- The final preparation ses- ment will be held at the venue semi-finalist Marco Cecchinato. Khalifa International Tennis abilities, knowledge, manage- ment including enhancing ions for the CONCACAF Gold sion for referees is taking from December 31, 2018 to Qatar ExxonMobil Open and Squash Complex.” ment skills and fitness. The ref- the chances of our referees to Cup next year. place in Abu Dhabi five days January 5, 2019. is one of the season-opening Tickets are on sale online erees are expected to perform emerge at the highest levels,” The preparation and selec- before the launch of the 2019 As parts of the prepara- events on the ATP World Tour. at www.qatartennis.org and a number of tasks including an the AFC stated. tion of referees for the man- Asian Cup in the UAE, with a tions, the courts are getting the Tournament director Karim at the City Centre, Landmark additional assistant referee, a In addition to the basic list agement of the Asian Cup major focus on Video Assis- required facelifts while other Alami said, “Tennis fans are set and Villaggio malls. backup assistant referee, and a of referees, the AFC has an- began since the end of the last tant Referee (VAR).

Qatar- modern pentathlon federations sign MoU Quick read TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK to the pentathlon competi- Assembly held in the Iranian Qatar riders ready for Longines Global DOHA tion, which is one of the sports capital of Tehran recently. It Champions Tour in Czech Republic under the umbrella of Qatar was headed by Hamad bin Ab- BADR al Darwish, secretary Equestrian Federation under dulrahman al Attiyah in the DOHA: Qatar showjumping riders are due of the Asian Equestrian Fed- the chairmanship of Hamad presence of representatives of to participate in the Super Cup – the final eration and Secretary-Gen- Abdulrahman al Attiyah. member countries, who took round of the prestigious Longines Global eral of Qatar Equestrian and The two sides also aim to the decision to hold their next Champions Tour 2018 to be held in the Modern Pentathlon Federa- spread the game further in meeting in Doha in 2019. Czech capital of Prague from December 13 tion, signed a memorandum Asia. Both countries share Following its chairman- to 16. Qatar’s team consists of Sheikh Ali of cooperation with Farruh sporting similarities and a ship of the Asian Equestrian bin Khalid al Thani , Basim Hassan Mo- Fazliev, President of Mod- number of sports are of great Federation (AEF), the Qatar hammed and veteran English rider Michael ern Pentathlon Federation of interest to both including federation has been work- Whitaker. Prominent riders from across the Uzbekistan on the sidelines horse riding – which is one ing on setting up a number of world are due to compete in the four-day of the General Assembly of of the most popular sport competitions for equestrian in event. The innovative GC Playoffs is a new equestrian federations held in in Qatar. the coming years. concept for the sport and has seen individ- the Uzbek capital of Tashkent Meanwhile, the Qatari The Asian Equestrian Fed- ual Longines Global Champions Tour riders on Wednesday. capital of Doha will host the Badr al Darwish, secretary of the Asian Equestrian Federation and eration also plans to activate and GCL teams fighting all season long for a The memorandum in- Asian Equestrian Federation Secretary-General of Qatar Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon Federa- its role at the regional and place at the four-day event. For the first event of its kind in Prague, cludes promotion of coopera- (AEF) General Assembly next tion with President of Modern Pentathlon Federation of Uzbekistan international level taking into top international horses and riders have been arriving in the tion between the Qatari and year in accordance with the after signing the MoU on the sidelines of the General Assembly of account the Olympic Games in magical ‘City of Spires’ as excitement mounts. (TNN) Uzbek federations in relation decision of the AEF General equestrian federations in Tashkent on Wednesday. Tokyo, , in 2020. 18 Thursday, December 13, 2018 Sports Sky to withdraw from cycling after 2019 NAWAF WINS BRONZE IN U-13 TENNIS MEET

DPA who have constantly challenged ness to spend significant money FRANKFURT themselves to scale new heights remains to be seen. Few in the of performance.” sport have been as committed BRITISH media giant Sky are to The team said it could con- financially as Sky. withdraw from cycling after the tinue to race under a different But the team not only in- end of the 2019 season by end- name should a new backer be cludes British star Froome but ing their involvement with the found for 2020. current Tour de France champi- hugely successful Team Sky, the on Geraint Thomas and young company said Wednesday. Racing since 2010, Team Colombian Egan Bernal, widely Racing since 2010, Team considered a future Grand Tour Sky have won 322 races in- Sky have won 322 races champion. There is the promise cluding eight Grand Tours and including eight Grand Tours of success but scandal may also dominated the Tour de France and dominated the Tour de not be far away. with six victories in the last sev- France with six victories in According to British media, en years. the last seven years. former team doctor Richard However, they have also Freeman is expected to account been subject to allegations of for the 2011 delivery delivery of doping violations with four- The BBC reported the deci- testosterone patches to the na- time Tour de France winner sion was “partly influenced” by tional cycling headquarters in Chris Froome being cleared for media giant Comcast recently Manchester. returning an adverse finding in purchasing Sky for 30 million Team Sky, led by Brails- a doping test during the Span- pounds though Team Sky chair- ford, have dealt with everything ish Vuelta. man Graham McMillan played thrown at them so far, however, And Bradley Wiggins also Team Sky rider Geraint Thomas with Chris Froome following the final this down. and are not in the mood to give came under scrutiny over his stage of the 2018 Tour de France cycling race, Broadcaster Sky has “The decision was taken by up now. use of medical exemptions and announced that it will end it’s backing of Team Sky in 2019. (EPA-EFE) Sky in the last few weeks,” he “We aren’t finished yet by a mystery package delivered to wrote on Twitter. any means,” Brailsford prom- a former team doctor at the con- “The vision for Team Sky Brailsford said. “Comcast are aware and ised. “There is another exciting clusion of a race in 2011. began with the ambition to “The team’s success has supportive of what we have year of racing ahead of us and Qatar national team player Mishary Nawaf won the third place in Froome, Wiggins and Sky build a clean, winning team been the result of the talent, decided to do, but this is our we will be doing everything we the Under-13 West Asian Tennis Championship for boys and girls consistently denied wrong- around a core of British riders dedication and hard work of decision not theirs.” Whether can to deliver more Team Sky held in Jordan. doing. and staff,” team principal Dave a remarkable group of people a new backer with the willing- success in 2019.” Struggling Aussies keen on more India quicks getting the Lyon-hearted thoroughbred treatment performances Ishant, Shami and Bumrah took REUTERS the 31-year-old has been nick- MELBOURNE named the ‘GOAT’ - “Greatest 14 of 20 wickets at of All Time” - for good reason. IN a once-dominant team hum- His 326 Test wickets is a re- Adelaide Oval bled by a cheating scandal and cord for an Australian off-spin- still racked with doubts about ner, more than double the 141 REUTERS its identity, spinner Nathan taken by Hugh Trumble more MELBOURNE Lyon has been a reassuring than a century ago. throwback to an age of hard- But the man known as “Gaz- INDIA are treating their pace bitten Australian cricketers za” to his teammates has be- bowlers like prize-winning who talked the talk and walked come much more than a sum of thoroughbreds after the se- the walk. his statistics, and seems to add ries-opening win over Aus- a new string to his bow every tralia in Adelaide while cau- season. tioning them against straining Last year under captain Ste- too hard at the reins when the ve Smith, who is currently serv- second Test cricket match gets ing a suspension for ball-tam- underway in Perth on Friday. pering, Lyon became the team’s Ishant Sharma, Moham- unofficial sledger-in-chief in the med Shami and Jasprit Bum- lead-up to the Ashes. rah took 14 of 20 wickets at He first tore into the 2013- Adelaide Oval in a fine debut 14 England team that were as a pace trio on Australian whitewashed 5-0 and spoke of soil that helped fire the tour- (From left) Indian pace bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami will be keen to repeat Adelaide’s brilliant showing “ending careers” in Joe Root’s ists to a 31-run win on Mon- against Australia in Perth’s second Test match. side on their subsequent tour day. Down Under in a rant that was Former England captain offing, we are happy with it.” denounced widely in British Michael Vaughan wrote on Kohli in fresh row for ‘plotting’ Kumble’s exit However, he said he would newspapers. Twitter that India skipper NEW DELHI: The acrimonious exit of India’s cricket coach last year was given a fresh twist on urge his bowlers to stick to the Australia’s Nathan Lyon shows the He backed up his words Virat Kohli and actress wife Wednesday as a leaked email suggested captain Virat Kohli had “frequently” worked behind the same recipe that brought suc- ball following his six-wicket haul with 21 wickets as Australia Anushka Sharma had given scenes against him. Former coach Anil Kumble quit over a rift with Kohli in June 2017, saying his cess in Adelaide -- consistency on day four of the first Test match thrashed England 4-0 to regain up their business class seats relationship with the skipper was “untenable”. and sustained pressure. against India in Adelaide. (AFP) the urn they had relinquished in to two of the quicks for the 3.5 The Board of Control for Cricket in India has denied any division in the Indian camp. But in a “You can be carried away 2015. Lyon also marked himself hour flight from Adelaide to leaked email seen by AFP, a senior BCCI official wrote to board administrator Vinod Rai that Kohli with the extra pace and After India completed a 31- as an elite fielder in the series, Perth on Tuesday. “frequently sent SMSs to the CEO on which you acted and there was a change in the coach”. bounce but again you need run victory in the series-opener with a stunning, one-handed India coach Ravi Shas- “Mr Kumble, a legend in his own right, was subjected to loss of face and made to look like a to understand that on any re- on Monday, few of captain Tim caught-and-bowled effort to tri said all three were being villain,” added senior administrator Diana Edulji. “He was gracious enough to move on for which I sponsive track, what is really Paine’s players will report for dismiss Moeen Ali at Adelaide spared net duties on Tuesday respect him. There also, rules were broken and I had raised objections back then.” going to be successful is your duty at the Perth second Test Oval emerging as the highlight in a bid to freshen up before Edulji’s email originated from a separate controversy in the women’s national team, where for- consistency,” he said. with enhanced reputations. of several brilliant plays. day one of the second Test. mer coach Ramesh Powar fell out with one-day captain Mithali Raj. “And that’s exactly what Lyon, however, is not one A year later, Lyon appears “I think fast bowlers are As men’s national team coach, Kumble helped India reclaim the number-one Test ranking and we’re going to work with the of them as he burnished his to have enhanced his overall a precious commodity and maintained an unblemished record in five Test series. bowlers.” While the quicks stature at Adelaide Oval by an- repertoire with an improved they need to be taken care of But he resigned after his one-year term ended with a humiliating defeat to Pakistan in the 50- were akin to racehorses, Arun choring a gritty tail-end push batting technique. like what you do with a race- over Champions Trophy in June 2017, prompting a fallout with Kohli who reportedly didn’t like the likened spinner Ravichandran for a final day victory after he Against India, Australia horse,” India bowling coach coach’s training techniques. Ashwin, who took six wickets had taken eight wickets with the were staring down the barrel Bharat Arun told reporters in He was replaced by Ravi Shastri, who was always the frontrunner for the job with pundits point- and bowled a huge load at Ad- ball. at 104 for four at stumps on Perth on Wednesday. ing to his time as India’s team director from 2014-16 and warm relationship with Kohli. elaide, to a fine wine. Australia may have failed in day four, still 219 runs short of “And that’s exactly what’s Kohli, currently on tour in Australia, was yet to comment publicly on the leaked email. (AFP) “Spinners mature a lot their bid to pull off an unlikely their victory target, when Lyon happening.” with age, maybe they’re like victory, but Lyon ended the issued a rallying cry. Friday’s Test will be the wine,” he said. match unbeaten on 38 as he ran “We’ve got a massive sniff first played at the new Perth Perth Stadium curator Arun said India’s bowlers “Definitely with a little “He helped us gain con- out of partners at a venue where here, I believe anyway, in this Stadium, which has a drop- Brett Sipthorpe is keen to would welcome that prospect help from the wicket, obvi- trol. He gave us the control, he wore overalls as a grounds- Test match,” he told reporters in pitch and succeeded the produce a fast, bouncy wicket following the relatively un- ously the bowlers would love bowling close to 90 overs for man eight years ago. after taking 6-122 to limit India WACA as the city’s premier that would not be out of place helpful track served up at Ad- that sort of a wicket,” he said. 147 runs and six wickets, you A cult hero in Australia, to 307 in their second innings. venue for internationals. at the WACA. elaide. “Again, whatever is in the can’t ask for better.” Virgili springs surprise on third seed Zhurbin in Futures Tennis tourney

seeded Evgeni Tiurnev and Results contrasting finishes. Qatar’s Zayid & seventh-seeded Zizou Bergs Lozan ran away with the suffered shock losses in their Singles (second round) decider and posted a 6-3-, Virgili through to opening matches on Tuesday. Alexandar LAZAROV (BUL) 6-3 3-6 6-0 Kristian LOZAN (RUS) 3-6, 6-0 win over Bulgar- doubles semis While Greek Michail Pervola- (RUS) [5] 6-1 6-3 Peter KOBELT (USA) ian Alexander Lazarov in two rakis thumped Tiurnev 6-1, Michail PERVOLARAKIS (GRE) 6-3, 6-2 Florian LAKAT (FRA) hours and five minutes, while 6-0, Bergs bowed to Spain’s Bellier needed a tie-break in TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Jaume Pla Malfeito 2-6, 4-6. Tak Khunn WANG (FRA) [6] 2-6 6-2 6-4 Lorenzo FRIGERIO (ITA) the third set before carving DOHA Malfeito advanced to the Jaume PLA MALFEITO (ESP) 6-1 6-0 Sidane PONTJODIKROMO out a 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(4) victory quarter-finals today with a (NED) over Richard Muzaev of Rus- THIRD seed Alexander Zhur- 6-1, 6-0 rout of Dutch quali- Adelchi VIRGILI (ITA) 6-3 6-3 Alexander ZHURBIN (RUS) [3] sia in the longest match of the bin continued to have bad fier Sidane Pont Jodikromo. (SUI) 6-3 4-6 7-6(4) Richard MUZAEV (RUS) day, which lasted two hours luck at the Khalifa Interna- Second seed Goncalo Ol- and 42 minutes. tional Tennis and Squash iveira won both his matches Goncalo OLIVEIRA (POR) [2] 6-4 6-3 Mick LESCURE (FRA) All three local players Complex in Doha as he was so far. The Qatar F4 winner Doubles (quarter-finals) were eliminated in the sin- knocked out by Adelchi Vir- first tamed French Constan- Goncalo OLIVEIRA (POR) / (POR) [1] 2-6 6-2 gles. However, Mubarak gili in the second round of tin Bittoun Kouzmine 6-3, [11-9] Mirko CUTULI (ITA) / Mousa Shanan ZAYED Shannan Zayid teamed up the Qatar F5 Futures Tennis 7-6(4) and followed it up with (QAT) with Italian Virgili and the Tournament on Wednesday. a 6-4, 6-3 victory over anoth- two cruised past Russians Russian Zhurbin, who er French Mick Lescure. Michail PERVOLARAKIS (GRE) / Matic SPEC (SLO) 7-5 7-6(7) Leonid Mazo and Tiurnev was eliminated by compatriot Russian Aslan Karatsev, a Jaimee Floyd ANGELE (FRA) / Florian LAKAT (FRA) 6-2, 6-1 to book a spot in the Alexander Igoshin in the first fifth seed who was the final- Jesper DE JONG (NED) / Bart VAN DEN BERG (NED) 6-4 6-3 semi-finals. round in the Qatar F4 Fu- ist in the Qatar F4 to Oliveira, Marc GINER (ESP) / Jaume PLA MALFEITO (ESP) [3] Mousa Shanan Zayed, tures earlier this month, lost took one hour and 31 minutes Adelchi VIRGILI (ITA) / Mubarak Shannan ZAYID (QAT) 6-2 6-1 another Qatari player, and to the Italian rival 3-6, 3-6 in to subdue American Peter Mirko Cutuli of Italy trou- one hour and 13 minutes. Kobelt 6-1, 6-3. Qatar’s Mubarak Shannan Zayid (right) and Mousa Shanan Zayed had Leonid MAZO (RUS) / (RUS) bled top seeds Oliveira and With this defeat, Zhurbin Sixth seed Tak Khunn contrasting fortunes in the doubles of the Qatar F5 Futures Tennis Bernardo Saraiva to a great was the third seeded player Wang from France ground Tournament in Doha on Wednesday. Zayid and Adelchi Virgili ad- Frigerio in two hours and sev- and Swiss qualifier Antoine extent but the Portuguese es- to have fallen early in the out a 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 triumph vanced with a straight win, while Zayed and Mirko Cutuli lost after a en minutes. Bellier were both involved caped with a 2-6, 6-2 (11-9) $15,000 tournament. Fourth- over Italian qualifier Lorenzo gritty display against Goncalo Oliveira and Bernardo Saraiva. Russian Kristian Lozan in three-setter victories with victory in the quarter-finals. Sports Thursday, December 13, 2018 19 AFC ASIAN CUP 2019 COUNTDOWN Top of league table Al Sadd’s good form excites Ferreira Duhail coach says title race still open despite 3-1 loss to Al Sadd

IKOLI VICTOR results. The biggest winners DOHA are the players themselves, they put in a lot of hard work.” AL Sadd head coach Jesualdo “Al Duhail were better than Ferreira has expressed his de- us in this game despite us win- light after his side went top of ning it. They are capable of the QNB Stars League table achieving big things after the with a perfect 3-1 win over Al return of their injured play- Duhail on Tuesday. ers. Both teams have a tough Speaking at the post-match task in the upcoming period press conference, Ferreira said: in the absence of the interna- “The most important thing is tional players. Everyone knows the win and the three points. Al how much Al Sadd and Al Du- Duhail were not weak for most hail contribute to the national of the match; we were not de- team and I am worried that the ceived by their draws in their players will get injured. I hope last two games. Their players they return in their best condi- have a winning mentality and tions, all prepared to restart the they came into this game look- league with the same momen- ing to win and increase the gap. tum.” But we turned up and got the Despite taking a two points’ win.” lead into the New Year, Fer- “Despite this win, I am not reira was modest on who will satisfied with the players’ per- win the league. “It is difficult to formance because they could predict who will win the league. have given a better showing. I There is a two-month break think the players’ performance and we will suffer more than needs to improve in the next Al Duhail due to the absence period if we want to win the of the international players. league.” I don’t know what we will do Shinji-Kagawa celebrates his goal with teammates for Japan but was left out for the Asian Cup squad by coach on Tuesday. “It was an even match. We without these players.” made a lot of mistakes in pass- Meanwhile, Al Duhail ing and the players were evi- coach Nabir Maaloul says the dently fatigued. The pressure result against Al Sadd will have was more on the Al Sadd play- little bearing on who will win Japan shun Kagawa for ers than on Al Duhail. But I am the league shield. delighted that we are on top of “The result has no effect on the league table, this has come the journey of the title as there about after a lot of efforts put in are remaining seven match- by the players throughout the es and we will have another bid to reclaim Asian Cup season,” he added. match against Al Sadd in the “This win is the seventh in second phase,” Maaloul said. a row for us in the league, after “We will achieve victory in the Champions League exit and it and keep the league title, and Blue Samurai have a young squad that will be supported by veterans and the defeat to Al Ahli. I am hap- everyone will see the difference py for that and I want to con- after the return of the injured AFP Groningen, last month that he wished to JAPAN SQUAD ership of the team and build gratulate the players for these players.” TOKYO of Portimonense and Takumi move to Spain to take on a the national team themselves Masaaki Hgasiguchi (/JPN), Shuichi Minamino of Salzburg will new challenge. Gonda (/JPN), Daniel Schmidt (Vegalta and fight for the title,” he said. JAPAN dropped former Man- lead Japan’s bid for a record- Moriyasu suggested he Sendai/JPN), Yuto Nagatomo (Galatasaray/TUR), Tomoaki However, the young squad chester United star Shinji Ka- extending fifth title. had been tempted to turn to Makino (/JPN), will be supported by Werder gawa from the Blue Samurai’s But there was no place for veterans like Kagawa, but said (Southampton/ENG), (/ Bremen striker Yuya Osako JPN), (Marseille/FRA), Sei Muroya (FC Tokyo/ bid to reclaim the Asian Cup, midfielder Kagawa, 29, now he needed to pick players in JPN), Genta Miura (Gamba Osaka/JPN), Takehiro and Galatasaray defender opting instead for a squad struggling for playing time at their best form. Tomiyasu (Sint-Truiden/BEL), (Sanfrecce Yuto Nagatomo, both veterans filled with young Europe- . “Of course, I wanted help Hiroshima/JPN), (Hannover96/GER), of past World Cups. based talents. Kagawa has long been from experienced players, (Getafe/ESP), (Sint-Truiden/ Japan won the Asian Cup BEL), Junya Ito (/JPN), Shoya Nakajima Coach Hajime Moriyasu among the leading stars of those who went to the Rus- (Portimonense/POR), (Salzburg/AUT), in 1992, 2000, 2004 and 2011, on Wednesday selected sev- Blue Samurai and at his Ger- sian World Cup and those Hidemasa Morita (/JPN), Ritsu Doan but failed in the last edition, eral players with only a hand- man outfit, but the attacking who have led Japan for years,” (FC Groningen/NED), Yuya Osako (Werder Bremen/GER), won by Australia in 2015. ful of caps to their names for player has found himself un- Moriyasu told a press confer- (Hannover96/GER), “Japan’s national team did (Shimizu S-Pulse/JPN) Asia’s showcase football tour- able to get regular first-team ence. not win the title last time. We nament in the United Arab football under Dortmund “Many of the players will reclaim the Asian Cup and Emirates starting in January. coach Lucien Favre. whom we selected at this time I have chosen them with hopes bring back the title,” Moriyasu The likes of Ritsu Doan of He told Japanese media have only limited experiences. that they would take the own- said. Infantino to conclude QFA to participate in FIFA Summit today Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira during the QNB Stars League against National Day celebrations Al Duhail at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Tuesday. The Soccer body will take part in the activities of the Flag Relay FIFA suspends Afghan FA

QNA chief over allegations of abuse DOHA DPA Lindsey and players Mina Ah- QATAR Football Association KABUL madi and Shabnam Mobarez, (QFA) said that its participa- accused federation officials of tion in three major events on FIFA HAS provisionally sus- abuse. Qatar National Day comes pended Afghanistan Football The individuals told the from its keenness to par- Federation (AFF) president Guardian that abuse had taken ticipate in national events Keramuudin Karim over al- place inside Afghanistan and FIFA President Gianni Infantino will give a press conference in Doha in order to enhance its role leged physical and sexual at a training camp in Jordan on Thursday. in the local community and abuse of players on the coun- last February. The football fed- the role it plays as part of its try’s women’s football team. eration has denied the claims. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK to assess the Video Assistant social responsibility, in line World football governing On Sunday Afghanistan’s at- DOHA Referee (VAR) system, after it with QFA 2021 vision. body FIFA said the sanction torney general placed six AFF was officially applied by FIFA QFA Director of Market- was imposed “in connection members under suspension. THE three-day FIFA summit in World Cup 2018 in Russia. ing and Communication De- with ongoing investigations Fazel Fazly, a top advisor will conclude on Thursday in Also during one of the work- partment Khalid Mubarak concerning AFF officials, as re- to President Ashraf Ghani, said Doha with FIFA President Gi- shops, FIFA discussed the al Kuwari said that QFA is ported by local authorities and the six members included Ka- anni Infantino scheduled to give positive impact of the UEFA keen to diversify its activi- published by some media.” In a rim. a press conference alongside Nations League on the world ties on the National Day by report last month by Britain’s The FIFA suspension of Qatar’s Saoud al Mohannadi, in general, especially as it was a strengthening its role in the Guardian newspaper, the for- Karim applies to all football-re- AFC Presidential aspirant. tournament launched by UEFA local community. He point- mer head of the women’s foot- lated activities at national and Some of the discussions at for the first time this season ed out that QFA will partici- ball department Khalida Popal, international level, and expires the summit centred on the up- and to see how it can be used pate in the activities of Darb Khalid Mubarak al Kuwari, Qtar Football Association Director of together with team coach Kelly in 90 days. coming AFC Presidential elec- and applied in other conti- Al Saai, then the activities of Marketing and Communication Department. tions in Malaysia on 6 April and nents. the Flag Relay in coopera- the chances of the respective Since their launch by Gi- tion with the Qatar Olympic comes in accordance with candidates. anni Infantino in November Committee, and finally or- Al Kuwari said that QFA par- the strategy that has been Meanwhile, the event wit- 2016, the summits have be- ganise the various football developed in this aspect, India’s Constantine names 34 nessed the participation of come a vital exchange platform tournament for Al Khor resi- ticipation in the activities in which is participation in several international football to discuss strategic football dential complex in Al Khor. Darb Al Saai come from its national and sports major probables for Asian Cup camp figures and a number of federa- matters and share best practices Al Kuwari said that QFA vision and strategy in events, to familiarise the tions’ heads. between member associations. participation in the activi- enhancing the scope of community with the con- IANS the All India Football Federa- The FIFA Summit, was “It is of the utmost impor- ties in Darb Al Saai comes community participation, tent of this initiative and NEW DELHI tion (AIFF) said in a statement. marked by a number of im- tance for FIFA to foster a con- from its vision and strategy the great successes it has As part of their prepara- portant seminars and work- tinuous dialogue with all our in enhancing the scope of which comes with the sup- achieved during the past at INDIAN football team head tions, India are slated to play an shops discussing the future of member associations to better community participation, port and keenness of QFA the local and external levels. coach Stephen Constantine on international friendly against football in the world. The most understand their needs and which comes with the sup- President Sheikh Hamad bin Al Kuwari stressed that Wednesday announced a list of Oman in Abu Dhabi on De- important workshops related learn from their very diverse port and keenness of QFA Khalifa bin Ahmed al Thani. QFA is keen to participate 34 probables for the preparato- cember 27. They then move on to the future of competitions experiences. Through the FIFA President Sheikh Hamad bin in the celebrations of Qatar ry camp for the AFC Asian Cup to challenge Thailand in their and championships, especially Executive Football Summits, we Khalifa bin Ahmed al Thani. National Day, which Qataris in January next year. first match in the Asian Cup at the World Cup 2022 in Qatar. can tackle global football mat- He added that this year’s will be organised through and residents celebrate an- All the players will be re- the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu There was an exchange of in- ters while considering the lo- events in Darb Al Saai are the Koora Time initiative to nually. He pointed out that porting to the camp here from Dhabi on January 6. formation and views on what cal issues facing those running diverse compared to last be held in cooperation with QFA plans to offer new ideas December 16 onwards, with a India next play UAE and the Federations want to see in football in the member associa- year, where more than 12 Qatar Shell. and initiatives that would squad of 28 members flying to Bahrain in their next two fix- the World Cup 2022 in Qatar. tions around the world,” Infan- activities for children and He added that QFA par- receive great interest from Abu Dhabi for the final phase of tures on January 10 and 14 re- There was also a workshop tino said in a statement people with special needs ticipation in such events visitors and participants. preparation on December 20, spectively. 20 Thursday, December 13, 2018 The Last Word SHEIKHA MOZA MEETS ARGENTINE MINISTER QF invites applications for Akhlaquna Award Cycle 2 Initiative aims to celebrate moral values and nurture behavioural change

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK dent of Community Develop- long-lasting, positive impres- of the Akhlaquna Award. Pro- DOHA ment at QF, said: “I am de- sion on our community, help- jects should be based in Qatar lighted to announce the launch ing to empower the next gen- and should have been running QATAR Foundation (QF) has of Cycle 2 of the Akhlaquna eration of leaders in Qatar.” for at least three months. launched Cycle 2 of its in- Award, which not only reflects Last year’s winner, Swar Eligibility for the award novative Akhlaquna Award, the initiative’s success and im- al Dahab Ali, was chosen from will be considered for those inviting interested applicants pact since its inception, but over 100 applicants represent- who have initiated projects to submit projects via a dedi- also its evolution. ing 30 different nationalities. embodying moral values that cated website. “The aim of the award this The announcement was made are shared in different reli- The Akhlaquna Award, year is not only to recognise at QF’s Convocation 2018 cer- gions and cultures, reflecting which was first announced by individuals and projects that emony held in Education City. the inclusive, multicultural en- Her Highness Sheikha Moza exemplify at least one central The project, ‘Mercy in Giv- vironment of Qatar while being bint Nasser, chairperson of moral value – such as mercy, ing’, was designed to encour- grounded in Islamic heritage. Qatar Foundation, in 2017, honesty, generosity and tol- age local institutions to give Submissions will close on aims to highlight the timeless erance – but to help nurture back to the community, while February 28, 2019. The three and universal values exhibited behavioural change. We want inspiring a culture of volun- finalists will be announced in by the Prophet Mohammed young people to make these teerism and a nationwide so- April with the winner to be Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), met on Wednes- (PBUH), who serves as a role values part of their everyday cial movement. presented at the Convocation day morning with the Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship Jorge Faurie to discuss model of great moral charac- lives through changed mind- Qatari nationals and resi- 2019 in May. potential strategic collaboration between QF and Argentina in the areas of education, natural ter and guides the values of sets and actions. dents between the ages of 15 More information on how sciences and research. (AR AL-BAKER/HHOPL) the award. “Ultimately, through this and 24 years are eligible to sub- to apply is available at https:// Machaille al Naimi, presi- initiative, we want to leave a mit an application for Cycle 2 akhlaquna.qa/ Sheikha Moza graces QF schools’ QND celebration

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

HER Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), and Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al Thani, vice- chairperson and CEO of QF, attended a Qatar National Day ceremony organised by QF schools at Qatar National Con- vention Centre on Wednesday. The ceremony, hosted un- der the umbrella of QF’s Pre- University Education (PUE), was attended by more than 1,000 parents and educators, as well as senior QF officials. The event featured a vari- ety of activities staged by 300 QF students, designed to com- memorate Qatar’s unity and showcase QF’s commitment to preserving the nation’s rich heritage. Additional highlights included an operetta featur- ing a number of national per- formances, a poetry reading, a film highlighting sporting achievements in Qatar and a military show. Buthaina Ali al Nuaimi, president, PUE, said: “Our an- nual Qatar National Day cel- ebration is an opportunity for the students to demonstrate their love, respect and appre- ciation for this country. It also highlights Qatar Foundation’s commitment to fostering a generation of youth grounded in Qatari values and culture.” (PHOTOGRAPHS BY AR AL-BAKER/HHOPL) Expo to highlight QM to host cultural events at two key heritage sites role of families in TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK at Ruwais is designed to inform vis- that played a significant role in the manent exhibition space with an be served on Qatar National Day. DOHA itors about traditional life in Qatar. country’s history, which will help on-site café. The on-site café will operate on Starting Saturday, Decem- participants appreciate their ances- The ‘Window to the Past’ ex- weekends from 10am to 5pm until QATAR Museums (QM) is get- ber 15, and running until March tors’ skills, wisdom and heritage. hibition, on show at the police sta- March 2019, while the museum preservation of ting ready to launch a series of 2019, the events will allow visitors The activities will take place tion, will feature objects found dur- will be open all the year from 9am engaging and educational cultural to admire traditional craft exhib- at the newly re-opened Museum ing excavations at nearby sites and to 5pm and entry is free for visitors. activities at Al Zubarah UNESCO its in a series of tents, participate and Archaeological Site at Al encourages visitors to explore his- This initiative comes as part Qatari heritage World Heritage Site and the newly- in a number of exciting hands-on Zubarah from 9am to 5pm and torical buildings in the neighbour- of QM’s efforts to increase aware- restored Al Ruwais police station. workshops, enjoy camel rides and entry for the events is free. hood, such as the recently restored, ness of Qatar’s history, develop TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK The Zubarah Cultural Fair will sample food and refreshments. The old Police Station at Al oldest mosque in Qatar. youth appreciation and respect for DOHA offer participants hands-on experi- The workshops aim to educate Ruwais, located only a 15 minutes’ The exhibition will open on De- heritage, and put local communi- ence of traditional practices, while the local community about the drive north of Al Zubarah, has been cember 15 at 11am with free tradi- ties, young and old, in touch with A COLLECTION of historical photos, artefacts the ‘Window to the Past’ exhibition traditional crafts and materials restored and now serves as a per- tional Qatari food, which will also their past. and documents from the private collections of several Qatari families will be showcased at a Qa- tar National Library exhibition from December 16 to January 31, 2019. Entitled ‘Qatar Through Private Collections,’ the exhibition represents a collective memory of Armed forces join QND celebrations at Katara the nation’s past, and celebrates its traditional way of life. The previously unseen private col- THE second day of the Qatar National lections bring to life the contributions that local Day festivities at Katara witnessed more people have made in preserving Qatar’s identity, activities and visits as the celebrations history and heritage. continue. “Family collections provide a unique insight Members and military machinery of into Qatar’s history and we are grateful for the the Qatari Armed Forces including high- generosity of the families who have lent their val- ranked officers thronged the Katara es- uable collections to the library for this occasion,” planade to join the visitors in the celebra- said Maryam al Mutawa, Information Services tions, displaying their skills and some of librarian at Qatar National Library. “The exhibi- their vintage machinery before the visitors tion will arouse the curiosity of attendees, youth in a spirit of patriotism and pride. and historians in particular, to learn new aspects The military orchestra of the Qatari of the nation’s history.” Armed Forces presented a musical show The library will host an opening ceremony on before the audience and also played the the first day of the exhibition at 4pm, and visitors national anthem of Qatar. are welcome to attend the event. Several activities and competitions The exhibition is a part of the library’s month- took place at the open-air stage where chil- long celebration of Qatar National Day. dren enjoyed an array of educational and entertainment competitions in a patriotic theme and content. Different organisations also carried out various activities such as falconry ex- perience offered by the Al-Gannas Society where visitors can learn about falcons and how to deal with them through profession- al falconers. Traditional dhows and boats were an- chored at the Katara Beach for visitors to view. Besides, around 13 artists and painters illustrated painting of different cultural and heritage symbols of Qatar at in the open-air esplanade. (TNN)