Cautious Al Sadd coach Xavi says Al Wakrah dangerous floaters ahead of clash TUESday, DECEMBER 8, 2020 page 14

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifying Holders France handed awkward draw, England to face Poland AFP Paris

Holders France were handed an awkward draw in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup on Monday, with Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina standing in their way on the road to the finals in Qatar, while England will face Robert Lewandowski and Poland in their group. Gareth Southgate’s Eng- land, semi-finalists in 2018 in Russia, will also take on Hun- gary and Albania as well as two of international football’s minnows, Andorra and San French national football team’s Marino, in Group I. head coach Didier Deschamps France will also face Fin- addresses a press conference fol- land – who recently beat Les lowing the UEFA preliminary draw Bleus in a friendly in Paris – for the FIFA World Cup 2022 on in Group D, with Kazakhstan Monday in Paris. (AFP) completing the group that was drawn in a virtual ceremony at history of that fixture. There FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich was a spell when we seemed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. to draw them every time,” said Didier Deschamps’ side Southgate. are in a group of just five Draw assistant and former international Dutch player Rafael van der Vaart (right) holds the slip of Bulgaria next to former Italian player Daniele De Rossi (left) and FIFA’s acting teams because they will be Fixture pile-up Director of Competitions Jaime Yarza (centre) during the UEFA preliminary draw for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in the Hallenstadion in Zurich on Monday. The draw for the involved in the finals of the The European qualifying European qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar took place virtually due to the new coronavirus pandemic. The qualifiers will start on March 24, 2021.( AFP) UEFA Nations League in Italy competition begins in March, next October. with 13 countries from the One of the most significant continent going through to the results of Deschamps’ time as 32-team finals. France coach came in qualify- There will be three rounds ing for the 2014 World Cup, of fixtures in March, three more when his side faced Ukraine in in September and two each in a deciding play-off. They lost October and November. 2-0 in the first leg in Kiev be- That will only increase fore winning 3-0 in the return. pressure on a fixture calen- “A qualifying campaign dar that is already packed, is always a long road where especially with the postponed there can be pitfalls,” Des- Euro 2020 set to go ahead in champs said. “It is better to June and July. avoid them.” That means a team that As for England, it is the reaches the final ofE uro seventh time they have 2020 can expect to play been drawn with Poland 17 competitive games in World Cup qualifying. between March and No- FIFA President Gianni Infantino gestures during the UEFA preliminary draw Their most recent vember next year. for FIFA World Cup 2022 in the Hallenstadion in Zurich on Monday. (AFP) encounters came in the Only the winners of campaign for the 2014 fi- the 10 groups will qualify 2020 to reach their first ma- Islands and Moldova. nals, with the sides draw- automatically for the fi- jor tournament since the World Cup qualifying has ing 1-1 in Warsaw before nals, which are to take Those play-offs, in March pions Portugal’s main oppo- The sides met in the Euro 2016 1998 World Cup, Scotland already started elsewhere. England triumphed place in November and 2022, will produce three sition will come from Serbia quarter-finals with Wales were handed just about as There will be four direct 2-0 at Wembley. December of 2022. more qualifiers in total. and the Republic of Ireland in coming out on top. kind a draw as possible on qualifiers from Asia to join Most famously, The 10 runners- Germany, whose coach Group A. Cristiano Ronaldo “We are not going to com- the road to 2022 as they hosts Qatar, four from South England missed out up will go into Joachim Loew has been under will be 37 by the time the finals plain about the draw,” said were placed in Group F with America, while Africa has five on a place at the play-offs along- severe pressure after poor re- come around. Belgium coach Roberto Mar- Denmark and Austria. qualifiers. Three teams will 1974 World Cup side the two best cent results for the 2014 World Spain notably drew Swe- tinez. “It will also be an emo- “We have to be happy with progress from the North, Cen- after losing 2-0 in Nations League Cup winners, will be expected den and Greece in Group B, tional reunion for me because the draw but very, very wary tral America and Caribbean Poland and then group winners to come through a group in while Italy must take on Swit- it was in Wales, at Swansea, that it will be a dangerous zone, with the remaining two being held 1-1 at who miss out on which Romania and Iceland zerland in Group C. where I started my coaching draw as well,” said Scotland berths awarded to the winners Wembley. qualifying via the appear their main threats. Belgium, the world’s top- career in 2007.” manager Steve Clarke, whose of inter-continental play-offs “There’s a great traditional path. Reigning European cham- ranked team, will meet Wales. After qualifying for Euro side face Israel, the Faroe in June 2022. Amir Cup final to mark exactly two years to World Cup 2022 final Continued from page 1  be hosting a match on this thrilled to be launching our place with all social distanc- scale under such exceptional fourth Qatar 2022 venue by ing measures), at Al Sadd Addressing the media on circumstances. The Amir hosting the Amir Cup final Stadium, and at Al Arabi Sta- Monday, Khalid Al Kuwari, Cup Local Organizing Com- – as we did previously for dium premises. Director of Marketing & mittee, under direction from the inaugurations of Khalifa More information on Communications, QFA, said, the MoPH, developed a clear International in 2017 and Al the ticketing process can “We are looking forward to a strategy to accommodate Janoub in 2019. be obtained on the website great atmosphere at Al Rayy- spectators and ensure the “Like other Qatar 2022 tickets.qfa.qa. an Stadium on December safe return of top-level sport stadiums, Al Rayyan Venue The Al Rayyan Stadium, 18. Our priority is to ensure in our country.” has distinct legacy features built on the site of Ahmed everyone’s safety, in line with “Being able to accommo- – including becoming the Bin Ali Stadium, is adjacent the measures implemented date spectators at the final is future home of Al Rayyan to the Mall of Qatar and by the Supreme Committee a great success and was not Sports Club. Yet again, this within walking distance of for Crisis Management. possible until the phase four match is an opportunity to Al Riffa Station – on Doha “We have adopted a new lifting of COVID-19 restric- test readiness ahead of the Metro’s Green Line. The sta- ticketing process, which in- tions in the country. We have World Cup by welcoming dium’s most striking feature The Al Rayyan Stadium which will be inaugurated on Dec 18. cludes testing everyone for decided to test everyone prior the fans of two major local is a glowing facade, compris- COVID-19 before they are al- to the final– including play- clubs.” ing patterns that characterise lowed to enter the stadium. A ers, organisers and spectators. The fan zone will open different aspects of Qatar: good number of people have “Anyone who enters the from 4 to 6pm, and again at the importance of family, the already claimed their tickets stadium must return either a 9pm after the match. beauty of the desert, native and we are looking forward negative COVID-19 test or a Fans will be encouraged flora and fauna, and local and to a great occasion on Qatar positive COVID-19 antibod- to remain at the fan zone or international trade. National Day.” ies test. About 50 percent of spend time in the Mall of Qa- A fifth shape – a shield – He also congratulated Al the available seats will be al- tar in order to ensure social brings together all the others, Sadd and Al Arabi on reach- located to people who have stadium. distancing requirements are representing the strength and ing the final. previously contracted the vi- Khalid Al Naama, Digital adhered to on Doha Metro. unity that is particularly rel- Dr Abdulwahab Al Mu- rus,” Dr Al Musleh added. Media Manager at the Su- Fans can book tickets for evant to the city of Al Rayyan. sleh, Deputy Chief Medical Dr Al Musleh encouraged preme Committee for Deliv- the Amir Cup final at three Earlier this year, it was an- Officer forClinical Informa- fans to get tested as soon as ery and Legacy and Deputy centres – at Qatar National nounced the stadium would tion Systems, Hamad Medi- possible and adhere to all the Communications Director, Convention Centre (QNCC) host seven matches during The ticket booking centre with 20 counters for the Amir Cup 2020 cal Corporation, said, “This necessary social distancing Amir Cup Local Organizing in Al Rayyan (where 20 book- Qatar 2022 up to and includ- final at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) in Al Rayyan. is the first time Qatar will rules within the vicinity of the Committee, said: “We are ing counters have been put in ing the round of 16 stage. Sports Tuesday, December 8, 2020 13 Doha 2030 looks to the future with launch of the Youth Working Group Tribune News Network undertake in the Doha 2030 Doha The Youth Working Group Athletes’ Village following the will advise on the skills conclusion of the Youth Camp. The Doha 2030 Bid Commit- development programmes It is planned that each tee on Monday announced its across culture, sport & participant will be trained new Youth Working Group, education that will be fea- to understand the needs of which will ensure that Asia’s fu- tured in the Youth Camp. elite athletes and work in the ture sports stars, ambassadors Athletes’ Village to provide a and fans are at the very heart of The Group will also help home-away-from-home feel Doha’s plans for a welcoming to define the role that the for their participating nation’s and inclusive Asian Games. young participants would team members. The Working Group com- undertake in the Doha Doha 2030 CEO HE Jas- prises some of Qatar’s bright- 2030 Athletes’ Village. sim Rashid Al Buenain said, est young people, from youth “Doha 2030 is delighted to Olympians to Youth Olympic have such a diverse, enthusias- Games (YOG) ambassadors. tic and talented group of young Members include Qatar’s people supporting our bid. gold medallists in athletics The Youth Working Group has from the Buenos Aires 2018 a critical role to play in ensur- YOG, Owab Barro (110m ing that Doha 2030 truly rep- hurdles) and Abdulaziz Mo- resents Asia’s young people. In hammed (200m) as well as 2030 these young people will the Young Ambassador from be Asia’s sports stars, volun- Buenos Aires 2018 YOG Nada teers, ambassadors, spectators Arkaji, and the Nanjing 2014 and fans, and so it is vital that YOG, Hannah Albadr. we deliver a forward-thinking Former Junior Weightlift- Games that meets the needs ing World Champion and Rio and priorities of this modern 2016 Olympian, Fares Ibra- and innovative generation. him, is also among the mem- “We will work with the bers. Youth Working Group to further The Working Group will develop our plans for the Doha lead on the further develop- 2030 Youth Camp. The Youth ment of the Doha 2030 Youth Camp will be an important leg- Camp – an important element acy project of Doha 2030 and of the bid’s Project Legacy 21 will contribute to ensuring the programme. Games promotes unity and in- The Youth Camp will be- clusivity across Asia.” gin ahead of the Games and Each participant in the be open to young people, male vise on the skills development Youth Camp will gain impor- Doha 2030 Youth Working Group and female, from each of the programmes across culture, tant life and career opportu- Asian NOCs. The camp is in- sport and education that will be nities that can be taken home Buenos Aires 2018 YOG Young Ambassador: Nada Arkaji; Nanjing 2014 YOG Young Ambassador: Hannah Al Badr; Buenos Aires 2018 Athletes: Owab tended to promote and im- featured in the Youth Camp. and harnessed in their own Barro (athletics), Abdulaziz Mohammed (athletics), Ahmed Al Hajj (athletics), Yaquob Al Khulaifi (swimming), Mohammed Al Qashouti (equestrian); Nanjing prove unity and cooperation The Working Group will communities – providing an among the Asian countries. also help to define the role that enduring Asia-wide legacy 2014 Athletes: Hamad Al Qadi (equestrian), Nadeen Wehdan (gymnastics), Abdulla Alsunaidi (shooting); Fares Ibrahim (weightlifting). The Working Group will ad- the young participants would from Doha 2030. Ulsan Hyundai’s Kim Iniesta on target as Vissel seeks more in Qatar AFC believe we can make more his- Doha tory in Qatar.” Post-match, Kim gave some Ulsan Hyundai boss Kim of the credit for his side’s win Do-hoon heaped praise on to his technical staff’s detailed Kobe reach AFC CL quarters his players but urged them to analysis of Melbourne Victory’s keep pushing for more after playing style, but Ulsan are un- they moved into the 2020 AFC likely to have the opportunity Champions League quarter- to make similar plans for their finals with a 3-0 win over Mel- quarter-final on Thursday. bourne Victory on Sunday. Three goals from substi- tutes – two from Bjorn John- son and another from Won Du-jae – proved decisive for It’s been eight years since the Korean club, who toiled we reached the quarter for an hour against the gallant finals. I believe we can Australian side before running make more history in Qatar. away with the contest in the closing stages. Ulsan Hyundai Motors It was Ulsan’s sixth succes- coach Kim Do-hoon sive win since arriving in Qatar last month, and it put an end to a run of defeats in the AFC The K League runners-up Champions League Round of won’t discover who they’ll face 16; the stage in which their until Tuesday morning’s draw, Asian journey had ended in but as far as Kim is concerned, the past two seasons. as long as his side play to their There is much to be happy potential, it doesn’t matter about for head coach Kim, and which name is pulled out next while he was delighted with his to theirs. side’s progression to the last “The first and most impor- South Korea’s players celebrate their 3-2 win over Japan’s Yokohama F. Mari- eight, he urged them to keep tant thing is that we need to nos in the AFC Champions League Round of 16 at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday. (AFP) pushing for greater honours. recover,” he said. “I’d like to thank our play- “We’ll also be watching our keep going at the same level,” ers for their great performance opponents, and our video ana- Results he said. tonight,” said the former Ko- lyst will be trying his best to 2 (Andres Iniesta 31’, 50’) bt Suwon Bluewings mean- rea Republic international. analyse all of those teams, but Shanghai SIPG 0; Suwon Samsung Bluewings 3 (Kim while stayed on course for “I’m also happy to have kept a I don’t think we have to be too Tae-hwan 57’, Kim Min-woo 82’, Han Seok-jong 87’) bt their first Champions League clean sheet. afraid of the opponent. What Yokohama F Marinos 2 (Erik 20’, Ado Onaiwu 90+1’) title since the competition was “Before the game I expect- we have to do and how we launched in its current format ed it wouldn’t be an easy game, have to do it is more important Japan’s Vissel Kobe midfielder Andres Iniesta celebrates his goal dur- in 2003. and that it would be tough. All than analysing the other team, ing the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match against China’s possession but were more in- before placing a low drive be- Brazilian Erik gave the of the players were quite pa- “As we saw from today, Shanghai SIPG at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday. (AFP) cisive with their forays keep- tween three defenders, the ball Marinos a 1-0 lead at the break tient in the first half. we have a lot of quality play- ing the Shanghai SIPG defence streaking under the keeper’s with a 20th minute strike, but “The players deserve ers, like Bjorn (Johnsen) and AFP the Emperor’s Cup and the busy for long spells of time. body and into the goal. the Koreans were a differ- praise because we showed a Junior as well, so if we can Doha Super Cup early in the year Shanghai SIPG had a fine ent team altogether after the great performance. It’s been keep showing our quality but also suffering five straight Iniesta shines chance to draw level five min- break. eight years since we reached like today, I believe we can Andres Iniesta and Daigo morale-shattering defeats in Spain and Barcelona leg- utes later from a free-kick but They struck through Kim the quarter finals, but we need win every game, and win the Nishi struck either side of the the in November. end Iniesta, who had scored Oscar’s shot from just outside Tae-Hwan to draw level in the to keep fighting to go further. I competition.” break as Vissel Kobe edged But Monday’s spirited his first goal in the tourna- the box went marginally wide 57th minute and towards the out Shanghai SIPG 2-0 to show put them just three wins ment to help Vissel Kobe reach to the left. end of play upped their tem- reach the quarter-finals of short of the continental title, the round of 16 with a 3-1 win Vissel Kobe doubled their po to go 3-1 ahead with goals the Asian Champions League a possibility they would not over Guangzhou Evergrande advantage five minutes after from Kim Min-woo and Han on Monday. have contemplated when they on November 25, was again in the break, Nishi lunging for- Suk-jong in the final 10 min- But fellow Japanese side set out for their very first ap- his element on Monday. ward to make contact with a utes. Yokohama F. Marinos will not pearance in the competition. Playing behind lone strik- cross from A strike by Ado Onaiwu in be joining them in the last- “This victory is not just for er Douglas, the 36-year-old the left and leaving Chen the first minute of stoppage eight phase after they were us, but for all the fans back in produced trademark passes flummoxed. time added to the tension but stunned 3-2 by South Kore- Japan who sent us their mes- besides enjoying taking occa- Iniesta had another dash Park Kun-ha’s side held on ans Suwon Bluewings, who sages of support,” said Vissel sional potshots at the Shang- at the goal from 35 yards in to seal their spot in the next bounced back from a goal Kobe coach Atsuhiro Miura. hai SIPG goal, keeping goal- the 65th minute before he was phase. down to clinch a thrilling win The only concern was the keeper Chen Wei on his toes. substituted. “Yokohama’s press and with two of their goals coming possibility of Iniesta missing But Wei couldn’t come to Shanghai SIPG coach Vitor speed in the first half took us in the final eight minutes. the next match after he had to his team’s rescue in the 31th Pereira again blamed the busy by storm but we grew in con- Vissel Kobe flew to Doha substituted in the 65th minute minute when Iniesta pounced schedule for his team’s lack- fidence later. I want to thank with mixed feelings, having with a thigh injury. on a perfect pass from Hotaru lustre showing. our players and the fans in Ulsan Hyundai Motors have scored six successive wins since arriving broken new ground in the do- Vissel Kobe lagged mar- Yamaguchi just outside the “It is impossible to play Korea who stayed up late to in Qatar last month, and put an end to a run of defeats in the AFC mestic top flight by winning ginally when it came to ball box and dribbled his way up seven games in 21 days and watch the match,” said Park. Champions League Round of 16. 14 Tuesday, December 8, 2020 Sports

QNB Stars League Cautious Xavi says

Al Wakrah dangerous LeBron James during the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, United States, on November 29, 2020. (AFP) floaters ahead of clash LeBron, Osaka, Tribune News Network Doha Mahomes among A wary Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez has said there are SI Sportspersons no easy matches in QNB Stars League as the table-toppers face Al Wakrah on Tuesday at the Al of the Year Duhail Stadium. Al Sadd lead the table with 19 points and are AFP Osaka won her third the only unbeaten side in the New York Grand Slam tennis title at tournament thus far. this year’s US Open. She took While Wakrah are only NBA champion LeBron part in Black Lives Matter placed sixth with 10 points, they James, Super Bowl winner protests this year following have beaten holders Al Duhail Patrick Mahomes and Japan’s the death of George Floyd this season, which has made league table. final (against Al Sadd onD e- Naomi Osaka were among five and wore black masks dur- Xavi wary of their threat. “Facing Al Duhail is a spe- cember 18) and everyone hopes athletes honoured on Sunday ing her US Open run, each “We are now at the top cial challenge for me and it is that we will be at the top of our by Sports Illustrated magazine with the name of an African- of the standings and in good very difficult. Frankly speaking, readiness for that clash. So we for their off-field activism. American killed by police. shape. Our goal is to win the I am not satisfied with the level will not risk any player in the SI’s annual Sportsperson Super Bowl Most Valua- title, but that will require us that I showed during the past Al Rayyan match. Undoubt- of the Year was The Activist ble Player Mahomes sparked to make more efforts because matches with the team and I edly, a victory (in the Amir Cup Athlete and paid tribute to the Kansas City Chiefs to the all matches are difficult. And seek to appear at the best level final) will give us a great morale off-field activities by James, Super Bowl crown, pushed now we face Wakrah. We have in the coming matches.” boost. And if we lose, we will al- Osaka, Mahomes and his NFL the NFL to recognize the to show the best level and give ways try to preserve morale, but teammate Laurent Duvernay- Black Lives Matter move- everything we have to win this Al Arabi vs Al Rayyan winning always gives the spirit Tardif and Women’s NBA ment and backed the right match,” said Xavi on the eve of Both Al Arabi and Al Rayy- that the team so desperately champion Breanna Stewart. of NFL players to conduct the match. an had dropped points in the needs presently. The magazine cited “five social protests. The former Barcelona mid- previous round, the former “We know that we did not men and women who in 2020 Duvernay-Tardif, the fielder said Wakrah are a dan- losing 0-3 to Qatar SC and the present the expected perfor- were champions in every starting right offensive guard gerous side and praised coach latter playing out a 1-1 draw mance in the league and Al sense of the word: champions for the Chiefs but also a doc- Marquez Lopez influence. Saad Al Dosari and Salem Al Hajri have returned to the Al Sadd squad with Al Ahli. Naturally, they Rayyan are among the teams on the field, champions for tor, gave up his NFL uniform “The clash will be very dif- ahead of the Al Wakrah QNB Stars League clash on Tuesday. will look not to repeat it and that are doing well. I think that others off it.” for doctor’s protective per- ficult because Wakrah are that should make the encoun- this will not make a difference James sparked the Los sonal equipment when the coached by Marquez Lopez, who be absent due to their injuries. feel Al Sailiya are capable of ter more enthralling. when the whistle blows as eve- Angeles Lakers to the NBA ti- Covid-19 pandemic struck, is considered as one of the best Hopefully, all others are ready,” winning over Al Duhail. Al Arabi are in the 10th po- ryone will be ready for our next tle, capturing the fourth of his joining the front line of a bat- coaches in the league now. They said Marquez. “The team does not suf- sition in the standings with five important match against Al career, and became the first tle for people’s lives. also have distinguished profes- fer from any major injuries as points that they earned from Duhail (in Week 9) and then three-time winner of the SI Stewart supported Black sional players such as (Cristian) Al Duhail vs Al Sailiya there are only three players one victory and two draws. Last the Amir Cup final. We have sportsperson award after 2012 Lives Matter from the start of Ceballos, Isaias (Sanchez), (Mo- Meanwhile, Duhail face Al injured. They are Mohammed season’s runners-up Al Rayyan to be careful about the players and 2016, having previously the Women’s NBA bubble to hamed) Benyettou, Ousmane Sailiya at home. The reigning Mudathir, Serigne Mbodji and are placed fifth with 11 points. who are playing and are not matched the two Sportsper- the finish, when she helped the Coulibaly and Lucas Mendes. champions are fourth with 12 Ahmed Hammoudan,” said Al Arabi coach Heimir ready to play 90 minutes,” said son awards given golfer Tiger Seattle Storm claim a fourth ti- Even their home-grown players points and have had a mixed Trabelsi. Hallgrimsson, said, “We know Hallgrimsson. Woods in 1996 and 2000. tle and winning WNBA Finals have improved greatly and are fortune this season. On the Al Sailiya player Fahad very well the importance of Al Al Arabi player Fahd “With his efforts for racial MVP honors after recovering playing well,” he said. other hand, Sailiya are in eighth Waad said, “We are ready Rayyan match as this clash is Khalfan said, “We are ready justice, education reform and from an Achilles injury. “We have to continue with position. to face Al Duhail. This always full of excitement, to meet Al Rayyan. This is an Black community empow- “If there is brightness in this level. We, at Al Sadd, are Al Sailiya coach Sami Tra- match will certainly rivalry and enthusiasm. important clash and always a erment as well as his voting this dark year, it’s the lead- all happy because we are go- belsi said, “Al Duhail have qual- be difficult, but our We hope to have fans to strong match for both teams. rights campaign and varied ership – and sorely needed ing through a period that is the ity players, both national and morale is very high support us in this match. We need the three points. I charitable work, there is no optimism – shown by some best for the team. We are do- overseas. They certainly have and we are deter- We have some injuries also hope that we will succeed doubt that he sets the stand- of our nation’s top athletes in ing everything the right way the ingredients for the big occa- mined to win and in the team and there are in the next match against Al ard for the modern socially facing down our many chal- and now we have no room for sions. Al Duhail’s performance collect the three players who will come Duhail, a game that will pre- conscious athlete,” SI said of lenges,” SI wrote in announc- complacency. All matches are has improved a lot under coach points in order to back from injury and if we pare us for the Amir Cup final James, who was also awarded ing the winners. difficult as I mentioned and we Sabri Lamouchi, who is trying improve our want to risk them in the Al against Al Sadd. We want to the Muhammad Ali Legacy “The issues and challeng- have to win the three points,” to take the team back to its pre- position Rayyan match, we will fulfil the fans’ dream of win- Award for his career dedica- es of 2020 will no doubt still added Xavi. vious level of dominance and in the have to evaluate ning the Amir Cup. We are in tion to public service. be there in 2021 and beyond. Wakrah defeated Al Sailiya therefore we must be ready. Our this with the medi- the 10th spot and that does not James spoke out on police But our Sportspersons of the in their last week and will be focus has to be 100 per cent so cal team as we al- do justice to our team’s talent.” brutality, racial inequality and Year set an example of how eager to continue their winning that we do not drop points. ways do. Rayyan will have their ace championed a voter registra- to face and one day fix them. streak. Coach Marquez Lopez “We are still trying to re- “There is also player Yacine Brahimi back tion program, More Than A With principle. With pas- said: “Al Sadd are a strong team turn to the top position in the an important in the fold after missing their Vote, that helped sign up more sion. And with an athlete’s and a difficult match awaits us league. I see that our results match awaiting us last two matches against Al than 10,000 poll workers as optimism -- the belief that no of course, but we will definitely are not that bad, but there are in the Amir Cup Kharaitiyat and Al Ahli as he well as register voters in com- matter the obstacles, better try. At this moment, Khaled mistakes and we must correct was recovering from coronavi- bating voter suppression. days are ahead.” Muneer and Ahmed Moein will them and not repeat them. I Xavi Hernandez rus infection. Real Madrid and Man United among those seeking UEFA Champions League knock-out berths

ba, who scored in the weekend stop trying to play our foot- Seven last-16 berths are still up for 3-1 win at West Ham, said they ball.” Gladbach have dropped were in good spirits. points late in several games grabs in the final Champions League “We have to carry on this this season and coach Marco group stage Matchday, with record mentality of winning, al- Rose also spoke of the heavy ways. That’s what the club is schedule when he named get- champions Real Madrid leading about and we want to carry ting his players ready for Ma- on this and what we did in the drid an “unbelievable chal- 13 teams still in with a chance second half,” he said. lenge” after a 2-2 Bundesliga DPA points, with Leipzig playing Matters are even more draw in Freiburg. Berlin United and PSG hosting elimi- complicated on Wednesday Rose said the players nated Turkish side Basaksehir. in Group B where the four should “sleep in, eat well, and Record winners Real Ma- There are also three direct sides are separated by just lie down again” to recharge drid and former champions showdowns to advance: be- three points and multiple their batteries. Ajax, Manchester United and tween Red Bull Salzburg and scenarios possible. Inter meanwhile hope to Inter Milan are among 13 Atletico Madrid in Group A, Gladbach are definitely salvage their campaign after teams fighting for seven re- Atalanta and Ajax in Group D through with a draw in Ma- getting a first group win last maining knock-out berths in and Lazio and Club Brugge in drid, and Shakhtar and Real if week against Gladbach, and the Champions League. Group F. they win. Inter must win and a 3-1 against Bologna on the Plenty of drama is ex- Title holders Bayern Mu- hope that Real v Gladbach weekend for a third win in a pected on the final group nich, Manchester City, Porto, doesn’t end in a draw. row overall is making them stage matchday Tuesday and Liverpool, Chelsea, Sevilla, Thirteen-time winners hopeful to do their share Wednesday, with seven teams Borussia Dortmund, Barce- Real have lost twice against against Shakhtar. alone seeking to advance in lona and Juventus have mean- Shakhtar and only narrowly “It’ll be a tough game two of the eight groups. while already secured their salvaged a draw at Gladbach because Shakhtar could go Group B has all four teams place in the last 16. from 2-0 down in the 87th through if they get a good re- in with a chance when Real Given that PSG are heavy Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior celebrates after scoring during the Spanish League match minute but remain confident sult, but we also want to play (seven points) take on Borus- favourites against Basaksehir, against Sevilla at the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville, Spain, on Saturday. (AFP) coming off a 1-0 league win at our own hand,” coach Antonio sia Moenchengladbach (eight) last season’s semi-finalists Sevilla and expecting captain Conte said. and Inter (five) play Shakhtar Leipzig are effectively in a Leipzig boosted their con- day’s give you momentum go- “We want to reach the knock- Sergio Ramos back. “We need to react as a Donetsk (seven). must-win situation against fidence with a thrilling 3-3 ing into the game against Man- outs at all costs. We’re really “This is a team with char- team and show the right level In Group H, United, last United on Tuesday as a draw Bundesliga draw in Munich chester United,” coach Julian up for the game and I’m con- acter,” coach Zinedine Zidane of maturity. season’s runners-up Paris won’t suffice because they on Saturday and are ready to Nagelsmann said, praising his vinced that we are capable of has said. It’s one more step for us Saint-Germain, and RB Leip- crashed 5-0 at Old Trafford in give their all. players as “machines.” Mid- winning!” United only need a “Playing every three days but we’re well up for it and our zig are all locked on nine their first meeting. “A performance like to- fielder Marcel Sabitzer said: draw and midfielder Paul Pog- can be tough, but we will never morale is high.” Sports Tuesday, December 8, 2020 15 Qatar International Rally set to launch 2021 MERC in January

event has been one of the mittee member Abdulrazaq Al Ceremonial start most popular and demanding Kuwari and the QMMF’s new rounds of the series with its Executive Director Amro Al and super special challenging desert terrain and Hamad. rigorous special stages. Portugal’s Pedro Almeida to be staged at The 2021 event will be will work as the Clerk of the Katara based at the Lusail Sports Course alongside his deputy, Arena and features a sealed Rashed Al Sulaiti. Tribune News Network surface super special and two “It’s been a hard year with Doha subsequent legs of four and all the cancellations of mo- six further gravel stages in the tor sport events around the The Qatar Motor and Motor- Qatar deserts. There will be globe,” said QMMF Executive cycle Federation (QMMF) will 208.78 competitive kilometres Director Amro Al Hamad. host the opening round of the in a route of 608.17km, pend- “We are coping in this 2021 FIA Middle East Rally ing forthcoming route checks. new normal perfectly and Championship (MERC) again The pre-event press con- taking one challenge at a on January 28-30, 2021. ference (19.15hrs), ceremo- time. We managed to seal After a 2020 season that nial start (20.15hrs) and the our National Baja and Sprint was decimated by the global opening super special stage Championship and learnt a COVID-19 situation, which (21.30hrs) will take place at Ka- lot organising such events at saw rounds of the regional ral- tara on Thursday, January 28. times like these we are going ly series in Qatar, Jordan and After the following two through. At the QMMF, we Lebanon all cancelled, officials days of desert stages, the are confident of delivering a in Doha have announced that post-event press conference successful 2021 Qatar Inter- the Qatar International Rally (18.30hrs) and podium finish national Rally.” will run again for the first time (18.45hrs) will be held at Ka- Regulations are now avail- since March 2019. tara on Saturday, January 30. able (subject to FIA approval) A stalwart in the MERC This year’s rally will be and entries close at reduced since the series developed held under the chairmanship rates on December 31 with the from the Gulf Rally Cham- of QMMF President Abdulrah- final date for applications set pionship in 1984, the Qatar Qatar’s ace rally driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah is the defending regional champion and has thus far claimed 16 MERC titles including this year. man Al Mannai, senior com- for January 13. Green smashes ton but Padel tournament for Warner stand-ins fail Qatari women launched vs India in warm-up AFP Ladies league event to be held at Marsa Malaz Kempinski from Dec 10-12 Sydney Fast-rising star Cameron Tribune News Network Green plundered a century Doha but the pair tipped to open for Australia in the first Test Aiming to provide people against India both failed in a with hope and positivity in warm-up against the tourists Qatar, Yasmian Events have on Monday. launched the VIP Padel Qatar All-rounder Green has (Ladies league) tournament to been in sizzling form with be held at the padel court of the bat and his unbeaten 114 Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel against a quality India A at- from December 10 to 12, 2020. tack featuring Ravi Ashwin The tournament is be- and Kuldeep Yadav left selec- ing launched inkeeping with tors with plenty to ponder. all the health and safety pre- Coach Justin Langer has cautionary measures against previously suggested Mat- coronavirus (COVID-19) and thew Wade and Travis Head as per the Ministry of Public will keep their spots at No.6 Health protocols to protect all and No.5 respectively for the members of society. opening Test which begins As many as 72 ladies play- on December 17 in Adelaide. ers forming 36 teams have But 21-year-old Green, registered for the tournament recently described by Greg Test prospect Cameron Green scored a century for Australia A in a of which more than 50% are Chappell as the best he had warm-up against India on Monday. Qatari, the rest other national- seen since Ricky Ponting, ities from different countries. keeps knocking on the door, tween them will be a concern Recently the Qatar Olym- steering Australia A to 286 All-rounder Green has for Australia’s selectors but pic Committee (QOC) had for eight on day two of the been in sizzling form with options are limited without hosted a padel championship three-day game. the bat and his unbeaten Warner. with great success. India declared their first 114 against a quality Burns, 30, an experienced Padel is a sport that com- As many as 72 ladies players forming 36 teams have registered for the tournament of which more than innings on 247 for nine, with India A attack featuring Test batsman who formed a bines the best elements of ten- 50% are Qatari, the rest other nationalities from different countries. Test vice-captain Ajinkya formidable partnership with nis and squash. A padel court Rahane adding another nine Ravi Ashwin and Kuldeep Warner last year, has strug- is smaller than a tennis court. active. It follows the Qatar Na- Olympic events in Greece, and and at the same time suitable runs to his overnight 108. Yadav left selectors with gled in domestic cricket re- It is one of the most popular tional Vision 2030, and FIFA holder of the Businesswomen for Qatari women. Many of In contrast, fellow young plenty to ponder. cently, scoring just 57 runs in sports in the world, especially World Cup which Qatar hosts Award Qatari women in lead- them are playing padel, so the prospect Will Pucovski and five Sheffield Shield innings. Spain. The sport has been see- in 2022. ership and sports 2013 – said, idea has been to make it more veteran Joe Burns, in line to Pucovski made one from Pucovski has been pro- ing a great turnout in the Qa- Speaking of the event, Yas- “It has been through my love competitive.” form Australia’s top order in 23 balls before mis-hitting lific domestically, snaring tari society especially among mine Ghanem Al Sharshani for sport, travel and interna- She also thanked the spon- Adelaide after David Warner straight to fielder Shubman back-to-back double centu- young girls and women. It (Director, Yasmian Events and tional sporting events, that I sors – Ooredoo, Marsa Malaz suffered a groin strain, both Gill, while Burns departed ries for Victoria but is un- is an easy sport to practice VIP Padel Qatar Tournament) got this idea of establishing Kempinski, Maserati, Sports flopped. on four after nicking to wick- proven at Test level. and suitable for all ages and -- also the first Qatari female a championship. While I was Corner, The Pearl Blue Salon The injury has trans- etkeeper Wriddhiman Saha. Barring a late inclusion groups. golf player in the Qatar nation- practising during the coro- – for their support and faith in formed the pair from rivals Fast bowler Umesh Ya- for former opener Marcus The VIP Padel Tourna- al team, who has represented navirus pandemic time being her to support the event. competing for a place along- dav claimed both wickets to Harris, who made 35 Mon- ment, organized by Yasmian Qatar in many local and in- socially distanced, I realized Winners and partici- side Warner into likely open- press for inclusion in India’s day coming in at first drop, Events, is to support the fe- ternational tournaments, and the many benefits on physical pants of the VIP Padel Qatar ing partners, but neither im- pace attack for the four-Test the other option to open the male padel community in who holds a master’s degree and mental health that padel Tournament will be awarded pressed against the new ball series. batting in the Test squad is Qatar and to help people stay in managing and organizing provides. The sport is physical various prizes. in Sydney. The lack of chemistry be- Marnus Labuschagne. England’s cricket tour of South Africa Pakistan cricketers hit ‘mentally, abandoned after COVID-19 outbreak physically’ by NZ Covid isolation AFP of the squad, Tom Banton and Johannesburg England will return home Tom Curran have pulled out of AFP Early in their stay, several team in isolation. having played all three contracts in Australia’s Big Bash Christchurch members were caught mingling to- On Friday, 10 days after the Pa- England’s cricket tour of South matches in the T20 series League in the last week, citing the gether at their four-star quarantine kistan team arrived, New Zealand Africa has been called off after a pressure of living in the bio-secure Pakistan’s cricketers complained hotel in Christchurch, in breach of health officials said “ongoing con- Covid-19 outbreak in the England but none of three scheduled bubbles. on Monday of being affected “men- the managed isolation rules. cerns” about the risk of further infec- touring party, both countries said One-day internationals. “The concern over the mental tally and physically” by New Zea- “Top professional athletes re- tions meant their training ban could on Monday. health impact of recent events on land’s strict Covid-19 protocols, quire a certain environment to pre- not be lifted. The joint announcement from postpone the remaining matches all involved is not one that we as which have kept the players holed up pare so that they can perform at the “I want to compliment my play- the two boards, which alluded to in the current One-Day Interna- CSA or the ECB take lightly and in their quarantine hotel for nearly minimum expected levels every time ers and the management team for the “mental and physical health” tional (ODI) Series,” a joint state- the decision to postpone the tour two weeks. they represent their countries,” Mis- their patience, sacrifices and the of the players, came after the re- ment said. is the most responsible and rea- Coach Misbah-ul-Haq said the bah said in a statement. hardships they have endured to en- arranged first match in the three- “The decision was taken joint- sonable course of action for us,” team was looking forward to exiting He said Pakistan “respect and sure they not only lead the safe re- match series on Sunday was can- ly by the two Boards to ensure said CSA acting CEO, Kugandrie managed isolation, with New Zea- understand” the health and safety sumption of international cricket celled after two members of the the mental and physical health Govender. land Cricket saying the latest virus regulations, but “there is no denying during the Covid-19 pandemic... but England touring party tested posi- and welfare of players from both The two governing bodies will tests had all come back negative and the fact that the implementation of also try to give their best every time tive for the virus. teams.” examine whether the series can be they should be allowed out on Tues- certain regulations has affected our they step on the field,”M isbah said. England will return home hav- Many of the England players played at some point in the future, day. athletes, both mentally and physical- New Zealand Cricket said the ing played all three matches in spent long stretches during the the statement added. Since the 50-plus squad of play- ly prior to an international series”. negative tests meant the touring the T20 series but none of three summer in a bio-secure bubble “I would like to thank the ECB ers and officials arrived last month, All overseas arrivals to New party would be allowed to leave iso- scheduled One-day internationals. and some were also confined dur- for the continued positive rela- 10 have tested positive for the coro- Zealand must spend two weeks in lation on Tuesday, pending health “Cricket South Africa (CSA) ing the Indian Premier League in tions, and we look forward to host- navirus, forcing New Zealand health quarantine, with sports teams that department approval, to prepare for and the England and Wales Crick- the Emirates which followed. ing the England team in the near authorities to withdraw permission return negative tests after three days their first Twenty20 match against et Board (ECB) have agreed to Two of the younger members future,” said Govender. for the team to train in isolation. granted permission to train together the Black Caps on December 18.