WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

It wasn’t an easy situation. The players managed their emotions PREMIER LEAGUE quite well. I’m very proud of them – Qatar coach Felix Sanchez LIVERPOOL VS LEICESTER CITY

NATION QATAR’S GREAT SHOW OF APPLAUDS “WITH a co- ordinated and manly play, Qatar entered the AFC Cup finals at the STRENGTH & CHARACTER expense of the hosts UAE team in front of their fans. Qatar imposed the same superior- ity and style in this match as they did in all the five previ- ous games, winning with clean slate. God willing, the Asian Cup 2019 will come to Qatar.” – Qatar Olympic Committee President His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani

“CONGRATU- LATIONS to our national team - Qatar 4 - UAE 0 <<<< #Asian- Cup2019 #

– Triple Dakar Rally cham- pion Nasser bin Saleh al Attiyah

“OH God thousand of thanks to you (for the win) and thousand of thanks to the Qatari team. You have written new history in the capital of the Emirates and qualified for the final.” – World high jump champion Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar in his tweet

“THOUSANDS of con- gratulation to the Qatar team....God is with you (in the final of the Asian Cup against Japan).” – World 400m hurdles sensation Abderrahman Samba on his Twitter account

“CONGRATU- LATIONS to our young team for the superb job. They played a cool game. As I had said be- fore that they have already made history. And the slick performances Scoreline they are producing, my gut feeling says Qatar is going Qatar 4 (Khouki 22, to win the Asian Cup and Ali 37, Haydos 80, we’ll all go to the airport to Ismaeil 90+3) UAE 0 welcome our young heroes.” – Qatar’s former basketball captain Yaseen Musa

Qatar players celebrate their captain Hassan al Haydos’ goal against the UAE during their AFC Asian Cup 2019 semi-final in Abu habiD on Tuesday. “THANKS... For rational AFP leadership ABU DHABI on limitless Qatar’s qualification to Asian Cup final, a heroic victory: Minister of Culture & Sports support. QATAR punished unwelcom- THANKS... For ing hosts United Arab Emir- QNA determination of the Qatari team. It the national team. professional ates 4-0 in a politically charged DOHA has honoured Qatar’s football lovers HE the Minister praised the ef- and adminis- clash marred by disgraceful and demonstrated a lesson in dedi- forts of the players who exerted ex- trative staff behaviour from shoe-throwing HE Salah bin Ghanem al Ali – Min- cation and teamwork. traordinary effort, as well as the tech- on professional work. fans Tuesday to reach their ister of Culture and Sports termed On the occasion, the Minister con- nical and administrative staff. THANKS... To players for their first Asian Cup final. Qatar’s qualification to the Asian Cup gratulated the wise leadership of the He wished Al Annabi all success performance and fighting The Qataris, whose na- 2019 final on Tuesday a natural re- country, the Qatari people and resi- against Japan in the final to be played qualities. tional anthem was drowned sult of their performances and firm dents of Qatar. on Friday, noting that the match A thousand congratulations by boos before the game, face He noted that the Qatari football will be difficult, but the confidence to the people of Qatar on this Japan in Friday’s final after has begun to reap fruits of the efforts that the Qatari team has shown is achievement and Inshallah, goals from Boualem Khoukhi, Minister of Culture and Sports of Aspire Academy for sports excel- great and would help them achieve the Cup will come to Qatar.” Almoez Ali, Hasan al Haydos HE Salah bin Ghanem al Ali lence and the potential it offers to greater results. – QOC Secretary-General and Hamid Ismaeil sealed vic- Jassim Rashid al Buenain tory for the 2022 World Cup hosts amid ugly scenes in Abu there was going to be a lot of der UAE goalkeeper Khalid goals in a single Asian Cup. a goal back after the interval was then shown a red card in “FANTASTIC victory for Dhabi. As they celebrated a pressure but they managed Eisa, to the horror of a hostile As Almoez celebrated, when Ali Mabkhout forced stoppage time for an elbow on Qatar. Congratulations to famous win and record sixth their emotions quite well – I’m crowd of 38,000. more bottles and even shoes Saad al Sheeb into a fingertip Hajri, before Ismaeil added the players, the coach and clean sheet at a single Asian very proud of them.” Afif was then targeted by were flung at the players. save before Ahmed Khalil also a breakaway fourth to com- the support staff. It was a Cup, plastic bottles rained A match bristling with sim- bottle-throwing Emirati fans as A half-time entertainer tested Al Sheeb’s reflexes. pound UAE’s misery. very composed and clini- down from angry local fans mering regional tension over he tried to take a corner, appeal- sang “Let’s bring Asia togeth- But Qatar never looked se- “I apologise to the leader- cal performance. Inshallah, – as they had for each Qatari the long-standing Gulf blockade ing desperately to the referee as er” but there was little har- riously troubled and captain ship of the country,” said Al- Qatar will have the positive goal, with midfielder Salem al of Qatar quickly burst into life he stepped away from the kick. mony in evidence as the crowd Haydos coolly chipped in a berto Zaccheroni after his last result against Japan in the Hajri even hit on the head af- as a meaty tackle from Bandar Qatar exacted swift retribu- – boosted by mass give-aways third to spark further chaos as game as Emirates coach. final too. Not only in football, ter their third. al Ahbabi on Akram Afif put the tion eight minutes before the exclusively to locals – contin- the atmosphere began to turn “I don’t think the sensitiv- Qatar will be No. 1 in every “It wasn’t an easy situa- Qatari midfielder up in the air. break, however, Ali smashing ued to hurl abuse. sinister, Al Hajri knocked to ity of the fixture had any impact sport. tion,” admitted Qatar coach But Qatar drew first home a right-footed shot from Runners-up the last time the ground as more missiles on the result. We simply failed – Adel Hussain, the former Felix Sanchez. blood after 21 minutes when the edge of the box to equal they hosted the Asian Cup streamed onto the pitch. in our objective and I assume T2 world champion “The players were aware Khoukhi’s shot squirted un- Ali Daei’s 1996 record of eight in 1996, UAE almost pulled Defender Ismail Ahmed full responsibility.” 16 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 Sports

ASIAN CUP 2019: QATAR 4 UAE 0 AWESOME ALMOEZ ON PAR WITH IRAN GREAT ALI DAEI

IKOLI VICTOR the Qatari’s right-footed shot from the edge DOHA of the box gave goalkeeper Khalid Eisa no chance, collecting a pass 35-yard from the AL Duhail superstar Almoez Ali scored a opponents’ box before racing to the vital stunning goal in Qatar’s 4-0 semi-final area to curl the ball into the far right of the Telling strike VICTORY against the United Arab Emirates Emirati’s post. at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on “I would like to congratulate the Qa- Almoez Ali’s Tuesday and equalled a 22-year-old Asian tari people back home who supported Cup record jointly held by Iranian legend Ali us since the start of the tournament. 37th-minute strike Daei along the way. Also, thanks to my teammates who was his eighth in six Much has been talked and written about gave their all. They proved their the 22-year-old who has been suffering a worth on the pitch. We achieved matches in the UAE mini dip in form, not scoring in two knock- a dream of all Qataris and hope- and meant that the out stage matches. fully, we’ll do better in the future,” After scoring seven goals, having seven Almoez said. Aspire Academy shots on target and 10 shots in total in the “I wasn’t really thinking of equal- product became only Asian Cup group stages, Almoez had re- ing Ali Daei’s record. I just left it to corded just three shots with one on target in fate and thankfully I managed to score a the second man to the Round of 16 and quarter-final ties. How- goal and bring joy to my parents, the Qatari score eight goals in a ever, Almoez once again silenced his critics people and my teammates,” the 22-year-old and proved he can rise to the big occasion by added. single AFC Asian Cup scoring a peach of a goal. It was also a crucial moment in the semi- and and equal a Almoez’s 37th-minute strike was his final, giving Felix Sanchez’s side a 2-0 lead eighth in six matches in the UAE and meant on the verge of half-time, a lead they never 22-year-old record that the Aspire Academy product became looked likely to relinquish on the way to their jointly held by Iranian only the second man to score eight goals in first ever AFC Asian Cup final. a single AFC Asian Cup. While the record is shared between stars legend Ali Daei Coincidentally, Daei’s record was also set of two generations, for now, Ali will have in the 1996 Asian Cup in the UAE. The Ira- the chance to claim the honour for himself nian is the tournament’s all-leading scorer should he find the net once more in Friday’s with 14 goals, followed by Lee Dong-Gook decider, to be played against Japan at Abu of South Korea with 13 goals. The goal also Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City Stadium.

Almoez Ali celebrates scoring his record-equal- ing goal (top), Boualem Khoukhi (left), Hassan al Haydos and Ismaeel Hamid strike for Al An- nabi against the UAE on Tuesday.

The talking points as impressive Qatar demolish hosts UAE

Sanchez and Qatar once Khoukhi, who was seen in the bling and the former let go public in the last 16 tie before again show their tactical midfield in the early stages of a shot from the wide which reaching the semifinal with an flexibility the tournament, deputised ex- slipped through the gloves of upset of the Socceroos. How- cellently for suspended Rawi Eisa and into the goal. ever, the fact is that the Emi- ITH key personnel Bas- as a centre, Akram Afif was ratis may have overachieved sam al Rawi and Ab- comfortable both dropping UAE might have under Italian coach Zacchero- Wdulaziz Hatem sus- down to midfield and on the overachieved in ni by reaching the semifinals. pended, all eyes were on Felix wings. And the former Barce- Sanchez on how he will deal lona coach once again proved reaching the semis Qatar deserved hosts of with the crisis. But, when that the whole can be greater UESDAY was the night 2022 FIFA World Cup you have a group of players than the sum of its parts. UAE were finally found which allows for tactical and Tout. They could count Y putting four past a hap- positional flexibility as much Goalkeeper Eisa’s themselves lucky to have pro- less UAE, the young Qatar as Qatar do, the job of the howler and the gressed so far in the tourna- Bside once again proved coach becomes much, much ment and setting aside their they can cope with the pres- easier. That was already on breakthrough display against Australia in sure that comes with the big display during the Maroon’s HE hosts were on the de- the quarterfinal, the host na- stage. For a team that was quarterfinals against Korea fensive from the kick-off tion failed to impress. UAE only tipped with an outside as well when defensive mid- Tand it was Qatar who went began the tournament with a chance of making the quar- DISGRACEFUL: Ismail Ahmed of United Arab Emirates clears the pitch of object thrown by fans after fielder Assim Madibo and ahead deservedly in the 22nd team goalless draw. They were terfinals, let alone final, Qa- Qatar’s Hasan al Haydos scored their third goal in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. (REUTERS) full-back Abdelkarim Hassan minute. But the manner in then carved open on many oc- tar, unlike UAE, have overa- suspended. While they lined which the hosts conceded the casions by India in the second chieved. However, with the boys with a squad that has ing into the biggest sporting you wouldn’t put it past them up with three-man central goal would not have pleased match, but managed to escape 2022 FIFA World Cup visit- still plenty of room for im- event on the planet with the to upset four-time champions defence against the Taegeuk Zaccheroni and UAE goal- with a 2-0 win before drawing ing their nation in four years’ provement. But before that, tag of the Asian champions. Japan at the Zayed Sports Warriors, they reverted to a keeper Khalid Eisa. Khoukhi 1-1 with Thailand in the final time, it is only good reading their Spanish coach Sanchez And if they can produce the City Stadium in Abu Dhabi on four-man backline on Tuesday and Almoez broke with pace group match. They then con- for Qatar as they prove they will be very much aware kind of display they pulled February 1. against UAE. While Boualem with UAE defenders scram- ceded two against Kyrgyz Re- can compete among the big that they are capable of go- off against UAE on the night, (Fox Sports Asia) Sports Wednesday, January 30, 2019 17 Euphoria as fans and families of players cheer Al Annabi in Qatar

AYENI OLUSEGUN famous ‘Yalla Qatar!!!’ rang Every Al Annabi attacking DOHA out from the Souq Waqif to play brought different emo- Katara Cultural Village to As- tions from the crowd just as THE image of Boualem pire Park, Hotel Park and the the Emiratis runs in Qatar’s Khoukhi kissing the Qatari Pearl-Qatar. defence sent anxious groans badge on his shirt is probably However, for those close from fans with their eyes glued We have won the ‘final’ and the most iconic image of the to the players like friends and to the screen. now everyone can be more 2019 AFC Asian Cup for Al An- family, the win over UAE is Qatar’s first shot at goal proud to be a Qatari. This was nabi so far. probably bigger than the tro- came from Salem al Hajris Despite a blatant disregard boots, a decent effort which more than the football as for sportsmanship by the host was held by Khalid Essa in everyone knows, we beat nation especially when the goal for the UAE but for the Lebanon, Korea, Saudi Arabia Qatari national anthem was home fans, a different out- being sung, Felix Sanchez and come would have been ecstasy. – all power houses but the his players put on their best The much awaited goal players have honoured us. performance to claim a 4-0 Yalla Qatar! came from a swift counter at- victory against the UAE. tack. Qatar won possession Mohammed Abdalla, Goals from Boualem Fans thronged various venues back in their half and a quick cousin of Qatar midfielder Khoukhi, Almoez Ali, Hassan to show their support. pass found Khoukhi down the Abdulaziz Hatem al Haydos and Ismaeel Ham- Everyone who calls Qatar right. The Al Sadd man who adi secured Qatar’s first Asian home, locals and expatriates has been instrumental for Al Cup final berth. alike sang, celebrated with Annabi caught Essa napping Emirati fans booed Qatari chants of “We Love Qatar!” as his shot drifted into the players from all corners of the and the famous ‘Yalla net, sending the home crowd stadium, threw water bottles Qatar!!!’ rang out from the across the nation into frenzy. on the pitch and hurled shoes Qatar! Qatar!! Qatar!!! but Al Annabi maintained a Souq Waqif to Katara Cultural Screams erupted again as Al- cool head in hostile territory Village to Aspire Park, Hotel moez Ali equalled Iran’s Ali and Sanchez displayed that on Park and the Pearl-Qatar. Daei’s 1996 Asian Cup record the touchline. The players saw of 8 goals in a single tourna- a calm coach and it showed in ment. their performance for 90 min- phy itself. A ship can only sail as far utes. The cousin of midfielder as the captain directs and As Al Annabi celebrated Abdulaziz Hatem, Moham- Haydos has been every bit a victory and a record sixth med Abdalla who scored the captain for Qatar. A man who clean sheet at a single Asian winner against South Korea in bleeds the Maroon sealed the Cup, shoes were thrown the quarter-finals, was simply game with a befitting finish at them and plastic bottles delighted. “This is the biggest with one of the finest goals rained down from angry local football moment we have wit- of the tournament. His finish fans — as they had for every nessed,” he exclaimed. caused euphoric scenes, prob- Qatar goal. Young midfielder Hassan Alaen Alazead and ably a taste of more to come in Salem al Hajri was hit on the Mohammed Abdalla, said, 2022. head after the third goal. “We have won the ‘final’ and Hamadi’s late strike struck Meanwhile, here in Qatar, now everyone can be more another blow to an already fans thronged various venues proud to be a Qatari. This was deflated UAE team but Qatar to show their support. Eve- more than the football as eve- matches on with four-time ryone who calls Qatar home, ryone knows, we beat Leba- winners Japan waiting in the locals and expatriates alike, non, Korea, Saudi Arabia – all final. The 2019 Asian Cup tro- sang, celebrated with chants power houses but the players phy however, may have found of “We Love Qatar!” and the have honoured us.” a new home at Al Bidda Tower.

Mourinho, Dignity and depression abound Zidane, Klinsmann as Qatar cruise Gulf Derby mentioned around Qatar eased into WORLD VIEW Iran job the Asian Cup DPA final as hosts TEHRAN UAE discovered all JOSE Mourinho, Zinedine Zidane and Juergen Klins- the support in the mann were on Tuesday world cannot named as possible candi- dates for the Iran national make up for a team coaching job, the Isna news agency said, citing the big difference communications depart- ment of the nation’s sports in ability ministry. The three famous coach- DPA es were named the day af- ABU DHABI ter Iran lost the Asian Cup semi-final 3-0 against Japan “LET’S welcome the Qatar in the United Arab Emirates. team!” boomed the announc- However, Isna also said er at the Mohammed Bin the debate was premature Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi because neither current on Tuesday. coach Carlos Queiroz nor “Booooooooooooo!” replied the sports ministry have said the crowd. Let’s not. they will part ways. In an Asian Cup played out Queiroz suggested after largely in front of half-empty, Monday’s match “the end is sterile stadiums, the hosting near.” United Arab Emirates meeting Iran’s football federation Qatar in the semi-finals was a reportedly wants him to stay reminder of exactly what these on but is said to be not able events are supposed to be like. to pay him any more because Nearly 40,000 squeezed into of the financial crisis in the Al Jazira’s ground, a stadium country in the wake of new which - in contrast to many oth- United States sanctions. ers in the tournament - was truly However, it is also un- built for football. The lower-tier clear how the federation stands are incredible close to the would pay the former Chel- pitch and the upper level banks sea, Real Madrid, Inter Mi- steeply so even though high up lan and Manchester City are not too far away. manager Mourinho, ex-Real And even when the Qatar helmsman Zidane, or the players jogged onto the pitch former Germany and US some 50 minutes before kick- coach Klinsmann. off they were given a hostile reception. The announcer opti- mistically suggested they would throw some mini-footballs to the crowd as souvenirs but per- haps they had forgotten to pick them up on the way out tunnel. While Qatar, World Cup from Doha, instead having to go host nation it’s quite normal the change and another soon after pions Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Next up for Qatar is Japan hosts in 2022, had dazzled in a much longer route. people come to support their and the crowd were soon be- South Korea have all been dis- in Friday’s final in what will the tournament and the UAE If this bothered Qatar coach team.” hind their charges again – they missed. be their toughest test to date. gradually picked up momen- Felix Sanchez before, he didn’t Two goals down by half- recognised it was not the will to “Qatar is very nice in terms A first Asian title, before they tum, no one in the stands was let it show and a 4-0 humilia- time, their enthusiasm was win that was missing but ability. of sport, we have the Aspire guest at the Copa America in a pretending football was the only tion of the hosts allowed him to somewhat muted. As it was “I thank the players, they Academy which was one of the few months as another World thing being contested over the leave with the grace of a winner. not an official UAE home game had the team spirit all along keys in developing the team,” Cup tune-up, would be remark- 90 minutes. While his players had been but rather a ‘neutral’ venue, the the game and all the players did said Sanchez. able achievement. The UAE prevented Qatari showered by shoes and bottles DJ could have been advised to their best,” Zaccheroni admit- “The Aspire Academy, the For the UAE, they gave fans coming to the tournament in celebrating their many goals alter his script. ted. football association, the clubs, everything but fell short. Is- while media and officials - usu- he assessed: “in general it was “I absolutely love the energy Qatar, looked at with doubts all work together with the same mail Ahmed being cheered ally exempt from harassment at fair play, only a few people ... tonight,” he commented as wor- in football terms when awarded target. The result in this tour- wildly for elbowing Salem sporting events – reported diffi- behaved in a not proper way.” ried Emiratis nervously consid- the World Cup, have built and nament gives us the proof with Al Hajri to receive a red card culties getting into the country. Sanchez added his players ered the odds of a comeback. built. They have reached the hard work and good orgniazai- summed up their night – plenty Even the Qatar squad were “were aware there’d be a lot of UAE coach Alberto Zac- final without conceding a goal ton we can achieve the right re- of fight directed in the wrong Iran coach Carlos Queiroz quit unable to get a short direct flight pressure from the fans, as the cheroni made a half-time while scoring 16 - former cham- sults.” place. after his team’s Asian Cup exit. 18 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 Sports For Qatar fans, a beautiful game indeed

The crowd that came to watch the Qatar-UAE AFC Asian Cup semi-final on a giant public screen at the promenade near the amphitheatre at the Katara Cultural Village on Tuesday. (PHOTOS: JALAL PATHIYOOR)

Al Annabi treated fans Jubilant Qataris to a scintilating match. Their demolition of take to the streets rivals UAE on the football pitch to celebrate victory made people in Qatar joyous

RAHUL PREETH DOHA

THE usually quiet promenade beside the amphitheatre at Ka- tara had an unusually large and boisterous crowd near a giant screen on Tuesday evening. As the clocks struck five in Doha, the second AFC Asian Cup semi-final began in Abu Dhabi and the promenade in from their seats. There was of euphoria around the giant Replays only intensified Doha fell silent. none in the first few minutes. screen. the cheer, which turned into The Qatar-UAE clash — Then, in the 22nd minute, “Careful,” somebody boos as the camera zoomed in dubbed as the blockade derby Boualem Khoukhi found the shouted in Malayalam as on an Emirati fan with his face due to the economic and dip- back of the net after the UAE Akram Afif bungled a goal- planted on his palms at the lomatic siege of Qatar by the goalkeeper made one hell of scoring opportunity. A sizea- Mohammed bin Zayed Stadi- UAE and its immediate neigh- a mistake. ble number of fans assembled um in Abu Dhabi. AFP bours — had so much at stake. “As simple as that,” let out at Katara were expatriates “Look at them. They and DOHA Naturally, passions ran high an expatriate as the crowd and a large number of them their blockade,” said another among the crowd. broke into a thunderous rap- cheered in Malayalam. Qatar fan with a haughty dis- DOHA exploded in noisy “Come on, Qatar,” shouted ture — pouring out all kinds “We have to be careful. We dain as he launched an “Emi- celebration on Tuesday as a man hoarsely from the back, of bottled up emotions that have to retain the edge,” he rati down, down” chorus. jubilant Qataris flooded the triggering a lexicon of com- manifested themselves in the said, partly to the Qatari play- With the third goal, from streets and roads after their ments from the crowd as the form of hugs, cheers, whistles, ers and partly to himself. skipper Hasan al Haydos 10 national team’s victory over ball neared the UAE net a few dance moves and incessant Then came the second minutes from time, the cheers bitter sporting and political minutes into the game. selfie clicks. goal, off the boots of Qatar’s and the chorus rose to a rivals, United Arab Emirates. The ball didn’t go in, but While the first goal broke star striker Almoez Ali. If the crescendo. Traffic along one of the cheer refused to die down. several hearts and possibly the crowd near the amphitheatre Hamid Khaleefa’s fourth the city’s main highways, The crowd looked for fur- careers of many in Abu Dhabi, was euphoric after the first, — the last kick of the match — the Corniche, was jammed ther opportunities to jump it brought a palpable sense now they went berserk. was just the icing on the cake. bumper-to-bumper with ex- ultant fans celebrating the thumping 4-0 Asian Cup semi-final victory, many honking horns or waving Qatari flags from car roofs, and others showing four fin- gers to emphasise the em- phatic victory. minster and one of the lead- “I am so happy, of course, ing figures during the crisis, because now we will play in pointedly called the victory the final,” Abdul, 24, smok- But for us this match is a “wonderful performance... ing a cigarette on the side of better than the final, it’s with high sports ethics”, af- the road and watching the revenge for everything bad ter the partisan UAE crowd celebrations. they (the Emiratis) have pelted Qatar with shoes and “But for us this match said. They say we are not booed the national anthem is better than the final, during the match. it’s revenge for everything good people, we are The semi-final was bad they (the Emiratis) terrorists. All Qataris are watched by big crowds have said. very happy. throughout Doha, includ- “They say we are ing at a packed and noisy not good people, we are Abdul, a fan Souq Waqif, in central Doha, terrorists. All Qataris are where a giant screen showed very happy.” the match live. His Syrian friend Hattim There, Qataris, alongside agreed. hundreds of fans from other “This is history. Qatar This is history. Qatar has countries including Egypt, has God with it. Qatar always God with it. Qatar always France, Jordan and Algeria, acts the right way,” he said. acts the right way. watched the match intently. Another Qatari celebrat- At first the crowd were ing on the roof of a nearby Hatim nervously quiet but as Qa- car said the result was much tar’s dominance became ap- “sweeter” because of the op- the continuing, Gulf Crisis, parent, fans become much position. which has pitched Qatar noisier. Eager sellers were quick against a group of neigh- Qataris danced through to cash in on the celebra- bouring former allies, includ- the half-time break with their tions, charging 100 Qatari ing UAE. team 2-0 in front, and in the Riyals ($28, 24 Euros) on the That group of countries second half cheered every Corniche for giant flags. has boycotted Qatar for the block and tackle as “Al-An- Nearby, those who ac- past 19 months, accusing it of nabi (The Maroons)” fought cidentally got caught up in supporting terrorism, among to hold onto their lead. the noisy celebrations held other allegations, a charge There were special cheers their hands over their ears which the 2022 World Cup every time cameras showed as so many drivers blew host denies. despondent Emirati fans and their horns. Immediately after the especially when UAE’s Ismail The political overtones of victory, Qatar’s prime minis- Ahmed was sent off. the last four match were im- ter and foreign minister took The final whistle saw the possible to ignore. to Twitter to celebrate. start of wild celebrations in The game took place Mohammed bin Abdul- the Souq, with more music against the backdrop of rahman al-Thani, the foreign and dance. Sports Wednesday, January 30, 2019 19

News PSG extend in brief Pakistan, India to Paredes’ Murray undergoes hip surgery contract

LONDON: Andy Murray has undergone hip resurfacing surgery until 2023 in London, the British tennis great told his Instagram followers on Tuesday. launch T20 World AFP The two-time Wimbledon champion had been weighing up PARIS the pros and cons of the operation, which involves putting a metal plate into the joint, in one last bid to prolong a career ARGENTINE midfielder Le- plagued by injury. andro Paredes on Tuesday The 31-year-old double Olympic gold medallist had previ- signed a contract with Paris ously said ahead of this month’s Australian Open earlier that Cup in Australia Saint-Germain (PSG) for the he intended to retire following the 2019 edition of Wimbledon. next four-and-half seasons, “I underwent a hip resurfacing surgery in London yesterday the French football club an- (Monday) morning... feeling a bit battered and bruised just now The big sub-continental rivals not to clash at the group stage nounced. but hopefully that will be the end of my hip pain,” Murray said Paredes arrives at the Parc on Instagram. AFP des Princes from Zenit St. Monday’s operation was the second time Murray had un- SYDNEY Petersburg player, where he dergone surgery in the past 12 months after a first operation bagged 10 goals and 15 assists failed to ease the pain in his hip. (AFP) HOSTS Australia will take on in 61 appearances with the Pakistan’s men and India’s current leader of the Russian women for the opening fix- Premier League, reports Efe Sharapova’s first win in 13 years tures of the Twenty20 World news. Cups in 2020, organisers said “After my previous expe- MOSCOW: Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova claimed her on Tuesday as the draw for the riences in Italy and Russia, I first WTA victory in her country in 13 years in the first round of tournaments was announced. now have this fantastic oppor- the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy in Moscow. The T20 World Cups are tunity, not only to discover a Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam winner, beat Daria being held in the same year new league, but above all one Gavrilova of Australia 6-0, 6-4 to make the second round on and in the same country for to wear one the most prestig- Monday. She will next face her compatriot Daria Kasatkina. the first time, with the men’s ious club jerseys in the world,” Sharapova had only met Kasatkina once when she won in and women’s finals to be Paredes said in a statement. straight sets in Montreal in August, reports Xinhua news played at one of the world’s “We all know the extraor- agency. biggest stadiums, the Mel- dinary sporting dimension of Sharapova has rarely played the Russian tour events during bourne Cricket Ground. Paris Saint-Germain, its play- her career, and when she has, she’s never got past the quarter- For the first time since ers and staff. I share the same finals.(AFP) the 2011 World Cup, India high ambitions and I will do will not meet Pakistan in the everything I can to give my group stage of an ICC event. club what it expects of me as a The two teams have faced midfielder,” he added. Villarreal fire Luis Garcia after 50 days each other in five ICC tourna- Bhuvneshwar Kumar of India and Imam-ul-Haq of Pakistan react in the field. The 25-year-old is to play and reappoint Calleja ments since 2011 - and will alongside his compatriot and meet again in the 2019 World GROUPINGS fending champions the Wind- fellow midfielder Angel di Ma- MADRID: Struggling Villarreal on Tuesday fired coach Luis Cup in England and Wales ies starting their title defence ria. Garcia after just 50 days in charge and turned to Javi Calleja, - but cricket’s traditional ri- Women’s group stages Men’s qualifiers (October 18 - 23) against the Black Caps on Oc- Di Maria, 30, made a spe- the man they axed in December. valry will not be on show in (February 21 - March 3) Group stages tober 25. cial welcome of his country- “The decision I have made is to rehire the coach we had the group stages of 2020 T20 (October 24 - November 8) India, England, South Af- man by posting a video on at the beginning, called Javier Calleja, who will take over the World Cup in Australia. Group A: Australia, New Zealand, India, Sri rica and Afghanistan and two PSG’s official Twitter account squad from tomorrow for the rest of the season,” Villarreal This is a result of the pre- Lanka, Qualifier 1 Group 1: Pakistan, Australia, West Indies, New qualifiers make up the other wishing him luck, saying: “You president Fernando Roig told a press conference on Tuesday Zealand, two qualifiers sent T20I rankings, where Group B: England, West Indies, South Africa, Group 2: India, England, South Africa, side of the draw. are very young and you will afternoon. Pakistan and India occupy the Pakistan, Qualifier 2 Afghanistan, two qualifiers For the women’s fixtures, surely have a lot to give to this Under Calleja, the club finished fifth last season and No. 1 and No. 2 spots respec- four-time winners Australia club.” reached the knockout rounds of the Europa League. He was tively, necessitating the two Semi-finals: March 5 Semi-finals: November 11 and 12 are in Group A with New Paredes, who played nine sacked with Villarreal 17th in La Liga with just three victories in teams to be placed in different Zealand, India, Sri Lanka matches with Argentina na- their first 15 league matches this season. groups for the tournament. Final: March 8 Final: November 15 and one qualifier, while West tional team and scored one Luis Garcia took over on December 10 and won his first England and Australia Indies and 2009 champions goal, is to wear No. 8 shirt match three days later as Villarreal beat Spartak Moscow 2-0 aren’t guaranteed to meet each reigning champions Austral- 12 group stages on October England join South Africa, after completing his medical at home to clinch first place in their Europa League group. But other either. While England ia to clash with India in the 24 against top-ranked Paki- Pakistan and a second quali- tests at Aspetar Hospital in he followed that with a run of eight matches without a victory. are placed in Group B along- opening game in Sydney. stan at the Sydney Cricket fying team. Qatar’s capital, Doha. The Yellow Submarine have sunk to second-bottom of La side India, Australia are in The men’s competition, Ground. The women’s final will be Paredes defended the Liga, drawing four and losing two of their league games under Group A alongside Pakistan. from October 18 to Novem- Australia, Pakistan, the played on March 8 to coin- shirts of several Serie A teams Luis Garcia. They were also eliminated by Espanyol over two Ten women’s teams will ber 15, will feature several West Indies, New Zealand cide with International Wom- including Empoli, Chievo Ve- legs in the Copa del Rey. (AFP) play in 23 matches from Feb- qualifying matches before and two qualifiers make up en’s Day, and the men’s final rona and AS Roma, where he ruary 21 to March 8, with Australia kicks off the Super one side of the draw, with de- will be held on November 15. spent two seasons. Young, Hawks fly past LA Clippers Windies add pacer Thomas for 2nd AGENCIES The Clippers managed to tie the LOS ANGELES game at five different points in the third quarter, but the Hawks went on a 17-6 Test vs England ROOKIE Trae Young scored 26 points run to close out the period and take con- and John Collins added 22 as the vis- trol of the game. AFP iting Atlanta Hawks earned a 123-118 The Clippers produced an 8-0 run ST. JOHN’S “We were all extremely victory on Monday over the Los An- late in the game to pull within 116-108 happy with the great geles Clippers to improve to 2-1 at the before Young made a shot in the lane FAST bowler Oshane Thomas result in the first Test. We start of a season-high, seven-game with 3:10 remaining to halt the Los An- was on Tuesday added as the want to see them put in NBA road trip. geles comeback attempt. Young added 14th player in the West Indies another solid performance Alex Len added 19 points for the Test squad while retaining in the second match in Hawks, who defeated a Pacific Division the rest of the squad for the Antigua, where we won team for the first time in six tries this Young scored at least 50 points second Test against England, season. in back-to-back games for the starting here Thursday. last year,” Browne added. Tobias Harris scored 30 points for the second time this month and the Thomas, who has played Clippers, who have lost five of their past third time this season four ODIs and six T20Is so far, WINDIES SQUAD six home games. High-scoring Los Ange- was picked as a cover for fel- les reserve guard Lou Williams opened a 3-pointer in the final minute, and he low pacer Alzarri Joseph for the West Indies squad for 2nd Test: the game 0-for-11 from the field, a day went 10 of 18 from the field two days af- first Test in Barbados, which the Jason Holder (Captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston after a 2-for-16 shooting performance, ter he made 11 of his 15 shots at Portland. Windies won by a mammoth Chase, Shane Dowrich (WK), Shannon Gabriel, and finished with 21 points. He hit 4 of 17 Montrezl Harrell scored 18 points margin of 381 runs at the Kens- Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar field-goal attempts on the night. off the bench, and Avery Bradley added ington Oval. Roach, Oshane Thomas, Jomel Warrican. Young, who scored 30 points in a 12 as the Clippers saw their three-game “Oshane Thomas was with Saturday defeat at Portland, scored at winning streak end. us in Barbados as cover and he least 50 points in back-to-back games for Patrick Beverley had 10 points and has been added to the squad as them put in another solid per- the second time this month and the third 10 rebounds for Los Angeles, which the 14th player and will remain formance in the second match time this season. entered with four victories in its past with the team as an additional in Antigua, where we won last The Clippers never led again after five games. fast bowler,” Courtney Browne, year,” he added. taking a 21-20 advantage with three Jeremy Lin had 13 points and De- the Chairman of Selectors, said Already 1-0 up in the three- minutes remaining in the opening quar- wayne Dedmon added 13 points with in a statement. Test rubber, the Windies will ter. The Hawks opened the second quar- 10 rebounds for the Hawks, whose long “We were all extremely take on England at the Sir Viv- ter with a 32-25 advantage and had a 63- Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) drives past Los Angeles Clippers forward Tobias road trip coincides with the Super Bowl happy with the great result in ian Richards Cricket Ground 61 edge at halftime. Harris (34) at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Monday. (USA TODAY SPORTS) festivities in Atlanta this week. the first Test. We want to see here from Thursday. East Coast dynasty up against eager West Coast rivals

As part of the media the crowd, ticking off all the who was then 24, the same While QB Brady & Patriots’ coach madness leading up to the Rams achieved to make it age as Rams quarterback game, the Patriots enjoyed a into the game. The team has Jared Goff. Belichick are looking to extend send-off Sunday attended by been “checking things off” in Now Brady is pressing the 35,000 fans from their sta- the post-season he said. other end of a quarterback’s their legacy in Super Bowl, Rams dium outside Boston. “Make no mistake about age expectancy and would set “It’s going to take a lot,” it, we’ve got a lot of respect a record as the oldest quar- coach McVay may start his own Brady told the roaring crowd. for the Patriots, but we are terback to prevail in the Su- “Offensively, defensively going there to get this last per Bowl if the Patriots are DPA Los Angeles Rams, a team and special teams, this has box checked,” the 33-year-old victorious. WASHINGTON that sparked excitement on got to be the best game of coach said. As for the coaches, McVay the field all season. the year. We’ve got to bring A win for the Rams would would become the youngest THE teams have arrived from The teams earned a it, you’ve got to bring it and be their second. The team ever to take home the trophy, their respective cities on op- spot in the National Foot- hopefully we can bring a tro- was Super Bowl champions in while Belichick would be the posite US coasts and the me- ball League championship phy home.” 2000 when the Rams played oldest if the Patriots win. dia hype has reached fever game by snatching thrilling The Rams grabbed the in St Louis. They made two The spectacle is supple- pitch as the countdown to overtime wins in their con- imagination of football fans other Super Bowl appearanc- mented by some of the most the American football specta- ference championships on across the country when they es, both losing efforts in 1980 extravagant, creative and ex- cle known as the Super Bowl January 20. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during opening rocketed to a 13-3 record this and 2002. pensive commercials and an is underway. New England comes into night for Super Bowl LIII at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Mon- year after winning only four A lot has been made of over-the-top half-time show. The championship game, the 53rd edition of the Super day. (USA TODAY SPORTS) games in the previous season. the ages of both the quar- This year the band Maroon 5 which will be played at Mer- Bowl as the favourite but only They departed for Atlanta in a terbacks and the coaches headlines the entertainment. cedes-Benz Stadium in Atlan- by a few points in what is ex- back Tom Brady, 41. Togeth- The team is 5-3 in the big more sparsely attended send- going into Sunday’s contest Americans also go all out ta, will be a contest between pected to be a high-scoring er they have driven the team game, watched last year by off from the teams’ new sta- and the fact that this year’s for Super Bowl parties and the New England Patriots, affair. to eight Super Bowls since more than 100 million tel- dium in southern California. matchup is a repeat of the pub viewings, and it’s not un- winners of two of the last four The Patriots are led by the 2002, the first of Brady’s sto- evision viewers, according to “It’s unbelievable to see 2002 game when the Patriots usual for fans who attend the Super Bowls and five overall, combined force of coach Bill ried career and the first for CBS, the network that broad- the support that this team beat the Rams 20-17. Those game to pay several thousand and the youthful and talented Belichick, 66, and quarter- the Patriots. cast that game and this year’s. has,” coach Sean McVay told Patriots were led by Brady, dollars for a ticket. 20 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 The Last Word Amir, Japan PM discuss ties, witness MoUs’ signing Joint declaration on strategic dialogue mechanism signed QNA TOKYO

THE Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani held a session of offi- cial talks with Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe at the Prime Minister’s Office in To- kyo on Tuesday evening. HH the Amir and the Jap- anese premier also witnessed the signing of the joint decla- ration on the establishment of a strategic dialogue mech- anism between the govern- ments of the two countries, in addition to memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in different fields. the two countries. the two countries would ex- ister and the Japanese people by a number of senior officials, reviewed bilateral relations vantage of this learning and HH the Amir attended Abe added that he was pand areas of cooperation to on the victory of the Japanese politicians, economists, cul- and developments on the vocational training to serve a dinner banquet hosted by pleased with Japan’s victory include, besides energy, areas team and their outstand- tural figures, businessmen and regional and international their community and home- Shinzo Abe in honour of His in their match against Iran such as tourism and health ing performance, while also heads of the boards of major arenas. land. Highness and the accompa- in the Asian Cup, hoping that for the benefit of both coun- praising the Qatari team who Japanese companies and in- The meeting was attended HH the Amir affirmed his nying delegation. the Qatar national team would tries and peoples. showed a very good level of stitutions, as well as a number by Their Excellencies mem- personal support and keen- In his welcome speech, win Tuesday’s match to meet His Highness pointed out performance. of businessmen and heads of bers of the official delegation ness in the relevant creative the Japanese PM praised Japan in the final of the tour- that the two sides also agreed HH said that it was grati- companies from Qatar. accompanying HH the Amir. ideas, wishing them success the efforts of HH the Amir nament. to cooperate in the field of fying that the majority of the On the sidelines of the HH the Amir also met in their future lives. in supporting and enhanc- For his part, HH the Amir sports and in organising in- players are Aspire Academy meeting, HH the Amir met Qatari students and train- The students and trainees ing relations between the two thanked the Japanese pre- ternational sporting events for Sports Excellence’s gradu- Japan’s Foreign Minister ees in Japan and exchanged expressed thanks to HH the countries, wishing him health mier for his kind words and such as the Tokyo 2020 and ates, and wished them success Taro Kono and the accompa- views with them about their Amir for the opportunity to and happiness and wishing feelings, adding that the talks the 2022 World Cup Qatar. in their match, to meet the nying delegation at HH’s resi- fields of study, scientific dis- meet His Highness, saying it further development and were constructive and posi- In this regard, His Highness Japanese team in the final. dence in Tokyo. ciplines, fields of work and reflects HH’s keenness to en- progress in relations between tive. His Highness hoped that congratulated the prime min- The banquet was attended During the meeting, they the importance of taking ad- courage them.

Qatar Museums ushers in ‘Qatar India 2019 Year of Culture’ with event in India

the innovative Raqs Media Col- Performance of the iconic Monsoon lective, both in Qatar. India will Wedding Musical marks official opening also be the Guest of Honor at the annual Doha International Book Fair. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK well as a Golden Globe Award Other events include a DOHA nomination. health and education initia- The film was directed by tive in collaboration with Qatar QATAR Museums kick-started Mira Nair and written by Sab- Foundation, and more. this year’s exciting array of rina Dhawan, who played key The Qatar India 2019 Year events organised as part of the roles in bringing the musical to of Culture, whose Official Air- Qatar India 2019 Year of Cul- life in 2016. The performance line Partner is Qatar Airways, ture with a show of the success- was organised by QM and spon- was also planned in collabora- ful Monsoon Wedding Musical sored by the Official Airline tion with leading institutions in in New Delhi. Partner of the Year of Culture Qatar and India. These include Representing the official programme, Qatar Airways. the Embassy of Qatar in New launch of the Year of Culture Aisha Ghanem al Attiya, Delhi, the Embassy of India in festivities, the event was attend- head of Years of Culture Sec- Doha, Qatar’s Ministry of Cul- ed by Qatar’s ambassador to In- tion at QM, said: “We are proud The event was attended by Qatar’s ambassador to India ture and Sport, Qatar Founda- dia HE Mohammed bin Khater to be the exclusive supporter HE Mohammed bin Khater al Khater and Acting Chief tion, The National Tourism al Khater and Qatar Museums of the new stage musical ver- Executive Officer of QM Ahmad al Namla. Council, Doha film institute and (QM) Acting Chief Executive sion of Mira Nair’s Monsoon many more. Officer Ahmad al Namla and Wedding. The Mansoon Wed- joyed a close partnership. Culture will be a feast of theatre, specially designed to promote as well as celebrate their differ- A VIP ceremony will take among other VIPs. ding Musical is a beautiful and “Our aspiration is that the literature, music, dance, cinema mutual understanding, recogni- ences. place at Katara on February 4 The Monsoon Wedding resonant expression of India’s Year of Culture programme will and the visual arts, as India and tion and appreciation between Upcoming initiatives in- to mark the official launch of Musical, popularly viewed as vibrant diaspora, a community further strengthen these ties Qatar share cultural experi- India and Qatar. The expansive clude a special exhibition of this year’s edition in Qatar. The the anthem of modern India, that has long been part of Qa- and spur creativity and curiosity ences.” programme will encourage au- contemporary art from Qatar in stunning show titled Ticket to originally premiered as a film in tar’s diverse makeup and our about our cultures, peoples and Events, festivals, workshops diences in Qatar and India to ex- India, a multi-disciplinary Festi- Bollywood will also be open to 2001 winning a Golden Lion, as two countries have long en- traditions. In 2019, the Year of and presentations have been plore their cultural similarities, val of India and an exhibition by the public on February 5 at 7pm.