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RANGERS PRODUCE Rangers FC GK Lewis Kevin BUDINAUCKAS PERFORMANCE DF David Kyle MCCLELLAND (C) DF Harris David OCONNOR MF Ciaran DICKSON OF TOURNAMENT TO MF Kai Alexander KENNEDY MF Murray Joseph MILLER CRUSH KASHIWA DF Leon John Phillips THOMSON MF Cole MCKINNON Rangers powered into the final of Al Kass DF Matthew HENDERSON 2019, overpowering Kashiwa Reysol by FW Arron John LYALL five goals to one with a performance that FW Nathan Jay YOUNG COOMBES combined attacking panache, defensive discipline and total commitment to the cause. Kashiwa, appearing at the tournament for the fifth year, had slowly grown into the Kashiwa Reysol competition. Having snatched a last minute equaliser to PSG, they were second best in a 2-0 reverse to Roma, before delivering a GK Masato SASAKI performance of consummate professionalism did Kai Kennedy soon after. Both efforts a way back into the game. But it soon DF Hayato FUJIMOTO to knock Real Madrid out. were indicative of the fact that Rangers became clear that their efforts were in vain, DF Ibuki TODA (C) In a clear sign of Rangers’ strength in depth, were having difficulty getting the ball into when Kennedy sped down the left wing FW Yuki SHIMIZU Christopher McKee was named as one of danger areas, but on 27 minutes McKinnon before cutting inside and letting fly, his low MF Sohki TAMURA the substitutes, despite having come off had a great chance to open the scoring, shot taking a defection off Fumito Okihara, DF Fumito OKIHARA the bench to score a hat-trick in the 7-0 dispatching a firm header from Young- leaving Sasaki flatfooted and Rangers DF Takuma OTAKE demolition of ESS. Of course, the player he Coombes’ inviting cross that Masato Sasaki overjoyed. MF Naito SAITO replaced on that occasion – Nathan Young- did well to tip the ball over. A 3-0 deficit was surely too much to FW Shun NAKAJIMA Coombes – had also scored three, and However, as half time approached, the overcome, but Reysol coach immediately MF Daichi SUGAWARA arguably carried the greatest threat of their Reysol keeper was central to a moment of took action with a double substitution. It was DF Hayato TANAKA potent frontline. high drama that saw Rangers take the lead. much to his young charges’ credit that they Kashiwa had an early chance when the ball Having gathered the ball, he rolled it short stuck to their task as this pulsating tie entered bounced around in the Rangers box before to Daichi Sugawara inside the area, who its last quarter. falling to Hayato Tanaka inside the six yard slipped as he turned to accept possession. And, with 12 minutes remaining, substitute area, but the big defender could not get the Lyall was on the scene in a flash, keeping his Hidetaka Maie graphically illustrated this ball down quick enough to produce a shot composure to slot the ball into an empty net. collective determination when he scored on target. Suddenly, Rangers were dominant, and one of the goals of the tournament. Winning MAN OF THE MATCH It was a sign that Reysol had settled first, with Young-Coombes doubled their lead in possession 40 yards out, the big forward the Glasgow side initially struggling to counter emphatic fashion moments before the took a few touches before unleashing an their opponents’ combative approach. The break. Picking up the ball deep in the Reysol unstoppable drive that was still rising as it hit Kai KENNEDY, Rangers FC well-drilled Japanese were content to cede half, the powerful forward advanced into the back of the net. possession to Rangers, keeping all 11 players the area before hammering a low shot that Rangers’ three-goal advantage was restored behind the ball and ready to pounce on Sasaki got his hands to but could not keep almost immediately, however, when Kennedy MVP of the Match rapid counterattacks. out. once more tied his marker in knots down the
A fascinating tactical battle began ensued, Kashiwa’s carefully crafted game plan lay left wing before slamming home into the far with the Glaswegians looking to get Aaron in tatters, and their disconsolate players corner. Lyall on the ball down the right, in the hope trudged off the pitch, only too aware that There was still time for a fifth. With the match that his close control could unlock Reysol’s they had a mountain to climb if they were to into added time, Rangers once again compact defence. However, chances reach a second consecutive Al Kass final. targeted Kashiwa’s right back, with Charlie remained at a premium. From the restart, Reysol immediately Allen reaching the byline before pulling back With 20 minutes gone, Cole McKinnon attempted to get on the front foot, for fellow-substitute Alex Lowry to apply a first- went close from distance for the Scots, as committing players forward in search of time finish with the last kick of the match. The Experts “ I was blown away by the performance put up by Rangers. They have a good side and have played some good games in the tournament, but I did not expect the level of football they produced against Kashiwa. Kashiwa also has a strong team but it did not work out for them and it went X Say… downhill for them after they conceded their first goal.
Chris Makin - If you analyze the game, it hardly looked like if they faced any troubles Match Score “although they were up against a strong team. Even the one goal they Al Kass Analyst conceded was a world-class strike from outside the box. 5 1 Rangers FC Kashiwa Reysol
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carved out a decent career since, being part Spanish international Munir El Hadadi of first team before joining fellow English Premier of the victorious French squad at the 2018 Sevilla played at the first Al Kass in the first League side Bournemouth for a club World Cup Finals in Russia. tournament, in the colours of his first club record fee. Another Al Kass winner to become a regular Barcelona. Sandro Ramirez, currently on first-team player is Brazilian left-back Leo Pele. loan at Real Sociedad from English Premier Brahim Diaz played for Manchester City in Within a year of winning the tournament with League side Everton, was also in the Barca 2014, shortly after joining from Malaga, and Fluminense he was playing first-team football, side that year, but the Catalans failed he is now back in La Liga after joining Real and he remained with the club until the end to impress. Madrid, where his dribbling skills are sure to of 2018 when he joined Sao Paulo for Marcos Llorente recently scored his first goal be a hit at the Bernabeu. $3 US million. for the first team at Barca’s great rivals Real A current youngster from Real – Eidur Brazilian central defender Marlon played Madrid, nearly six years after appearing at Godjohnsen’s son Andri – could be in with a more than 50 times for the first team after Al Kass for Los Blancos. Spanish Under 20 chance of being in Qatar for the 2022 World helping Fluminense to victory and his form international Oscar Rodriguez is another to Cup in the colors of Iceland, but which other earned a move to Barcelona, but he is now join the Real first team squad after playing at great talents might be back playing at the in Italy’s Seria A where he is enjoying his first Al Kass, and the talented midfielder stood out nearby Khalifa International Stadium? season with Sassuolo. from the rest with his performances at Aspire Spartak’s Moscow’s five-goal star Ilya Left-sided Brazilian Kenedy was another in 2015. Two of Zinedine Zidane’s sons, Enzo Golyatov or assist king Aslan Mutaliev in that successful Fluminense side and he and Luca, also featured for Real at Al Kass, are promising young Russians; Roma’s showed plenty of potential when on loan the latter being skipper of the side that lost to goalscoring midfielder Edorado Bove has at Newcastle United last season, but the Aspire Football Dreams in the 2015 final. impressed; or maybe one of the Glasgow Chelsea player has endured a disappointing Rangers players who have excelled could campaign this season, having extended his No Italian side has ever won the tournament, be back in Doha in 2022, such as midfielder temporary spell with Rafa Benitez’s side. but Milan finished third in 2014 when Patrick Kai Kennedy – who is already involved Moroccan international right-back Achraf Cutrone stood out for the Rossoneri. At Al Kass with the first team at Ibrox – or Nathan reached the final in 2014 and progressed he was described as “an intelligent player Young-Coombes, who has made an instant into Real Madrid’s first team where he made with a great technique,” and the striker has impression since joining from Chelsea. nine appearances last season, although lived up to that praise by becoming a senior Sanchez would love to see some of the he is currently earning more first-team Italian international. Aspire players he has watched this week opportunities in the Bundesliga while on loan appear at the World Cup, saying: “Aspire INSPIRATIONAL ASIAN CUP VICTORY to Dortmund. Brazilian’s Sao Paulo were runners-up in 2015, is an amazing and unique programme. Playing alongside Achraf in the Dortmund beaten on penalties by PSG, and Eder Militao Players went through a process to be a back four these days is another player who found himself making his first-team debut part of the Asian Cup squad, which shows appeared at Al Kass in the same year as his shortly afterwards. He joined Portuguese side it is producing results. It can be a model for POINTS THE WAY TO 2022 current team-mate - Dan-Axel Zagadou. PSG FC Porto last year and made his Brazilian many academies. We’ve been very busy failed to reach the semi-finals in 2014 but international debut shortly afterwards. lately but I was keen to come to Al Kass. I still Zagadou has enjoyed a progressive career English clubs have made a few appearances try to find time to watch league matches, since and has played for France at at Al Kass over the years and Jordon Ibe went and I enjoyed coming back to watch Qatari football is enjoying a golden spell, Spaniard began his coaching career guiding have played in the Al Kass tournament. several levels. on to play more than 40 times for Liverpool’s the tournament.” with the whole country still in ecstasy over the the youth team at Spanish giants Barcelona, Hassan, who plays for Al Gharafa in the QNB national team’s superb success at the Asian his home city, before moving to Qatar, Stars League, began as a defender but was Cup. Meanwhile, Aspire Academy’s journey where his coaching career has mirrored Afif’s converted to a goalkeeper while at Aspire deep into the tournament at Al Kass 2019 playing career. Beginning at Aspire and then Academy, and along with Afif he went on has provided further evidence of the nation’s joining the Qatar Under-19 team, Sanchez loan to Qatari-owned Belgian side KAS Eupen footballing progress and prowess. progressed to the Under 20s, the Under 23s for the 2015-16 season. Aspire International, a team put together as and finally the senior team. As well as Afif and Hassan, the Al Kass part of the Aspire Football Dreams project, The victorious coach returned to Aspire Zone International Cup has played host to a twice won this trophy and Aspire Academy this week to watch the future generation - number of players who have gone on to would love to follow in their footsteps. They players who dream of starring at the World bigger and better things. did reach the final two years ago but found Cup in 2022. PSG, who are ever-presents at Al Kass, Real Madrid too strong and succumbed to a are also the most successful team in the 2-0 defeat. Sanchez recalls with a smile: “It was not very tournament’s history, and their team that long ago that I was on this pitch when I was edged out Juventus on penalties in the Aspire Academy have played at all eight coaching the Aspire team participating inaugural competition featured the likes editions of the Al Kass International Cup. in the Al Kass International Cup. Many of of Kingsley Coman, Moussa Dembele and In 2014, one of their players was a certain the players I had back then went on to Adrian Rabiot. Akram Afif, now one of the country’s leading win the Asian Cup recently. This shows that Lightning-quick Coman, now with Bayern players and a big influence in Qatar’s the philosophy behind Aspire Academy is Munich, twice played at Al Kass and reached Asian Cup success, where he produced an working.” the final on both occasions, although PSG amazing 10 assists during the tournament. Aspire played a huge role in Qatar’s Asian were edged out by Brazilians Fluminense in If any of the current Aspire Academy squad Cup success, with seven of the starting 2013. Highly rated midfielder Rabiot is still with needs inspiration or motivation to fulfill their line-up that defeated Japan in the final PSG, and is currently rumoured to be on the potential, they should look no further than being graduates of the academy, and a radar of Manchester United. Afif, who also stars for Al Sadd in the QNB further two making substitute appearances. Former French Under 21 international Qatar Stars League. There are nearly four Goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb, who conceded Dembele is now back plying his trade in years until the World Cup takes place in just one goal all tournament, and Almoez his homeland with Lyon following a hugely Qatar, so there is still time for any of the Ali – who broke the Asian Cup goalscoring successful spell with Scottish champions current Academy squad to feature in 2022. record – learned their trade at Aspire. Celtic. Afif’s career has been hugely influenced Although Aspire played an integral role in Tough-tackling defender Presnel Kimpembe by Felix Sanchez, the manager who guided Qatar’s success, only Afif and Yousef Hassan was with Coman in the PSG side that finished Qatar to their greatest ever triumph. The of the squad that tasted success in the UAE runners-up at Al Kass in 2013 and he has
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Aspire Academy
GK Yousef BALIDEH DF Mohamed AIASH MF Mostafa KADIRA (C) MF Faisal AZADI FW Abdulrahman AL-ABDULRAHMAN FW Mekki TOMBARI DF Khaled BIN SABAA DF Muhammad ZIDAN DF Abdulla AL-SULAITI MF Fahad AL-ABDULLA FW Jassem ABDULSALLAM
AS Roma
ARE SPOT ON TO END GK Pietro BOER ROMA MF Mory BAMBA MF Edoardo BOVE DF Alessio BUTTARO FW Matteo CANCELLIERI ASPIRE’S DREAM DF Mattia CIUCCI (C) MF Tommaso Pantaleo MILANESE DF Samuele SUFFER DF Matteo TOMASSINI MF Filippo TRIPI FW Nicola ZALEWSKI
Roma became the first Italians to reach the shot wide, and the same player went close He then brought the crowd to life with a final of the Al Kass International Cup since with another effort moments later. spectacular volley three minutes later to Juventus in the inaugural tournament in 2012, bring the scores level and set up an exciting despite losing their perfect winning record. Zalewski gave the Italians the lead with one finale. The Italians seemed to be cruising to their of the goals of the tournament on 40 minutes. Roma thought they had gone back in front fourth victory of the tournament when going He powered home a right-foot shot and with 15 minutes to go but Vittorio Agostinelli’s MAN OF THE MATCH 2-0 up but player of the match Mekki Tombari Roma doubled their lead two minutes later headed effort was ruled out for offside. scored twice in four second-half minutes to when Balideh left a gap at his near post and earn a draw and set up the tournament’s first Mory Bamba fired home from a tight angle. Both teams pushed for a winner but it Mekki TOMBARI, penalty shoot-out. Aspire went close on 61 minutes when Fahad remained 2-2 and onto penalties, where Al-Abdulla’s clever backheel found Faisal Filippo Tripi, Agostinelli, Vincenzo Muteba Roma made no mistake as they scored with Azadi and his dipping shot crashed against and Matteo Cancellieri converted for Roma. Aspire Academy all four of their spot kicks while Italian keeper the bar with Boer well beaten. Faisal Azadi found the net from Aspire’s first Pietro Boer pulled off two fine saves to send spot kick but Naif Alhadhrami and Tombari MVP of the Match his side into the final. The hosts pulled one back on 68 minutes then missed, leaving the Italians celebrating when Tombari was brought down by Alessio victory. Roma should have taken the lead after 18 Buttaro, and the striker picked himself up to minutes when Nicola Zalewski put through convert the penalty. promising midfielder Tomasso Milanese but he
The Experts This game had the crowd on its feet and was a memorable match. Apart for the first 10-15 minutes, Roma were dominant the first half. They were in “ total control and you knew that sooner or later they would score, and they Say… finally scored two goals and got a decent advantage. X Everyone was thinking what could Aspire Academy do in the second half, and they came with an incredible comeback. Especially that second goal Rhodri Williams – by Mekki Tombari, I have not seen a better goal than that in this year’s “tournament. I am having a hard time remembering a goal as good as Match Score Al Kass Analyst this one. 2 (1) 2 (4) Aspire Academy AS Roma
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Road to the cup Quarter Final 1 10 FEB 16:35 rangers fc Étoile Sportive Du Sahel
Quarter Final 4 11 feb 19:00 Semi Final 1 13 feb 16:35 real madrid cf rangers fc Kashiwa Reysol Kashiwa Reysol Final 15 FEB 17:45 rangers fc AS Roma Quarter Final 2 10 FEB 19:00 Semi Final 2 13 feb 19:00 Altinordu FK Aspire Academy Aspire Academy AS Roma
Quarter Final 3 11 feb 16:35 AS Roma RANGERS AND ROMA FC Spartak Moscow SEAL AL KASS INTERNATIONAL CUP FINAL PLACES
Glasgow Rangers and AS Roma will go Kashiwa are a difficult side to break down scored twice in the space of three minutes head-to-head in the final of the Al Kass and it took Rangers until the 37th minute to through Nicola Zalwski and Mory Bamba. International Cup on Friday after knocking open the scoring, and it came courtesy of Top scorers out Kashiwa Reysol and Aspire Academy the most bizarre goal of the tournament. Man of the match Mekki Tombari then respectively in the semi-finals. produced a two-goal burst of his own, Keeper Masato Sasaki rolled the ball out to earning and converting a spot-kick after Rangers stormed into the final with a Daichi Sugaware, but he slipped and Arron 68 minutes and then equalizing with a comprehensive 5-1 victory but Roma required Lyall nipped in to score. Nathan Young- spectacular volley three minutes later to set penalties to end Aspire’s brave bid, the hosts Coombes’ low shot on 43 minutes gave up the tournament’s first penalty decider. battling back from 2-0 down to force a Rangers a 2-0 goal half-time advantage Roma converted all four of their kicks while 2-2 draw. and the Scots continued to impress after the Roma keeper Pietro Boer pulled off two fine break with Kai Kennedy (2) and Alexander saves as the Italians went through 4-1 Rangers recorded the biggest win in Alkass Lowry adding further goals, with Hidetaka on penalties. history when destroying Etoile Sportive Du Maie grabbing a consolation for Kashiwa. Sahel 7-0 in the quarter-finals, and they The second semi-final also came to life continued their free-scoring form after a towards the end of the first half when Roma tight start. Today’s MATCHES
17 Ilya GOLYATOV FW 20 nathan young coombes FW 6 edoardo bove mf FC Spartak Moscow Rangers FC AS Roma 15:00 17:45 ESS AlTINORDU FK REAL MADRID SPARTAK MOSCOW 5 Goals 4 Goals 3 Goals
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Al Kass International Cup Thursday 14 Feb 2019
GAMES12 SCHEDULE
1 Paris Saint Germain FC 1 1 Kashiwa Reysol 16 35 5 2 Aspire Academy 0 1 Raja Club Athletic 18 45 5
3 FC Bayern M nchen 2 3 Etoile Sportive Du Sahel 16 35 4 4 FC Spartak Moscow 2 3 Real Madrid CF 18 45 4
5 Raja Club Athletic 0 3 Rangers FC 16 35 5 6 AS Roma 5 2 Paris Saint Germain FC 18 45 5
7 Altinordu FK 1 0 Etoile Sportive Du Sahel 16 35 4 8 Real Madrid CF 1 1 Suwon Samsung F.C 18 45 4
9 Aspire Academy 3 1 Rangers FC 16 35 5 10 Kashiwa Reysol 0 2 AS Roma 18 45 5
11 FC Bayern M nchen 1 1 Altinordu FK 16 35 4 12 Suwon Samsung F.C 1 3 FC Spartak Moscow 18 45 4
13 Raja Club Athletic 0 2 FC Bayern M nchen 16 35 4 14 Suwon Samsung F.C 4 5 Paris Saint Germain FC 19 00 4
15 Rangers FC 7 0 Etoile Sportive Du Sahel 16 35 5 16 Altinordu FK 0 1 Aspire Academy 19 00 5
17 AS Roma 3 0 FC Spartak Moscow 16 35 5 18 Real Madrid CF 0 2 Kashiwa Reysol 19 00 5
19 Etoile Sportive Du Sahel 0 3 Real Madrid CF 16 35 4 20 Altinordu FK 1 2 FC Spartak Moscow 19 00 4
21 Rangers FC 5 1 Kashiwa Reysol 16 35 5 22 Aspire Academy 2 2 AS Roma 19 00 5 1 4
23 Etoile Sportive Du Sahel Altinordu FK 15 00 4 24 Real Madrid CF FC Spartak Moscow 17 45 4
25 Kashiwa Reysol Aspire Academy 15 00 5 ORGANIZERS STRATEGIC PARTNER PLATINUM SPONSORS GOLD SPONSOR OFFICIAL PARTNERS 26 17 45 5
ORGANIZERS STRATEGIC PARTNER PLATINUM SPONSORS GOLD SPONSOR OFFICIAL PARTNERS
OFFICIAL MEDICAL PARTNER OFFICIAL SPORTSWEAR PARTNER OFFICIAL CARRIER OFFICIAL HOTELS OFFICIAL TRAVEL AGENCY OFFICIAL WATER PARTNER BRANDING PARTNER OFFICIAL TRANSPORTATION PARTNER
OFFICIAL MEDICAL PARTNER OFFICIAL SPORTSWEAR PARTNER OFFICIAL CARRIER OFFICIAL HOTELS OFFICIAL TRAVEL AGENCY OFFICIAL WATER PARTNER BRANDING PARTNER OFFICIAL TRANSPORTATION PARTNER Al Kass International Cup