Al Sadd teammates hail Xavi after two-goal effort in AFC Champions League PAGE 18 THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019 Mumbai Indians beat Kings XI by three wickets despite Rahul’s ton PAGE 19 UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE ARSENAL VS NAPOLI HH THE AMIR GRACES ARABIAN CAMEL RACING FESTIVAL The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani presented the prizes to the winners at the end of the annual Arabian Camel Racing Festival for the 2018-2019 season which was held at the Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack on Wednesday. His Highness also honored the sponsors of the festival. The competition was attended by a number of dignitaries and senior officials from Arab countries besides camel race enthusiasts. 31st meeting of GCC Zanetti praises Qatar’s Olympic Committees concludes in Muscat TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK presidents and representatives preparations for 2022 DOHA of the GCC Olympic Commit- tees for congratulating Qatar THE 31st meeting of the Council on winning the 2019 AFC Asian The Inter Milan icon says Qatar’s ‘cutting-edge’ technology will bring an innovative experience of Presidents of GCC National Cup. Olympic Committees was held Another decision of the in Muscat, Oman on Tuesday. meeting was the formation of The meeting was attended a team including the Oman by Jassim bin Rashed al Bue- Olympic Committee and Kuwait nain, Secretary- General of Olympic Committee to prepare the Qatar Olympic Committee a vision draft of joint sport co- (QOC). operation in the GCC countries. The meeting approved the On international cooperation, formation of the GCC Dispute the GCC meeting emphasised Resolution Authority to be the continuation of cooperation based in Bahrain. The Author- in the field of sport between the ity’s board of directors will in- GCC and both Jordan, and Mo- clude secretaries- general of the rocco. GCC Olympic Committees, ex- Also in Muscat, Qatar par- ecutive director of the authority ticipated in the 32nd meeting and representative of the GCC of the Gulf Cooperation Council Secretariat- General. (GCC) Committee of Ministers The meeting, chaired by of Youth and Sports. Sheikh Saif bin Hilal al Hosni, Minister of Culture and Acting Chairman of Oman Sports Salah bin Ghanim al Ali Olympic Committee, also con- led Qatar’s delegation to the gratulated Qatar on winning the meeting. title of 2019 AFC Asian Cup held The meeting discussed the in the United Arab Emirates. final communique of the 39th The QOC Secretary -Gen- session of the GCC supreme eral Jassim al Buenain thanked council, and 31st meeting of the officials of the Oman Olym- the GCC ministers of youth and pic Committee for hosting the sports as well as the recommen- meeting and for their efforts to dations of the 35th meeting of strengthen the GCC joint action. the GCC youth and sports un- Argentina and Inter Milan of Italy legend Javier Zanetti during his visit to the Qatar 2022 Legacy Pavilion in Doha. Buenain also thanked the dersecretaries. SC.QA “All of the new stadiums over three years’ time. The for the World Cup.” DOHA and all of the cutting-edge Maroons recently shocked the As for the future of Argen- technology being used will football world by winning the tine football, Zanetti is hoping ARGENTINA and Inter Milan definitely bring an innovative AFC Asian Cup thanks to a a new generation of players can legend Javier Zanetti expects feel to it. The fact that it’s the stunning run which included help bring back the glory days. Qatar to host a ‘cutting-edge’ first World Cup being held in victories over three countries The two-time World Cup win- FIFA World Cup in 2022. the Middle East means it will which qualified for last sum- ners were eliminated by even- Zanetti, currently a Vice- be a big test, but I think Qatar mer’s World Cup in Russia, tual champions France in the President for Inter, was in will be ready.” namely Saudi Arabia, Korea last 16 stage in Russia. Doha recently to attend a Zanetti, who won 143 caps Republic and Japan. “We didn’t have a good sports diplomacy workshop or- for Argentina and played at Next up for Qatar is the World Cup last time out,” ganised by the Josoor Institute. both the 1998 and 2002 World Qatar ready! Copa America in Brazil, which said Zanetti. “Now we have a During his time in Doha, Zan- Cups, was particularly im- kicks off in June. Along with new generation and I’m sure etti visited the Qatar 2022 Leg- pressed with Qatar’s stadiums. All of the new stadiums and all Japan, Qatar have been afford- Argentina will play its part acy Pavilion, which showcases Seven venues have been built of the cutting-edge technology ed a special invitation to take (in 2022). The side will do Council of Presidents of GCC National Olympic Committees during a preparations for the tourna- from scratch, while Khalifa In- being used will definitely bring part in the tournament and everything to prepare for the meeting in Muscat. ment, including the stadiums ternational Stadium was rede- an innovative feel to it. The have been drawn in a group World Cup because everyone and legacy programmes. veloped before being inaugu- fact that it’s the first World containing Argentina, Colom- in Argentina has very high ex- Zanetti, who combines his rated in 2017. Later this year, Cup being held in the Middle bia and Paraguay. For Qatar pectations for it.” Formula One role at Inter with membership Khalifa will host the World East means it will be a big it’s another chance to face top- And as for star man Lionel of the Organising Committee Athletics Championships. test, but I think Qatar will be class opposition – and Zanetti Messi, Zanetti is hopeful the for FIFA Competitions, praised Zanetti, who won 17 major ready. says Argentina will not be tak- man regarded by many as the Vettel is underestimated, says Ecclestone Qatar’s preparations for the honours during his illustrious ing them lightly. best player in the world will FIFA World Cup, which will career, said: “All the new sta- Javier Zanetti “We have great respect for play his part for Argentina SEBASTIAN Vettel can bounce back from a difficult start to the season kick off on November 21, 2022. diums are state-of-the-art and the Qatar national team,” said during Qatar 2022 – and be- and go on to win many more titles, former Formula One boss Bernie “I’ve been very impressed will ensure the World Cup will World Cup is. I think the de- Zanetti. yond. “Let’s hope it’s not his Ecclestone said on Wednesday. The German, who won the F1 title four – I think Qatar will be ready be a success. I was very im- signs are wonderful.” “I think the fact that they’ve last World Cup. The most im- times with Red Bull, has struggled for consistency since moving to Fer- for the World Cup,” said Zan- pressed because the stadiums While matters continue been invited to take part in the portant thing is that Leo Messi rari in 2015. “Formula One needs a Sebastian who wins,” the 88-year- etti, who made 615 Serie A ap- will make it very comfortable apace off the pitch, Qatar con- Copa America is a chance for gets to Qatar in the best shape old said in an interview with Sport Bild and Auto Bild Motorsport. pearances for Inter – a record for the fans. They’ll be able to tinues to prepare its players them to develop. It will be a possible and can help Argen- “People underestimate Sebastian,” the Briton added. (DPA) for a foreign player. enjoy the huge event that the to face the world’s best in just great preparatory experience tina to win it – why not?” 18 Thursday, April 11, 2019 Sports L’pool on course for CL Ismaeil hails exemplary Xavi semis; Spurs shock City after ACL heroics AFC Sadd rebounded with a Full steam TASHKENT 1-0 victory over Persepolis ahead! thanks to Baghdad Bouned- HAMID Ismaeil has sung jah’s last-gasp goal as they the praises of Xavi Hernan- breathed new life into their First half goals from dez after the Al Sadd captain campaign. Naby Keita and Roberto scored twice in an entertain- Since that game in Firmino gave Liverpool a ing 2-2 draw against Pakhta- mid-March, the Doha side solid advantage in the kor in Group D of the 2019 have welcomed back their AFC Champions League on inspirational skipper and quarter-final first leg with Tuesday. wrapped up their first Qa- Porto and Juergen Making his first appear- tar Stars League title since Klopp’s side will feel ance in this year’s compe- 2013. confident going into the tition after a lengthy in- But Tashkent is widely April 17 return. jury lay-off, the Spanish regarded as a tough place to midfielder opened the scor- visit and unbeaten Pakhta- ing in the sixth minute at kor have returned to the AFC than them.” Pakhtakor Stadium with a Champions League boasting Pep Guardiola’s men had sweetly struck curling effort a squad brimming with Uz- been gifted an early chance from the edge of the area. bek internationals that has when Danny Rose, after a video Then, after the Uzbek captured the imagination of review, was penalized for han- side levelled through Khoji- the local support, with more dling Raheem Sterling’s shot. akbar Alijonov’s rocket from than 32,000 turning out on Aguero stepped up but his poor distance, the 2010 FIFA Tuesday.