CCHAMPIONHAMPIONS LLEAGUEEAGUE | Page 2 GGULFULF CUPCUP | Page 7 Klopp relaxed Holders over Salah’s hope to ride fi tness ahead of momentum Napoli clash against Bahrain

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 Rabia I 30, 1441 AH GULF TIMES SPORT

FOOTBALL / Mabkhout hat-trick wins it for UAE Forward’s hat-trick enough as Yemen’s search for their first Arabian Gulf Cup victory continues

By Sports Reporter superior goal diff erence after the as Yemen had nothing much to latter beat 2-1. show for. The 29-year-old forward Yemen had a chance in the scored in the 21st, the 38th and 59th minute when Abdulwasea AE’s the 55th minute of the game for al-Matari found some space scored the first hat- the three-time champions. along the right side in the UAE trick of the 24th Ara- Mabkhout was the hero of box and drove hard at the goal- bian Gulf Cup as his UAE’s come-from-behind 2-1 mouth only for defender Khalifa Uside defeated Yemen 3-0 in victory against Malaysia in their al-Hammadi to thwart with a their first Group A match at 2022 World Cup qualifi cation sliding effort. Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium campaign opener, which was also Yemen has never won a game yesterday. coach Bert van Marwijk’s fi rst in seven previous appearances UAE’s all-time leading goal- match in charge, in September. in the tournament and last beat scorer, Mabkhout, who plays Mabkhout had netted both the the UAE in a 2006 World Cup for Pro-League club Al-Jazira, goals for his side. qualifi cation game in September led the charge as he scored in Yemen’s Ahmed al-Hifi , who 2004. each half of the game to give his plays in QNB Stars League for Van Marwijk side will face youthful side three easy points to Al Kharaitiyat, received a yellow in their second game on Novem- start with. card in the 67th minute. ber 29 and lock horns with hosts The Whites are at par with Iraq UAE dominated their rivals Qatar in their fi nal game on De- UAE’s Ali Mabkhout (second from right) celebrates his goal with his teammates during the Arabian Gulf Cup match against Yemen at Abdullah on points, but lead Group A on in all departments of the game cember 2. Bin Khalifa Stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, November 27, 2019 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Batshuayi seeks central role for Chelsea Klopp relaxed over his struggles have led to specu- AFP London lation that he might be in line for a move in the January transfer window. ichy Batshuayi can But the Belgian recently de- boast an impressive clared his “love” for the Premier goalscoring record. League club despite his frustra- But the forward is tions. Salah’s fi tness ahead Mfi nding it tough to convince “I don’t know why, because I Chelsea boss Frank Lampard have never been a full-fl edged that he deserves a place in his starter, but Chelsea is my club, ‘We know in the long starting line-up. that’s where I feel at home,” he The Belgium international told Belgian broadcaster RTBF. term what we have to has netted eight goals for club “It’s a club I love deeply.” and country this season but has The forward made 20 Premier do, we know that’s all set’ not been trusted to start a single League appearances for Chelsea of Napoli clash game in the Premier League or during his fi rst full season with the Champions League. them, scoring fi ve league goals. Today, Chelsea travel to play But he started just once match. Valencia, where Batshuayi spent His late winner against West a few months on loan from Brom towards the end of that August 2018 to January 2019, season clinched the Premier though he only found the net League title but he was again on three times during his time in the periphery during the follow- Spain. ing campaign and was shipped Chelsea will be through to the out on loan to Dortmund in Jan- Champions League knockout uary 2018. phase if they win but Batshuayi LOAN SPELLS will be lucky to feature from the More loan spells followed, in- start. cluding a productive stint last Nicknamed ‘Batsman’ due to year at Palace before he returned his name and love of the super- to Chelsea for the start of this hero Batman, he joined Chelsea season, hoping to catch the eye for around £33mn ($43mn) from of the new manager. French side Marseille in 2016 as Batshuayi has played 12 times then-manager Antonio Conte’s for Chelsea this season and has fi rst signing, with a reputation scored fi ve times, including a as a sharp fi nisher. goal against Manchester United But from the start he has been in the League Cup and the win- forced to play second fi ddle at ner in the Champions League Stamford Bridge to forwards match away to Ajax. such as Diego Costa and Alvaro He has also scored three times Morata. for Belgium, twice against San The 26-year-old has been Marino in a 4-0 win and once farmed out on loan to Borussia against Kazakhstan. Dortmund, Valencia and Crys- After the Kazakhstan match tal Palace over the past couple Belgium manager Roberto Mar- of years after being deemed him tinez hinted the forward should surplus to requirements. fi nd a new club if he did not get The departure of Eden Haz- more opportunities at Stamford ard in June depleted Chelsea’s Bridge. forward resources, seemingly “He doesn’t play enough at opening the door to Batshuayi, Chelsea,” the ex-Everton boss but now he fi nds himself behind told Belgian newspaper Het 22-year-old England striker Nieuwsblad. “I think that’s a Tammy Abraham in the pecking shame, even though he scores a order. lot with the national team. Despite Batshuayi’s eye for “I hope he plays more, be- a goal, Lampard appears to see cause we really need him.... But him as more of an impact sub- then he has to play. Otherwise a stitute rather than a starter and solution must be found.”

Liverpool’s English midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain attends a training session at Melwood in Liverpool, north west England, yesterday. (AFP)

AFP press conference yesterday. “I’m Cup, mean Liverpool have been “We know in the long term son but are currently seventh in Liverpool not worried about it.” forced to play two games with- what we have to do, we know Serie A. “The biggest mistake we Klopp also provided an update in 24 hours of each other, over that’s all set. The athletic part could make is that we have won on the fi tness of defender Joel 4,000 miles (6,400 kilometres) of the sessions, we try to adapt it already and what would hap- iverpool manager Jur- Matip, who has been sidelined apart in mid-December. to the specifi c situation of the pen if we win it,” Klopp said. gen Klopp says he has no with a knee injury. “We have plans for every- players. The tactical things de- “These things are not in our concerns about Moham- “Joel is improving but is some thing, as you can imagine, and pend on the games we play.” mind. Of course we try to win ed Salah’s fi tness ahead time away. There will be a scan we change them constantly. I Victory over Carlo Ancelotti’s the game, it would be massive Lof their Champions League clash this week and then we will see have two smartphones and when side on Wednesday would en- for us after the start we had. Na- with Napoli. how it is.” one of them is ringing it is really sure defending champions Liv- poli are a dangerous opponent. Salah was an unused substi- Klopp said he had plans to rare it is good news,” said Klopp. erpool fi nish top of Group E with “There are two weeks between tute in the 2-1 win at Crystal cope with Liverpool’s fi xture “You only get the messages a game to spare but Klopp said he tomorrow night and the Salz- Palace on Saturday after missing pile-up over the next few weeks. when a player is not fi ne, so could not aff ord to look past the burg game (fi nal match of the training with an ankle problem. Their involvement in the FIFA then we have to make new plans match. group) and we have three games “Mo Salah looks really good,” Club World Cup in Qatar, plus and we don’t know exactly how Napoli are the only side to in between. Why should I think Klopp said at his pre-match their progress in the League many players we’ll have to train. have beaten Liverpool this sea- about the Salzburg game now?”

COMMENT Chelsea’s Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi (left) joins teammates at a training session at Chelsea’s Cobham training facility in Stoke Barcelona being asked to give a D’Abernon, southwest of London, yesterday. (AFP) Napoli back at fateful Anfi eld masterclass in every game: Valverde amid internal strife Potentially devastating internal the post. Ignoring the good Reuters ball masterclass in every game tension hangs over Napoli when showing, club president Aurelio Barcelona and sometimes we are not able they visit holders Liverpool De Laurentiis ordered a retreat to.” tomorrow, a year after a narrow at the training camp but faced Valverde, who has a knack and bitter elimination in the mutiny three days later with the arcelona coach Ernesto of keeping his cool in the face group stage of the Champions squad going home after drawing Valverde knows his side of pressure, advised his play- League. A 1-0 defeat at Anfield 1-1 against visiting Salzburg. can play better than in ers to not get too bogged down ousted the Neapolitans last Die-hard fans, who have never their last few matches by what they have been doing December in the closing group been tender with the ebullient Bbut urged them not to lose per- wrong. match — the Reds went through president, seemed to side with spective when they host Borus- “We could also focus on the on the basis of having scored him as they displayed banners sia Dortmund tomorrow with a good things we are doing, like more goals than Napoli, having outside the San Paolo stadium chance to qualify for the last 16 the fact we managed to come tied on points behind group saying: “You have chosen a bad of the Champions League. from behind and win a very dif- winners Paris Saint-Germain. path. Respect the shirt and who The Catalans are top of La fi cult game the other day,” he Napoli found revenge by pays for it.” The owner’s son Liga and also lead Group F, said. “We showed a good at- defeating the visiting English Edoardo, who is the club vice which also contains Inter Mi- titude and never lost control of 2-0 at the start of the current president, last week interrupted lan and Slavia Prague, but have the game, we should appreciate campaign, with Dries Mertens a media blackout when he said produced a series of under- that. I understand that there converting a late penalty and that footballers should obey whelming displays recently is a tendency to stick the knife Fernando Llorente coming on orders from their employer. which have brought serious in at every opportunity but we to pounce amid a stuttering “It takes respect,” he said. “The criticism. should look on the bright side defence in added time. footballers are still workers, Their last Champions League so that we don’t lose our heads.” They are now one point behind employees, even if they earn 3 or match was a dire goalless draw Valverde’s side will seal their nine-point leaders Liverpool, with 4 millions a year (in euros).” at home to Slavia Prague, while place in the knockout stages RB Salzburg third on four, and This week the club has launched they needed a freak, late goal as group winners if they beat will play the last game at home a two-pronged attack on its from Arturo Vidal to over- Dortmund, who are second in to backmarkers Genk. Even as players, cutting October pay, come La Liga’s basement club the standings on seven points progress in the competition which has reportedly been Leganes 2-1 last weekend. and would advance to the last 16 seems likely, the reminder of frozen, by 25 percent, and “Here at Barca there is always with victory at the Camp Nou. the Neapolitans’ season could pressing charges for image turbulence and there always “The good thing is that you be a nightmare, with things far damages. The Naples-born will be, if people aren’t com- always have another game to from rosy in domestic action and captain Lorenzo Insigne, who plaining about one thing then look forward to and now we’re morale threatened by serious is out with injury at Anfield, they are complaining about playing Dortmund, we will try self-inflicted damages. and Brazil midfielder Allan another,” he told a news confer- to win and make our fans happy Trouble erupted after a 2-1 defeat reportedly could have their pay ence. “We have just won a game again,” added the coach. at Roma in early November, halved as they are said to have in which we suff ered a lot and “We’re in a strong position when the squad had a lively had an altercation with the vice was an uphill struggle for us but and we want to take advantage performance, with nine scoring president after the Salzburg we won it. The problem is that of that, and we are also a very Barcelona’s Spanish coach Ernesto Valverde holds a press conference at the Joan Gamper Sports City chances and two shots off match. DPA here we are asked to give a foot- good team at home.” training ground in Sant Joan Despi, yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Wednesday, November 27, 2019 3 SPORT

F1 FOOTBALL Richards believes Euro 2020 might be Vettel says if you’re too soon for England good enough, you’re still young enough Vettel is contracted until 2020 and will need to prove himself once more

File photo of Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel. (AFP)

File photo of Micah Richards. (Twitter)

Reuters “It seems as though there’s a Mumbai happy camp there,” he added. “A lot of people seem to be enjoying the football again, and it’s show- ngland’s impressive ing on the pitch.” qualifying campaign for Richards, who was England’s the European Cham- youngest-ever defender when pionship has sent fans’ he made his debut at the age of expectationsE soaring but former 18, said the current side would defender Micah Richards says be a force to be reckoned with in the side may not be the fi nished the next few years. article when the tournament “If you look at the team now, comes around next year. maybe not this competition, but Gareth Southgate’s squad se- like next World Cup or next Eu- cured their place at next year’s ros a lot of people will be in their fi nals in emphatic fashion with peak as well,” said Richards. seven victories from eight “Maybe this time has just games, scoring 37 goals and con- come a little bit too soon. But in ceding only six. terms of next World Cup, next England have never won the Euros, if you can keep this group tournament, coming closest together... injuries and what not, when they lost to Germany in good form... I feel like a really the semi-fi nals on home soil in good chance.” 1996, and Richards said it was The Euro 2020 fi nals will be high time they made an impres- played in 12 nations with the sion. semi-fi nals and fi nal to be held “We don’t just want to be at Wembley Stadium, and with talking about qualifi cation, it’d England reaching the semi- be nice if we could get to a mini- fi nals at last year’s World Cup mum semi-fi nal in the Euros,” he they will have a target on their told Reuters in an interview. backs, said Richards. The former Manchester City “They did well in the World defender said the squad had Cup. Sometimes it could be good gone through a transition period to be underdogs though,” said with youngsters coming through Richards, who was in India for but that everyone seemed to be Manchester City’s global trophy DPA Prix remaining in the season. ising test phase and mid-season ingly being lived ever quicker, Vet- like me, you think ahead and won- on the same page as Southgate. tour. Berlin And with Red Bull’s Max Ver- rally, they were well beaten again. tel is relaxed about the transience der what could come then. stappen also widely tipped as a And now aged 32, Vettel fi nds him- of fame and success. “In a world “I fi nd it important to make future champion, is he concerned self outscored by the 22-year-old where everything is as fast-paced thoughts early,” he said. “I don’t MOTOGP our-time Formula One he could become a discontinued Leclerc 249 points to 230. Vettel as it is today, both things go very think it’s good if you quit some- world champion Sebas- model? “No. Defi nitely not,” Vettel has won once, Leclerc twice, and fast,” he said. On one hand, this is thing that was so life-defi ning and tian Vettel has not added told DPA in an interview conducted the younger driver has also claimed a “pleasure because what I do is then have no plan how it should go to his title collection in at the Brazilian Grand Prix. “I think more pole positions this term. go fast, drive fast. Outside of the on.” The perfect time to call it a day Zarco backtracks on fiF ve years with Ferrari — but de- age is not so decisive and important Vettel is contracted until 2020 car it is more of a horror. “There would be when “you can decide for spite younger competition from with us as in some other sports.” In and will need to prove himself once are many things I cannot get be- yourself ‘I quit’,” said Vettel. “That inside the team and out, he is not general the old adage applies, ac- more. But regardless of what hap- hind. I can, for example, not be also means that you are comfort- Ducati-Avintia opinion yet ready to step back from the cording to Vettel: “If you are good pens, he does not regret his move happy when judgements are made able with the decision and can say fray. enough, you’re still young enough. from Red Bull to the Scuderia. “If so quickly or things are so quickly ‘now it was enough’. Vettel has duelled, unsuccess- And turned round — if you are someone pursues their job with forgotten.” Vettel is not ready to “Not perfect is the time when it to join them for 2020 fully, with Lewis Hamilton of Mer- are good enough, you are not too passion then it is exactly like the be forgotten just yet but admitted is dictated from the outside. For me cedes in the last three seasons but young.” Vettel started the season as last fi ve years for me,” he said. “I while he does not have “concrete” it is clear: if I stop once, then I will AFP there, it would be better to go back could now fi nish behind his own number one driver at Ferrari, who defi nitely do not have the feeling thoughts on retirements, “it is stop and will not come back. You Paris to Moto2.” teammate, Charles Leclerc, with were looking to end Mercedes’ run that I’ve been robbed of the fi ve normal that at a moment in time simply have to be happy and be able However, the 29-year-old now just Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand of dominance. But despite a prom- years.” With life off the track seem- of your career, after 12 years [in F1] to say ‘that was it’.” appears to have changed his mind, rench rider Johann Zarco partly because other options have appears to have made a closed, notably a switch to Repsol TENNIS dramatic u-turn on his Honda to take over the seat vacated Fopinion of Ducati-Avintia by Jorge Lorenzo who has retired. and is set to join the Spanish team That opening now looks to have for the 2020 MotoGP season, a closed with Moto2 champion Alex source close to the talks told AFP. Marquez set to join up with his He would replace the Czech rider brother and six-time world cham- No more hip worries ahead Karel Abraham who was axed at the pion Marc Marquez. weekend, midway through a two- Zarco, who joined MotoGP in year deal. 2017 after two successive Moto2 If the deal goes through Zarco championship titles, struggled this will team up with the Spaniard Tito year, leaving KTM in September. of new season: Murray Rabat. Honda-LCR drafted him in as a Reuters During the last GP in Valencia temporary replacement for the in- London earlier this month, Zarco dismissed jured Takaaki Nakagami but he fi n- any idea of making the move. ished the season with just 30 points “Avintia is not a top team,” he down in 18th place in the champi- ormer world tennis number one Andy Murray said Great Britain’s Andy Murray serves the ball said. “It would be a mistake to go onship. he can fi nally play without worrying about his hip to Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor during following career-saving surgery in January, but ex- their singles match at the Davis Cup Finals pects next year’s Australian Open to be the biggest in Madrid on November 20. (AFP) testF of his progress. Southampton appoint former academy The 32-year-old looked on the verge of ending his career coach Crocker as director of football at the start of the year but returned to singles action on the ATP Tour in August following resurfacing surgery, and won outhampton have way into the first team,” Saints his fi rst trophy since 2017 beating Stan Wawrinka in Ant- appointed the FA’s CEO Martin Semmens said in a werp last month. head of development statement. Having played only one match in Britain’s run to the last- team coaching Matt “For our club to be successful four of the Davis Cup Finals in Spain last week due to a groin CrockerS as their new direc- going into the next decade, issue, Murray is hoping to build up his fi tness ahead of the tor of football operations who within an increasingly fi rst Grand Slam of 2020. will take charge in early 2020, competitive Premier League, “I know I’ll be able to compete in major tournaments the Premier League club said we must seek to strengthen without having to worry about it,” Murray told reporters yesterday. Crocker served as our pathway and further ahead of a documentary release on his injury problems in Southampton’s academy boss develop every detail of our the last year. between 2006 and 2013 before football operation. “Matt was “I’ve played three-set matches and some long ones re- working with Dan Ashworth and the outstanding candidate in cently, but the best of fi ve is an extra hour, hour-and-a-half England manager Gareth South- Europe for this role, head and on top of that so I’ll fi nd out in Australia. gate in implementing a coach- shoulders above anyone else, as “At the beginning, you’re thinking about it (hip) after ing philosophy for the national he brings deep experience and every movement you make and that’s not a good way to go youth teams. Ashworth resigned knowledge to the club, but also into competing but now I’m not thinking about it when I’m from the FA last year and took a history with The Southampton playing.” up a role as Brighton & Hove Way.” Crocker, who also worked Three-times Grand Slam champion Murray is also sched- Albion’s technical director and at Cardiff City as an academy uled to play in the inaugural ATP Cup in Australia starting Crocker will now follow a similar manager between 1999 and Jan. 3. “I was asked what would be success in Australia and I path. “The Southampton way is 2005, is set to take the role don’t know how I’ll perform,” Murray added. at the very core of everything vacated by Ross Wilson after his “I’m not expecting to win the tournament (Australian we do here at the club, with a move to Scottish club Rangers Open) but if I can play a fi ve-set match and get through and strong focus on our player path- last month. At Southampton, have no ill eff ects on the hip... that’s success.” Gulf Times 4 Wedensday, November 27, 2019 SPORT

FOCUS Call for 4-year sports ban over doping shocks Russia AFP tions” against Russia for “fl a- the latest chapter in a saga that able to prove they are not im- ‘SHAMED COUNTRY’ Yet some said Russia had only was “neither complete nor fully Moscow grant” manipulation of the dop- began in 2015 when an inde- plicated in the doping scandal, a Russian sports stars and of- itself to blame. authentic”. ing data. pendent WADA commission position welcomed by the IOC in fi cials reacted with dismay and “We failed to draw conclu- Ganus said Russia urgently The recommendation is set investigating allegations of Rus- it’s statement. indignation. “The news is simply sions from the last Olympics,” needed new sports management ussia’s anti-doping to go before WADA’s Executive sian doping during the 2014 Russian Sports Minister Pavel shocking,” said Varvara Baryshe- renowned skating coach Tatiana and called on President Putin to chief said yesterday he Committee at a meeting in Paris Winter Olympics in Sochi said Kolobkov complained the coun- va, executive director of the Rus- Tarasova told Sport24 news site. intervene. expected the country on December 9. it had found evidence of a vast try’s “point of view was not sian Speed Skating Union, She said offi cials involved in “Honestly, I am waiting for to be barred from all Asked if he expected the rec- state-sponsored system stretch- heard” by WADA, while Foreign Former Olympic champion the scandal “left for top jobs” the president to take an active sportingR competition for four ommendation to be upheld, the ing back years. Minister Sergei Lavrov said fi gure skater Alexei Yagudin told and called for a full investigation part in this,” Ganus said. years, after a bombshell recom- chief of Russia’s anti-doping Russian track and fi eld ath- the ban recommendation was RIA Novosti he hoped WADA into how data was “planted.” “We need to push through real mendation from the World An- agency RUSADA, Yury Ganus, letes were barred from compet- part of a campaign to put Russia would change its mind, saying: changes,” he added. “We need ti-Doping Agency that shocked told AFP: “That’s the reality.” ing at the Rio Olympics in 2016 “on the defensive, as the accused “World sport without Russia is CALL FOR PUTIN TO ACT new sports leaders.” Russia. “We are plunging, for the next although Russians were allowed party”, Russian news agencies nothing.” The ban proposal came after The ban would be a huge WADA’s Compliance Review four years, into a new phase of to take part in other events. reported. Pole vault star Yelena Isin- WADA investigators examined blow to the Kremlin chief who Committee recommended the Russia’s doping crisis,” Ganus The ban was widened to in- Russia’s Saint Petersburg is bayeva, who has been sharply data handed over in January has staked Russia’s prestige and ban on Monday, accusing Mos- said, pointing out that the ban clude all events at the 2018 one of the host cities for the Euro critical of WADA, told RIA Nov- from Russia’s doping-tainted his own reputation on sporting cow of falsifying laboratory data would aff ect Russian athletes at Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, 2020 football tournament but osti: “I don’t have any illusions Moscow laboratory. achievements. Russia pulled out handed over to investigators. the 2020 Summer Olympics in though Russian competitors this would not fall under the ban about a positive outcome.” Full disclosure of the data all the stops to host the football It recommended Russia also Tokyo and 2022 Winter Olym- who could prove they were above because it is not a world champi- Former Soviet hockey star was a key condition of Russia’s World Cup in 2018 as well as the face a four-year ban from stag- pics in Beijing. suspicion were able to compete onship, a WADA source told AFP Viacheslav “Slava” Fetisov said controversial reinstatement by Sochi Winter Games in 2014. ing or bidding for major interna- “The most diffi cult and tragic as neutrals under the Olympic yesterday. he saw little hope of reprieve WADA in September 2018. If the sanctions are approved tional sporting events. thing is that our athletes have fl ag. President Vladimir Putin was as “Russia is the most shamed But WADA said in its state- by WADA’s Executive Commit- The International Olympic become hostages of the actions Under the proposed new ban, set to meet the UEFA chief Ale- country in the history of world ment on Monday that the data, tee, Russia can appeal the deci- Committee said in a statement of our sports offi cials,” he said. individual Russian athletes ksander Ceferin in Saint Peters- sport” in comments to TASS which had been in the hands of sion at the Court of Arbitration it supported the “toughest sanc- The proposed sanctions are could still compete if they were burg today. news agency. Russian criminal investigators, for Sport.

CRICKET PREVIEW WI not daunted by Afghanistan ahead England support of one-off Test

AFP “I think there’s a lot of Lucknow changes in this team com- pared to the white-ball team,” he said. fghanistan will be a “And I think that’s their for- Archer aft er racist tough opponent but mat – their format is T20 and the West Indies hope they’ve done well over the last to capitalise on their two, three years in T20 cricket lackA of experience at the Test so they were always going to match level, coach Phil Sim- fi ght back in that one. mons said yesterday as they “I think this one – they’ve prepared to meet for a one-off had three Test matches. Test match. They’ve done well... but it’s abuse in N. Zealand Afghanistan – which ob- still a learning stage for them tained Test status in 2017 – and hopefully we can capital- ‘It’s a shame that sort of thing is still in society’ lost their fi rst match against ise on that.” India but claimed their maid- Simmons would not be AFP en victory in March when they drawn on whether he would Wellington beat fellow newcomer Ireland opt for a more spin-heavy at- before defeating Bangladesh tack to take advantage of the at home in September. conditions in Lucknow, say- ngland players will rally Most recently, they clinched ing he was still monitoring the around an “emotional” a 2-1 T20 series win over the wicket. Jofra Archer after the West Indies after being swept “I’ve got to have a look at paceman was racially in the preceding ODIs 3-0. the wicket again today and abusedE by a spectator in New “They are going to be very maybe tomorrow morning and Zealand, director of cricket Ash- diffi cult because they are in see what it looks like before we ley Giles said yesterday, as local their home ground. The wick- decide what the fi nal bowling offi cials scoured CCTV footage et’s going to turn,” Simmons attack would be like,” Sim- to identify the culprit. told reporters ahead of today’s mons added. “It’s a shame that sort of thing Test match in the northern In- Afghanistan, who cannot is still in society,” Giles told re- dian city of Lucknow, where play in their home country porters after Archer was sub- Afghanistan are playing home because of security issues, jected to racist comments after matches. played their fi rst international being dismissed late on day fi ve When asked about the game in Lucknow against the of the opening Test in Mount team’s mood after the T20 de- West Indies in early November Maunganui. feat, Simmons said he expect- after moving away from De- The Barbados-born bowler ed the situation to be diff erent hradun due to the lack of good tweeted after the match that it in the longer Test format. hotels. was “a bit disturbing hearing ra- cial insults today whilst battling to help save my team”. SPOTLIGHT The 24-year-old later told ES- PNcricinfo that the abuser was a solitary New Zealand spectator making comments “about the S. African franchise colour of my skin”. Archer has been a powerful advocate for diversity in cricket boss defends and Giles, when asked how the player was faring, replied: “The tweet, it was obviously emo- ‘sensitive’ Gayle tional, it hurts. “We fully support Jof, there is AFP no place for racism in the game... Johannesburg you know what our team is like, they’ll rally round him.” The incident has overshad- he chief executive of owed the result of the fi rst Test the Jozi Stars fran- ever played at Mount Maun- chise in South Africa ganui’s Bay Oval, which New rode to the defence of Zealand won by an innings and Tunderfi re Chris Gayle yes- 65 runs. terday, describing the West Black Caps captain Kane Wil- Indian batsman as “sensitive”. liamson described the taunt as “It’s a horrifi c thing. In a David White apologised to Arch- players are, in particular when New Zealand and England are The 40-year-old Gayle “horrifi c”, while New Zealand country and a setting where it er. White ordered extra security they’re coming on and off the working together to investigate waved goodbye to South Af- Cricket said the culprit would be is very much multi-cultural,” he to ensure there was no repeat at fi eld, but it’s quite diffi cult when the incident and Black Caps rica’s Mzansi Super League on form he really takes it to heart. reported to the police and face told news website stuff .co.nz. the second Test beginning Friday players are on the boundary,” he coach Gary Stead said he wanted Monday with a stormy press He’s certainly no burden on our a life ban if identifi ed from the “It’s something we need to put in Hamilton and called on spec- told Newstalk ZB. the person responsible caught. conference in which he com- side.” In his farewell press con- venue’s CCTV footage. to bed quickly and hope nothing tators to “self-police” unaccept- “I’d like to think there’s a bit “Hopefully, it was just one plained “I don’t get respect”. ference, Gayle had also taken a Williamson said such racism like that ever happens again.” able behaviour. of self-policing going on as well, idiot in the crowd and they It marked the end of a piti- swipe at the way the Stars had was “against everything that we Both Williamson and New “We’ll be increasing secu- we shouldn’t be accepting this deal with it,” he told Radio New ful campaign for the former performed, hinting at off -fi eld as Kiwis are about”. Zealand Cricket chief executive rity around the areas where the kind of behaviour in our society.” Zealand. West Indies captain whose problems. “This is not a cham- Johannesburg-based team, the pion team,” he complained. defending champions in the “That is not how defending Twenty20 championship, have champions should play.” Smith to be more disciplined yet to win a game in the current Responding to Gayle’s as- against Pakistan’s Yasir campaign. Gayle scored just sertion that the spirit in the 101 runs in six innings which dressing room was not the Australia batsman Steve Smith batsman but the 30-year-old said included a blistering 54 off 27 same as it had been in their says he is determined not to be dis- he was not concerned by Yasir’s deliveries in Monday’s defeat winning season, Leaf-Wright missed again by Pakistan spinner success against him. “A few of the by Tshwane Spartans. Jono said it might have been a man- Yasir Shah when the teams meet in times he’s got me out, I’ve been Leaf-Wright, chief executive management issue. “As man- the second test at Adelaide starting on a few runs and been slogging, of Central Gauteng Cricket ager last year I looked after on Friday. Smith added. “There’s been a cou- and the franchise, defended Chris personally,” said Leaf- Smith was bowled by Yasir for four ple of second innings ones where Gayle in an interview with The Wright. “Maybe he just hasn’t runs in the opening test in Brisbane I was playing some funky shots. Star newspaper. had the same attention and and the leg-spinner celebrated So I’m not too worried. “He bowled “In Chris’s head, he feels TLC that maybe I gave him last by holding up seven fingers to really well at the Gabba, got some that when he doesn’t perform, year because of my relation- signal the number of times he had good drift and a bit of a spin on a because there are such expec- ship with him.” claimed the wicket of the world’s wicket that wasn’t spinning much... tations, from the franchise, Gayle’s poor form and lack top-ranked test batsman. we’re going have to play him well the fans, that he’s the reason of mobility in the fi eld were “It gave me a bit more motivation this game (at Adelaide).” the team is not performing. highlighted by critics as the next game to not get out to him. Australia won the first test by an “I know Chris well, he seems West Indian failed to live up I’ll be a little bit more disciplined innings and five runs to take a 1-0 like he’s the big character, lots to his billing as one of the against him,” Smith told reporters lead in the two-match series. The of bravado, the swag and all competition’s “marquee” yesterday. Smith’s dismissal at the second test will be a day-night that stuff but he’s actually a players who are paid a re- Gabba marked a rare failure for the aff air. sensitive guy, and unfortu- ported 1.2-million rand (about nately, when he doesn’t per- $82,000) for a full season. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 27, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Jackson throws fi ve TD passes to lead Antetokounmpo Ravens over Rams

AFP to put Baltimore ahead 35-6. Los Angeles Willie Snead caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from Jackson early in the fourth altimore’s Lamar quarter that gave the Ravens leads Bucks victory, Jackson threw for 169 a 42-6 edge, the Ravens be- yards and fi ve touch- coming the fi rst NFL team this downs and ran for 95 season to reach the end zone yardsB Monday as the Ravens on their fi rst six possessions. beat the Los Angeles Rams Justin Tucker kicked a 34- 45-6 for a seventh consecu- yard fi eld goal to create the tive NFL triumph. fi nal margin. Jackson completed 15-of- In the fi rst half, Jackson was LeBron sparks Lakers 20 passes and carried eight 9-of-9 for 87 yards and three times in directing the NFL’s touchdowns passing and also ‘We want to be the last team playing at the end of the season’ highest-scoring off ensive unit ran for 80 yards. to a lopsided romp, the Ravens Jackson connected on a improving to 9-2 while the 7-yard touchdown to Snead Rams fell to 6-5. with 12 seconds remaining in With a potential Super Bowl the second quarter to give Bal- preview coming next week timore a 28-6 half-time lead. against San Francisco (10-1), Jackson fl ipped a 6-yard Jackson made it clear on the touchdown pass to Marquise fi eld and after the game that Brown as the Ravens seized the Ravens have champion- a 7-0 lead just 7:13 into the ship aspirations. contest. Jackson ran twice for “We’re chasing something 22 yards on the 55-yard march right now – Super Bowl,” as the Ravens scored an NFL- Jackson said. best seventh touchdown on “We’re hungry. We’re hum- opening drives this season. ble about it, but we’re hungry. Brown also caught an 18- We’ve got the 49ers coming yard touchdown toss over the up next week. That’s all we’re middle from Jackson to cap worried about.” Baltimore’s next drive for a It was only the second 14-0 edge. Greg Zuerlein’s 32- time in NFL history a player yard fi eld goal put the Rams on had thrown for fi ve touch- the scoreboard in the second downs and run for more than quarter. 90 yards, the other coming The Ravens responded with from Carolina’s Cam New- a 75-yard drive, capped by a ton against the New York Gi- 29-yard Jackson run to the ants in 2015. But Jackson was goal line and Ingram’s 1-yard spreading the praise among touchdown run, before a 46- his teammates. yard Zuerlein fi eld goal pulled “I just come out to play. I do the Rams within 21-6. what I’m supposed to do. I do Meanwhile the Denver my job,” Jackson said. Broncos selected quarter- “Our off ensive line did back Drew Lock in the second a tremendous job, receiv- round of the 2019 NFL Draft ers caught the ball, runners as the quarterback of the fu- ran the ball – everybody just ture. The future might arrive clicked.” on Sunday afternoon at The As a result, the Rams suf- Empower Field at Mile High fered their most lopsided loss stadium. ever at the Los Angeles Me- Coach Vic Fangio said in his morial Coliseum. news conference Monday that Jackson tossed a 7-yard it’s possible Lock could be ac- touchdown pass to Mark In- tivated this week from injured gram early in the third quarter reserve.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (left) shoots in front of San Antonio Spurs forward DeMarre Carroll during their NBA game. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP Antonio. “He was unbelievable,” Lakers held scoreless for the fi rst time in his ca- RESULTS Washington coach Frank Vogel said of James. “He just reer, the Cameroonian star missing all dominated the action, made everything 11 of his shots from the fl oor, four from Indiana 126-114 Memphis off ensively.” 3-point range, and three free throws. ilwaukee’s Giannis Antetok- The Lakers improved to an NBA-best Detroit 103-88 Orlando “I can’t have that type of production,” ounmpo and Los Angeles 15-2 to pace the Western Conference with Brooklyn 108-106 Cleveland Embiid said. “I never thought I would be Lakers star LeBron James de- Milwaukee atop the Eastern Conference at Toronto 101-96 Philadelphia talking about zero points in an NBA game livered exceptional scoring 14-3, the league’s second-best record. but it is what it is.” Meff orts as their conference-leading clubs “It’s good to be in the position we’re in,” Miami 117-100 Charlotte Cameroon forward Siakam and Van- stretched NBA win streaks to eight games James said. James made 13-of-24 shots Boston 103-102 Sacramento Vleet each scored fi ve points in a game- on Monday. from the fl oor, including 4-of-7 from Minnesota 125-113 Atlanta ending 10-0 run for Toronto. Jaylen Greek playmaker Antetokounmpo 3-point range, and his 12 in the fourth Brown scored 24 points and Jayson Tatum scored 50 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and quarter helped the Lakers improve to 7-1 Utah 122-118 Milwaukee added 20 as the Boston Celtics edged added six assists to rally the Bucks over on the road. “I just want to be able to not Portland 117-94 Chicago visiting Sacramento 103-102. Bogdan the visiting Utah Jazz 122-118. have any weaknesses and allow a defense Lakers 114-104 San Antonio Bogdanovic’s 3-pointer gave the Kings a The reigning NBA Most Valuable Play- to dictate what I do,” James said. “Just 102-101 edge but Boston’s Marcus Smart er’s run of 17 double-doubles to start a trying to be the most complete basketball Oklahoma 100-97 Golden State answered with a layup to create the fi nal season is the NBA’s longest since 1976. player I can be.” in the third quarter and made only 26. margin. “I’m just trying to get better,” said The Bucks are on their longest win Utah’s Donovan Mitchell was driving for The Kings, led by Buddy Hield’s 41 Antetokounmpo. “Take it day by day, streak since the 2001-02 season. “We’re a tying layup in the dying seconds but points, lost after Bogdanovic missed a game by game and just get myself ready just playing together and having fun,” An- Brook Lopez blocked the shot to preserve 3-point shot and Cory Joseph missed a in games that matter the most. We want tetokounmpo said. “Our defense has been Milwaukee’s victory. “It was a big-time last-second tip-in try. to be the last team playing at the end of really good lately.” block,” Antetokounmpo said. Miami matched Toronto and Boston the season.” Four-time NBA MVP James Antetokounmpo scored 32 points in Toronto’s Pascal Siakam had 25 points at 12-4 by defeating Charlotte 117-100. scored 33 points and passed off 14 as- the second half to spark a comeback for and seven rebounds and Fred VanVleet Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo each had Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Marquise Brown (left) and sists while Anthony Davis contributed 19 the Bucks and chants of “M-V-P” from added 24 points and eight assists in the 21 points for the Heat. Carmelo Anthony quarterback Lamar Jackson (right) celebrate their first quarter points and 12 rebounds to spark the NBA- Bucks fans. Utah led 57-48 at half-time Raptors’ 101-96 home victory over Phila- scored 25 points to lead the Portland Trail touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles leading Lakers in a 114-104 victory at San but surrendered 42 points to Milwaukee delphia. Sixers big man Joel Embiid was Blazers over host Chicago 117-94. Memorial Coliseum. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NHL Stars top Knights for record-tying 7th straight win Reuters 12:11 of the third. He backhanded in a re- Dallas RESULTS bound of a Klingberg shot from the slot. Ve- gas pulled Subban with 2:10 remaining but Columbus 1-0 Ottawa failed to convert on four shots on Bishop. lexander Radulov had two goals and Rangers 3-2 Minnesota an assist and John Klingberg had Philadelphia 2-1 Vancouver GIBSON, DUCKS SNAP ISLES’ TEAM- three assists as the Dallas Stars tied RECORD POINTS STREAK a franchise record with their sev- Pittsburgh 3-2 Calgary Ryan Getzlaf and Cam Fowler had a goal and enthA straight victory, 4-2 over the visiting Tampa Bay 5-2 Buff alo an assist apiece as the host Anaheim Ducks Vegas Golden Knights on Monday. Nashville 3-2 St. Louis ended the New York Islanders’ franchise- Esa Lindell and Jason Dickinson also record, 17-game point streak with a 3-0 vic- scored, and Tyler Sequin had two assists for Dallas 4-2 Las Vegas tory on Monday. Goalie John Gibson made 26 Dallas, which extended its point streak to 12 Anaheim 3-0 Islanders saves for the Ducks, who returned home from games (11-0-1) for the fi rst time since 2002- San Jose 4-3 Los Angeles a four-game road trip to end a three-game 03. It was the fi fth time in franchise history losing streak. Anaheim also ended a fi ve- Dallas won seven straight games, most re- goal of the season, breaking in alone into the game home losing streak. Ondrej Kase added cently in 2008. Ben Bishop fi nished with slot, taking a pass from Andrew Cogliano and a third-period goal for Anaheim, which had 26 saves for the Stars to extend his personal then beating Subban through the fi ve hole. lost eight of its previous nine games (1-5-3). win streak to six starts. Paul Stastny and Vegas failed to convert on four power-play The Islanders lost their second consecu- Shea Theodore scored goals for Vegas, which chances in the second period when it outshot tive game in California, but it was just their dropped its third straight game and eighth in the Stars 13-2. However, the Golden Knights fi rst regulation loss since Oct. 11 against the the past 10 (2-6-2). The Golden Knights also cut the defi cit to 2-1 on Theodore’s third goal Carolina Hurricanes. The Islanders went 15- have lost fi ve consecutive road games. of the season. He squirted a backhand shot 0-2 during the points streak. The Islanders Malcolm Subban made 24 saves for the between the right post and Bishop’s glove. dominated play in the opening period, out- Golden Knights while falling to 0-4-2 this Dallas answered less than four minutes shooting the Ducks 16-5. However, Gibson’s season. Subban last won a game on April 1 later when Dickinson fi nished an odd-man play in goal helped keep the game scoreless against the Edmonton Oilers. rush with Radulov and fi red a wrist shot from into the fi rst intermission. The Ducks took a Dallas took a 2-0 lead midway through the slot past Subban’s glove side. 1-0 lead at 10:26 of the second period shortly the fi rst period behind goals just 1:43 apart. Stastny, playing in his 900th NHL game, after winning a faceoff in the Islanders’ zone. Radulov scored fi rst on the power play. Kling- cut it to 3-2 early in the third period when Rickard Rakell blasted a shot from near the berg fi red a wrist shot from the right point he backhanded in a crossing pass from Mark blue line, and Getzlaf poked at the rebound that defl ected off the hip of Radulov sta- Stone inside the right post for his seventh off goalie Thomas Greiss. New York forward tioned in front of the net and past Subban’s goal of the season. Radulov made it 4-2 with Eberle inadvertently redirected the Alexander Radulov of the Dallas Stars celebrates a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first glove side. Lindell followed with his second a power-play goal and his eighth overall at puck into his own goal. period at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, November 27, 2019 SPORT

MOTORSPORT Al-Attiyah, Price on podium in their fi rst-ever Baja 1000 Qatar’s Dakar Rally champion teamed up with Dakar moto champ to make an impressive debut in the Mexican event

(From left) Co-drivers Dustin Helstrom and Mathieu Baumel, and drivers Nasser al-Attiyah and Toby Price pose on the podium ramp at the Baja 1000 in Baja California, Mexico, on Sunday. (Red Bull Content Pool) Qatar’s Nasser al-Attiyah and co-driver Mathieu Baumel race the Baja 1000 on Sunday.

Agencies hours of driving at night was a to learn from this type of terrain a lot and enjoyed it a lot!” “I think we started 26th or the race, they were out of con- you put all this time into it and Ensenada, Mexico new challenge for Qatar’s al- and style of racing, but we en- The Baja 1000 is much differ- 28th this morning, so to be the tention for the podium. Despite it’s thrown away because the Attiyah and co-driver Mathieu joyed it a lot and learned a lot – ent than rally-raid – rather than third trophy truck across the finishing in 13th place in this other guy made a mistake. And Baumel – not to mention he and I am really impressed with a multi-day race, it’s a one- line – we dealt with a lot of peo- race, Andy McMillin managed I guess that’s racing and I gotta akar champ and first- only had about 30 kilometres of this truck. I am sure next year shot, no-stop battle – meaning ple, a lot of passing, but I think to win the SCORE World Desert live with that. Huge thanks to time Baja racer Nasser seat time in a trophy truck. But we can come have a good fight one truck does the whole race, the rookies, Nasser and Math- Championship thanks to his Andy and his family for allow- Saleh al-Attiyah got the Qatari Dakar champ proved with the top drivers,” al-Attiyah but drivers swap to stay fast, ieu, did pretty good,” Price said. two wins at the Baja 500 and ing me to come out and race together with Dakar up to the challenging as he and said. and stay safe. The #31 trophy truck – pilot- San Felipe 250 and a second- with them,” Menzies said. motoD champ Toby Price to pilot race partner Toby Price with “We’d really like to thank This year, Price started the ed by Andy McMillin and Bryce place finish at the Baja 250. “That as a wild race. As soon the #76 trophy truck to a sec- co-driver Dustin Hellstrom Jesse Jones for giving us a race, with a primary goal of Menzies – rolled early on in the “I take full responsibility – as I knew we couldn’t win the ond place podium finish in the chased down all but two other chance to drive this amazing not fighting to the front of the race, doing significant damage. I feel so bad for the McMillin race, winning the Champion- Baja 1000, the biggest North trophy trucks after starting machine – we’re really im- pack, but getting the truck to Support crews were able to get family and the McMillin team ship became our only goal. Baja American off-road race early from the back of the pack. pressed with it. It’s completely al-Attiyah in good shape so he the truck moving again fairly for all the hard work they put tried to beat us and it did for a Sunday morning. “It’s totally different from different from what we use in could work his magic to claim quickly, but combined with into it,” Menzies said. little while, but we came back Muddy, rocky Baja roads and what we’re used to. We had a lot the Dakar Rally, but we learned the number 2 position. more mechanical issues later in “There’s nothing you can do, fighting,” McMillin added.

SPOTLIGHT Qatar Airways congratulates CONMEBOL Libertadores champions Flamengo Qatar Airways to sponsor the Philippines Football League

By Sports Reporter portfolio, and this partnership to hone their skills and see Doha is just one more example of football as a career path. our dedication to sport and our “We are humbled by the trust belief in its power to bring people and belief of the award-winning atar Airways has signed together. Qatar Airways has global brand Qatar Airways. This a three-year agreement strong ties with the Philippines partnership will only strengthen Qto be Off icial Airline operating 26 weekly passenger our resolve to make the PFL an Partner of the Philippines services to Manila, Clark and even bigger brand and to con- Football League (PFL). The Davao from Doha. This partner- tinue working towards becoming partnership will see the Qatar ship demonstrates our long term one of the best leagues in the Airways logo feature on all commitment to further growing region and continent.” PFL club and off icials’ shirts, and developing our operations in Qatar Airways holds an exten- and provide brand awareness the Philippines.” sive global sports portfolio, through perimeter boards, Philippines Football Federation sponsoring top-level sporting stadium flags, LED screens and President Mariano Araneta said, events and some of the big- online digital content, as well as “We are grateful for the support gest football clubs around the other activity. of Qatar Airways in our eff ort to world including AS Roma, Boca Qatar Airways Group Chief Exec- make the Philippines Football Juniors and Bayern Munich. utive HE Akbar al-Baker said, “We League bigger, stronger and As off icial FIFA partner, Qatar are very pleased to announce more sustainable. The success Airways sponsors the FIFA Club this new partnership, which will of the PFL is instrumental in World Cup Qatar 2019 and the see Qatar Airways increase its ensuring that other programs FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Flamengo’s Gabriel scored two goals in the CONMEBOL Libertadores final against River Plate in Lima, Peru, on Saturday. exposure in the Philippines whilst of the Philippine Football Fed- reflecting the values of sport supporting the development of eration also achieve their goals. as a means of bringing people By Sports Reporter Executive HE Akbar al-Baker airline partner for CONME- from 4 to 20 December. Global football in the country. We are The PFL not only showcases together, something at the core Doha said, “Following a passionate BOL’s club competitions, is superstar Katy Perry, legendary continually striving to boost our the best talents in the country, of the airline’s brand message — and thrilling CONMEBOL Copa leveraging high brand associa- band Maroon 5 and international global sporting sponsorship but also inspires young players Going Places Together. Libertadores campaign, I con- tion and large audience visibil- Latin music star Maluma feature atar Airways extends gratulate Flamengo on emerging ity across the South American among seven scheduled concerts. its congratulations to as worthy champions. CONME- continent. To learn more about the events or Flamengo, who were BOL’s competitions off er some Qatar Airways, as ‘Offi cial Air- to purchase tickets, please visit crowned CONMEBOL of the world’s most exciting and line Partner’ of the FIFA Club qatarlive.qa. LibertadoresQ winners, defeating competitive professional football World Cup Qatar 2019 invites Qatar Airways currently oper- River Plate in the fi nal in Lima, and we look forward to welcom- all football enthusiasts to book ates a modern fl eet of more than Peru, on Saturday. ing Flamengo and their travelling fl ights to see the stars of world 250 aircraft via its hub, Hamad Flamengo will now travel to supporters to Qatar next month football in action across three International Airport (HIA), Qatar next month as the South for the occasion of the FIFA Club stadiums in Doha, Qatar between to more than 160 destinations American representative at the World Cup Qatar 2019.” 11 and 21 December 2019. Infor- worldwide. The world’s fastest- FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019. CONMEBOL General Secre- mation about fl ights and packag- growing airline has added several The tournament will take place in tary Jose Astigarraga said, “It’s es are available at qatarairways. exciting new destinations to its Doha from December 11-21, with a pleasure for CONMEBOL to be com/FCWC2019. growing network this year, in- representations from FIFA’s six able to count on the support of Qatar Airways and Qatar Na- cluding Rabat, Morocco; Izmir, continental confederations com- Qatar Airways and its commit- tional Tourism Council (QNTC) Turkey; Malta; Davao, Philip- ing together this winter in the ment to CONMEBOL Libertado- recently also launched Qatar pines; Lisbon, Portugal; Mogad- Qatari capital. res.” Live – a series of music concerts ishu, Somalia; and Langkawi, Ceres-Negros have won three Philippines Football League titles so far. Qatar Airways Group Chief Qatar Airways, the first-ever and festivals taking place in Doha Malaysia. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 27, 2019 7

PREVIEW OMAN VS BAHRAIN (5:30PM) Holders Oman hope to ride momentum vs Bahrain ‘Expectations are always high especially if you are defending champions, but that’s not a problem for us’

FOCUS Bahrain begin quest for their fi rst Gulf Cup title By Yash Mudgal He also denied the late par- The early signs from the 50- Doha ticipation in the tournament year old coach have been im- has had any adverse impact on pressive as he helped Bahrain the team’s preparations. win the 2019 WAFF Cham- ahrain are looking for “Yes, we are a late entry, but pionship in Iraq, along with a a historic fi rst at the we are well-prepared to win. strong start to qualifi cation for 24th edition of the The fi rst game is very impor- the 2022 World Cup. Arabian Gulf Cup. tant. Our goal is to reach the Bahrain defeated hosts Iraq BThe Bahrainis, who will take semi-fi nals and then we will 1-0 in the WAFF Champion- on defending champions Oman think about winning the title.” ships fi nal. today, have never won the com- Sousa is in the process of re- Bahrain’s star player Ali Har- petition in all these years. building his side, which is cur- am also feels that they have a “The Bahraini team is one of rently 101st in FIFA rankings. tough task ahead. the founders of the Gulf Cup “Our Gulf Cup participation “We are in a very strong and has reached the semi-fi - is part for the team’s rebuilding group. Apart from Oman, our nals four times. We are here to process. We are developing at fi rst opponent, we have to face play good football and achieve every stage and we know what former champions Saudi Ara- something for Bahrain,” coach our players need and I think this bia, and Oman,” Haram Helio Sousa said. tournament has come at the said. Sousa also feels that a tough right time,” said the 50-year- However, he feels that it is task awaits them against Oman. old Sousa, who has coached the good to enter without much “It is a diff erent tournament. Portugal U-19 national team, expectations. It has its own challenges. We are and helped them win the UEFA “It is good to enter the cham- ready for our fi rst game against European U-19 Championship pionship without any pressure two-time champions Oman in 2018. and this is what makes us free and as far as I know, they have Bahrain turned to Portu- to off er our best,” the 30-year- Oman head coach Erwin Koeman and captain Ahmed Kano address a press conference on the eve of their match against had a great tournament history. guese coach Helio Sousa fol- old forward said. Bahrain. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil They won the last edition of lowing the departure of Czech “Our preparations are nor- the championship and they are Miroslav Soukup, who guided mal for the Gulf championship By Yash Mudgal good, but we are ready too,” the the nation to the knockout and our goal is to live up to ex- Doha Portuguese coach said. phases of the AFC Asian Cup. pectations of our fans,” he said.

uoyed by some good per- formances in the recent past, Oman have made the trip to Qatar looking toB defend their Gulf Cup title. Ranked 77, Oman registered two victories — against Bang- ladesh and India — in the last few days at the joint qualifi ers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup 2023. The World Cup qualifi cation matches have helped the ‘Red Warriors’ to shape their readiness for the prestigious regional tournament which is expected to be a tough competition. Oman head coach Erwin Koe- man is confi dent of a good per- formance from his boys in the tournament. “Expectations are always high especially if you are defending champions, but that’s not a prob- lem for us. We are well-prepared. I think the boys are capable of a Bahrain coach Helio Sousa (left) and player Ali Haram address a press conference on the eve of their good show in the tournament,” match against Oman in Doha. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Koeman said yesterday. The two-time champions will kick-start their campaign against termined to achieve their goals,” Kano is no stranger to playing Talking about the game against Bahrain today at the Abdullah Bin he said. football in Qatar having enjoyed Qatar the captain said we have to Khalifa Stadium in Al Duhail. Captain and veteran midfi elder several spells in the second di- take one game at a time. “We had our last training to- Oman players take part in a training session ahead of the start of their Gulf Cup campaign. Ahmed Kano, who guided Oman vision. The captain will have to “We will play Bahrain fi rst. We day in the morning and like every to their second title win in 2017, be at his very best if Oman is to can’t think about Qatar now. We team we will need a little bit of nald, Erwin Koeman has stepped line, with the defending Gulf Cup not at the same level as Qatar, but will again be the key man for the become the fi rst side since Saudi are preparing game-by-game and luck as well – there’s not a lot of up to become a fi rst-team coach, champions only conceding fi ve we are dealing well with that. We Red Warriors and he is looking to Arabia to win back-to-back Gulf we’ll fi ght to defend the title.” diff erence between teams here as replacing compatriot Pim Ver- goals in Koeman’s tenure. have to fi nd solutions to increase go all the way again in Doha. titles. Oman have won the Gulf Cup this is a special tournament for beek as manager of Oman in Feb- Talking about the improve- players’ fi tness level as profes- “To defend the title is a big “We have harmony in the team on two occasions so far, having all teams. We are looking forward ruary 2019. ment in the team’s performance sionals. challenge for us, but we are ready as we won four games and we are fi rst lifted the trophy when they to it,” the 57-year-old Dutchman So far, Koeman has overseen an Koeman stressed the need to in- “We have some issues. I have for it. Actually, after the World on the right path. Even against beat Saudi Arabia on penalties said. impressive run, where the team crease the fi tness levels. led the team for nine months and Cup qualifi er game against India Qatar in the World Cup qualifi er in Muscat in 2009, followed by Having enjoyed a long run as has only one defeat from last “We try to increase our fi tness I am not complaining about the we are totally concentrating on we played well, missed a lot of another penalty shootout win assistant coach to famous Dutch eight outings. Central to Oman’s levels. That’s the area where we fi tness level. Boys are trying to the Gulf Cup, which has its own chances,” the 34-year-old mid- against the player and younger brother Ro- success has been a resolute back- have need work. Our facilities are increase their level, they are de- charm,” Kano said. fi elder said. in Kuwait in 2017.

SPOTLIGHT Vodafone Qatar launches digital fan engagement for Gulf Cup

By Sports Reporter signed prediction platform www. ing a free Unlimited 750 mobile Doha fans.vf.qa that everyone in Qatar plan subscription for 1 year, a can enjoy. free GigaHome 600 subscrip- tion for 1 year and an iPhone Pro odafone Qatar, the Of- THIS INCLUDES: 256GB. fi cial Telecommunica- Predict & Win – Players will Vodafone Qatar chief execu- tions Sponsor of the have to predict match results tive offi cer Sheikh Hamad Ab- 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, on a daily basis and in real time dulla al-Thani said, “At Vodafone Vhas announced exciting activities Qatar, we understand that the can check other players’ predic- and off ers that will turn football tions. modern football fan is looking for enthusiasts from mere specta- Qatar’s Greatest Fan – A series more than just a 90min experi- tors to active participants in one of daily quizzes and trivia to ence. The digital world is now of the region’s most important celebrate fans knowledge about an integral part of the game and sports events. Arabian Gulf Cup history. as a digital fi rst operation, we Vodafone Qatar’s customised are perfectly placed to off er fans off erings will rely heavily on Players from both games have an unforgettable and engaging digital engagement including its a chance to win exciting prizes football experience that extends Social Media and a specially de- from Vodafone Qatar includ- beyond the pitch.” Gulf Times Wednesday, November 27, 2019 8

REPORT Shock Iraq victory opens Gulf Cup extravaganza Iraq’s Mohamed Qasem scores a brace before Abdelaziz Hatim pulls one back as hosts Qatar lose opener 1-2

Qatar’s (centre) vies for the ball during the Gulf Cup match against Iraq yesterday.

Iraq’s Mohamed Qasem (left) celebrates after scoring a goal against Qatar during the Arabian Gulf Cup match at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil, Ram Chand

By Sahan Bidappa dhibou in Arab Club Champi- he got. “As I had said before, it wi chose not to intercept as the Doha onship second round match on was a diffi cult match. We have ball evaded two Iraqi players as Monday. always found it diffi cult against a helpless al-Sheeb watched the While Iraq was second to Asian Iraq and credit to them for the ball slam the net. atar’s Gulf Cup cam- champions Qatar in quality on way they played today,” he said. Iraq doubled the lead in the 27th paign began on a sour the pitch, they made up for it Things could have been dif- minute, but this time it was due to Qatar coach Felix Sanchez. Qatar fans wave flags ahead of the match against Iraq yesterday. note after the hosts with their huge physical presence ferent, though, for Qatar had Al- Qasem’s brilliance. The 22-year- went down to Iraq 1-2 and big heart. moez Ali and Abdelkarim Hassan old midfi elder caught onto a loose inQ the opening match at the Kha- Qatar coach Sanchez was clearly converted the chances they got. ball from outside the box and lifa International Stadium yes- disappointed with the result, but Almoez, who has failed to reach struck a fi erce left-footed which terday. the Spaniard was optimistic his the heights of his Asian Cup high, beat al-Sheen comfortably. Mohamed Qasem was the hero men would bounce back in the had a bad day in the offi ce. With their backs against the for Iraq as he stunned the packed remaining two Group A matches On more than one occasion, he wall, Qatar went into the half- 37,890 crowd with two goals in against Yemen and the UAE. fl uff ed an opportunity to score. time with plenty to ponder. nine minutes in the fi rst half. “Of course no one wants to The striker’s, and also Qatar’s, Sanchez made a change after the Abdelaziz Hatim brought Qa- lose, especially in such a game biggest chance came in just the break, bringing in Hatim for Yu- tar back into the contest with a like this. You are playing at home fourth minute, with the Duhail suf Abdrisag and the move paid strike in the 49th minute, but Fe- in front of your fans. And it’s the forward needing just Iraq goal- dividends quickly. Just three lix Sanchez’s men could not fi nd fi rst game in the competition and keeper Jalal Hasan to beat. But minutes into the second half, Ha- the equaliser. we know that we are the champi- Almoez’s strike was way off the tim capitalised on a mistake from Watched by His Highness the ons of Asia. But it does not give mark. Hassan, who was a con- Iraq defender Mostafa Mohamed Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad you the three points before the stant threat from the right fl ank, to score from close range. al-Thani, who inaugurated the start of the game. You need to also had a great chance but could Having pulled a goal back and 24th edition of the tournament, play,” he said. not fi nd the side net. with home crowd behind them, Qatar started on a bright note. “What we can do is work hard In defence too, Qatar play- Qatar came close to fi nding the However, they were guilty of in this strong group and ensure ers struggled to fi nd the rhythm, equaliser many times, but the re- wasting many chances. Iraq, that we are stronger in the next with Bassam al-Rawi’s blunder silient Iraqi held on for a famous on the other hand, were highly game and take the points. I be- gifting Iraq the breakthrough in victory. impressive, well organised and lieve we deserved something the 18th minute. Now Qatar will turn their at- grabbed their chances. In fact from this game because of the After an Iraq corner was tention to Yemen on Friday, they had to start the match with chances we created. We tried but cleared by goalkeeper Saad which is already a must-win af- a second string XI, with coach as I said we need to be better in al-Sheeb, the ball landed into fair for them if they are to keep Srecko Katanec choosing not to the next game,” he added. Qasem, who crossed the ball their hope of a fourth title alive. fi eld any of the eight players who Sanchez had predicted a diffi - into the box, intending to fi nd Iraq, meanwhile, will have all played for their club Al Shorta cult match due to Iraq’s physical- his teammates. But in a shock- their Al Shorta players ready to against Mauritanian side Noua- ly natured game and that’s what ing case of misjudgment, al-Ra- face the UAE on Friday. Khalifa International Stadium is lit up ahead of the match.

PREVIEW SAUDI ARABIA VS KUWAIT (8PM) Saudi Arabia-Kuwait match set to be a close contest By Sahan Bidappa of Nations glory. Doha “We came to know about the partici- pation in the Gulf Cup after the game against Uzbekistan, where we put in he 24th Gulf Cup, which began an outstanding performance to win the yesterday in Doha, is touted to match. Later we drew against Paraguay be a close contest. While Asian without the Hilal players and we pro- Champions Qatar will be the vided a good defensive performance,” Tfrontrunners for the title, Saudi Ara- he added. bia will pose a tough challenge for the Kuwait, meanwhile, have won the hosts. Gulf Cup ten times, the highest among Saudi have won the Gulf Cup three eight teams. But their glory days are times, but the last of it came in 2003, well past them, with their last triumph a drought Herve Renard’s side will be achieved in 2010. keen to bring an end to. They begin Thamer Enad’s side have three victo- their campaign today against Kuwait at ries in the World and Asian Cup quali- the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, with fi ers and will be aiming to continue Renard hopeful of a good start despite their fi ne form against the Saudis. Ku- having limited time to prepare for the wait have a formidable squad led by big event. forwards Bader al-Mutawa and Yousef Eight of his players were part of the Nasser, who can unlock any defence on Al Hilal squad which won the AFC their best day. Champions League title on Sunday, Enad was upbeat about Kuwait’s and reported to national duty only yes- chances in the tournament and said terday. Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard (left) addresses a press conference on the eve of his side had prepared well. “We started They also had to tinker with the their Gulf Cup match against Kuwait in Doha. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil Kuwait coach Thamer Enad (left) at a press conference yesterday. training about two months ago for the squad at the eleventh hour after Al Ahly World Cup qualifi ers and have played goalkeeper Mohamed al-Owais and give out best,” the Frenchman said Saudi football,” he added. string players. to be the key man. three games. So our preparations have Al Nasr defender Abdullah Mado were yesterday. Saudi have not had happy memories But since then their fortunes have “We are a good defensive side but been good and we are ready for the Gulf forced out due to injury. “We know we will play against a recently in big tournaments. At the improved. They are undefeated in the off ensively we are not that fantastic. Cup,” he said. Renard said it was important for good team and we have to be ready for AFC Asian Cup earlier this year, they World Cup and Asian Cup joint quali- At this time, we trained with 12 play- “All eight teams have an equal chance his side to win against Kuwait today. tomorrow’s game which is the most were knocked out in the last 16 by Ja- fi ers and come into the Gulf Cup as one ers and a goalkeeper but I expect every of qualifying for the fi nal. This is a great “We are happy to participate in this important for us in the tournament de- pan, and fi nished bottom of their group of the fancied teams. Renard will be player to be ready for the competition,” tournament and I’ve also played in this. tournament, although the Hilal play- spite some absences of key players. But in the 2019 WAFF Championship with- heavily dependent on eight Hilal play- said Renard, who has in the past taken There is pressure from fans and media ers have joined late, yet we will try to we will try to provide a good picture of out a win to show, albeit with second ers, with winger Salem al-Dawsari set Zambia and Ivory Coast to Africa Cup but we enjoy it,” Enad added.