The DAILY NEWS 1

Wednesday 11 February 2015

GAMES GO TO PLAN FOR GUNNERS & MILAN

ASPIRE INTERNATIONAL AND PSG TO SET PULSES RACING IN MATINEE MATCH-UP SAO PAULO AND MADRID LOOK THE REAL DEAL The Al Kass International Cup Wednesday 11 Feb, 2015 DAILY NEWS 2 3

ASPIRE INTERNATIONAL AND PSG TO SET PULSES SAO PAULO AND MADRID LOOK THE REAL DEAL RACING IN MATINEE MATCH-UP

The first game on Wednesday pits Aspire through an audacious strike, direct from a free kick, reminiscent of French legend Didier Deschamps, Brazilian bravura meets Spanish sparkle in effort, a goal that would have graced any stage, and in particular has impressed this year, his dynamic International’s multinational squad against Paris by Nanitamo Ikone. They went on to win 3-1 and who captained his national team to both World Cup Wednesday’s second match, the last of the quarter- one that was almost impossible to defend against. running and close control making life difficult for any Saint-Germain, and both sides have excellent never looked troubled against a competitive Atletico and European Championship victory. finals stage. Sao Paulo have shown consistent defender he faces. He scored a superb goal in Real’s records in the Al Kass tournament. PSG won the side, with many observers instantly tipping the improvement over their two games, while Real No fewer that 13 members of Real’s 20-man first game against Schalke, and his spellbinding form inaugural Al Kass Cup in 2012 and finished second French side as tournament winners. Visitors to Aspire Zone are in for a treat this Madrid have demonstrated a technical ability that squad are veterans of Al Kass 2014, and their deep suggests there are more to come. the following year, before falling at the group stages afternoon, with a winner impossible to predict as sets them apart from many of their contemporaries. familiarity with one another is abundantly clear in 2014 to widespread amazement. Their second game, against Sao Paulo, was a two of the tournament’s heavyweights go head-to- on the pitch, with crisp passing and constant Sao Paulo possess a team ethic that will make completely different story. Head coach Rodrigues head. At stake is a semi-final berth against Arsenal, Sao Paulo were in action on Saturday having just movement key components of their approach. them difficult to beat. Captain Ruben Felipe leads Meanwhile current holders Aspire are feared by all. made eight changes to the starting line-up, and another side whose momentum could yet take them stepped off a 20-hour flight from their home city, by example, ensuring that the Brazilian defence They have speed, strength and skill throughout their the Brazilians took full advantage, displaying flair all the way. and they took time to assert their dominance One notable absentee from the Spanish line-up is provides a platform for the side’s attacking team and, although the composition of their squad and fortitude to go four goals ahead in the first 45 against Schalke 04, waiting until added time Luca Zidane, son of the legendary Zinedine, who riches. Eder Militao and Igor Pereira hunt as a pair has altered massively since last year, they have minutes. PSG barely laid a glove on their opponents to strike the winning goal when a 1-1 draw had was voted goalkeeper of the tournament in 2014. in midfield, snuffing out danger at source and retained continuity thanks to highly skilled coaching as they fell to a shock 5-0 defeat. Rodrigues had appeared certain. However, his boots have been filled by Brian Marino, delivering a steady supply of accurate passes to and an ongoing adherence to a 4-4-2 system. presumably rung the changes in the knowledge Captain Jean Mvondo who has graduated from his place on the bench last their teammates, while also offering a threat from that his team had already qualified, but the penalty The Brazilians had only hinted at their potential year to perform with credit between the sticks so distance with their powerful shooting. Last year’s team was selected from prodigies of for finishing second rather than top of Group D is a is their defensive against Schalke, but their performance against far. the Aspire Academy in Senegal, but this year their clash against the awe-inspiring Aspire International. PSG the following day was in the world-class Gustavo Dos Santos and Paulo da Silva have squad has a truly cosmopolitan feel and includes linchpin, striking bracket. Put simply, PSG were blown away by Sao Just like the senior team, Real have quality running combined more effectively than any other strike two products of Glasgow Celtic’s youth set-up, Innes Still, if PSG’s form is to be judged, then it should be Paulo’s winning combination of defensive steel and all the way through their team, with a preference for partnership in the tournament so far. With three Murray and Jack Mooney, alongside players from on their performance in the first match rather than fear into opponents attacking brio as they stormed to a 4-0 half-time 4-4-2 giving the side a solidity to accompany stability goals apiece, their perpetual motion and telepathic Ecuador, Paraguay, North Korea and Kazakhstan the second, and they clearly possess the talent to lead, adding a fifth without reply in the second half. of personnel. Marino is shielded by a back four who understanding tore PSG apart, and they will be amongst others. trouble Aspire if they are on their game. Organised, with his combative Their showing in this game was easily the most know each other’s game inside out, while their confident of making their mark once again, despite strong and pacey, PSG will seek to move the ball impressive of all the group stage matches, and they midfield oozes class. Captain Oscar Rodriguez was facing the considerable task of overcoming a solid Captain Jean Mvondo is their defensive linchpin, forward quickly as they look to outrun Aspire’s approach. As will have gained enormous self-belief as a result. one of the stars of the tournament in 2014, and he Real backline. striking fear into opponents with his combative backline. has maintained his imperious form this year, closing approach. As his performance against Real Madrid his performance Real Madrid handed out a lesson in possession down, prompting and striking from distance at will. Both sides are in great form, and selecting a winner demonstrated however, he can occasionally be Striker Odsonne Edouard has the talent to deliver football in their opening 4-1 defeat of Schalke Alongside him is the equally impressive Gregorio looks highly challenging, even by the unpredictable over-physical, and match officials will have to against even the best-organised defences, as he against Real Madrid 04, and were unlucky to come up against such Teruel, and the duo have formed an exquisite central standards of this tournament so far. The victorious be vigilant to ensure he does not cross the line demonstrated last year by hitting a devastating hat- formidable opponents in the shape of Aspire midfield partnership that is capable of dictating the side will go on to face AC Milan, who have already between competitiveness and over-aggression. trick in PSG’s opening game of Al Kass 2014 against demonstrated International in their second game. That contest game regardless of the opposition. demonstrated a supernatural ability to come back Regardless, it says much for the effectiveness of Barcelona. Edouard emerged with the best goals per was one for the footballing purists as both sides from the dead in their two group games, so an Aspire’s defence that they have yet to concede a game ratio of any player in the tournament, scoring however, he can provided vivid demonstrations of their maturity and Up front the two Alvaros – Alcantara and Nogueras enthralling semi-final awaits regardless of today’s goal in the tournament. four in three appearances, one of which was as a ability on the ball. The game could have gone either –possess abundant attacking talent. They are both result. substitute. occasionally be over- way but was ultimately settled by Jean Amani’s fine veterans of the 2014 tournament, and Nogueras Jean Amani has been in sensational form this year, having captained his side to Al Kass In attacking midfielder Wilfride Kanga, Edouard physical, and match victory in 2014. Amani scored one of the goals of has the perfect foil. The two have developed an the tournament thus far against Real Madrid, and instinctive understanding and Aspire will have to officials will have to MATCH SCORES he looks more than ready to make the move up into be at their very best to keep them at bay. In fact, the professional game. such is their potency that it came as a major surprise be vigilant to ensure when Edouard was left on the bench for PSG’s Aspire International brushed aside Schalke 04 on the previous game. He seems certain to start today, he does not cross opening day of the tournament with a 2-0 victory, and has every reason to believe he can make an and then emerged unscathed from an altogether impression. the line between 1 - 0 3 - 0 more testing examination against Real Madrid in a repeat of last year’s final, with Amani’s wonderstrike PSG have height throughout their side, with competitiveness and delivering a 1-0 win. midfielder Lorenzo Callegari one of the few players under six feet tall. However, his distribution and over-aggression. Arsenal River Plate AC Milan Aspire Academy PSG also made a strong start to their 2015 campaign, close control skills are at the heart of the Parisians’ racing into an early lead against Atletico Madrid best moves, and his display against Atletico was The Al Kass International Cup Wednesday 11 Feb, 2015 DAILY NEWS 4 5

Arsenal River Plate GK Hugo Oliver Keto GUNNERS DF Jonatas Ian Ribeiro Centeno DF Tolaji Adeyinka Bola MF Benjamin David Sheaf SERVE UP 49 Possession% 51 DF Kristopher Santos Da Graca DF Kostas Pileas FW Marcus Samuel Agyei Tabi VICTORY ON A MF Harry Donovan 25 Fouls 21 FW Stephy Alvaro Mavididi FW Kaylen Miles Hinds (C ) PLATE IN DOHA FW Christopher Anthony Willock 2 Corners 2 DUST-UP Arsenal 3 Yellow Cards 3

GK Tomas Agustin Sotelo DF Kevin Leonel Sibille 1 Offside 2 DF Nahuel Ezequiel Gallardo DF Bruno Tobias Fernandez MF Pablo Adrian Olivo (C ) DF Jose Antonio Vivanco 6 Shots 11 FW Franco Alexis Lopez DF Cristian Mauricio Yanez FW Enzo Agustin Zicarelli MF Diego Ivan Amarilla 35 Tackles 32 FW Mauricio Andres Vera

6 Gk Ball Saves 2 River Plate TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Arsenal deservedly triumphed 1-0 in At the other end, it was clear that The second half settled into a similar Nelson on the right, but his effort was a performance of great discipline to Arsenal right back Jonatas Centeno pattern, with River Plate indulging parried clear by keeper Tomas Soleto. ARSENAL VS RIVER PLATE book their place in the semi-finals would need to be performing at the in gamesmanship at every turn to against a River Plate side who found top of his game to nullify the threat of knock Arsenal out of their stride. River Plate almost did the job for Jim Magilton – Irish Football Association If you want to win this competition then you defeat difficult to stomach. Lopez, and he stuck to the Argentine The Gunners stuck to their task, with Arsenal soon after when Jose Performance Director have to step up your game, and Arsenal’s coach, winger like glue in the early stages. Harry Donovan immense in midfield Vivanco’s misdirected header nearly Jan Van Loon, is very thorough and meticulous On Qatar’s National Sport Day, in denying the Argentineans space, flew into his own net, with Soleto The ball kept moving through River Plate’s Franco in his preparation. He studies the opposition and thousands of locals had flocked to On 17 minutes Mavididi turned smartly with star player Lopez completely doing well to save his blushes. Lopez, but Arsenal’s players kept halting his produces a top class performances, like the one we Aspire Zone to revel in a variety of on the edge of the area to play right- anonymous. movement. Arsenal seems to have done their saw today. He manages each game accordingly and sporting activities, with the emphasis winger Marcus Tabi in, but a superb With time running out the Argentines homework, but to me both teams were cancelling analyses the threats from each opponent. on taking part regardless of ability. sliding challenge from Jose Vivanco On the hour-mark Hinds created a began to turn up the heat, but Arsenal each other out. We had explosive moments But on Pitch 5 it was all about winning denied him a goalscoring opportunity. great chance with a run down the left were largely untroubled as they throughout the game and saw key players on both Nicky Sumberbee – Al Kass Analyst – and there was an abundance of Two minutes later River Plate worked before cutting inside, but he left it late restricted their opponents to the sides. I got the feeling that Arsenal is the physically ability on show throughout both line- their first attempt on goal, with to get his shot away, his curled effort occasional effort from distance. stronger side, so River Plate had to play more to River Plate had more shots on target than Arsenal ups. Arsenal keeper Hugo Keto saving drifting high and wide of the far post. their strengths. River Plate was quite effective in in the first half, leaving Arsenal in need of a quicker Enzo Zacarelli’s long-range effort With River Plate beginning to show As the game moved into added time terms of ball possession, but when Arsenal got more and faster pace. If they stepped it up in the first half Franco Lopez, the outstanding comfortably. signs of tiredness, Arsenal began to River Plate conjured their best chance ball possession, it caused problems for them. they might have made things more difficult for River performer of the tournament thus dominate. of the game, with substitute Gianluca Plate. far, began on the left wing for River Arsenal should have been ahead soon Simeone forcing a smart save from It was a really good contest between River Plate’s Plate, with the impressive Christopher after, when Willock found Mavididi And, on 64 minutes, Hinds headed the previously unemployed Keto in Nahuel Gallardo and Jose Vivanco – who stood out Arsenal’s Christopher Willock on the left side caused Willock also taking up his usual free inside the area, but the number 9 them in front after rising highest goal. physically. Equally, River Plate did their homework a lot of problems. I expected more from Stephy wide left position for Arsenal. Both headed wide when he looked certain to meet substitute Reiss Nelson’s and quite often needed to try to get Lopez and Enzo Mavididi though - I expected him to come in more had early runs at the opposition as to score. corner from the left, planting the ball On the final whistle the Argentineans Zicarelli on the ball, but it was an even contest. and create more of a challenge. each side signalled their attacking into the top right corner. It was no sparked disgraceful scenes as, for the River Plate’s Jose Vivanco had good defending and intentions. Mavididi’s powerful running from more than Arsenal deserved for their first time all day, they well and truly The impression we got from the game was that it is sniffed out the danger. Everything went to Lopez, so deep positions was beginning to positive approach, having refused to went on the attack, punching and going to be a tight affair. So the opportunities that Arsenal had to stop Lopez. Arsenal had deployed a 4-4-2 test the Argentineans, who adopted react to continual provocation from kicking the victorious Arsenal side came about had to be taken. Kaylen Hind’s goal for formation, with captain Kaylen Hinds an increasingly physical approach the Argentineans. Captain Pablo Olivo who remained admirably restrained. Arsenal was great – a fantastic leap. They attacked Arsenal is a good professional team that is going to and in-form Stephy Mavididi leading to counter the threat, piling into was yellow carded for a late challenge After a performance of great the ball really well and Arsenal deserved their win. be difficult to beat. River Plate was also very well the line. The talented attackers challenges on their physically on Hinds soon after, and River Plate discipline, the Gunners emerged from organised, but Arsenal kept strong and when they worked hard to close down space, imposing opponents. The game could count themselves lucky to still this tough test with their reputation It felt like one goal was going to win it because got the goal they showed what Arsenal is all about. making it difficult for River Plate to descended into a stop-start affair as have 11 men on the pitch. enhanced. The same could not be said River Plate didn’t create that many chances. All the When you looked at River Plate, they never really Harry Donovan play out from the back. Meanwhile, the half ended, with a series of niggly of River Plate. chances were being created by Arsenal. They were created anything. They started throwing a few balls MVP of the Match Argentinean right back Kevin Sibille fouls from River Plate disrupting the Undeterred, Arsenal pressed for a very effective and they were a threat. They carried in the box but nothing came of it. River Plate never had his hands full as he sought to game’s flow. second and almost succeeded when out their game plan knowing that they were going hurt. contain the strong running of the substitute Pelenda Dasilva sprayed to create one or two chances. It was a professional dangerous Willock. a delicious 40-yard diagonal ball to performance from good players. The Al Kass International Cup Wednesday 11 Feb, 2015 DAILY NEWS 6 7

Aspire AC Milan GK Luca Crosta MILAN MOVE Academy DF Andres Llamas Acuna DF Michele Spinelli MF Federico De Piano (C ) FORWARD AS 57 Possession% 43 DF Andrea Malberti FW Zakaria Hamadi MF Niccolo Zanellato FW Juvenal Junior Mel Agnero ASPIRE FALL JUST 20 Fouls 16 FW Cosimo Marco La Ferrara DF Giorgio Altare SHORT MF Tommaso Pobega 13 Corners 4 AC Milan 5 Yellow Cards 2

GK Abdulrahman Mubarak AL-ALI AC Milan advanced to the semi-finals MF Mohamad Abdulnaser ALABBASI at the expense of local heroes Aspire 5 Offside 4 DF Fahd Ahmed ALSORI Academy after an entertaining and DF Khalid Mubarak AL-NAIMI (C ) hard-fought encounter ended 3-0 to DF Khalifa Mohamed ALMANASEER the Italians. MF Meshaal Ibrahim FARAJ 16 Shots 9 MF Amro Abdelfatah Ali SURAG The scoreline was a little harsh on MF Nasser Abdulsalam ALAHRAK the tenacious Qataris, whose form MF Khalid Muneer MAZEED had fluctuated in their previous two FW Hazem Ahmed SHEHATA games, having trounced Vissel Kobe 27 Tackles 32 FW Hassan Ahmad PALANG 6-1 in their opener before conceding three without reply to a strong Arsenal side. Milan, meanwhile, had 5 Gk Ball Saves 3 earned the nickname ‘Comeback Aspire Academy Kings’ after recovering two-goal They were forced to make a change his marker on the left before swinging proved to be a crucial miss, as Milan deficits in each of their previous on 20 minutes, with Raul Zucchetti in a cross that was headed away, but immediately went down the other end encounters. replacing injured defender Giorgio right back Zucchetti was first on to the and scored. A neat passing move saw Altare. The change would prove clearance, smashing an unstoppable the ball fall to La Ferrara on the edge Aspire made a strong start, and on crucial. half volley into the bottom left of the box, who smashed a fierce TECHNICAL ANALYSIS four minutes Milan keeper Luca corner from 25 yards with the keeper effort against the right post with Costa could count himself extremely Milan’s Cosimo La Ferrara was causing helpless. Juvenal Agnero following up to slot fortunate to stay on the pitch after problems down the left with his home the rebound. AC MILAN VS ASPIRE ACADEMY rushing from his goal and bringing direct running, and Aspire right-back To their credit, Aspire persisted with down striker Hassan Palang as he Mohamad had to be alert to counter their game plan, covering every blade It was 3-0 a minute later after the rounded him and looked certain his persistent threat. But the Qataris of grass as they hustled and harried unfortunate Al-Ali sprinted from Ed Graper – Managing Coach, Aspire Academy Nicky Sumberbee – Al Kass Analyst to score. The keeper was granted were certainly not intimidated by their the Italians, who were now hitting his goal and miskicked under a reprieve when referee Salman Al illustrious opponents, their tenacious their stride. pressure from Agnero wide on the It was a big mistake from the referee in the fourth Certainly a very enjoyable game but I can’t help Fallahi chose to show yellow instead. tackling disrupting Milan’s rhythm right. Aspire’s defenders rushed to minute of the first half because it was a professional but think, ‘what if?’ As far as I’m concerned, four and blunting their attacking threat as As the game moved into the last intercept, but the Milan forward’s foul by AC Milan’s Luca Crosta and somehow he got minutes in and the AC Milan keeper Luc Crosta Aspire were acquitting themselves Aspire also looked to get forward at quarter, La Ferrara was carded for shot looped into the net after taking a away with it. He’s a very, very lucky boy and I think should have been off the field. He charged forward well in the early exchanges, with every opportunity. kicking the ball away in frustration deflection. we would be talking about an entirely different and took the legs of Hassan Palang who was in Khalid Mazeed causing problems after being flagged offside. It was game if the referee had called it properly and sent a clear goal scoring opportunity. There’s just no for the Milan defence with his skilful Palang was proving a handful for the a rare loss of composure from the With time running out, Aspire almost him off. argument about it - it should have been a red. dribbling and close control. Milan defence and almost rounded Italians, who generally remained scored a consolation goal after Costa for a second time, but this time disciplined as they searched for Abdulla Al-Ameri fed fellow substitute In my opinion Aspire Qatar could have won this In the first half, AC Milan had a couple of glorious The Rossoneri were also showing the keeper was alert to the danger a decisive second. Increasingly Farid Al-Marhoobi as he advanced game. I think they were too happy to keep the chances but they were just not taking them. their attacking intent, with talented and just managed to clear before the dominant in possession, it seemed into the area, but his side-footed shot ball in their own half, but if they had really shown They are a side that can really play, and they midfielder Niccolo Zanellato forcing a tricky forward reached the ball. only a matter of time before they rolled wide of the right post. courage and pressed Milan at the back then I think carved themselves some absolutely wonderful good save from keeper Abdulrahman scored again as Aspire’s high-octane they would have got themselves a goal. opportunities - but they just did not seem willing to Al-Ali on nine minutes with a powerful Aspire began to gain the upper hand approach appeared to be catching up And, right at the death, keeper Al The AC Milan coach mentioned pressure from convert them. effort from distance. as Mazeed danced through the middle with them. Ali atoned for his earlier error with a Aspire, but their game plan was to press on the and supplied Amro Surag on the left, stunning save to deny Mattio Gabbia AC Milan build-up. The first half was a pretty equal We also saw a great strike by AC Milan’s Zucchetti in Aspire’s Hazem Shehata went close who produced a scintillating run But on 74 minutes the Qataris were when a fourth goal seemed certain. game and Aspire had the better opportunities to the second half. There was nothing the goal keeper moments later after capitalising on a before crossing high into the area, almost back in the game after centre score. could do, because he caught it perfectly and it was defensive error to fire in a low shot but the ball evaded his teammates. back Michele Spinelli was carded for Ultimately, Aspire were unfortunate 1-0 as soon as they came out - top quality strike that. from the left of the area, with Costa And, with three minutes of the half hauling down Shehata 22 yards from to lose by three goals, having battled There is never a good moment to concede a goal AC Milan’s Agnero has definitely got the goal unable to hold on to the powerful remaining, the effervescent Palang goal on the right. The resultant free manfully to claw their way back but this was particularly bad for Aspire, since they scoring boots in this competition. It’s not so pretty strike. thought he had scored after being kick hit the wall but the rebound into the match before Milan’s rapid- were the dominant side in the first half. with AC milan, but they’re getting the job done, but played in by Shehata and springing was dinked into the area and almost fire double killed the game off. The AC Milan’s La Ferrara can do a lot, he’s a strange there is room for improvement. The game was developing into the offside trap to chip Costa, but his forced home, with Costa performing Italians, having scored two in two player, because you don’t expect him to be an attractively open contest, and effort dropped inches wide of the wonders to keep it out. minutes for the second game in dangerous, but he’s got a lot of quality, and he’s Zanellato should have put Milan ahead right post. succession, will now be plotting a prepared well. Juvenal Junior Mel Agnero a minute later, scuffing his shot from Soon after, Aspire really should have route to the final, with either Sao MVP of the Match two yards out with the goal at his However, within a minute of the been level when Shehata was played Paulo or Real Madrid standing in their The game was already over after that first goal, but mercy as the Italians began to look restart Milan took the lead in in on the right of the area, but his low way. Aspire’s own goal cemented AC Milan’s victory. We menacing. spectacular fashion. La Ferrara evaded shot flew just wide of the far post. It had our moment in the first half but it merely passed us by in the second. The Al Kass International Cup Wednesday 11 Feb, 2015 DAILY NEWS 8 9 VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT With 16 games played and 64 goals scored so far, team coaches have certainly had plenty to reflect upon during the opening six days of the 2015 Al Kass International Cup. As momentum now builds ahead of the closing games, the Al Kass International Cup Daily Newsletter asks four coaches to consider their tournament so far.

Jan Van Loon – Arsenal Head Coach Vidal Jose Luis – River Plate Head Coach Riccardo Monguzzi – AC Milan Head Coach Ibrahim Al Shafie – Aspire Academy Head Coach

Reflecting back on your time here, For some of the boys it’s their first Unfortunately your team cannot There’s been a high standard of What are the main lessons you have clearly there is a big passion for the What have been the main things you Have you tried to learn anything from what have been the highlights? time in the region. Do you get a sense progress any further in the football this year – which teams have learnt this year? game of football in Doha. have learnt from this tournament? the other coaches here? that they are learning a lot culturally competition but you do still have impressed you? Well it’s been exactly a week for us in from being here? games to play. Do you feel that your It’s been an incredible experience for Tomorrow we will go to the desert I think this competition has reinforced Actually I think there are lots of Doha now and we have enjoyed every players will continue to give their I like Arsenal – they play the ball well us this year because the standards to explore and this will be a new to us that we need to improve our similarities to the way that all teams minute. Oh absolutely, they will remember everything for the next few matches? and they have a lot of strength on the have been higher than ever before. experience for me and the players. physical strength. In many games we here are playing football this year. All this tournament for the rest of their wings. Aspire International have a I just wish that we had more time have been out-muscled and I think if have very similar formations and all Obviously there have been some lives. Whilst we are here we have Absolutely. At River Plate we will defence that is very difficult to break I am 50-years-old and even I have to spend in this country because we want to compete against teams use a mix of long and short passes. football highlights for us all – our made an effort to go to some cultural always give everything that we can. down and PSG have a lot of mobility. learnt so much this year from taking obviously there is a lot to see and a lot outside of Asia then we really must But I think what is different is that a performance against River Plate landmarks and we think that’s very Clearly, however, we will have to Real Madrid were also impressive part. I think for the young players they to experience. focus on this. lot of the different nationalities have was very strong. But it’s not just important. The total human being has change something because what in their first game too because their have had a chance to see other ways different mentalities to football. Some about football, it’s about the to be developed. happened at the end of the match number 10 (Oscar Arnaiz) is very skilful of looking at football. You know, if Which other teams do you rate this Against other countries in the Middle prefer to pass the ball to individuals entire experience and getting the was very embarrassing for me, my and creates movement in midfield. you look at the South American teams year? East and throughout Asia our level and some prefer to play more as a opportunity to spend time with the Also, because we are taking the club and my country. But we are this year you can see how much every is very good. But when we play a team. boys has been a real highlight for me. players out of school for two weeks – going to play the other games with As a coach, are you learning anything game means to them. It is passion and Paris Saint-Germain and Aspire European, African or South American we need to ensure they are learning. the same spirit as we have done in our from the other teams and coaches at emotional for them and this is how I International are both very physical team we are coming unstuck. You How important is this tournament to But actually, they are learning every first three games. the tournament? want our players to be in every game. teams and I think their style is very saw against Vissel Kobe that we could your player’s development? day. Each time they interact with a difficult to compete against. River really enforce ourselves, but against new culture they are learning more Do you feel that your players are Yes, absolutely. Every night all of I think also it’s been important for us Plate are more technical and they pass Arsenal we struggled. As a club we think this is a very about the world and its people and I learning a lot from being here? the coaches are speaking to each because we have had the chance to the ball very well. important tournament and that’s why think that’s another reason why this other and talking about tactics and verify our standard at international Have your players progressed since we skipped some u17, u18 and u21 tournament is so unique – because it Yes for us it’s a dream to be here management. Obviously I am talking level. Obviously in Italy we are at For me though the team that is most last year? games back at home just so that we is very international. and we are learning a lot day-by-day, the most with coaches who share the very highest level but it’s been complete is Real Madrid. I think their could compete. in this city and in this country. This my language but I am also talking to great to see how our game translates players are very skilful and I think they Last year we had a totally different Have you been surprised at all by the is why I am very surprised by what Italian coaches and we all have coffee against other countries. Italian will do very well in this tournament. style of play. We made a decision a We have brought along some players quality of football here? happened at the end of the Arsenal together. This is why this tournament football is known around the world few months ago that we wanted our who already have experience with match because my players are very is so good. Because the players are for being very defensive, so it’s been players to build up from the back the first team and so that shows how I think the level has been very high. respectful players and they know that competing against different styles, good for us to see how this style – this is different to last year when much we value this competition. There are some exceptional names this behaviour is wrong. I just hope and also the young players are compares against more attacking kind we played more direct. Now we are here – Paris Saint-Germain, Real we can learn from this experience meeting in the lobby and at breakfast of football. trying to instil a new possession-based We have high expectations for our Madrid, AC Milan – and they have not as well. We are learning every hour, and dinner and learning from each game and keep the ball on the floor team and all the boys have a very disappointed us. Also I have been very every day and we are in love with this other. What have your players thought to compensate for our physique. We good mind-set so hopefully this impressed by the two Aspire teams – tournament. For us it’s like playing in a about Doha? Do they like Qatar? cannot play the long ball so we need competition will develop them as Aspire Qatar and Aspire International mini World Cup. to keep the ball on the ground and footballers and as professionals. – who both have a lot of quality The young players are very happy play this way. players that can make a difference. here and I know they are enjoying the culture and the climate of Qatar. The people here are very welcoming and The Al Kass International Cup Wednesday 11 Feb, 2015 DAILY NEWS 10 11

Quarter Final 1 10 Feb 15.35 Arsenal CLUB River Plate 1:0 Klass-Jan LEGENDS Quarter Final 3 11 Feb 15.35 Semi Final 1 13 Feb 15.35 Huntelaar Each day the Al Kass daily Aspire International Arsenal newsletter profiles some of the best PSG 0:0 Winner 3 0:0 players ever to have represented Final 15 Feb 18.00 one of the tournament’s participating teams. Winner 1 Winner 2 0:0 Quarter Final 2 10 Feb 18.00 Semi Final 2 13 Feb 18.00

AC Milan AC Milan Aspire Academy 3:0 Winner 4 0:0 Dutch football superstar Klass Huntelaar was named Dutch Football Talent of the Year and Ajax Player of the Year. His impressive goal scoring Quarter Final 4 11 Feb 18.00 abilities earned him the title of top scorer for the Netherlands U-21 ‘THE‘THE HUNTER’HUNTER’ Sao Paulo national team that won the 2006 Real Madrid 0:0 UEFA U-21 Championship. He currently plays for Schalke 04 where he also the ‘Klaas-Jan Huntelaar stand’ in May 2011, Huntelaar scored a goal squad. ‘The Hunter’ became the top became a top goal scorer in his second tribute to his impact at the club. against MSV Duisburg in the 2011 goal scorer in the UEFA Euro 2012 season. Next football season, Huntelaar DFB-Pokal Final, securing a 5–0 win qualifying competition with twelve signed with SC Heerenveen. At the for Schalke, the club's fifth DFB-Pokal goals, leaving him one shy of David A prolific striker, with a brilliant end of the 2004-05 season he scored a championship and their first major Healy's all-time qualification record. first touch, Klass-Jan ‘The Hunter’ total of 17 goals in 31 matches, helping trophy in nine years. At the 2014 FIFA World Cup, TODAY’S MATCHES Huntelaar, has been compared in style Heerenveen qualify for the UEFA Cup. Huntelaar continued to be in good Huntelaar came off the bench to play to players such as Marco van Basten At this point the top Dutch club Ajax form for the 2011–12 season. He scored against Mexico when the Netherlands and Ruud van Nistelrooy. He has been had already taken notice of his talent. a second-half goal in the club's 3–2 were 0–1 down. He went on to described by former Netherlands victory over Werder Bremen on the provide the assist for Wesley Sneijder, national team manager Louis van last day of the season, earning his side and scored the winning goal as a Gaal, as the best player in the world Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan automatic qualification into the group result of a penalty, which qualified the in the penalty area. The Dutch striker, In January 2006 Huntelaar signed stage of the Champions League. The team for the quarter-finals. who currently plays for Schalke for AFC Ajax, where he played for two goals also meant that Huntelaar 04 and the Netherlands national three seasons. ‘The Hunter’ ended his finished the season with 29 goals from Aspire Int'l PSG Sao Paulo Real Madrid football team, became top goal first season with the club as top scorer 34 league games, making him the first scorer for the German club during his for Ajax with 16 league goals in 16 Dutch player to earn top scorer in the 15.35 Aspire P4 18.00 Aspire P4 second season, making him the first appearances. Due to his tremendous . On 23 December 2012, Dutch player to earn this title in the talent and goal scoring abilities, Schalke announced that Huntelaar Huntelaar was named Dutch Bundesliga. Huntelaar was named Dutch Football signed a two-year contract extension Football Talent of the Year and Ajax Talent of the Year and Ajax Player of to 30 June 2015. ‘Player of the Year’ in 2006. ON THIS DAY Youth Career the Year for the 2005–06 season. At International Career Huntelaar started his football career the start of the 2008–09, Huntelaar Huntelaar played in the 2001 FIFA He is the top goal scorer for the at the young age of five playing with was named first team captain. He World Youth Championship for the Netherlands u21 national team local Dutch football team VV H. en K. scored nine goals in 15 appearances Netherlands, under coach Louis February 10 for six years. In 1994, he was scouted in all competitions before sustaining van Gaal. After scoring 44 goals in He became Schalke top scorer by De Graffschap and he signed torn ankle ligament injury in a league 47 appearances for Heerenveen during the 2011-12 season with 29 1888 Royal Arsenal drew 3-3 in a friendly against caps for an English outfield player. Beckham his first youth contract aged 11. He match against Sparta Rotterdam. He and Ajax in all competitions during goals Millwall Rovers in the first match played at went on to surpass this on 28 March 2009. became top scorer of the B1 league would not play again fully for eight 2005–06, Huntelaar was named in the the Manor Ground in Plumstead. with 31 goals. His goal scoring abilities weeks, and when he did it turned out preliminary Netherlands squad for Huntelaar finished the 2005- 2014 Getting straight back to record-breaking drew the attention of PSV, who signed to be his last game for Ajax. Huntelaar the 2006 FIFA World Cup, but was 06 season with 33 goals in 34 1989 Josef de Souza Dias, commonly known business after clinching his second Ballon him in June 2000. finished the season with 33 goals in 34 not selected for the final squad, but appearances, becoming top scorer as Souza, was born. The Brazilian plays d'Or a month earlier, Ronaldo surpassed In his first season at PSV, Huntelaar appearances, becoming top scorer in instead sent to play in the UEFA u21 in the Eredivisie, and the first Ajax for São Paulo FC, primarily as a central Luis Aragones' achievements in the history scored 26 goals in 23 games to the Eredivisie and the first Ajax player Championship. Huntelaar became player to score 30 league goals in midfielder but also as a defensive of Copa del Rey games between Real and become top scorer in the youth to score 30 league goals in a season top scorer in the tournament with a season for 21 years - since Marco midfielder. Atletico Madrid by scoring a brace against league. In his second season at PSV, for 21 years, since Marco van Basten in four goals, and was promoted from van Basten in 1986–87. the Rojiblancos. Aragones had scored five Huntelaar was added to the senior 1986–87. the u21 squad where he remains the 2002 PSG pays 4,79 million euros for Ronaldinho, goals for Atleti but his record had remained squad. Huntelaar joined Real Madrid in Netherlands all-time top goal scorer At the end the 2003–04 season with to Gremio. If the amount is lower than unchallenged since the 1970s. More By the start of 2003, he made his January 2009, but had a short career with 18 goals in 22 matches. AGOVV, Huntelaar scored 26 goals the 6,4 million fixed by the FIFA, the intriguingly Ronaldo's first goal in the derby, senior debut for De Graafschap with with Los Blancos. He scored eight Following his achievements with in 35 league appearances, finishing Parisian club engages itself to pay 5% of a penalty in the seventh minute, meant the a total of nine Eredivisie appearances goals in 20 appearances in 13 starts the under-21 squad, Huntelaar the season as the division's top Ronaldinho's next transfer to Gremio who Portuguese had scored in every possible for the Super Farmers. and seven sub appearances in just was selected to the senior side of goal scorer. He was also named raises the complaints against its former minute of a 90-minute game. At the end the 2003–04 season with half a season at Real Madrid before the Dutch national team. He became the Eerste Divisie's Player of the player. AGOVV, Huntelaar scored 26 goals in transferring to AC Milan in August the first Dutch player to score on his Season. AGOVV later named one 2014 scored two first-half 35 league appearances and finished 2009. His career at Milan was also full international debut for 28 years of the stands at their Sportpark 2009 David Beckham, former Real Madrid, AC penalties as Real Madrid booked their place the season as the division's top goal short-lived. since Dick Nanninga in 1978. Berg & Bos stadium the "Klaas-Jan Milan and Paris Saint-Germain player, drew in the final of the Copa del Rey against city scorer as well as being named the Huntelaar was included in the Huntelaar stand" in tribute to his level with Bobby Moore's record of 108 rivals Atletico Eerste Divisie's Player of the Season. Schalke 04 preliminary squad for the 2010 impact at the club. AGOVV later named one of the stands In August 2010, Huntelaar moved to FIFA World Cup in South Africa and at their Sportpark Berg & Bos stadium Germany to play with Schalke 04. In became one of the players in the final Al Kass International Cup Wednesday 11 Feb, 2015 12 Winners Of Day 6

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