FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020 SPORTSPORT 18

CRICKET FOOTBALL It's so difficult to play a side like this. I don't understand Y’S First ODI Amir Cup with the quality they have the football they play: Jurgen A Australia vs New Quarter-final Klopp hits out at Atletico 's defensive approach after D Zealand Al Sadd vs O ACTION

Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League. TODAY’S T in Sydney Al Wakrah Tokyo 2020 torch lit behind closed doors in ancient Olympia

ATHENS — REUTERS Greek actress Xanthi Georgiou, playing the role of High organisations around the world announce drastic measures. Priestess, lights the flame during the Olympic flame lighting taking significant measures to US President Donald The Tokyo 2020 Olympics ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, yesterday. contain the spread of the coro- Trump suspended travel from torch relay got under way navirus,” IOC President Europe, except for the UK, for yesterday when the flame was Thomas Bach said. 30 days starting Friday, and lit by the rays of the sun in “The Tokyo Games are hard-hit Italy tightened its ancient Olympia in a scaled- delivered by an all-star, all- lockdown. down ceremony over- Japan team with outstanding As of Wednesday, Japan shadowed by the coronavirus support and cooperation on all had 620 cases and 15 deaths, pandemic. levels of government,” he told excluding people on a cruise Actress Xanthi Georgiou, in a small crowd of invited guest ship that was quarantined near the role of high priestess, used on a sun-drenched morning Yokohama last month, a parabolic mirror at the site of inside the ancient stadium, according to the health min- the ancient Greek Olympics to nestled in the western istry. Experts say the tally may ignite the torch, before handing Peloponnese. be deceptively low due to the it to Greek Olympic shooting The ceremony was the limited number of tests in champion Anna Korakaki, the first since 1984 to be held Japan compared with many first woman to ever launch an without spectators on the other countries. Olympic relay. grassy slopes of the stadium, Tokyo Games chief Yoshiro Korakaki subsequently lit and only a few dozen Mori has called any talk of the torch of Japanese runner accredited officials were postponement “outrageous”, Mizuki Noguchi, the 2004 allowed to watch the lighting while yesterday Tokyo Gov- Olympic marathon champion. at the nearby Temple of Hera. ernor Yuriko Koike said she The torch will be handed over The World Health Organi- believed cancellation was not to Tokyo Games organisers in well as the International amid mounting speculation that “Nineteen weeks before the zation (WHO) described the an option, although she Athens on March 19 after a Olympic Committee (IOC) have they could be cancelled or post- opening ceremony of the coronavirus outbreak as a pan- acknowledged that the pan- seven-day relay in Greece. insisted the Games will go ahead poned as the virus spreads games we are strengthened in demic for the first time, demic label would affect future Tokyo Games organisers as as planned on July 24- Aug. 9, rapidly across the globe. our commitment by many... prompting more countries to discussions.

Russian federation fined F1: Australian Grand Prix in $10m for breaching chaos as McLaren pulls out anti-doping rules REUTERS — MOSCOW be once again suspended if AFP — MELBOURNE Russia fails to pay half of the The Russian athletics feder- $10m fine by July 1, World McLaren pulled out of the ation has been fined $10m Athletics said. season-opening Australian for breaching anti-doping That followed the pro- Grand Prix yesterday after a rules and a maximum of 10 visional suspension of the team member tested positive for Russian track and field federation’s president at the coronavirus, throwing the race athletes will be allowed to time, Dmitry Shlyakhtin, into chaos. compete at the Tokyo and six other people for The employee was among at Olympics as neutrals, World having provided false least five Formula One personnel Athletics said yesterday. explanations and forged -- four from Haas -- who went Russia’s athletics feder- documents to justify missed into isolation this week after ation was suspended in 2015 doping tests by high jumper showing flu-like symptoms after a report commissioned Danil Lysenko. typical of the virus. by the World Anti-Doping World Athletics President “The team member was Agency (WADA) found evi- Sebastian Coe said the body’s tested and self-isolated as soon dence of mass doping among council had felt “severely let as they started to show track and field athletes in the down” by the federation’s symptoms and will now be country. previous administration and treated by local healthcare Yet some of its officials that it had approved new cri- authorities,” McLaren said in a and senior coaches have teria for its reinstatement, statement, adding that he would since then been involved in including additional over- be quarantined. doping scandals, under- sight by international experts “The decision (to withdraw) mining the country’s efforts based in Russia. has been taken based on a duty to have the ban lifted. In recent months Russia of care not only to McLaren F1 Mechanics push the car of McLaren’s Carlos Sainz Jr. down the pitlane during practice in this file photo. World Athletics, the has stepped up its efforts to employees and partners, but also sport’s global body gov- have its athletes cleared to to the team’s competitors, ference packed with media. Asked why he felt the race “We’ll cross that bridge when erning, said yesterday it was compete internationally, Formula 1 fans and wider F1 “It seems that the rest of the was still on, Hamilton replied: we get to it,” he said. limiting to 10 the number of including with the stakeholders.” world is already reacting a little “Cash is king.” Australia has reported 150 Russians who could be eli- appointment of a new fed- Results of the tests for the bit late, but you have seen this Four-time world champion cases of coronavirus so far, gible to compete in track and eration president and the Haas staff have yet to be morning with (President Donald) Vettel said it was difficult to including among fans who field as neutrals at this year’s resignation of its executive revealed. Trump shutting down the border judge what to do as the virus attended the women’s T20 Tokyo Olympics. committee. McLaren’s decision to pull to Europe to the States, the NBA continues its spread. Cricket World Cup final and a It also reinstated the Russia is also in the out casts doubt over whether the suspended, yet Formula One “Obviously we have to trust Super Rugby match, both in Mel- process by which Russian process of appealing a four- race will be run without a full continues to go on. the FIA (International Auto- bourne last week. athletes can apply to year ban from competing complement of teams, and “It’s a concern I think for the mobile Federation) to take pre- European countries that are compete internationally as under its flag in many sports whether others will follow suit. people here. It’s quite a big circus cautions as much as they can, but home to many of the F1 teams neutrals after demonstrating at major international events World champion Lewis Ham- that’s come here, it’s definitely I think the answer that nobody and journalists at the grand prix that they train in a doping- as punishment for having ilton earlier yesterday said he concerning for me.” can give you at the moment is have had far more cases. free environment. provided WADA with doc- was “very surprised” that it was The Mercedes star, who is how much you can control what Despite concerns, fans That vetting process will tored laboratory data. going ahead as fears mount gunning to match Michael Schu- is going on,” he said. flocked to Albert Park yesterday about the spread of the disease. macher’s record seven world “As a matter of fact, we are for a Supercars qualifying World Athletics, the sport’s global body “I am really very, very sur- crowns this season, sat alongside here so you just try to take care session. governing, said yesterday it was limiting to 10 prised that we’re here. I don’t Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and as much as you can.” “I’m not worried, I’m washing the number of Russians who could be eligible think it’s great that we have races Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo in the Haas team principal Guenther my hands and that’s the best to compete in track and field as neutrals at this but it really is shocking that we’re media session, but a large open Steiner said they had not yet dis- thing to do,” said spectator year’s Tokyo Olympics. all sitting in this room,” he said space separated them from the cussed what to do if any of their Robert Clarke as he used a hand- at an official pre-race press con- press. employees tested positive. sanitiser station. ATP suspends men’s tour for six weeks

REUTERS — LONDON this time in order to protect the all and we must all do every- health and safety of our players, thing we can to reduce its The ATP suspended its profes- staff, the wider tennis com- spread. sional men’s tennis tour for six munity and general public The International Tennis We believe this is the weeks yesterday, citing health in the face of this global Federation (ITF) postponed all concerns over the coronavirus pandemic,” he said. its events until April 20 fol- responsible action outbreak, which has disrupted Impacted events include the lowing the ATP’s announcement needed at this time sports events across the globe. Clay Court Championships in and will review the situation on The announcement came Houston, the Grand Prix Hassan a weekly basis. in order to protect moments after Miami-Dade II in Marrakech, the Monte Carlo “The ITF is taking the pre- the health and safety County said it would suspend Masters, the Barcelona Open cautionary measure to postpone the Miami Open and following and the Hungarian Open. all ITF-owned and sanctioned of our players, staff, Sunday’s last-minute cancel- Players praised the ATP’s events, across the men’s and the wider tennis lation of the Indian Wells tour- announcement and voiced women’s ITF World Tennis nament in Southern concern over the coronavirus Tour, the ITF World Tennis Tour community and California. outbreak on social media. Juniors, the Wheelchair Tennis general public health The decision was not taken “The wisest decision at times Tour, ITF Beach Tennis World lightly, ATP Chairman Andrea like these,” Argentine player Tour and ITF Seniors Tour,” it in the face of this Gaudenzi said in a statement, Diego Schwartzman said on said in a statement. global pandemic: adding that the suspension rep- Twitter. The ITF on Wednesday post- resents a great loss for players “Do not take it lightly,” poned the inaugural edition of ATP Chairman and fans. Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas the multi-nation Fed Cup finals A “Tennis Event Cancelled” sign flashes outside the Indian Wells Andrea Gaudenzi “We believe this is the Tweeted. scheduled to be held in Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California. responsible action needed at “The coronavirus affects us Budapest next month. FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020 SPORT 19 Thrilling battles expected in last round of QSTK600, QTCC THE PENINSULA – DOHA looking forward for this weekend. In the Trophy category, although the take the QTCC 2K championship title," and do my best," commented Al Sulaiti. "I am very excited for the last round, title is also not decided, there is an said Al Maadheed. Al Khelaifi is very excited to be back The fifth and last round of Qatar Super- for sure it is going to be full of action as important gap between Jeremy Parola For the QTCC M240 category, three racing after the break. "Technical issues stock 600 (QSTK600) and Qatar always. Again, this season, the cham- and Rayad Al Emadi as the French rider drivers are fighting for the title, Hamad and race retirements costed me a lot Touring Car Championship (QTCC) will pionship will be decided in the last is 30 points ahead of Al Emad, so Parola Al Sulaiti, Abdulla Al Khelaifi and Nasser this season and to come back on top, a take place this weekend, on Match 13 round and I am sure that everybody will has high chances to clinch the Saadon Al Kuwari. Al Sulaiti is leading miracle has to happen since winning and 14 at the Losail International Circuit. push and give a great show for eve- championship. with 82 points, followed by Al Khelaifi both races will not be enough if Hamad The championship title for the ryone. In the end of the day, everybody For the Qatar Touring Car Champi- with 74 points and Al Kuwari with 64 still finishes behind me. At the end this QSTK600 will be decided this weekend is a winner, this championship is great onship, in the QTCC 2K category, points. is racing and everything can happen. between Saeed Al Sulaiti, Abdulla Al and we can see that all the riders are Ghanim Al Maadheed is leading with The championship leader, Al Sulaiti Important thing is to stay focused and Qubaisi and Mishal Al Naimi. improving and pushing a lot," men- 108 points in front of Ibrahim Al knows that this weekend will be very to give it all. In general, very happy with Al Sulaiti is leading the champi- tioned Al Sulaiti. Abdulghani who is second with 89 tough. "This round will be the hardest the close competition and the increased onship with 169 points, only six points "Last round was not as I expected points. Nasser Al Ahbabi is third with one of the whole championships cars on grid this season," said Al Khelaifi. ahead of Al Qubaisi, who has 163 points. and I lost valuable points for the cham- 67 points. because three of us are very close with Qatar Superstock 600 and Qatar Al Naimi has less chances to get the title pionship. From the last round, I have "In the last two rounds, the car was the points. I am leading the champi- Touring Car Championship are as he has 142 points. trained hard to reach this last round well very good and didn’t have any issue so onship only by 8 points and if I don’t get organized by Losail Circuit Sports Club Al Sulaiti, the title holder and prepared and fight for the title," said Al hopefully, all remains the same and I good results I can lose the championship and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle three times QSTK600 Champion is Qubaisi. can get good results in both races and but I will push very hard this weekend Federation.

Euro 2020 Paris St Germain’s Neymar celebrates with team-mates Marquinhos and Pablo Sarabia after scoring their first goal against Borussia Dortmund during the Champions League Round of 16 second leg match at the Parc des Princes in Paris, on Wednesday. QGF postpones warm-up event Doha Artistic in Qatar called off Gymnastics AFP – PARIS World Cup A four-team international tournament featuring THE PENINSULA – DOHA European champions Portugal, World Cup finalists Croatia, The Qatar Gymnastics Federation Belgium and Switzerland in (QGF) yesterday announced the Qatar this month has been postponement of the 13th FIG called off. Artistic Gymnastics Individual Appa- The Belgian FA said ratus World Cup, citing concerns over Wednesday it had “received the spread of coronavirus outbreak. the info from Qatar that due The event, which was scheduled to the current situation to be held at Doha's Aspire Dome worldwide the... tournament from March 18 to 21, will now take will have to be cancelled”. place from June 3 to 6 at the same The March 26-30 tour- venue, QGF said yesterday. nament was to be used as a Over 250 gymnasts from 59 warm-up event for Euro 2020. countries confirmed their partici- pation in the event, during which the QGF, headed by Ali Al Hitmi will Real Madrid in celebrate its 20th anniversary. According to the QGF, the quarantine as decision to reschedule the event is in line with the recommendations halted of the Ministry of Public Health to avoid gatherings in public places AFP – MADRID PSG sink Dortmund in empty and to implement the decisions issued by the National Pandemic Real Madrid went into quar- Preparedness Committee. antine yesterday as La Liga announced Spain’s top two stadium to reach quarters divisions will be suspended for at least two weeks over the REUTERS – PARIS and lost to Manchester United hamstring injury, while PSG pressed high after Rain washes coronavirus. on away goals after beating Kylian Mbappe started on the the break while Erling La Liga authorities made Paris St Germain beat the English side 2-0 at Old bench after suffering from a Haaland, who scored a out first ODI the decision after Real Madrid Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in an Trafford 12 months ago. sore throat. double in the first leg, never confirmed its senior football empty stadium due to coro- Over 3,000 ultra fans PSG dominated pos- looked likely to add to his 10 between India team is in quarantine after one navirus fears on Wednesday gathered near the Parc des session and had the first clear Champions League goals this of the club’s players to reach the Champions Princes before kickoff after chance when Edinson Cav- season. and South Africa tested positive for the virus. League quarter-finals 3-2 on being granted authorisation ani’s cross shot from Di Thorgan Hazard and Axel Real Madrid’s football and aggregate. by the police - demonstra- Maria’s through ball was Witsel made way for Julian REUTERS – DHARAMSALA basketball players share facil- Neymar and Juan Bernat tions being considered an deflected by keeper Roman Brandt and Giovanni Reyna ities at Ciudad Real Madrid, the scored before halftime to exemption to the ban of gath- Buerki. as Dortmund coach Lucien The first one-day international club’s training ground in overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit erings of more than 1,000 as Neymar put the hosts Favre looked to freshen up his between India and South Africa in Valdebebas. and send the French cham- French authorities try to ahead in the 28th minute as attacking line and PSG were the northern Indian city of Dhar- A club statement read: “A pions into the last eight for the contain the coronavirus, he headed home Angel Di suddenly on the back foot. amsala was called off without a ball player from our basketball first first time since 2016 as which has infected 2,281 Maria’s free kick for his 35th A brawl erupted two being bowled due to incessant rain team has tested positive for the Dortmund finished with 10 people and killed 48. goal in 57 matches, making minutes from time after Can yesterday. COVID-19 coronavirus. men after Emre Can was sent They lit firework and their his presence count after fouled Neymar and pushed While several international off in the dying minutes. chants could be overheard in missing the return leg against the Brazilian to the ground. sporting events have been cancelled PSG made it past the last the stadium. “Our only virus United through injury last Can was sent off while Di or postponed due to the coronavirus Juventus' 16 after painful exits at the is Paris SG,” a banner in the season. Maria picked up a yellow outbreak, the two cricket boards same stage in the last two empty arena read. Bernat doubled the lead card which means the decided to go ahead with three Rugani 'fine’ years. They let slip a 4-0 PSG were without captain on the stroke of halftime by Argentine will be suspended one-day internationals despite advantage in a 6-5 aggregate Thiago Silva, who had not flicking Sarabia’s attempt past for the first leg of PSG’s concerns. after being defeat by Barcelona in 2017 fully recovered from a Buerki. quarter-final. Yesterday, the Indian gov- ernment said it wanted the national tested positive cricket team’s upcoming matches to be played in empty stadiums - an REUTERS – MILAN unheard-of occurrence in a country where the sport is a national Juventus defender Daniele obsession. Rugani said he was fine But a sizeable crowd none- yesterday, shortly after his club theless gathered in the Dharamsala said he had tested positive for ground, with local match organisers coronavirus, the first player in saying they had not received the Serie A to do so. government directive. The Turin side are one of Europe’s biggest clubs with a squad that includes five-times Karachi beat world player of the year Cris- tiano Ronaldo, who is currently Lahore; PSL in his native Madeira. A source close to Juventus matches to be said the entire squad will have to spend two weeks in quar- played without fans antine, meaning they would not be able to face Olympique AP – KARACHI Lyonnais in the second leg of their Champions League round Karachi Kings delighted more than of 16 tie on March 17. 25,000 supporters with a thumping 10-wicket victory over Lahore Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente scores their second goal against Liverpool. Qalandars yesterday in the last EPL matches to Pakistan Super League match in Karachi to be played in front of fans. be played in The Pakistan Cricket Board decided that the remaining games empty stadiums Atletico eliminate holders Liverpool at the National Stadium will be played without spectators because REUTERS – LONDON AP – LIVERPOOL 94th-minute goal when its in its bid to reach a third As for Atletico, another of the coronavirus outbreak. That backup goalkeeper, Adrian, straight final, having beaten run in the Champions League includes Karachi’s last two league All Premier League and lower Atletico Madrid ended Liver- made a poor clearance three Tottenham for its sixth is making up for a disap- matches on Saturday and Sunday. division matches in England pool’s title defense in the minutes later that led to European Cup title last year pointing season in La Liga, Peshawar Zalmi also play their last are to be played without spec- Champions League with a 3-2 Llorente rolling in a finish. after losing to Real Madrid the where the team is in sixth league game on Friday against tators amid the coronavirus win at Anfield on Wednesday That meant Atletico was previous season. place. Multan Sultans at the National outbreak, the Times reported thanks to two goals by Marcos leading on the away-goals rule Jurgen Klopp’s team will Llorente is in his first Stadium. on Wednesday. Llorente in extra time and but Llorente gave the Spanish have to be content this season season at Atletico after a con- On the field, the opening pair of The report said the season another by fellow substitute team more breathing space with winning the English troversial move from fierce Sharjeel Khan (74 not out) and will not be postponed and that Alvaro Morata. with his second goal on the league championship for the local rival Real Madrid in the Babar Azam (69 not out) hit brisk the games behind closed doors Atletico advanced 4-2 on counterattack just before the first time in 30 years. That offseason last year. half centuries and carried Karachi will not be shown in pubs “to aggregate in the round of 16. end of the first extra-time could happen as early as next His father, Paco, and great to 151-0 with 17 balls to spare. avoid congregation of people”. Roberto Firmino had just period. week, with the Reds holding uncle, Francisco Gento, are Lahore were earlier restricted to About 450 people in Britain put Liverpool 2-0 ahead on Liverpool couldn’t a 25-point lead and needing greats at Real. 150-5 after Karachi skipper Imad have been infected by corona- the night - and 2-1 up on engineer another memorable just two more wins to clinch Morata is also a former Wasim won the toss and elected to virus and eight have died. aggregate - with a Anfield turnaround and failed the title. Real Madrid player. field. SPORT

FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020 UEFA to Al Markhiya make Amir Cup semis decide on fate of Euro 2020, with stunning win over Al Rayyan Champions FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA League AFP – PARIS Second division side Al Markhiya shocked six-time champions Al UEFA will hold a crisis meeting Rayyan 1-0 to reach the semi- next week, European football’s finals of the prestigious Amir governing body announced Cup at Al Sadd Stadium yesterday, as the coronavirus yesterday. pandemic threatens to force Al Markhiya’s Omani mid- the postponement of Euro fielder Ahmed Mubarak scored 2020 and wreaks havoc with the all-important in a 82nd the ongoing Champions minute penalty, giving his side League. a memorable victory in the A videoconference will be second quarter-final, which was held “to discuss European foot- played behind closed doors to ball’s response to the outbreak” prevent the spread of next Tuesday “in the light of the coronavirus. ongoing developments in the Al Markhiya, coached by spread of COVID-19 across Younes Ali, were paid for their Europe and the changing solid defence throughout the analysis of the World Health match, which saw the ‘Lions’ Al Markhiya’s Ahmed Organisation.” The meeting will dominating the proceedings Mubarak (centre) celebrates involve representatives from with an aggressive display. after scoring the only goal all 55 national associations and Al Rayyan, however, were of the match against Al club and player bodies. unfortunate not to score yes- Rayyan during yesterday's One possible solution for terday despite creating Amir Cup quarter-final at the European Championship numerous chances with some the Al Sadd Stadium. could be to delay the tour- of the referee’s decisions going nament by a year until 2021. against them. A source close to UEFA told The team, coached by Uru- Anthony Bassey. Al Markhiya’s Players vie for the ball AFP that everything is on the guayan Diego Aguirre, seemed Hamad Saeed found himself in possession during yesterday's table, from postponing the they will open the floodgates in perfect position to score but his quarter-final. tournament and changing the the first half as they started hit was well blocked by Al format to even changing the attacking Al Markhiya’s goal Rayyan’s South Korean star Lee venues. right from the start. Jaeik, who dived to deflect the Similarly, according to the But, Al Markhiya, who begun ball off target. source, all possibilities are the match with a defensive As the match gathered more being considered for the approach did well to hold the pace, Al Rayyan were unlucky ongoing European club com- former champions. not to get a goal when Tabata’s petitions, including playing The first 15 minutes saw Al furious strike from outside the one-off ties instead of two legs. Rayyan taking control of the box struck the goal post. UEFA have postponed next match completely making Referee Meshari Al Tuesday’s Champions League repeated attacks. Shamari’s decision to award last 16, second legs between Al Rayyan captain Rodrigo penalty in favour of Al Rayyan Manchester City and Real Tabata’s free hit outside the box in the 38th minute was over- Madrid, and between Juventus was on target but Al Markhiya turned by VAR after replay and Lyon. goalkeeper Mohamed Said did showed Al Markhiya captain Real, who lost the first leg well to block the attempt. Aden Ali’s tackle against Alex- 2-1 at home to City, announced Besides doing well in ander was clean. yesterday that their squad has defence, Al Markhiya also made The decision allowed Al been placed in quarantine after a few attacks but Al Rayyan Markhiya to go into the breather one of the club’s basketball continued the dominating without any deficit as more Al players tested positive for the display. Rayyan attacks went without a virus. Euro 2020 is due to kick In a 26th minute attack, Al goal being scored. calling back Alexander in the Markhiya who found the winner. in his response. Al Rayyan off in three months and the Rayyan’s Yohan Alexander had In the second half, Al Rayyan 63rd minute. A decision by VAR adjudged created more chances to find the final four qualifying spots are a good opportunity to score but again came as a dominant side Referee turned down Franck a by Abdelaziz Hatem equaliser with Soria also making due to be decided in play-off he struck a cross right in hands pushing for a goal but Al Kom’s appeal of a handball inside the box during an attack a couple of attempts. However, matches scheduled to be of Al Markhiya goalkeeper, when Markhiya defenders continued against Al Markhiya defender on by Al Markhiya, who were then it was Al Markhiya’s day who played at the end of this month. there was just one defender to block their way, with Mubarak his attempt in a 72nd minute handed a spot kick. went away victorious with a his- UEFA has also cancelled present. receiving a caution for one of corner, just handing one more Mubarak was on target with toric win. upcoming matches in the men’s Just a minute later, Al those tackles. corner to the ‘Lions’. a right-footed hit, though Al Today, Al Sadd and Al and women’s under-17 and Markhiya got their first realistic Looking for a goal, Al Rayyan Star Sebastian Soria then Rayyan goalkepeer Fahad Wakrah will clash in the third under-19 European Champi- chance to score a goal in an coach Aguirre sent Mohammed came off the bench as Al Rayyan Younis dived in the right quarter-final at Abdullah Bin onships, due to take place attack initiated by Nigerian Juma Al Awai in play while struggled for a goal but it was Al direction but he was a little late Khalifa Stadium. between March 14 and April 14. Al Sadd seek revenge against Al Wakrah in quarter-final

CHINTHANA WASALA Al Wakrah players in action during THE PENINSULA a practice session yesterday.

Al Sadd, with 15 Amir Cup titles under their belt, will be targeting a place in the semi-finals of this year’s tournament as they seek sweet revenge for their League loss against Al Wakrah at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium today. Coach Xavi Hernandez and his Al Sadd team began the Al Sadd's coach season by winning the Qatar Cup Xavi Hernandez and later made it to the semi- finals of the AFC champions League. However, they are not having the same dream run which they had last season of the QNB Stars League and have lost Al Sadd's players in action to Al Wakrah 1-2 in their last during a practice session Al Wakrah’s coach meeting. yesterday. Marquez Lopez Despite that, the Barca legend yesterday said they are ready to give their best against have an excellent coach and today’s match have been hit by important to us and winning it “It will be very difficult, as two or three key players, but Al Wakrah and move into the great players. We are trying to several injury lay-offs, including will make this an excellent season Al Sadd is a strong team and we depend on the team play semis as they look for a place in reach the final and to give our national team captain Hassan Al for us,” Xavi said. we know what their capabil- style, and our plans depend on the title clash. best performance,” Xavi said. Haydos, Pedro Miguel, Salem Al Al Sadd qualified for the ities are,” Lopez said the team as a group and not as “We are ready for the match “We are performing well but Hajri and Tareq Salman, but Xavi quarter-finals by defeating Al yesterday. individuals. Therefore we will against Al Wakrah. Our goal is we are not winning, and this is is confident that they can get past Kharaitiyat in the round of 16 Lopez said: “We know that not be affected by absences,” to compete for title as our situ- football. We give our everything their opponents in today’s clash. with a 3-1 margin while Al there will be several players the Spaniard added. ation in the league is bad. We in matches. This is how we play “The game against Al Wakrah Wakrah qualified at the expense absent from the ranks of Al “It is a very important tour- have had intense training to and we must now be effective. I is like a final. As for this season of Al Shahaniya by winning it on Sadd for injuries, but they still nament for us, and we will do prepare for this match. The Amir only worry when we do not so far, we have been doing well, penalties 10-9 after the scores have good players who can fill our utmost to continue the Cup Championship means a lot create opportunities, when we winning the Qatar Cup and read 0-0 at the final whistle. that void. However, we journey and reach the semi- to us,” Xavi said during a press possess and dominate, but not reaching the AFC Champions Al Wakrah’s coach Marquez believe we can challenge finals, and we will strive to win conference yesterday. score. We must improve our per- League semi-final. We are only Lopez yesterday said his team is them in tomorrow’s and overcome the obstacle of “Al Wakrah defeated us in formance,” Xavi said. in a difficult spot in the League. determined to face the strong Al quarter-final.” the star-studded Al Sadd team the QNB Stars League and they Al Sadd’s preparations for The Amir Cup title is very Sadd outfit. “Al Wakrah are also missing even,” Lopez added.