claims five as India shot out for lowest ever Test score, Australia win by 8 SUNday, DECEMBER 20, 2020 page 14 Hyundai emerge Asian Champions League winners

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, President, Qatar Football Association awards the Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy to Ul san Hyundai’s Yoon Bit-garam at the Al Janoub Stadium on Saturday. Yoon Bit-garam named 2020 AFC CL’s MVP

AFC Yoon, 30, admitted that ’s Ulsan Hyudai players celebrate with the trophy after winning the AFC Champions League final against Iran’s Persepolis at the Al Janoub Stadium on Saturday.( AFP) Doha going behind shook Ulsan Hyundai, especially as they Yoon Bit-garam’s phenom- had dominated possession. enal form in the 2020 AFC “We were a bit down after Negrao stars with a double in final against Persepolis Champions League saw the conceding but after Junior Ulsan Hyundai FC midfielder scored the first goal, we went win the Most Valuable Player into the break with renewed (MVP) award following the energy. The coach analysed conclusion of the final at the Al and explained to us how we Janoub Stadium on Saturday. have to tackle the second Yoon played a pivotal role half. For us as players, we just in Ulsan Hyundai winning the wanted to follow the coach’s trophy for a second time as instructions and be disciplined he contributed four goals and and that was the secret to win- marshalled the engine room ning the game. superbly as the Korea Republic ‘Persepolis played a lot side lifted the AFC Champions of long balls into the box but League trophy with a 2-1 win we tried to defend as a team over Islamic Republic of Iran’s and were able to keep them at Persepolis FC in the final. bay,” said Yoon. “This is the happiest mo- Yoon paid tribute to his ment of my career and the teammates, saying he would Ulsan forward Junior Negrao (right) celebrates his goal with midfielder most meaningful day in my not have enjoyed such a Won Du-Jae during the AFC Champions League final.( AFP) life. It was very difficult be- successful tournament if not cause we conceded the goal for them. first, but we tried to chase it “I could not have won this back as soon as possible and award without my teammates. we tried to show our energy to Everyone played their role, we score,” said Yoon. came together as a team and “We proved we are eager to wanted to enjoy our football. win this title. We are very hap- “I cannot be fully satisfied FIFA President Gianni Infantino and AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa present the py with the fact that we could with my performance here; winners’ trophy to Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on Saturday. (AFP) lift the trophy. I would like to I always have to push myself thank our fans who are follow- to be better and better and go AFP club scene since 1993. ing us in Korea even though it higher. I would like to dedi- Doha Persepolis had topped from is really late now in Korea. I cate the award to my team- Asia’s west zone in Qatar’s bio- would like to thank the man- mates who helped me and we Ulsan Hyundai Motors won secure bubble after the Covid-19 ager who gave me a lot of trust tried to enjoy the competition the Asian Champions League pandemic forced the Asian from the start of the season.” together.” for the second time in history Football Confederation to halt after a Junior Negrao double the tournament in March. gave them a 2-1 victory over Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, the Iran’s Persepolis on Saturday. 2019 champions, were kicked The South Korean giants out during the group phase also achieved the feat in record after a spate of coronavirus in- fashion, winning their ninth fections in the squad left them consecutive match in the tour- without enough fit players, eas- nament to equal their winning ing Persepolis’ path to the final. streak of 2012 when they won While Ulsan had played Persepolis fans cheer ahead of the AFC Champions League final between Iran’s Persepolis and South the title for the first time. eight games in 23 days in Doha Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on Saturday. (AFP) But this time they were before Saturday’s final, Perse- even more emphatic, scoring polis had three weeks off and huk to the bottom left corner. Ulsan had their tail up after playing for Seongnam Illhwa at least two goals in each match only arrived in Qatar a few days Ulsan, however hit back in that but they required another Chunma. on their way to the title, an un- ago. The Iranians though bat- the fourth minute of first-half VAR-assisted penalty to score That year his team squan- precedented achievement in the tled gallantly on Saturday, not stoppage time after they were their second goal in the 55th dered a 3-1 first leg away win tournament. only keeping the marauding awarded a VAR-assisted pen- minute advantage to suffer a 5-0 thrash- Persepolis missed out on Ulsan forwards at bay but also alty when Ahmad Noorollahi Mehdi Shiri handled the ing by Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad the Asian crown for the second drawing first blood at Qatar’s Al fouled Yoon Bit-Garam inside ball as Ulsan pressed forward at home to finish runners-up time in three years, having lost Janoub Stadium, built for the the box. and this time Negrao made no “I am very proud of this Ulsan Hyundai players celebrate with coach Do-Hoon Kim after winning to Japan’s in 2022 World Cup. Negrao couldn’t believe mistake from the spot, sending team. The players did their best. the AFC Champions League final at Al Janoub Stadium on Saturday.( AFP) the final in 2018. At the stroke of half-time, his luck as goalkeeper Hamed goalkeeper Lak in the other di- I would like to thank the club This was the fifth time in Ulsan defender Park Soo-ho Lak blocked his spot-kick with rection. who trusted me a lot,” said Kim, history that a team from Iran lost his balance in the midfield a full-stretch dive, but the ball Coach Kim Do-hoon who also paid his respects to his Scoreline had fallen at the final hurdle and Mehdi Abdi displayed great rebounded in the Brazilian’s couldn’t hide his emotions after father who died this year. Ulsan Hyundai 2 (Junior Negrao 45+4’, 55’ (P)) bt of Asia’s premier competition, awareness to steal the ball and direction and he was left with guiding Ulsan to victory, hav- “My father passed away this Persepolis 1 (Mehdi Abdi 45’). thus extending the country’s ti- produce a brilliant solo run be- the easiest of tap-ins to score his ing experienced the pain of los- season but I am sure he was tle drought on the continental fore beating goalkeeper Jo Soo- sixth goal of the tournament. ing the 2004 final when he was watching over us from above.” 12 Sunday, December 20, 2020 Sports

The Al Sadd team celebrates with the Amir Cup trophy after receiving it from His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Friday. Al Sadd beat Al Arabi 2-1 in the final to claim the prestigious title a 17th time.

Life in Qatar, my coaching philosophy and the FIFA 2022 World Cup project

By Xavi Hernandez to the point where it has now positively im- all, players must enjoy playing football and the pacted more than 500,000 people across ten best way to enjoy football is to have the ball, ith less than two years until the countries. Some of the projects have included create lots of chances and score lots of goals. World Cup is hosted in the Middle When you walk around Doha and meet building football pitches in refugee camps This is how I lived it as a player, and it is how WEast and Arab world for the first the locals, their passion for football is and implementing sustainable programmes I want my players to experience the game un- time, excitement is really starting to build clear. I must admit that I like practically which ensure the facilities are used effective- der my management. here in Qatar. The country has promised to everything about living in Qatar. The ly. I have attended pitch launch ceremonies From my time here, it is clear that football put on a spectacular show for football fans weather is amazing, with sunshine in Jordan and India – and the impact they is developing very well in Qatar. The World and having seen the pace of development have on communities is huge. Cup project meant that they had to really fo- since I moved here in 2015 – on everything almost every day, and it is a very relaxing While I had initially only planned on cus on developing not only top-class facilities from stadiums and accommodation, to road place to work as the people are really staying in Qatar to finish my playing career, and stadiums to host the tournament, but a and rail infrastructure – I’ve every confi- respectful and friendly. It’s also a very when I was presented with the opportunity national team capable of competing on the dence that it will be an incredible tourna- the programmes put in place to deliver posi- safe country with very little crime, so to take over as the manager of Al Sadd I was biggest stage with the world’s best teams. As- ment for both players and fans. tive social change beyond 2022. is a great place to raise a young family. delighted. My family and I had really grown pire Academy, which launched back in 2004 I moved to Qatar to join Al Sadd and pro- When you walk around Doha and meet to love Qatar and the way of life over here, to help develop footballers and other athletes long my playing career. It was a huge decision the locals, their passion for football is clear. so it was a brilliant chance for me to take in the country, has been a huge success. The for me and my family to move from Barcelo- I didn’t really know what to expect when I the weekend, there are lots of nice things to the first step in my managerial career and new generation of players coming through in na, my home city, and a club I love so much, first moved here as it was a completely new do. I often go out to eat at one of Doha’s many oversee a squad with a number of promising Qatar are improving a lot. I can see this im- to start again in a whole new part of the world. experience for me, leaving Barca after 25 nice restaurants, such as Lo Spaghetto, which players likely to feature for the Qatar nation- provement with my own players at Al Sadd At the time, my passion for playing the years, to go to a new part of the world with is great for Italian food, or to Bibo, a Span- al team in 2022. Having played for Al Sadd, and it is a privilege to work with them every game was as strong as ever, but deep down, I a different culture and traditions. But I must ish restaurant, for a taste of home. The beach I knew it would be a fantastic place for me to day and help them grow in confidence. knew I would no longer be able to contribute admit that I like practically everything about hotels here are amazing and a great place to transition to life on the touchline and help With the current rate of development and as much as I would have liked on the pitch at living in Qatar. The weather is amazing, with relax at the weekends, although recently with develop some of these players. having recently won the AFC Asian Cup, I a club like Barca, where every game is a must sunshine almost every day, and it is a very the football season in full flowI haven’t had as It took some time to adapt to my new life think Qatar can compete very well at their first win. When I learned about the World Cup relaxing place to work as the people are real- much time to enjoy this aspect of life in Qatar! as coach but I’m enjoying it very much. My World Cup in 2022. Football culture is grow- project in Qatar by speaking to friends such ly respectful and friendly. It’s also a very safe Since moving to Qatar, I have also had philosophy is the same as when I was a player. ing at a tremendous speed here and I think the as Raul, who had already played here, I was country with very little crime, so is a great the opportunity to work on some incredible I like football to be played in a positive way. As World Cup will help take the game to the next truly impressed by what the country wanted place to raise a young family. charitable initiatives. One of the projects – a player I liked having the ball, keeping pos- level – not only in Qatar but in the whole Arab to achieve both on and off the pitch by host- Since moving here, I have got to spend lots Generation Amazing – has become very close session, going on the attack and creating as region. While eventually the time will come ing the tournament. of quality time with my wife and two young to my heart. It uses the power of football to many chances as possible. I believe in a pos- for me to take the next step in my managerial It was a great opportunity for me to con- children. As training takes place in the even- empower and educate young people and session-based game, played at a high tempo, career, for now, I’m focused on enjoying my tinue playing football while also playing a role ing most days, I have time to take my daugh- teach important life skills. The programme and I like my players to understand the im- time here and making the most of the oppor- in a bigger, national project – with the aim of ter to pre-school every day and then spend the recently celebrated its tenth anniversary portance of playing as a team. Everyone has tunity to play a small role in Qatar’s exciting achieving great things off the pitch through rest of the morning playing with my son. At and it has been a pleasure to watch it grow to defend together and attack together. Above journey to 2022. (SC.QA)

Q&A with Hani Taleb Ballan ‘VAR as a tool helps add fairness, integrity and value to football’

o football player, club or ing for everybody and all those the video match officials who How do you think the ref- I’m very proud of our referees, Nassociation emerged from football lovers, those who are are participating in our compe- erees have dealt with this because they have done this. 2020 without feeling the impact passionate about football in titions in the AFC. This training new way (pandemic and of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Asia, to see football coming was done by having seminars bio-secure bubbles) of life? This competition has taken Asia’s elite referees have also back to life again, and for the in Kuala Lumpur before the The pandemic has affected place in three stadiums been forced to adapt to what most prestigious club competi- pandemic, and then, when the everyone including football- which will be used for the quickly became the new normal. tion to be concluded in Qatar. pandemic started, we have con- ers, businesses, and referees, 2022 FIFA World Cup. Do From their own domestic com- When the pandemic started all tinued taking this responsibility but we ask the referees, al- you think the referees have petitions to the AFC Champions sport activities, in some coun- of exchanging the knowledge of ways, to do even more than felt an extra motivation? League, the continent’s match tries, were put on hold, and in the referees and preparing them what is expected. In the West and East, we officials have shown diligence some countries, they were ter- for such a tournament like the Of course, it’s not easy to be have concluded the potential and professionalism and played minated, but it was very impor- West and the East (AFC Cham- in a bubble-to-bubble bio-frame candidates for the Qatar World a key role in keeping the game tant to resume the most pres- pions League). but again and again, our refer- Cup in 2022, and for our ref- alive during the most difficult of tigious AFC competition. AFC Referees Committee Deputy Chairperson Hani Taleb Ballan. “In August, we’ve completed ees have taken this big respon- erees to be able to touch base circumstances. During the clos- The only way to conclude a virtual training for four days sibility. They have sacrificed a with three stadiums that I ing stages of the ongoing AFC this competition was with a cen- football? cannot see on the field of play. for all the referees to refresh lot to bring football back to life would say are world-class sta- Champions League in Doha, tralised venue. Thanks to the The VAR is a very important It adds fairness to the game, it them again, to simulate situa- in Asia. diums – Education City Sta- AFC Referees Committee Dep- help of Qatar, working together tool that will assist and help the adds integrity to the game and tions, basically to train them on I would like really to dium, Khalifa Stadium and Al uty Chairperson Hani Taleb with the AFC, we have conclud- referees to make the correct de- also it adds value, for using such the line of interventions. This thank all the referees for Janoub Stadium – which will Ballan joined us to share his ed the competition as a whole. cision, when needed. Of course, an advanced technology, in AFC four-day cause in August was their commitment. I would be used in the World Cup, I thoughts on the competition, So, thanks very much to Qatar we have started using the VAR competitions, which will help to very important. like to show my appreciation can feel the inspiration that VAR and how Asia’s refereeing and the AFC for their efforts to in the AFC in national team make the competitions as suc- “We have also, since March, for all their commitment, for refereeing in these stadiums fraternity has navigated a year conclude the competition. competitions. We used it in the cessful as possible. established a training panel – all the rigorous work they has given our referees. of unprecedented challenges. Asian Cup in 2019, and again for our educator panel - that again have done and their disci- Although we have had no The VAR (Video Assistant the AFC U23 (Championship) What steps were under- and again, every week, get in pline throughout the bubble- spectators, this has simulated Excerpts: Referee) was used for the in Thailand in 2020 and we taken to prepare referees touch with the referees, simu- to-bubble bio-framework. refereeing on the pitch on a first time in an AFC club have started using it in our club for the use of VAR? late situations with referees and They have taken it seri- World Cup stadium, and it is On Qatar’s role in success- competition. As a former competitions from the quarter- “The use of VAR has to fol- train the referees online, so they ously, of course there is pres- an inspiration for all of them. It ful completion of the 2020 referee, how important do final round.I t is a tool that can low a systematic process. Rigor- can always be ready, mentally sure, but this is what refereeing gives them, I would say, an ex- AFC Champions League you think it is to have this help the referees to take a re- ous training has been done in and knowledge wise, for the is all about, making the right tra drive, that they would like to Of course, it’s a great feel- additional tool in modern ally critical decision which they preparing the referees and all competitions. decisions under pressure, and be back here in 2022. (AFC) Sports Sunday, December 20, 2020 13

Minister of Culture and QATAR INTERNATIONAL DERBY Sports Meets Iranian Counterpart Glitter Queen, SoldierPoy shine in Oaks and Al Rayyan Stakes

Tribune News Network Doha

Faleh Suwayed Al Aja- mi’s Glitter Queen (Night Of Thunder x Ile Flottante) brushed aside a forgettable Guineas outing from a month ago to race to a smashing vic- tory in the Qatar Oaks (F) (QA Gr 3) (Far Bend) (3yo TB) at HE Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali met with QREC’s Al Rayyan Park turf HE the Iranian Minister of Sports and Youth Masoud Sultanifar, and on Saturday. his accompanying delegation during his visit to the country to attend The Hamad Ahmed Al the AFC Champions League final match on Saturday. During the meet- Malki Al Jehani-trained filly ing, they reviewed aspects of joint cooperation between the two coun- had finished 10th over a mile tries and ways to support and develop them in the sports field.(QN A) in the Gr 3 Guineas after a promising third in the Oaks Trial earlier in November. Saturday’s step up in dis- tance to 2000m, however, did not seem daunting as Ronan Thomas raced his fourth win- ner of the day to consolidate his top spot in the jockeys’ standings. Thomas had his mount stay on the rails midfield early on before dropping back in the order briefly.H owever, com- ing off the bend, Glitter Queen Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, President, Qatar Equestrian Federation, with the winning team of Faleh Suwayed Al Ajami’s Glitter Queen upped the pace and surged which won the QA Gr 3 Qatar Oaks for 3YO Thoroughbred fillies on turf at QREC’s Al Rayyan Park on Saturday. forward to win by two and three quarters lengths in front of Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik’s She’s Our Queen (Toronado x Dyna Bowl), ridden by Faleh Bughanaim for Deborah Amanda Clare Mountain. West Asia Football Federation Gassim Mohammad Ghazali-trained Forced (Le- holds General Assembly thal Force x Danehill Revival) was ridden to third by Marco Tribune News Network During the meeting, the Casamento in the colours of Doha minutes of the previous Gen- Meshaal bin Ali Al Attiyah. eral Assembly were reviewed, Sheail Bin Khalifa Al Ku- The West Asian Football Fed- which was approved by the wari’s SoldierPoy (Sepoy x eration (WAFF) held its 10th federations’ representatives. Lamps Of Heaven) had shown regular General Assembly The General Assembly was promise with two Class 2 wins meeting on Saturday in which also briefed on the Federa- in his first two starts in Qatar, Secretary-General Mansour tion’s Executive Committee the last one being a month ago Al Ansari represented Qatar report, which included all the over seven furlongs. Football Association (QFA). activities that took place since On Saturday, the bay horse Member countries Jor- the last meeting until now, landed the Al Rayyan Stakes dan, the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi which had many tournaments, (Far Bend) (2yo Thorough- Arabia, Syria, Iraq, Oman, administrative actions, train- breds) to complete a hat-trick. Palestine, Kuwait, Lebanon ing and refereeing courses and With French jock- and Yemen joined in via video workshops in various fields. ey Julien Auge astride, the communication. The General Assembly Mohammed Hussain Afroz HE Adnan Dirjal, Iraq’s Minister of Youth and Sports, hands the Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, then reviewed the financial saddled gelding started the Ronan Thomas rides Hamad Al Jehani’s trainee Glitter Queen to Al Rayyan Stakes trophy for Sheail Bin Khalifa Al Kuwari’s winner President of WAFF, chaired statements of WAFF ( 2017, packed 16-strong C&D run victory in the QA Gr 3 Qatar Oaks for 3YO Thoroughbred fillies. SoldierPoy to Al Rayyan Stakes representative. the meeting, where he praised 2018 and 2019), the financial from Gate 2, and tracked the the significant role of all mem- receivables, the 2021 budget leaders early on. Coming off grab the lead and then held on 20th Race Meeting - Qatar Derby Festival rowly missed out on victories ber federations in promoting and the expected revenues the bend, Auge gave his mount to beat Tomas Lukasek ridden but that changed this time football in its various sectors, and expenses. All of the de- the go ahead and Soldierpoy Challenge De Ghazali, owned QATAR OAKS (F) (QA Gr 3) (Far Bend) Casamento round. whether during the past years cision were approved after responded, surging forward by HH Sheikh Mohammed Winning horse: Glitter Queen (GB), Trainer: Hamad LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN PLATE (3 Year Old In the Purebred Arabian Ahmed Al Malki Al Jehani, Jockey: Ronan Thomas Fillies) (Far Bend) or the recent period Corona Khalil Al-Salem, the WAFF and building a healthy lead, bin Khalifa Al Thani, by two AL RAYYAN STAKES (Far Bend) Alf Lyla (QA), Julian Colin Smart, Tomas Lukasek Plate (3 Year Old Fillies) (Far pandemic sweeping the globe. General Security, gave a de- eventually winning by four lengths at the post. Soldierpoy (GB), Mohammed Hussain Afroz, Julien Augé PUREBRED ARABIAN PLATE (3 Year Old Fillies) (Far Bend) Bend), Muqla kept her line WAFF President praised tailed explanation indicating and a half lengths. Umm Qarn’s Al Khisah QATAR OAKS (F) (Far Bend) Muqla (FR), Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, Ronan Thomas coming out of Gate 1 and went the efforts of the 12 federa- the AFC’s support and steps Abdulhadi Mana Al (Toast Of New York x Bint Al Al Efreeta (FR), Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, Ronan Thomas PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP (Far Bend) past the post one and a quar- QATAR OAKS (F) (Far Bend) Mkayns (FR), Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, Ali Khalid Al tions for their transparent and WAFF, in with Hajri’s Jimmy Speaks (Zof- Sahra) stayed unbeaten rac- Al Khisah (QA), Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, Ronan Thomas Mosallam ter length ahead of stablemate pioneering contributions that the civil federations, took to fany x Gale Song), ridden by ing to her second consecutive SAWDA NATHEEL STAKES (Fillies & Mares)(Class 2) LOCAL THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE (Far Bend) Yaqhar, ridden by Soufiane always seek to improve the overcome challenging finan- Ivan Rossi for Stefano Ibido, C&D victory. (Far Bend) Qatar Gold (QA), Gassim Mohammad Ghazali, Marco Saadi. football system in their respec- cial circumstances. was second ahead of Injaaz The Alban Elie Marie De Unbutton (GB), Gassim Mohammad Ghazali, Marco CasamentoAl Rayyan Al Shaqab Racing’s tive countries. The proposed amend- Stud’s Pom Malpic (Pomella- Mieulle-trained filly partnered Mkayns (Dahess x Kado De The meeting stressed that ments to the WAFF’s Articles to x Havanna Lady), helmed with the jockey to claim the In the six furlong sprint, Smart’s ward had stepped up Ghazal) and jockey Ali Khalid the COVID-19 pandemic had were also approved, the most by Tomas Lukasek for Ali Qatar Oaks (F) (Far Bend) the British recruit had Marco in distance lining up in Gate 1 Al Mosallam combined well impacted football negatively, important of which was the Yousuf Al Kubaisi. (3yo Local TB Fillies). Casamento for company on for the miler under Tomas Lu- for their second straight out- which motivated WAFF to formation of a board of direc- Al Shaqab Racing’s Al The bay filly was unstoppa- her Qatar debut and despite a kasek. The bay filly stayed on ing together landing a C&D make additional efforts to com- tors to consist of the president, Efreeta (Dahess x Dormadora) ble out of Gate 1 as she build a wider start than most, Unbut- and surged forward to build a victory. pensate for the interruptions. two vice-presidents, at least was trainer Alban Elie Marie considerable advantage to win ton claimed the lead making comfortable gap on the home After shedding her maiden WAFF intensified its ad- one board member (female), De Mieulle’s fourth winner as by five and a quarter lengths in good use of a weight advan- straight, winning by two and status earlier this month, the ministrative activities by a person representing the the bay filly landed the Qatar front of Injaaz Stud’s Tham- tage to win by a length in front a half lengths in front of Al- Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle holding a series of workshops WAFF in the Executive Office Oaks (F) (Far Bend) (4yo PA ina, ridden by Jason Wat- of Luchador, ridden by Alberto exander Reznikov ridden AJS trained 4yo lined up for anoth- and training courses covering of the AFC and seven board Fillies) comfortably. son for Mohammed Hussain Sanna in the colours of Khalifa Beirut. er six furlong sprint, this time all fields. members in the WAFF. The win was third for jock- Afroz. The win was third on bin Sheail Al Kuwari. Umm Qarn’s Muqla the Purebred Arabian Handi- ey Ronan Thomas who had the day for De Mieulle. Al Shahania Stud’s Alf Lyla (Tabarak x Sarahmina) went cap (Far Bend) (75 & below). also guided the filly to a victory Sheail Bin Khalifa Al Ku- (Mared Al Sahra x Ultafa Al one better than her last two The filly, despite a weight on her mile long Qatar debut wari’s Unbutton (Cable Bay Maury) went one better than C&D outings to shed her maid- disadvantage, had little trou- in a maiden a week ago. x Undress) led a one-two for her debut outing last month to en status in fine fashion. ble making an impressive Al Rayyan unveil Laurent Blanc A step up in distance to trainer Gassim Mohammad land her first win. Helmed by Ronan Thomas down the middle of the track to 2000m did not upset the 4yo’s Ghazali in the Sawda Natheel In the Local Purebred on all three runs in Qatar so win by one and a half lengths. as their new head coach credentials around Al Rayyan Stakes (Fillies & Mares) (Class Arabian Plate (3 Year Old Fil- far, the Alban Elie Marie De The win was the apprentice Park as she surged forward to 2) (Far Bend). lies) (Far Bend), Julian Colin Mieulle saddled 3yo had nar- jockey’s tenth this season.

Messi equals Pele goal record but Barca lose more ground AFP is impressive.” that always likes to attack and Madrid But Messi was eventually score goals, but there are also left frustrated on Saturday as times when you have to defend Lionel Messi scored his a dogged Valencia forced a and control the game. 643rd goal for Barcelona on draw to leave Barcelona eight “But the race for the title is Saturday to equal Pele’s record points behind leaders Atletico not yet lost, we are far behind, of goals for a single club as the Madrid, who beat Elche 3-1 but it’s a very complicated Spanish giants were held 2-2 earlier in the day. season for everyone. In two by Valencia. “There were times tonight months, the situation may be Messi, 33, headed in from with good football, we had to- totally different.” Jordi Alba’s cross after his tal control of the match, espe- Barcelona started slowly first-half penalty was saved to cially after leading 2-1 where and went a goal behind to equal the mark set by the Bra- we tried to get the third, but Mouctar Diakhaby’s unchal- zilian great for Santos. there were also times when lenged header from a corner “These figures are impres- we lost the ball in the danger after half an hour. sive, we will never have a play- zones,” added Koeman. Antoine Griezmann Al Rayyan SC presented their new Head Coach Laurent Blanc on er so effective at this club,” ad- “What worries me is that earned the penalty that led to Saturday. Former France and Paris Saint-Germain boss has ended his mitted coach Ronald Koeman. sometimes the team doesn’t Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi in action during the Messi’s record-equalling goal four-year exile from management by returning to coaching the Qatari “That’s why he is the No.1. know what the game is about. Spanish League match against Valencia CF at the Camp Nou stadium when the France attacker was club. Blanc has signed a deal for year-and-a-half. What he’s done for this club, it “We know we’re a team in Barcelona on Saturday. (AFP) nudged over by Jose Gaya. 14 Sunday, December 20, 2020 Sports OVAL AND OUT AT ADELAIDE Indian press, ex-players rue ‘massacre’

AFP came back really hard this New Delhi morning,” he tweeted. “That is the beauty of The Indian press and former Test . It’s NEVER over players savaged the national till it’s over. India was out- cricket team on Saturday af- classed in the 2nd half. Con- ter they slumped to their low- gratulations to Australia!” est-ever score in a “humiliat- Former India pacer Irfan ing” and “jaw-dropping” Test Pathan said though he was defeat in Australia. “very disappointed”, adding: India were bundled out “We all expect the Indian for 36 in the second innings team to play better cricket.” of the first Test in Adelaide Kris Srikkanth, a former as Australian pacemen Josh India opener, captain and Hazlewood and selector, was similarly unfor- put the visitors to the sword. giving. In cricket-crazy India, “All the hard work done The Times of India dubbed by india in the 1st innings the performance and the de- lost by pretty pathetic bat- feat – the hosts cruised to an ting in a span of 20 overs! eight- victory on just Congrats @CricketAus,” the third day – the “massacre Srikkanth tweeted. in Adelaide”. “Time for our boys to dig “India did almost eve- deep and put a decent total on Australia’s Josh Hazlewood bowls to the Indian batsman as India is dismissed for only 36 runs on the third day of their first Test at the in Australia on Saturday.(AFP) rything right on Day 2,” the the board for our bowlers!” paper said. “Day 3 however Parthiv Patel, another saw the Aussie fast bowlers former player, called it “In- especially Josh Hazlewood dia’s most shameful perfor- and Pat Cummins come out mance”. with a vengeance.” “Players like , India slump to lowest ever score The Indian per- Hanuma Vihari, Ajinkya Ra- formance -- no player even hane, have all played on the reached double figures -- was biggest of stages, “ Patel told a “jaw-dropping act of meek Cricbuzz. surrender,” the paper said, “Even if you are facing as Australia clinch first Test calling Hazlewood with his Hazlewood, Starc, Cummins, stellar figures of five for eight someone could have put AFP including a six to win the match. massive wicket of Kohli. the “wrecker-in-chief”. their heads down and at least Adelaide made 33 The superstar batsman The Indian Express won- stitched one partnership.” and Marnus Labuschagne six had smacked Cummins for dered if the “summer of 36” A devastated India crashed to with not out one. four but was gone the next ball was “Indian cricket’s lowest Some sympathy their lowest ever score of 36 Cummins wasted no time after a review, caught by debu- point”, adding tongue-in- Indian batting great Sunil on Saturday as Australia ran removing nightwatchman tant Cameron Green as he at- cheek that the players had Gavaskar defended Kohli’s riot to win the opening Test Jasprit Bumrah for two in the tempted a cover drive. at least “buried the ghost” of men, saying that any batting in Adelaide by eight wickets second over of the day, tempt- At 19 for six, India were 1974, when the previous re- side would have struggled after Josh Hazlewood and Pat ing him to push at a slower ball in real danger of making their cord low of 42 was set. against Australia’s “simply Cummins produced a bowling that popped back up to him. lowest ever score and when Forty-six years ago when superb” bowling attack. masterclass. That brought the stub- Wriddhiman Saha (4) chipped India were thrashed by Eng- “I mean, any team that India started the third day born to a Hazlewood to Mar- land at Lord’s, that innings is all-out for its lowest Test of the pink-ball Test on nine the crease. He saw off an over nus Labuschagne and Ravi at least saw one player – score since the time it started for one and with a 62-run lead, from Cummins, but that was Ashwin was out next ball it be- Eknath Solkar making 18 not playing cricket, that’s never looking to build a competitive as good as it got for the veteran came a reality. out – reach double figures, good to see,” Indian media second innings total for the who fell without scoring. A four from Hanuma Vi- the paper recalled. quoted Gavaskar as telling hosts to chase. WRECKERS-IN-CHIEF: Australia’s Josh Hazlewood (left) is applauded by Cummins, the world’s hari spared them some shame, The Republic TV channel Channel 7. But their hopes were left in fellow paceman Pat Cummins for his five-wicket haul (5-8) against India number one Test bowler, sent taking India past New Zea- on its website called the bat- “But having said that, if tatters by a wicket with bounce at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday. Cummins took 4-21. (AFP) down a delivery that had to be land’s all-time low. ting performance “humiliat- any other team had been fac- and deviation as Hazlewood played and Pujara caught an But Vihari (8) didn’t last ing”, with the middle order ing that kind of bowling, they took 5-8, including his 200th more Tests, starting in Mel- India’s previous Test low edge that carried to wicket- much longer, caught by Paine of Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat would have also got out.” Test wicket, and Cummins bourne on Boxing Day, with- was 42 against England at keeper Paine. with Hazlewood again doing Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane Australian spin legend 4-21. Wicketkeeper out him. Ajinkya Rahane will Lord’s in 1974. Their 36 was It left India on 15 for three, the damage to complete an ex- “badly exposed”. Shane Warne hailed the claimed five catches as the assume the captaincy. the joint fourth lowest of all and it only got worse with open- cellent five-wicket haul, before Virat Kohli said he was “outstanding” bowling but bowlers found the edge. “It’s very hard to put those time, with New Zealand’s er Mayank Agarwal back in the Mohammed Shami was forced confident that the team would also expressed some sympa- “I didn’t expect it to come feelings into words,” said a dis- 26 facing England in 1955 at pavillon five balls later for nine, to retire hurt after a Cummins bounce back, but the talis- thy for the visitors. that quick, I was expecting a consolate Kohli. “We had a lead Auckland the worst ever. again caught by Paine on Ha- thunderbolt hit his right arm. manic Indian skipper is now “Have to feel for the Indi- real dogfight,” said skipper of 60-odd when we arrived, and The carnage left Australia, zlewood’s opening delivery. “Everything went to plan,” returning home to be with his an batsman as never saw that Paine. “To hang in, give our then just collapsed. We played who scored 191 in the first in- Hazlewood and Paine said Hazlewood. “Patty (Cum- Bollywood star wife for the coming - it was one of those bowlers a chance, and then two days of good cricket to get nings, needing 90 to win, with again combined to get rid mins) set the tone and I just birth of their first child. days where the batsman turn up and start the day the in a position and then just lose out-of-form hitting a of Rahane for nought, after followed suit. To join the With Kohli absent, and nicked everything & didn’t way we did, full credit to our it in an hour. It really hurts.” confidence-building 51 not out, which Cummins picked up the 200th club is pretty special.” a “question mark” over the play and miss at all ! Unbe- bowling attack again. fitness of key batsmanR ohit lievable,” Warne tweeted. “It’s nice to get off to a Sharma, “Team India have a Former India pacer R P good start. Chuffed with the Scoreboard lot to think about,” the Times Singh expressed optimism way we bowled in this Test.” India first innings 244 (V. Kohli 74, C. Pujara 43, A. Rahane 42; W. Saha c Labuschagne b Hazlewood 4 M. Wade run out 33 of India said. about the rest of the four- It was an incredible Indi- M. Starc 4-53, P. Cummins 3-48) R. Ashwin c Paine b Hazlewood 0 M. Labuschagne c Agarwal b Ashwin 6 match series: “We have an collapse, with no batsman Australia 1st innings 191 (T. Paine 73 no, M. Labuschagne 47; U. Yadav not out 4 S. Smith not out 1 Gracious Tendulkar bounced back in past and reaching double figures during R. Ashwin 4-55, U. Yadav 3-40) M. Shami ret hurt 1 Extras: (lb1, nb1) 2 Former India great this team can do that too.” a capitulation that lasted less India 2nd innings (overnight 9-1) Extras: 0 Total: (For 2 wickets, overs 21) 93 was gra- But former England cap- P. Shaw b Cummins 4 Total: (For nine wickets, 21.1 overs) 36 Did not bat: , Cameron Green, Tim Paine (capt), Pat than 22 overs, in contrast to M. Agarwal c Paine b Hazlewood 9 Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Shaw), 2-15 (Bumrah), 3-15 (Pujara), 4-15 Cummins, , , Josh Hazlewood. cious about the defeat, con- tain Michael Vaughan was their battling first innings’ 244. J. Bumrah c & b Cummins 2 (Agarwal), 5-15 (Rahane), 6-19 (Kohli), 7-26 (Saha), 8-26 Fall of wickets: 1-70 (Wade), 2-82 (Labuschagne). gratulating the Australians. having none of it. That included skipper Vi- C. Pujara c Paine b Cummins 0 (Ashwin), 9-31 (Vihari), 9-36 (Shami - retired hurt). Bowling: Bumrah 7-1-27-0, Yadev 8-1-49-0, Ashwin 6-1-16-1. “With the way India “Told ya ... India are go- rat Kohli, who fell for four V. Kohli c Green b Cummins 4 Bowling: Starc 6-3-7-0, Cummins 10.2-4-21-4, Hazlewood 5-3-8-5 Result: Australia won by eight wickets batted & bowled in the 1st ing to get hammered in the and now heads home for the A. Rahane c Paine b Hazlewood 0 Australia 2nd innings Toss: India. innings, they were in the Test Series ... #AUSvIND #4- birth of his first child, leaving H. Vihari c Paine b Hazlewood 8 J. Burns not out 51 Australia lead 4-Test series 1-0. driver’s seat, but the Aussies 0,” he tweeted. his stunned team to face three 7-star Liverpool run riot Kohli confident India will bounce back AFP as Arsenal slump Adelaide India captain Virat Kohli AFP ham in midweek. insisted on Saturday he was London Roberto Firmino and Mo- “very, very confident” his team hamed Salah scored twice would bounce back from their Liverpool sent a chill- while Takumi Minamino, Sa- worst-ever batting display, ing warning to the rest of the dio Mane and Jordan Hender- blaming a poor mindset for Premier League on Saturday, son also found the net. the side throwing away the smashing seven goals past Klopp has repeatedly be- first Test against Australia. Crystal Palace as Arsenal’s cri- moaned the fixture schedul- Compounding their prob- Although the scorecard sis deepened following defeat Liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder ing that requires teams to play lems, Kohli will now head India captain Virat Kohli congratulates Australia skipper Tim Paine at made for dismal reading, Koh- at Everton. Mohamed Salah (right) celebrates Saturday lunchtime kick-offs home for the birth of his first the end of their first Test at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.(AFP) li said he had never been one Jurgen Klopp’s champi- scoring his team’s sixth goal after Wednesday evening child, missing the final three to dwell too long on the past. ons – despite being dogged against Crystal Palace at Selhurst games, but his side suffered no Tests, while fast bowler Mo- “I am confident that the falling so quickly that “no one “Playing at the highest by injuries this season – are Park in London on Saturday. (AFP) hangover from their exertions hammed Shami has been sent team is going to bounce back could make any sense of it”. level, there will definitely be five points clear of neighbours against Spurs. for scans for a right arm injury. strong in Melbourne and a “To be honest there were collapses again and again and Everton after humiliating Pal- son pacesetters Everton beat Despite this, Kohli said few of the guys are going to some good balls but the ball we have to accept our mistakes ace 7-0 at Selhurst Park. them 2-1 at Goodison Park to Results: Crystal Palace 0 Liver- they could fix their problems realise their true characters didn’t do anything drastic. I and understand what we have It is the first time theR eds climb to second in the table, pool 7 (Minamino 3, Mane 35, before the second Test in Mel- and how they can step up think it was the mindset, it was to work on,” he said. “We don’t have won an away match in while Manchester City edged Firmino 44, 68, Henderson 52, bourne next week. for the team. I don’t think we very evident,” he said. “It felt feel we are vulnerable to getting the English top flight by a past Southampton 1-0. Salah 81, 84) “I definitely would have have ever had a worse batting like the runs were so difficult bowled out so cheaply ... I don’t margin of seven goals in their Klopp’s men built on the Southampton 0 Manchester loved it if we had won this performance so we can only go to come by and the bowlers got think it is anything alarming.” illustrious history. momentum gained from their City 1 (Sterling 16) game, with me leaving, but this upwards from here.” confident.I think it was a com- The second Test in Mel- Arsenal, by contrast, are in last-gasp win in the top-of- Everton 2 (Holding 22-og, Mina is and anything can Kohli admitted India lost bination of lack of intent and bourne if from Dec 26, fol- deep trouble after early-sea- the-table clash with Totten- 45) Arsenal 1 (Pepe 35-pen). happen at any stage,” he said. their way, with the wickets the bowlers hitting their areas.” lowed by Sydney and Brisbane.