Bayern Munich set up super-club showdown with PSG PAGE 12 FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020 Al Duhail, Rayyan to battle for Falcon Shield in thrilling nale

AYENI OLUSEGUN DOHA ‘Our destiny is in our hands’

THE battle for the Falcon Shield will be decided on Fri- day as the 2019-20 QNB Stars League comes to an end de- spite a forced shut down for four months due to the ongo- ing coronavirus pandemic. Leaders Al Duhail on 49 points faces Al Ahli at the Al Janoub Stadium while second- placed Al Rayyan, one point behind take on Al Wakrah at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadi- “Our destiny is in our hands, win over Al Ahli will give us the title,” stressed um. Both matches will kick off Al Duhail coach Walid Regragui at the pre-match conference on Thursday. at 7:30 pm, respectively. Al Duhail could have sealed the title last weekend ‘We’ll do our best to win title’ but a defeat at rivals Al Sadd two weeks ago gave Al Rayyan a chance to close the gap to one point much to the displeasure of Walid Regragui. The Red Knights have en- dured a below-par season after losing the Cup final to Al Sadd, which marked the end of Rui Faria’s reign at the club. However, with Regragui Al Duhail players warm up for training on eve of their nal QNB Stars League clash against Al Ahli on Thursday. at the helm, Duhail have been solid defensively but have struggled in most matches to find the attacking spark, which was a vital part of their We need to focus on our game and not on Al Duhail because if we do success under former man- not win, we don’t have a chance.” said Al Rayyan coach Diego ager Djamel Belmadi. Aguirre of his team at the media conference on Thursday. “We are ready to face Al Ahli, win the match and fin- QNB Stars League Standings ish the league. We knew that we had five decisive matches Pos Club M W L D GF GA GD Pts when the league restarted, and 1 Al Duhail 21 15 2 4 37 16 21 49 we would have liked to win 2 Al Rayyan 21 14 1 6 38 15 23 48 the title early. Now, we have 3 Al Sadd 22 14 5 3 51 29 22 45 a match to win, and we know 4 Al Gharafa 22 10 6 6 34 29 5 36 that Al Rayyan would be chas- 5 Al Sailiya 22 8 9 5 22 25 -3 29 ing us, but we will win and cel- 6 Al Wakrah 21 7 8 6 28 29 -1 27 ebrate the title,” Regragui said ahead of the match. 7 Al Arabi 21 6 8 7 28 28 0 25 Blighted by injuries all 8 Al Ahli 21 5 11 5 24 35 -11 20 year, the six-time QSL cham- 9 Qatar SC 21 4 10 7 18 26 -8 19 pions will hope to have Yousef 10 Umm Salal 22 3 10 9 18 37 -19 18 Msekni, and 11 Al Khor 22 3 11 8 25 35 -10 17 Bassam al Rawi for the AFC 12 Al Shahania 22 2 10 10 24 43 -19 16 Champions as the trio will miss Friday’s match. But Regragui any excuse not to win. We need three games, which is normal insists their destiny is in their to play our game. Leave every- because we needed to under- hands, especially against an Al Al Rayyan players ahead of their crucial QNB Stars League nal round clash against Al Wakrah on Thursday. thing in the field and do every- stand the players and them the Ahli team who have not won in thing to win. It’s football we can tactics. The season was good, the league since January. and we have to win this match for me is the recovery of in- Rayyan will not be bothered by “We are ready to play and still win the league; you never and we can also improve, but “We did not feel pressure and clinch the title. jured players because we need Al Duhail’s match and will be will do our best to win our know until the referee ends the I’m happy with the season.” in previous matches, mainly “We will miss Msakni, them to prepare for the AFC strictly focused on getting the game. We can do what we have game,” the Uruguayan said. In the early kick-off on Fri- because our destiny is still in Madibo, and Bassam, but Champions League. Fortu- job done against an excellent to do. We need to focus on our On the club’s season so day, seventh-placed Al Arabi our hands, and victory will win Ahmed Yasser has returned nately, Al Duhail have many Al Wakrah side. A win for the game and not on Al Duhail be- far, Aguirre added, “I think will hope to end the season on a us the league. If there is pres- to training. options,” the Moroccan added. Lions will see them crowned cause if we don’t win, we don’t we have had a good season so high and snap a four-game win- sure, it will be positive. We “The season was long and Meanwhile, Diego Aguirre champions if Al Duhail fail to have a chance. We have pre- far. We had a lot of new play- less streak when they battle Qa- have confidence in ourselves, difficult. The important thing says eight-time champions Al win against Al Ahli. pared well, and we don’t have ers. When we started, we drew tar SC at the Al Janoub Stadium. Al Shahania relegated as Al Khor book playoff spot after 2-2 draw

of the season as Al Sadd and Al the 78th minute, while coach Umm Salal hold Al Sailiya to goalless draw Gharafa played out a 1-1 draw Slavisa Jokanovic was also to keep QSL status; A f salvages point at the Al Janoub Stadium. shown a red card. Al Sadd went out of the Three minutes later, Al for Al Sadd against Al Gharafa reckoning for the title after Sadd appealed for a penalty Week 21, as strong contend- when Othman Al Yahri seemed TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK their promotion to the top ers Al Duhail and Al Rayyan to have fouled Akram inside DOHA flight in the 2018-19 season. both did not drop points. The the box, but it was ruled out. Nabil’s wards raised vi- Wolves could not catch up , who had a AL Shahaniya club have been sions of a much-needed vic- with the top two and had to be good outing, thwarted Bagh- officially relegated to the sec- tory when they took the lead content with the third position dad Bounedjah and Hassan Al ond division league. Al Khor as early as the fourth minute. this season. Haydous in the 84th minute. will play the relegation play- Al Khor’s Mohammed Juma In a barren first half, Al Soon, Al Sadd earned a off match with the second- fouled Rezaein and the latter Sadd’s Yousef Abdulrazak penalty, with the script getting division runners-up after both himself converted from the and Akram each were twice repeated. The offender was teams played out a thrilling penalty spot. thwarted by Al Gharafa goal- Othman and defender Akram, 2-2 draw at the Al Janoub Sta- Al Shahania’s Kesse keeper Salah Zakaria. but the latter sent his shot dium on Thursday. Amanguoa had a goal ruled At the other end, Sofiane against the left upright. Umm Salal also secured offside after 30 minutes and Hanni was the livewire for Al Sadd were not to be de- their place in the QSL after Al Khor drew level in first-half Al Gharafa as he combined nied as they were rewarded holding Al Sailiya to a goal- injury time as Tiago headed in well with Jonathan Kodjia, with another penalty, this less draw. a Lucca free-kick from the left. whose long shot was blocked time Sofiane ‘handling’ a Jung Al Shahaniya finished with In the second half, Dary- Al Sailiya and Umm Salal were locked in a goalless draw in the nal round (Week 22) of 2019-20 season by Al Sadd goalkeeper Me- Woo-Young chip shot. Akram 16 points while Al Khor ended oush thwarted Ahmed Ham- of QNB Stars League at the Al Sadd Stadium on Thursday. shaal Barsham. converted from the spot to with 17 points. moudan after Lucca made it Al Gharafa surged ahead help his team draw level. Al Shahania, who were 2-1 with a powerful long-range gainers as they ensured a 10th- ing shot hit goalkeeper Baba his header going over the bar. after the hour mark when unbeaten in the first three shot. Rezaein found the target place finish, ahead of Al Khor Malick’s hand and crossbar For Al Sailiya, substitute found the Results: Al Sadd 1 (Akram A f games since the tourna- for a second time with a plac- and Al Shahania. Chances before sailing over, while Mashaal Al Shammari’s head- target, with Sofiane doing 90+1’) Al Gharafa 1 (Ahmed ment resumed after a long ing shot past the goalkeeper, were more or less equal for goalkeeper er off a corner kick crashed the spadework and Saeed Alaaeldin 65’); Al Khor 2 (Tiago break, have been doing well as the teams shared the spoils. both teams even though Al blocked Umm Salal’s Ismail against the crossbar. Eisa assisting. Queiroz Bezerra 45+1’, Lucca ever since Nabil Anwar took Sailiya had more of the ball. Mohammed’s shot. Al Gharafa had to play with Borges de Brito 53’) Al Shaha- charge replacing Spaniard Umm Salal vs Al Sailiya In the first half, Al Sailiya’s Ismail Mohammed was un- Al Sadd vs Al Gharfa 10 men after Almahdi Ali was nia 2 ( 4’ pen, Jose Murcia. They oversaw Also, Umm Salal were the Mohammed Mudather’s ris- lucky in the second half as well, Akram Afif bagged his 15th goal given his marching orders in 74’); Al Sailiya 0 Umm Salal 0. 12 Friday, August 21, 2020 Sports Bayern set up super-club showdown with PSG where something has to give

AFP The stage is set, then, for LISBON a super-club showdown be- tween two teams not used to BAYERN Munich’s astonish- failure. ing form under Hansi Flick Bayern have won the tro- has taken them to the brink of phy five times before although a treble after they dispatched they have also been losing final- Lyon 3-0 in Wednesday’s ists on five occasions, including Champions League semi-final, twice in the last 10 years. and the stage is now set for They know how painful de- a fascinating final battle be- feat in a Champions League fi- tween the German giants and nal is. PSG, on the other hand, Paris Saint-Germain. are preparing for their first ever final in the competition. But they will not be there just to enjoy the occasion. Even super-clubs cannot This is what you dream take getting to a Champions of as a footballer – League final for granted. But both are powerful enough to playing against the know they will probably get best in Europe. And the chance again in future. we’re able to do that, For Lyon, in contrast, such a stage is maybe just beyond I’m excited. them. Twice now they have Bayern Munich’s Canadian got to the semi-final only to be well beaten by Bayern. full-back Alphonso Davies The biggest consequence of their exit is that, having per- formed poorly in Ligue 1, they “This is what you dream will not be in Europe at all in of as a footballer – playing the new season. against the best in Europe. Even for a club ranked 17th And we’re able to do that, I’m on Deloitte’s rich list, that is excited,” Bayern’s Canadian likely to spell trouble, and they full-back Alphonso Davies told will be tempted to sell some BT Sport. prized assets. Flick’s team once again The transfer window in confirmed what an unstoppa- Europe will be open until early ble attacking force they can be October this year and the conti- at the Estadio Jose Alvalade nent’s giants are well aware of as Serge Gnabry’s first-half the talent in Rudi Garcia’s team. brace took the Germany wing- Bayern Munich’s German mid elder Serge Gnabry (right) celebrates with teammates German forward Thomas Mueller (left) and Polish forward Robert Lewandowski after scoring a Houssem Aouar and Moussa er to nine in nine Champions goal during the UEFA Champions League semi- nal against Lyon at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, on Wednesday. (AFP) Dembele were already being League appearances this sea- linked to moves elsewhere be- son and Robert Lewandows- straight victories overall. Memphis Depay and Karl we will analyse it and try to do the last eight French titles and cent Deloitte Football Money fore starring in Lisbon. ki’s late goal left him on 55 al- “Nobody scares us, we are Toko-Ekambi both missed glo- better against Paris,” admitted have just completed a fourth League. “We have the basis of a together for the campaign. Bayern Munich. We have had rious chances to put Lyon ahead David Alaba. domestic treble in six seasons. Bayern’s turnover last sea- good side. There will be de- The Bavarians are the a great season and now we before Gnabry opened the scor- It promises to be a fas- Bayern are fresh from win- son was 660.1 million euros partures but I am not worried first team to win their first need to finish it off by winning ing. Kylian Mbappe, Neymar or cinating final, between two ning the German league and ($781.9m). PSG, propelled to about that,” said Lyon sport- 10 matches of a Champions the Champions League,” said Angel Di Maria may not be so super-clubs who gorge on win- cup double. They have won the forefront of the European ing director Juninho. League campaign and now defender Benjamin Pavard. profligate come Sunday. ning everything domestically the Bundesliga in the last eight game under Qatar’s ownership, “When you have players hope to make it 11 out of 11 But Bayern are clearly vul- “We know that there is an to the extent that one defeat seasons. were just behind with 635.9 who have played really well in when they face PSG. They ex- nerable. They play with a such element of risk in the way we in Europe can become an all- These are the fourth and million euros. Only Barcelona, the competition like Houssem ude confidence, as you would high line that there is always a play. We play a very high line consuming drama. fifth-richest clubs in the world, Real Madrid and Manchester and Moussa, you risk losing expect for a side on a run of 20 risk they will be caught out. and it’s not easy to defend, but PSG have won seven of according to the most re- United stood above them. some players.” Sevilla, Inter Milan brace for Europa nal Only winners are remembered, Sevilla’s success a ‘love story’ for Monchi coach Conte warns Inter AFP COLOGNE (GERMANY) AFP COLOGNE (GERMANY) “NO one wants it like we do,” is how Sevilla’s renowned sport- INTER Milan’s progress to a ing director Monchi explains first European final in a dec- how a club with modest re- ade will not be cherished un- sources is preparing for a sixth less they beat Sevilla to win Europa League final in 14 years the Europa League on Fri- against Inter Milan on Friday. Sevilla Director of Sport Monchi. day, coach Antonio Conte has The Spaniards have won warned his players. the previous five, making them Ivan Rakitic, Clement Len- The Italian giants have the most successful side in the glet, Wissam Ben Yedder and not won any silverware for history of European football’s many others. But the summer nine years, but have made big second most coveted trophy. of 2019 was radical even for strides in Conte’s first season “I think the history be- the former goalkeeper. After in charge to close to within one tween the Europa League and German player Lucas Podolski (left) photographs the trophy prior to helping Sevilla to 11 trophies in point of perennial champions Sevilla is a love story,” Monchi the UEFA Europa League semi- nal between Sevilla and Manchester 17 years as director of football, Juventus at the top of Serie A told AFP in Cologne, where United in Cologne, Germany, last Sunday. (AFP) Monchi left for a new challenge and sweep aside Getafe, Bay- the final will be held behind at Roma in 2017. er Leverkusen and Shakhtar closed doors. chi and his staff, club directors years, Sevilla still had to bridge His methods were not near- Donetsk since the Europa Inter Milan’s Italian head coach Antonio Conte (centre) takes part in a “No one cares or plans to and substitutes collaborated a huge financial gulf to beat ly as successful in the Italian League’s return earlier this training session on the eve of their UEFA Europa League nal against win the Europa League like us. to compensate for the lack of United and will need to do so capital and less than two years month in northern Germany. Sevilla in Cologne, Germany, on Thursday. (AFP) Inter or Sevilla can win because supporters in the stadium for again when facing a rejuvenat- later he returned home to a Conte won the Champi- that is football, but the desire, Sunday’s semi-final win over ed Inter under Antonio Conte, fanfare rarely seen for a sport- ons League with Juventus as season at Siena, Juventus and combined tally for the season the excitement that the Europa Manchester United. who could spend 75 million eu- ing director as he was paraded a player, but had more expe- Chelsea, but believes his first to 54 goals. League awakens in the club, no There were perplexed looks ros ($89 million) on top scorer in front of a full house at the rience on the losing end in year in Milan has seen a more Lukaku was Conte’s top pri- one else achieves, because this on the United bench as they Romelu Lukaku last summer. Sanchez Pizjuan. major finals, losing two more gradual improvement. ority in the transfer market last competition is what has made largely sat in silence compared Monchi does not have that A huge rebuild ensued with Champions League finals and “My perception working summer and finally convinced Sevilla a big club.” to the wave of noise coming wealth to work with but has 17 new players arriving over at the 1994 World Cup and with these players day in, day the club to splash out a club re- How much it means to be from those in Sevilla suits in built a reputation as one of Eu- the course of the summer and Euro 2000 with Italy. out, all of the players bought cord 75 million euros ($89 mil- back in the final for the first the stands. rope’s shrewdest movers in the winter windows and even more “What I’ve realised is that into the work and have become lion) to sign the Belgian. time since 2016 was evident Despite their success on the market, buying low and selling leaving, including top scorers people only remember when braver as the season wore on. “I knew Lukaku very well in the manner in which Mon- European stage over the past 15 high the likes of Dani Alves, Ben Yedder and Pablo Sarabia. you win finals,” the former Ju- “The braver we became, because he’s a player I’d fol- There was also a new coach ventus, Chelsea and Italy boss the greater chances we had to lowed for some time,” Conte as Julen Lopetegui took his first said at his pre-match press bring home a big trophy like added. “I tried many times to role since being sacked by Real conference on Thursday. the Europa League. sign him at my former clubs. I Madrid just months after also “I won the Champions “We’re here now and we knew the characteristics he had. being fired by Spain for taking League, but I lost a further four need to make the most of the “As for Lautaro, he was a the Madrid job just days before finals and the people that leave opportunity.” player I had admired on tel- the start of the 2018 World Cup. their mark on history are those Sevilla are the most suc- evision, even though he hadn’t However, the combination that win matches and trophies. cessful side in Europa League played much last year. I saw of Monchi’s return and Lo- “We should be proud we history with five wins in the his capability and his quality. petegui’s redemption has not have reached a first final for 10 competition over the past 14 “It was inevitable that, only seen Sevilla past Roma, years, especially at a prestigious years. But it is Inter who are working together, and work- Wolves and United since the club like Inter. But history is favourites in Cologne thanks ing a lot, the understanding Europa League resumed earlier written by the conquerors, the to a potent striker partnership between the two would devel- this month, but also secured a winners. That is added motiva- of Romelu Lukaku and Lau- op. They’re players who have place in the Champions League tion for us to go out and win.” taro Martinez. the typical selfishness of a for- for the first time in three sea- Conte has made a habit of Both scored twice in a 5-0 ward, but also the selflessness sons after finishing fourth in having an instant impact. He thrashing of Shakhtar in Mon- to play for the team and help La Liga, level on points with won league titles in his first day’s semi-final to take their others score.” Sevilla players prior to their Europa League semis against Manchester United. (AFP) Atletico Madrid. Sports Friday, August 21, 2020 13 Matthaeus warns Bayern to defend deeper against eet-footed Paris SG Qatar had won the 2019 Asian Cup in UAE in February last year. AFP Flick, who seemed more re- LISBON lieved than euphoric to reach the final. Qatar of cially submits GERMANY legend Lothar “We’ll have to see that we Matthaeus warned Bayern organise the defence a little bid to host 2027 Munich to defend deeper in differently. Our great strength Sunday’s Champions League is pressuring on the opponent final against Paris Saint Ger- and I think that we will suc- AFC Asian Cup main or risk blowing the treble. ceed against Paris as well.” After demolishing Barce- Centre-back David Alaba TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the Asia 2027 file reinforces lona 8-2 in the quarter-finals, saids Bayern’s pressing game DOHA the wise leadership’s desire to Bayern endured a nervous start - forcing opponents into mis- make the best investment for to Wednesday’s 3-0 semi-final takes in their own half - car- THE Qatar Football Association the 2022 World Cup and not win over Lyon, who wrecked ries a certain risk, but they can (QFA) has officially submitted just hold the tournament. havoc early on by getting in be- adapt against PSG. its bid to host the 2027 AFC “Qatar will be ready to host hind the Germans’ defence. “Of course, we play a game Asian Cup after the Asian Foot- the 19 edition of the Asian Cup which always carries a high ball Confederation announced for national teams, taking ad- risk because we stand so high that it would start receiving vantage of the modern sports (up the pitch),” said the Aus- files from associations wishing facilities that host the 2022 tria defender. to host the tournament. World Cup and is a legacy If they (Bayern Munich) “You can’t defend every QFA sent an integrated for future generations of the play like that on ball, we will look at the (Lyon) file to host the AFC Asian Cup Asian continent, in line with game and make our analysis.” 2027 that includes all the re- the country’s 2030 Vision.” Sunday, they won’t win quirements of hosting condi- He affirmed full readiness the Champions League ‘Clay feet’ tions, supported by the foot- for the World Cup Qatar 2022. Specialist German magazine ball tournaments that Qatar For his part, Saud bin Ab- or live up to the role as Kicker described Bayern as has hosted at the continental dulaziz Al Mohannadi, QFA favourites. Paris “a giant with feet of clay” on and global levels during the Vice-President, said, “What we (Saint-Germain) have Thursday, pointing to Thiago past years and what is being are looking forward to achiev- Alcantara’s poor pass that led to prepared for hosting other ing from organising the Asian more quality than Depay’s chance and Alphonso sports in the near future. Cup 2027 will double our bal- Barcelona and Lyon, Davies’ lapse in concentration QFA president HE Sheikh ance of successful partnerships they also have enough before Ekambi hit the post. Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed and constructive cooperation Joshua Kimmich was Al Thani said the progress of with the Asian teams.” players who can put the Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian defender Marquinhos (right) and Brazilian defender Thiago Silva and others guilty of poor positioning ball into the key spaces. leave the team hotel in Lisbon, Portugal, on Thursday, days before the UEFA Champions League nal football on occasions, but Benjamin against Bayern Munich. (AFP) Pavard could replace him at Germany’s football legend right-back against PSG after Lothar Mattheus into space initially forced Bay- recovering from injury. England-Pak Test series ern onto the back foot. INSIGHT Bayern’s back four will be Memphis Depay fired wide under pressure to cope with Cricket authorities introduce exible start “Bayern had a harder time and Toko Ekambi hit the post Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have met eight the Parisians’ pace, especially times after second Test blowout against Lyon than against for Lyon in the opening 15 times previously, all in the UEFA Champions League centre-backs Alaba and Je- Barcelona,” former Bayern minutes before Serge Gnabry group stages -- PSG have won five of those matches, rome Boateng, who came off LONDON: Flexible start times are to be introduced for the third and midfielder and West Germany calmed Munich nerves with against Lyon with a leg knock. nal Test between England and Pakistan after bad light blighted the captain Lothar Matthaeus said two first-half goals. with Bayern winning the other three, including the Former Bayern and France drawn second Test at Southampton the England and Wales Cricket on Wednesday. A late Robert Lewandows- most recent game in December 2017. defender Bixente Lizarazu Board (ECB) announced on Thursday. Of cials will meet along with “If they play like that on ki header sealed the win to ex- spelt out how to counter PSG’s Ageas Bowl groundstaff at the end of the rst day’s play (Friday) and Sunday, they won’t win the tend Bayern’s winning streak attack. if the weather forecast is good for the following morning they can Champions League or live up to 21 matches. defence struggled on occasion, “Maybe against Paris they “When Mbappe is there, start play half an hour earlier than normal. The nal decision will to the role as favourites. Bayern’s ability to score is raising concerns what PSG’s shouldn’t defend so high, be- the opposing defence moves rest with ICC Match Referee Chris Broad. “Paris have more qual- without question after rack- forwards Neymar, Kylian cause Paris will use the speed back twenty metres. That Previously any extra time was added to the end of the day’s sched- ity than Barcelona and Lyon, ing up 42 goals in 10 Euro- Mbappe and Angel Di Maria of Neymar and Mbappe”. changes everything,” said uled play, only to go unful lled if conditions worsened. Pakistan they also have enough players pean matches, 15 of which by could do with space to exploit. Bayern’s head coach Lizarazu, 50, who won six need to win the Test also at Southampton to tie the series. This who can put the ball into the Lewandowski, the Champions “In attack, they still have agreed with Matthaeus. Bundesliga titles in Munich. exible approach -- which had support from England captain Joe key spaces.” League’s top-scorer, while their quality, but at the back “We were lucky to hold “You have to know how to Root and head coach Chris Silverwood – may be extended to future Lyon squandered golden Gnabry is on nine. they need to be more stable,” out in the first phase of the defend deep and not everyone series played in England. (AFP) chances when quick passes - Space to exploit -Yet their said Matthaeus. match,” admitted Hansi knows how to do that.”

Bernat could Ooredoo Cup semis spoil Bayern’s schedule announced Raptors claw out victory CL dream DPA over Brooklyn, Jazz win MUNICH AFP PARIS Saint-Germain defender MIAMI Juan Bernat would have every right to be extra motivated in the TORONTO reserve Norman Champions League final against Powell scored 12 of his 24 his former club Bayern Munich. points in the fourth quarter as Bernat, 27, left Bayern in the defending champion Rap- 2018 after four years with the tors rallied to beat Brooklyn German champions and a few 104-99 on Wednesday in their months later was the target of The has announced the schedule for the 2019-20 NBA playoff series. a infamous outburst from then season of Ooredoo Cup semi- nals. Both matches will be played on The Raptors took a 2-0 club president Uli Hoeness. August 29 at the Al Sadd (Jassim bin Hamad) Stadium. lead in the best-of-seven East- In a news conference ern Conference first-round Hoeness lashed out at Span- clash, being played in the iard Bernat. The president league’s quarantine bubble in said that in the Champions Liverpool to host Leeds Orlando, Florida. League quarter-finals against The Raptors, who had con- Sevilla in April 2018, Bernat verted 22 three-pointers in a had played like “shit,” was on opening weekend as game-one blowout of the Nets, “solely responsible that we al- connected on just 25.7 percent most went out” and sold on to Man City, Man Utd sit out of their three-point attempts PSG “because he almost cost – and 43.7 percent of shots us the Champions League.” AFP start their seasons on Monday overall – under heavy defen- “Bayern Munich’s weal and LONDON September 14th after they too sive pressure from a Nets team woe does not depend on Juan were involved in European eager to even the series. But Bernat,” Hoeness fumed. LEEDS’ first Premier League competition into August. turnovers proved crucial, with Norman Powell of the Toronto Raptors dunks in the nal seconds against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth The Bayern boss later apolo- game for 16 years will see Mar- Leeds are back in the top- nine Toronto giveaways lead- quarter in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House gized for his insults while Bernat celo Bielsa’s men travel to de- flight for the first time since ing to six Nets points while 17 at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on Wednesday. (GETTY IMAGES/AFP) said: “I was brought up to be po- fending champions Liverpool, 2003/04, but could not have Brooklyn turnovers resulted lite. And I will be towards Bay- while Manchester City and asked for a tougher start, on in 23 points for the Raptors. lead since the second period Quarantine rules mean French center Rudy Gob- ern and their fans.” Manchester United will miss the September 12 against the Brooklyn, trailing by three on OG Anunoby’s dunk with Harris will miss at least games ert punctuated the half with a Honorary president Hoe- opening weekend to give them champions who have not lost a with 15 seconds remaining, nine minutes to play. three and four of the series. put-back dunk, and there were ness is set to attend Sunday’s extra time to recover from a late league game at Anfield in more had a chance to force overtime Powell extended the lead In Western Conference five minutes left to play in the final at the Estadio da Luz end to the 2019/20 season. than three years. but an ill-timed pass on their to eight points with a driving action, Donovan Mitchell, fourth when Denver coach where Bayern seek a sixth title All sides were guaranteed Tottenham host Everton, final possession led to a final, dunk, and the Raptors held on. scored 30 points and handed Mike Malone started looking and PSG a first. by the football authorities to Arsenal travel to newly-pro- decisive turnover – forced by Lowry finished with 21 out eight assists for the Utah toward Friday’s game three, Bernat has been a regular have at least 30 days off be- moted Fulham and Chelsea are Toronto’s Kyle Lowry – that points and nine rebounds and Jazz in a 124-105 victory pulling starters Nikola Jokic starter in Thomas Tuchel’s team tween the two seasons after away to Brighton on the opening sealed the win for the Raptors. Pascal Siakam added 19 points over the Denver Nuggets that and Jamal Murray. all season and in Tuesday’s 3-0 the late finish to the campaign weekend. City and Liverpool are “We’ve been here before,” for the Raptors, who will try to knotted their series at one Mitchell connected on 10 semi-final win against RB Leip- caused by a three-month stop- scheduled to meet on the week- said Toronto’s Fred VanVleet, take a 3-0 lead on Friday. game apiece. of 14 shots, including six of zig headed the final goal. page due to the coronavirus ends of November 7 at the Eti- who delivered a double-dou- The Nets’ hopes of bat- It was a sweet reversal for seven from three-point range. “We deserve to be in the fi- pandemic. City and United had and February 6 at Anfield. ble of 24 points and 10 assists. tling back could be hindered Mitchell, who scored 57 points Jordan Clarkson added 26 nal,” he said afterwards, without were eliminated from the Jurgen Klopp’s men do not face “You’ve just got to stick with it, by the departure from Orlan- in a game-one overtime loss to points off the bench as the Jazz knowing the opponent because Champions League and Europa traditional rivals Manchester weather the storm.” do of Joe Harris, who scored the Nuggets. withstood 28-point perfor- Bayern qualified a day later. League respectively last week- United until 2021 with the Red Trailing 80-74 through 14 points with 15 rebounds The Jazz seized control in mances from Jokic and Michael Another goal on Sunday, end, three weeks after the end Devils visiting Anfield on Janu- three quarters, the Raptors before leaving the campus for the second quarter, using a Porter. After the bitter overtime possibly a deciding one, would of the Premier League season. ary 16 and Liverpool heading to opened the fourth on a 17-5 what the team called a “per- 2-9 scoring run to open a 61- defeat in game one, Mitchell be the ultimate twist in this saga. Chelsea and Wolves will Old Trafford on May 1. scoring run, taking their first sonal matter.” 48 halftime lead. wasn’t getting ahead of himself. 14 Friday, August 21, 2020 The Last Word QF’s WISH to host sporting stars to discuss mental health Since an athletics ca- Dame Kelly Holmes, Robbie Fowler reer that featured 12 major championship medals ended, and Wasim Akram will be among the Dame Kelly has opened up speakers in the Qatar Foundation’s about her personal mental health struggles and estab- global health initiative lished a charity that uses the skills of world-class athletes TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK placed on individuals and so- to help hard-to-reach young DOHA cieties worldwide. people realise their poten- The panelists brought tial. Cricketing legend turned STARS who shone on the ath- together by the World In- commentator and coach letics track, the football field, novation Summit for Health Wasim Akram, regarded as and the cricket pitch will next (WISH) are double Olympic one of the best bowlers of all week join an expert on sports gold medal-winning athlete time, took over 900 inter- psychology to discuss the im- Dame Kelly Holmes, former national wickets and, for six pact that sport can have on Liverpool FC and England years, was captain of the Pa- mental health, in an online footballer Robbie Fowler, kistan national side – often event hosted by the World In- ex-Pakistan cricket captain described as one of the most novation Summit for Health, Wasim Akram and Professor highly-pressurised jobs in Qatar Foundation’s global Claudia Reardon, a psychia- Robbie Fowler, former England internationall sport. health initiative. trist specialising in sports at The panel discussion will ‘Mental Health & Sport: the University of Wisconsin health, as well as on mental surrounding sport and men- be moderated by BBC Sport The Challenge of Balancing and co-chair of the Interna- health. tal health ahead of WISH’s and BBC News presenter Dan Risk With Reward’ will fea- tional Olympic Committee’s “Sport has emerged as a November summit.” Walker, who recently hosted ture a panel discussion where working group on mental field needing special focus in Fowler, whose 19-year a conversation on mental participants will share first- health and elite athletes. The terms of mental health, with football career included 128 health and football with HRH hand experiences of the pres- one-hour event, which is free many prominent athletes goals in 266 games for Liv- the Duke of Cambridge. It sures that elite-level sport to view, starts at 5pm (Doha raising public awareness by erpool, and 26 caps for Eng- will be followed by a 30-min- creates, and the toll it can time) on August 26. speaking out about their own land, has spoken about the ute question-and-answer take amid the trophies, med- WISH 2020- the latest battles, both while competing challenges that fame poses Dame Kelly Holmes session, with viewers having als and glory. It comes as the edition of WISH’s biannual and after retiring”, said Sul- for young footballers and the chance to pose their ques- importance of maintaining international health summit, tana Afdhal, CEO of WISH. of the need for sports stars tal health of sportsmen and so I’m happy to be part of the tions to the speakers. mental wellbeing is thrown which will take place virtual- “This virtual discussion to be more open about dis- women is an issue that has WISH panel discussion and To register for the event, into even sharper focus by ly from November 15-19 - will provides the perfect oppor- cussing their mental health rightly started to receive a to hear other people’s opin- please visit www.wish.org. the strain that COVID-19 has include a focus on sport and tunity to highlight key issues with teammates. “The men- lot more attention recently, ions on the topic.” qa/webinars/ Alzheimer’s and memory services helpline ‘RAHA’ gains much popularity Some 4,400 people over the age of 60 are suffering from dementia in Qatar: UN report CATHERINE W GICHUKI ric psychiatrist and psychol- launched the Qatar National of his primary care physi- DOHA ogist. This is a service which Dementia Plan (QNDP). It cian. The mantra is “what is New Indian ambassador provides compassionate and was developed by team led good for heart remains good THE National Alzheimer’s confidential care for the pa- by Dr Hanadi Khamis Al for brain”, he said. and Memory Services Hel- tients and their families.” Hamad, national lead for the Dr Chandran explained praises ICC for the hard pline (RAHA), launched on Dr Chandran said that Healthy Ageing under the that dementia is a collective June 15 to provide support most dementia patients Ministry of Public Health name given to progressive and care for the elderly in are not aware of their con - and focal lead for Global brain syndrome. “This may work during pandemic Qatar, has become much dition, and so it is their Dementia Observatory of start with people having popular in the country in a family members who call World Health Organization difficulty to remember re- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Cultural Coordinator Nirmala also explained the benefits of short period of time. the helpline. “At very ear- (WHO), in cooperation with cent events and to think and DOHA Shanmugapandian, Head of ICC to the Indian Community The helpline has attend- ly stages, the individuals a number of stakeholders, communicate. Later, as the In-house activities Ramachan- in general and privileges pro- ed to more than 300 calls are concerned about their including HMC, the Primary condition progresses, they THE new Ambassador of India dra Shetty, Head of Consular vided to its members. since its launch. It provides memory and do call, but Health Care Corporation find it difficult to remember to Qatar HE Dr Deepak Mittal, Services and External Events The ambassador thanked information about brain predominantly the calls are (PHCC) and social organisa- things of the past; it affects who is also the patron of Indian Bhumeshwar Padala and Head the Managing Committee for diseases such as Alzheimer’s from their family members, tions. their emotions and cause Cultural Centre (ICC) in Qatar, of Associate Organisations and the hard work rendered to- Disease and Related Demen- who notice the symptoms in “Qatar is the first Arab behavioural symptoms. As met the Managing Committee Membership Parambathkandi wards the community during tias, and helps in the evalu - their dear ones.” country to develop a demen- the condition progresses, it of the Indian Cultural Centre Mohsin. the COVID-19 pandemic. ation of memory concerns, According to a UN report tia plan. The government leads to the person becom- (ICC) for the first time after his ICC President narrated the He lauded the committee while supporting people in published in 2017, there are recognises the huge impact ing dependent on others for arrival in Qatar. history of the ICC since its in- and staff in managing the sale managing the condition. about 4,400 people over dementia can have in the their daily needs. There are He was joined by Xavier ception in 1991. He highlighted of tickets for the Vande Bharat ‘RAHA’, meaning ‘com- the age of 60 years having society and country as a different diseases that lead Dhanaraj, first secretary (Con- the ICC community support- flights on ICC premises. The fort’ in Arabic, aims at pro - dementia in Qatar, he said. whole,” said Dr Chandran. to dementia and the most sular & Community Affairs) ing activities like consular ser- envoy confirmed maximum viding confidential care for With age being the biggest According to him, since common one is the Alzhei- from the Embassy, who was vices, classes for classical and cooperation and support from patients with Alzheimer’s risk factor for this condi- the launch of the plan, work mer’s Disease. About 50 to recently nominated as the co- cinematic dance, chess, karate, the embassy to the centre in all Disease and Related Demen- tion and no cure in sight, is continuing in multiple 60 percent cases of dementia ordinating officer of ICC by Kalari music, language, among its community activities. tias, and supporting their the number is set to grow. areas to enhance dementia are due to Alzheimer’s Dis- the Embassy. Hemant Kumar others. The Indian Cultural Centre families. This is the only The Alzheimer’s Disease care, including risk reduc- ease.” Dwivedi, first secretary (Cul- He mentioned the commit- is the official body of the Indi- dedicated helpline for this International (ADI) esti- tion, diagnosis, treatment “Worldwide, dementia is ture & Education) from the tee’s plan for expansion of the an expatriate community and condition in the country. mates that currently there and care. The most integral considered the leading cause Embassy, was also present in Ashoka Hall. functions under the patronage Speaking to Qatar Trib- are about 50 million people part of QNDP is carer sup- of disability and dependency the meeting. The general secretary of the Embassy of India for the une, Hamad Medical Cor- in the world living with de - port and this is where RAHA for the elderly. Its impact is The Managing Commit- spoke about the over-150 purpose of advancement of poration (HMC) Senior mentia.” comes in, providing the most huge, not only for the indi- tee team led by President strong ICC coordinated/led sports, social and cultural ac- Consultant Geriatric Psy- According to Dr Chan- essential service in dementia vidual who is going through Manikandan AP included delegation for Pravasi Bharati- tivities of the Indian commu- chiatrist Dr Mani Chan- dran, Qatar is in the process care, said Dr Chandran. the condition, but for the Vice-President Vinod V Nair, ya Divas 2017 and 2019, with nity in Qatar. dran said the helpline of setting up the Qatar Na - He said that one can re- family, society and the coun- General Secretary Seenu Pil- Qatar delegation to Bangalore ICC is also the platform to (40262222) service is avail- tional Dementia Registry, duce the risk of dementia by try as whole. It also has lai, Joint Secretary Anjan Gan- PBD in 2017 being the largest serve the interest of Indians re- able between 8am and 3pm which will provide accurate leading a healthy lifestyle much wider social and eco- guly, Head of Finance & Spon- ever in and before 2017. siding in Qatar. The objectives from Sunday to Thursday. data about the cases in the such as being physically ac- nomic impact. With QNDP sorship Rajesh Singh, Head The Managing Committee of ICC include promoting the “We have a dedicated multi- country. tive, avoiding smoking and under way, we endeavour to of Human Resources, Prem- members updated the ambas- rich Indian culture among Qa- disciplinary team, which in- In November 2018, Min- addressing medical comor- meeting this challenge in the ises and Sports Jaffar Khan, sador about the past, current tari nationals and expatriates cludes specialist dementia ister of Public Health HE Dr bidities such as diabetes and best possible way,” Dr Chan- Head of Cultural Activities and the future activities of the of all other nationalities living nurses, geriatrician, geriat- Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari hypertension with the help dran added. and Education Nayana Wagh, Indian Cultural Centre. They in Qatar. Katara art exhibition highlights women’s love for fashion TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORKK this exhibition I just want to DOHA say that women I portray are women who are strong and THE Cultural Village Foun- independent who know what dation ‘Katara’ is holding they want, and desire to de- through its social media ac- fine their own perspective counts a new virtual art exhi- and create their own narra- bition titled ‘Women in Fash- tive through their lifestyle ion’. fashion forming an important Presented by Indian artist component of this narrative”. Sohbi, the exhibition comes Sohbi said: “The idea for within the virtual exhibitions these artworks came purely series of local and interna- from the love for fashion, tional artists’ works being colours, patterns and prints. held by Katara. I juxtaposed them to create The exhibition includes 12 art which had a flamboyant artworks that reflect the art- vibe.” ist’s vision, as she highlights It is noteworthy that Kat- women’s interest in fashion, ara has held a series of virtual their elegance and independ- exhibitions, including the ence. ‘The Land of the Good Men’ The artist uses colours by Ali Dasmal Al Kuwari, ‘The to portray different features Result’ by Fatima Al Nuaimi, of women. In this context, and ‘Trace’ by Jawaher Al the Indian artist said: “From Mannai.