P 4 | FOOTBALL P 26 | GOLF IT’S VS KOREA POISE AND GRACE!

Hosts Australia and East Asian heavyweights South African Branden Grace stays all focused South Korea defeat UAE and Iraq respectively in and produces a moment of magic to win the the last four to set up the Asian Cup title clash. Commercial Bank Qatar Masters title.

WEDNESDAY, JANuARY 28, 2015 | Vol IX | No.52 | QR2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on

Historic!Qatar become only the second Asian team, since South Korea in 1997, to book a quarterfinal berth at the Handball World Championship. PAGES 18-19 DSP/Fadi Al Assaad DSP/Fadi

UK ...... £1 UAE ...... Dh 5 Europe ...... €2 Yemen...... 75 Riyals P 22 | HANDBALL P 20 | POSTER Oman ...... 200 Baisas Sudan ...... 1 Pound ...... 200 Fils KSA ...... 2 Riyals Egypt ...... LE 2 Jordan ...... 500 Fils ZARKO Lebanon ...... 3,000 Livre Iraq ...... $1 Importance of Kuwait ...... 250 Fils Palestine ...... $1 EXCLUSIVE Morocco ...... Dh 6 Syria ...... LS 20 INTERVIEW being Onesta! MARKOVIC WE WON’T LET YOU GET AWAY FROM THE GAME

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OPINION

» The writer can be contacted at: Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Aju George Chris Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat IOC needs to offer alternate Photographers Mohan Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos window for Olympic Games A K BijuRaj Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko ATAr Olympic Committee Secretary General several cities, who had expressed initial interests, have Gopakumar K Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani last withdrawn later. The reforms have been introduced Joice Michael QMonday dropped enough hints to believe that mainly to reduce the cost. Technical support Shaheen Mohammed Doha may make yet another bid to host the Summer Fortunately, money isn’t a big issue for us, but what Abdul Naser M Olympic Games. went against us in the previous attempts was the Talking to journalists on the sidelines of the Handball timing. The traditional window for the Summer Games World Championship, he said hosting the Olympics is July-August and let’s be realistic that we just can’t was just a ‘small’ part of our nation’s massive future organise it then because of the summer heat. P.O. Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 sports development plan. He said it wasn’t a matter FIFA, in all likelihood, is set to allow Qatar to host the www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com of wanting to bid for it or not, but it was a question ’22 World Cup during winter. If the IOC is sincere and Editorial: Tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 of whether to bid for the 2024 Games or for a later serious to take the Games to new territories and uphold e-mail: [email protected] edition. Olympic values and ideals, then it should give some Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Of course, having lost out twice in the bidding concession to Doha and allow it to organise it during e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 race (for ’16 and ’20 Games), we’ve to make sure that winter. e-mail: [email protected] the next time we bid, we should be able to clinch it. unless we get a guarantee that this’ll be favourably As per the International Olympic Committee (IOC) considered, I don’t think we should bid simply for the communique, bidding cities have time till September sake of it. The Games will’ve to come to the Middle East www..com/dohastadiumplus 15 this year to submit their candidacies. one day or the other. And I don’t see a better candidate www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar It may be recalled that the IOC had recently approved than Doha to host it. a wide-ranging reform package, including a more www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar affordable bidding process for the Games. It has also offered the option of holding some events outside the host city or country, leaving the door open for joint bids. Publishers: ASPIrE Printing, Publishing and Distribution It goes without saying that hosting the Olympics is Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi Printed at ASPIrE Printing Press hugely expensive, running into billions of dollars, and Editor-in-Chief

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INSIDE

P 10 | FOOTBALL P 28 | CYCLING P 33 | BOXING Get ready for Wild is firm favourite again Khan to fight Challenge 22! Kirsten Wild starts as the favourite at the Ladies Pacquiao? Tour of Qatar as she looks to become the first The Supreme Committee for rider to win a hat-trick of titles in Doha. British welterweight boxer Delivery and Legacy launches Amir Khan reveals a fight Challenge 22, an award aimed against the Philippines’ to inspire, challenge and unite Manny Pacquiao could be on the region’s brightest minds. P 29 | MOTORSPORT P 31 | TENNIS the cards after a meeting with Schmid shines at Azarenka happy his former sparring partner. Porsche GT3 Cup despite defeat Clemens Schmid wins both races Two-time champion Victoria in the third round of the Porsche Azarenka, who crashed out of GT3 Cup Middle East Challenge the Australian Open, is happy at the Losail International Circuit. that her comeback from injury and depression has gone so well. 4 WEDNESDAY, JANuArY 28, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

FOOTBALL BATTLE ASIA!

NUMBERS AND HISTORY WILL COUNT FOR NOTHING WHEN HOSTS AUSTRALIA TAKE ON EAST ASIAN HEAVYWEIGHTS SOUTH KOREA IN THE BATTLE ROYALE, WRITES SAJITH B WARRIER FROM SYDNEY.

AS the time finally come for for nothing in football as it all boils South Korea to break their down to the 90 minutes, or more if H55-year title jinx? Or is it needed, of action on the field. Australia’s chance to make the big Four years ago at the Khalifa breakthrough? That is the question International Stadium in Qatar, going through the minds of pundits Australia were felled by the and fans as the tournament reaches brilliance of Tadanari Lee, who its climax. fired a long-ranger in extra time for South Korea and Australia, who Japan’s record fourth title. both cantered to victories by an Australia, who are playing in identical 2-0 margin over Iraq only their third Asian Cup and their and the uAE respectively in the second final in a row, will be keen to semifinals, have a lot at stake in make amends this time in front of Saturday’s title clash at the in Sydney. Both sides have met 32 times NO HOST NATION HAS previously, but never before in a WON THE TOURNAMENT cup final. In terms of numbers, the SINCE JAPAN CLAIMED Taeguk Warriors have an edge over THEIR FIRST TITLE IN 1992. ŢŠAustralia hope will fire the Socceroos. They have won 12 on all cylinders. of their meetings, which include šŠSon Heung-Min a 1-0 result in the group vociferous home fans. team in the tournament. is expected to shine SOUTH KOREA VS stage at Brisbane. Much is expected from the likes In the semifinal against Iraq in for South Korea. AUSTRALIA Australia have had of veteran Tim Cahill, skipper Mile Sydney, they looked comfortable, FIFA RANKING the last laugh 11 Jedinak and while with Lee and Kim Young-Gwon South Korea Australia 69 100 times while nine South Korea will rely heavily on the finding their names on the ASIAN RANKING matches have brilliance of Ki Sung-Yeung, Lee scoresheet. South Korea Australia ended in draws. Jeong and Son Heung-Min. Australia, who were helped 3 10 But numbers At the beginning of the by goals from defenders Trent BEST PERFORMANCE IN ASIAN CUP South Korea Australia and history tournament, South Korea’s German Sainsbury and Jason Davidson in Champions 1956, ’60 runners-up 2011 count coach uli Steilike had spoken their last-four win over the uAE in HEAD-TO-HEAD about the need to come out of the lashing rain in Newcastle, will Matches 32 the defensive rut and the players surely be egged on by a capacity South Korea won 12 responded in style. crowd in Sydney. Australia won 11 Drawn 9 reaching their first final No host nation has won the since 1988, the Koreans tournament since Japan claimed RESULTS have impressed so far their first title in 1992. Now Australia SEMIFINALS and remains the look to seal their first continental Australia bt uAE 2-0 only unbeaten triumph in their third attempt. South Korea bt Iraq 2-0 QUARTERFINALS Their coach is South Korea bt uzbekistan 2-0 known to be a master tactician. The (0-0 after regular time, Korea win 2-0 in Australian preferred to rest some extra time) of his key players in the group tie Australia bt 2-0 against South Korea which they lost Iraq bt Iran 7-6 (3-3 after extra time, Iraq win in by a single goal. sudden death) But that does not count much uAE bt Japan 5-4 as it has come down to the last (1-1 after extra time, uAE win in tie-breaker) stop. Who will have the final FIXTURES hurrah? South Korea, the once Kick-off in Doha time. most powerful force in Asian THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF football but have not won the FRIDAY, Iraq vs uAE tournament in more than five JANUARY 30 Newcastle Stadium, 12noon. FINAL decades, or Australia, the new face Australia vs South Korea of Asia, who want to stamp their SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 Stadium Australia, Sydney, authority? 12noon. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, JANuArY 28, 2015 5

We’ve been very good: Postecoglou OACH Ange Postecoglou gives us an opportunity to achieve rest key players. haven’t been too many periods in wants Australia to be fully something,” said Postecoglou, after “We’ve to score. We didn’t score any games where I’ve felt we’ve Cfocused on the job as they his team’s 2-0 win over the uAE in last time despite having a number been dominated, so for the most aim to go one better than what the semifinal in Newcastle. of opportunities to do it. But we part we’ve been pretty solid. The they achieved four years ago. South Korea have maintained had a different line-up that day. players have got real belief now “It’s a massive game. We reached a clean slate throughout the There certainly wasn’t anything and they’re getting the rewards. the final four years ago which was tournament winning all five games negative coming out of it from our So hopefully that means they great for our nation. We’ve been in while Australia’s only reversal came perspective. keep progressing and challenging Asia for a while now and haven’t against them in the group stage, “I think we’ve been very good themselves to be better,” Ange won anything major. This final in a match where they preferred to the whole tournament. There Postecoglou added. Postecoglou

AFC dismisses Iran’s complaint against Alaa There was high drama off the field after the Hoping to get the quarterfinal result overturned, quarterfinal between Iran and Iraq. Team Melli had even cancelled their original departure Iran, who had lost to Iraq on penalties in the plans and set up camp at a hotel in Terrey Hills in quarterfinal, lodged a complaint with the Asian Sydney. Football Confederation (AFC) asking it to strip their However, the AFC dismissed the case 24 hours arch-rivals of victory for fielding Alaa Abdulzahra, a before Iraq’s semifinal against South Korea. player who failed a dope test while playing for Iranian “The Disciplinary Committee heard the evidence club Tractor Sazi. from two officials of the Iran Football Federation, Alaa, who has played for Qatari clubs including Al deliberated the matter based on its merits, and Khor and Al Kharaitiyat, is currently plying his trade decided that the protest was unfounded. The protest with native side Al Shorta. therefore stands dismissed,” an AFC statement read. Koreans urged to go Iraq spearhead Younis a big step forward rolls back the years OuTH Korea had beaten Australia in the group phase, but that does not count for much, says NE of the most important great potential and we look forward Scoach Uli Stielike. factors behind Iraq’s to the future with these new players,” The Taeguk Warriors entered their first Asian Oimpressive run in said Younis, who is providing the Cup final in 27 years with a 2-0 win over Iraq and the tournament is the much-needed experience to a young Stielike is well aware of the fact that Australia will re-emergence of Younis side. be much more stronger in the final. Mahmoud. The confidence radhi had in the In their last Group D tie, Australia were depleted Though Iraq lost veteran striker can be gauged from without injured skipper while to South Korea 0-2 the manner in which he assigned Tim Cahill, and robbie Kruse in the semifinal, Younis to take a kick in the tie- came off as second-half substitutes. they had breaker against Iran, despite him “We’re realistic that in the first game, we given a great having missed a penalty against didn’t play the best Australian team,” said account of Palestine in the group stage. Stielike, who added that the victory against themselves The way Younis steered the team Socceroos, even though it was against an Down under under-strength team, was very important for his and Younis played an important side. role in that. YOUNIS VINDICATED “For us in this tournament, we had two important Out of favour with former coach THE COACH’S FAITH IN games,” Stielike said. “The first was against Zico, the veteran striker had fallen HIM WITH CONSISTENT Australia, who I believe are the strongest team in from the lofty standards which saw PERFORMANCES. the tournament. By beating Australia, we became him score the winning goal for the the group toppers. That gave us the advantage of war-torn nation when they claimed having one more day before the final. The second their maiden Asian Cup title in 2007. in the quarterfinal, where tempers big win was against Iraq.” The 31-year-old was without a frayed both on and off the field, South Korea, who won the inaugural Asian Cup in club since prematurely ending his speaks volumes about his character. 1956, added one more title to their kitty four years contract with ’s Al Ahli radhi spoke about the value that later. However, since then, they have failed to add to last September. Younis brings to the team. their tally. The closest they came was when they lost It was a big gamble by new Iraqi “We’ve a young squad and we 3-4 to Saudi Arabia on penalties in the ’88 edition coach radhi Shenaishil to bring need a leader. He’s the type of player in Qatar. Younis back to the team and give who opponents hate to play against Stielike said there was a lot of work to be done in him the captain’s armband. and team-mates love to play with,” Korean football. Younis vindicated the faith radhi said radhi. “When we came to Australia, South Korea were had in him with a string of consistent “There were talks in the media third in Asia,” said the German World Cupper. performances, including in their about whether he should play or not, “When we embarked on our long journey, I said thrilling victory over but I don’t listen to it. As a coach, I we wanted to be back with a better result. We’ll try arch-rivals Iran in the quarterfinal. see what the player produces during to get this cup, no doubt about it, but the team did “My team has many young players training time and on the field. I wish what they’ve to do. Now, they’ve to go one big step Younis in it and for most of them, this was a him all the best; he’s a star and very forward.” Mahmoud big tournament. This Iraqi team has important player for Iraq.” 6 WEDNESDAY, JANuArY 28, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

FOOTBALL Omar shines brightest

is still very much on the radar of top Ali and Ahmed, the whole Sajith B Warrier clubs like Liverpool and Galatasaray. team is like a family. We’re However, Omar remained all very close to each tight-lipped about the big leap other on and off the MAr Abdulrahman was the abroad. pitch,” added Omar. brightest star as the uAE “At the moment, I’m If Omar were to join a Ogatecrashed Japan’s party at concentrating on this tournament European club in the near the Stadium Australia in Sydney last only. There’ll be another time to future, that would certainly week. discuss such things, not now,” he add a lot of marketing value as The quarterfinal between holders said. well. Japan and the uAE pitted two of the With him becoming a hugely But at the moment, the classy biggest playmakers of the Asian Cup popular figure in Australia, thanks to player is content to be the shining against each other. Keisuke Honda his distinctive Afro hairstyle as well star of Middle East football. had scored in all of Japan’s group as exceptional ability with the ball, How important Omar is to the šŠ matches while Omar was also in Australian media could not help uAE’s scheme of things can be terrific form, winning the asking the inevitable question as to gauged from the fact that despite man-of-the-match award in their whether he would make a plunge injuring his ankle in their Gulf Cup 2-1 win over Bahrain that sealed into the A-League. semifinal defeat to Saudi Arabia in the uAE’s quarterfinal berth. He also Looking at coach , who November, coach Mahdi persisted played an instrumental role in the was sitting beside him at the with him in the Asian Cup. team’s 4-1 victory over Qatar in the Omar reposed the faith first group match. Mahdi had in him with However, as Honda missed the DESPITE ALL THE stellar performances target in the shoot-out, Omar, who ADULATION HE HAS BEEN against Qatar and has grown in stature since the RECEIVING, HE REMAINS Bahrain. start of the tournament, did his PRETTY GROUNDED. Even in the match reputation no harm by converting against Iran to decide his kick. the group toppers, Omar, who is playing in an post-match Press conference, Omar Omar showed his advanced role in the midfield, has came up with a funny reply. flashes of brilliance been at the centre of all uAE attacks “We follow coach Mahdi’s orders,” with a solo run into and was a contender for the Player he said, laughing. “If he wants me to the box that needed of the Tournament award. play here, I won’t say no,” said Omar. four opposition The Al Ain winger is difficult to Making his mark at the 2012 defenders to check stop when in full flow as Qatar, London Games, Omar’s stock rose him. Bahrain and Japan found out. during the uAE’s victorious ’13 Gulf The sight of Predominantly a left-footed player, Cup triumph in Bahrain, where Australian boys Omar mostly operates on the right he was adjudged the Player of the queuing up to get wing. Tournament. his autographs “I always try to do my best. In Australia, Omar struck a good was an indication Then the results will take care of rhythm with strikers of how much Omar themselves,” said Omar, who has and . Against Bahrain, is popular Down been the toast of international Omar set up Ali just 14 seconds into under. But one good media and local fans ever since he the match to score one of the best thing about him is that arrived Down under. goals in the tournament. despite all the adulation he The 23-year-old had received an “I’m very close to Ali. He’s one has been receiving, he remains offer from current English Premier of those top strikers I like working pretty grounded. League champions Manchester City together. Me, Ali and Ahmed have “Thanks to God, I’m very happy 18 months ago, though the move been playing alongside each other for that. This’ll give me more did not materialise as he did not get for a long time. We played together motivation to do my best,” was all the work permit. from the youth team level. So we he would say about his new-found The rumour mill is strong that he know each other very well. Not just stardom.

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT OMAR “Omar (Abdulrahman) is a top-class “He’s incredible. He keeps the ball player. I’m sure leading European on a string and is always in control. Omar teams are eyeing him. He’s technically sound too. Abdulrahman Javier Aguirre, Japan coach. , ex-Australia international. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, JANuArY 28, 2015 7

We were complacent at start of the game, says Aguirre

OLDErS Japan’s campaign, on the final day of the 2010-11 Cup for the first time since 1996, which started under a cloud campaign. when they lost to Kuwait in the Hover coach Javier Aguirre’s Aguirre attributed his team’s quarterfinal played in Al Ain. reported involvement in a failure to the luck factor in penalties. Aguirre was all praise for the match-fixing scandal, came to “In the end, it went to penalties opponents. a grinding halt following the and that’s a 50 per cent probability of “The uAE played the match of shock defeat to the uAE in the success. We were complacent at the their lives,” he added. quarterfinal. Keisuke Honda, who was in good Aguirre, who replaced Alberto form in the group stage, did get Zaccheroni after Japan’s dismal BOTH KEISUKE HONDA a few scoring opportunities, but campaign at the World Cup, AND SHINJI KAGAWA failed to finish. where they failed to go past the MISSED THE TARGET Both Honda and Shinji Kagawa group stage, was under immense IN THE SHOOT-OUT. missed the target in the shoot- pressure on and off the field and it out and Aguirre will now be under looked as though it had rubbed on even more pressure. to the players. start of the game and that’s why we But for the time being, he can The Mexican was among the conceded an early goal and we had breathe easy as the Japan Football 41 people named by Spain’s to fight to score because of that until Association has reposed its faith in anti-corruption prosecutor, who the last minute,” said Aguirre. him. filed a case in a Valencia court in Four-time champions Japan

AFP/Craig Golding AFP/Craig December following a probe into are bowing out before reaching » The writer can be contacted at: šŠJapan’s Shinji Kagawa reacts after his team’s defeat against the uAE in the quarterfinal. real Zaragoza’s 2-1 win at Levante the semifinal stage of the Asian [email protected] UAE favourites to host 2019 edition Mahdi all praise for HE uAE’s sports ambitions the fray. Al Serkal was quoted as saying in will get another major Australia was the sole bidder for the uAE media recently. team’s resilience Tfacelift if the country gets a the ’15 event and it was expected The proposed venues for chance to host the tournament’s that a final decision on the ’19 the tournament includes the HE uAE coach Mahdi Ali believes his team’s next edition in 2019. host nation would be made at the Mohammad bin Zayed Stadium upset win over Japan will boost the morale The uAE, Iran, Saudi Arabia AFC Congress held in and Zayed Sports City in Abu Tof the players, even though they lost to hosts and Thailand are the countries prior to the start of the ongoing Dhabi, the Hazza bin Zayed and Australia in the semifinal. who have submitted edition. But it was put off and is Khalifa bin Zayed stadiums in The uAE beat Japan 5-4 on penalties after the the final bids for Asia’s now expected to be made by the Al Ain, the cricket stadium in teams were level at 1-1 at the end of regulation premier competition. middle of this year. Sports City and a new and extra time. Initially, 11 A major change for the 17th 60,000-capacity stadium, which The uAE took the lead in the seventh minute countries had will be ready by ’18. through Ali Mabkhout before second-half expressed their Since the ’96 Asian Cup, the uAE substitute drew level for the interests to host THE PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE have played host to four more FIFA champions in the 80th, taking the game to extra the event, but OF HOSTING SUCH EVENTS events — the Youth World Cup time and shoot-out. when the WILL TILT THE SCALE IN in ’03, the ’09 and ’10 Club World Ismail Ahmed converted the winning penalty for deadline THEIR FAVOUR. Cups, and more recently the the uAE after Japanese stars Keisuke Honda and for bid under 17 World Cup in ’13. Shinji Kagawa failed to find the target. presentations Al Serkal believes the previous “We played a fantastic game. Winning against concluded in edition of the tournament includes experience of hosting such events Japan is a great thing and that’ll give my players May, ’14, only expansion of teams from the will tilt the scale in their favour. more confidence in future tournaments,” said four were left in current 16 to 24. uAE Football “Our chances are high. FIFA and Mahdi after his team surprised the Samurai Blue at Association chief Yousuf Al Serkal the AFC have seen how efficient the Stadium Australia in Sydney. believes his country, which we’re in hosting such big events The uAE were making it to the semifinal for previously hosted the event in and we are now hoping to get the the first time since the 1996 edition at home 1996, can deliver a standout ’19 Asian Cup as well,” Al Serkal and Mahdi praised his team’s resilience. tournament. added. “I keep telling my players that we don’t “I believe we’ve put together Iran, which previously always have to play very nice football to win. a really good file, meeting all hosted the event in ’68 and Sometimes you’ve to play with your heart requirements. In the end, it’s ’76, is the main challenger and spirit as we showed in the game going to be a fair competition to the uAE. Tehran has two against Japan,” he added. between all bidding member stadiums — Azadi and Takhti. Mahdi singled out star winger associations. But we’re hoping The West Asian nation had as a player for to get the nod in the presented an unsuccessful the future. end since we’ve good bid to host the ’11 edition, “Of course for us, it would infrastructure, but it lost out to Qatar. be very good to see one of our experience Saudi Arabia are bidding for the players playing in Europe. Omar and ability first time while Thailand hosted has a good future, he’s a talented to host the ’72 edition and was a co-host player and we hope to see him in such along with Malaysia, Vietnam and Europe very soon.” events,” Indonesia in ’07. 8 WEDNESDAY, JANuArY 28, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

FOOTBALL

ŠŠChinese players acknowledge the cheers from Shaikh Salman is fans after their quarterfinal match genuinely excited against Australia.

STuNNING group stage, where all 24 matches yielded results without a single Adraw. Edge-of-the-seat knockout fixtures and it does not get bigger than this. Tournament organisers are happy with the way it has thrilled fans all over the world. “I’m genuinely excited by the level of enthusiasm that’s being displayed all around the competition. I’ve been to all the stadiums Positives galore and I, like so many fans, have had a thoroughly enjoyable experience,” said Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa. “These teams have represented Asia proudly, playing some of the for Perrin & Co best football the tournament has ever seen. I can only wish them when they hosted the tournament, time to recoup as the ’18 World Cup good luck and may the best Sajith B Warrier that China made it to the last-eight Asian qualification is his next target. team win.” phase. They finished as runners-up Much of Perrin’s success has come The AFC chief lauded to Japan that year, their best-ever in Europe, especially in his home the fans for their rousing HINA, who made it to the performance in the event. country. He won the French Cup with support, stating he was Asian Cup as the best “Honestly saying, I think our team Sochaux in ’06 before moving to proud to witness such Cthird-placed team in the wasn’t the best in this tournament,” Lyon, where he helped them annex multicultural crowds at qualifiers, were impressive during Perrin admitted. the league and cup double. the stadiums. the group stage, before losing to “But we still put up a good He has plenty of Asian experience “The spectators really Australia in the quarterfinal. fight and challenged each and as well. He was in Qatar from ’10 to stand out in most matches. The And the man who is credited with every opponent. This is the top ’13, coaching three different clubs — numbers speak for themselves and their success is , who tournament in Asia and we did our Al Khor, Al Gharafa and umm Salal the atmosphere inside the stadiums have been took over the reins last February. The best. If we keep it up like this, I think — apart from being in charge of the amazing. We want to give fans a memorable Frenchman’s first task was to instil a in the future we’ll do well,” he said. country’s Olympic team for a while. experience and I’m confident we’ve been doing winning mentality in the team. China, who edged Lebanon on “The pressure in Asia is much just that,” he said. Though Perrin did not exactly goal difference to qualify for the similar to the one when I won the The Bahraini dwelled further about the trigger a Chinese revolution, there tournament, stunned Saudi Arabia French Cup with Lyon and Sochaux. positives of the tournament. are plenty of positives for him It’s a pleasure to work with this “The game has been really entertaining. and his boys to take from their Chinese team. The players are very There’ve been 61 goals in the first 24 matches, performances Down under. WE BEAT A STRONG TEAM disciplined and always willing to which is an average of more than 2.5 goals per It was for the first time since 2004, LIKE UZBEKISTAN WHO’RE learn. We believe in ourselves and game and we’ve achieved an amazing feat of 24 NOW THE FOURTH-BEST have the spirit to fight it out till the games without a draw in a major tournament, SIDE IN ASIA. end,” Perrin said. beating the previous record of 18 set at the 1930 Perrin, who started his career as inaugural FIFA World Cup in uruguay. an assistant to current Arsenal boss “There were competitive matches played in a 1-0 in the opening encounter and Arsene Wenger at AS Nancy, spoke really good spirit and at the same time there’ve followed it up with 2-1 victories over about his coaching philosophies. been some outstanding goals as well. So overall ’11 semifinalistsu zbekistan and “As professionals, we must always šŠ the football has been beyond expectation, which North Korea to top Group B. be ready to face challenges. Players is excellent,” he said. However, in the quarterfinals, the should know their responsibilities Though some of the refereeing decisions rampaging Socceroos, who rode on well. Football is a team game of during the course of the tournament came in for a brilliant display by veteran Tim course, but individual development sharp criticism, with players like Japan’s Keisuke Cahill, were too good for them. is equally important,” he said. Honda openly expressing their angst, Shaikh Alain “My players are very disappointed. Despite oodles of talent, China Perrin Salman reiterated his faith in the match officials. We had high hopes here. After we have been the perennial “I’ve complete trust in the referees’ ability. finished the group stage, we had to under-achievers in international I hope they would continue their positive rethink how we play. I’ve a variety of football. They are currently contributions to the tournament, something tactics for different opponents, languishing 96th in FIFA rankings which would greatly help further enhance the and I pick the fittest players and have qualified for the World Cup reputation of referees in Asia,” Shaikh Salman and the ones who want to only once, in ’02, where they failed said. fight,” said Perrin. to advance past the group stage. He added that the bidding for the ’19 “I don’t think defence Perrin believes there is plenty of edition, with the uAE, Iran, Saudi Arabia was the problem. The scope for improvement. and Thailand in the fray, is a tight race. problem was that we “The Asian Cup was a chance to “Of course the decision isn’t in couldn’t find a way to reassess the team’s strengths and my hands as there’s an Executive equalise and play the weakness. We beat a strong team Committee that’s responsible for opposition once they like uzbekistan who’re now the studying all the bids. We’ll leave it to scored first. Australia fourth best side in Asia in terms of those people responsible for it. It’s a played well and we rankings. In the past, Chinese players tight race and the final decision will did our best,” he added. use to buckle under pressure. be announced in the middle of the Perrin, the first “The experience gained at the year.” Frenchman to coach China, Asian Cup will help with our World does not have not much Cup qualification,” he added. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, JANuArY 28, 2015 9

ŠŠ Record TV rating for China-Australia match Checked in! One of Australia’s favourite HINA’S quarterfinal match of predictions. footballers Alessandro Del Piero, against Australia attracted Even during the group stage, China an official brand ambassadors of the event, has been missing right the largest TV audience for experienced its highest audience for One Goal, C from the start. The Local Organising a football match in the country in live sports since Li Na reached the one noble Committee was keen on having his recent years. A whopping average Australian Open tennis final in 2013. presence at the Opening Ceremony or at audience of 27 million people Meanwhile, the tournament’s goal! least in the opening week of the tournament, but watched China’s loss to the hosts on reach in social media tools, like As Asia’s top teams battled Del Piero was busy at the Ballon d’Or in Zurich. The CCTV-5. Facebook and Twitter, is showing a it out for top honours on Italian legend, who played for Delhi Dynamos FC With a crowd of 46,067 inside the significant increase. the pitch, 150 children from in the Indian Super League, finally made the trip Sydney competed in the Down under, and was seen talking to fans and Brisbane Stadium as Australia posted The official Twitter hashtag clicking selfies with them. a 2-0 win, thanks to two goals from #AC2015 has been used more than Dream Asia unity Football Festival in support of One Tim Cahill, the peak viewership 1.82 billion times, making it one of enough, the security Goal — a campaign that CCTV-5 guards stopped him reached 32 million on . the most talked about Asian football uses the sport as a catalyst from entering a Press The average audience exceeded events in history. to improve the nutritional conference room the previous record of 23 million, Video plays on YouTube have status of children in Asia which he himself was which was set for the second leg of clocked more than 3.3 million, with and Australia. supposed to address The three-day festival, the 2013 AFC Champions League over five million minutes watched. after he forgot his which took place at final between China’s Guangzhou Followers on Facebook have accreditation card! the Hockey Centre in Evergrande and South Korea’s FC grown by 73 per cent and, in sync Jordan’s failure to enter Sydney’s Olympic Park, Testing the knockout phase . with all these, there has been an combined football, family compounded his woes TV viewing figures for the Asian outstanding turnout of fans at the entertainment, health times! further. Cup group matches are well in excess stadiums. promotion and education. S DELINES! S Jordan coach Ray A main attraction Wilkins may be a of the festival was the favourite with the Greener One Goal AFC Asian Cup English media as he has Legacy Forum held on the played for big clubs like pastures concluding day, which Manchester united and brought together leading The Asian Cup in Chelsea in the past and players, civil society, Australia provides an had even managed the government, academics opportunity for players Blues. But in Australia, and food industry from countries like he had to endure tough stakeholders to discuss Palestine to look out times on and off the child malnutrition. for an opening in the field. First, he had a Commenting on the A-League. No wonder, bitter fight with the initiative, Asian Football despite their early exit, organisers regarding Confederation (AFC) players from Palestine the procedure followed General Secretary Alex were found desperately for the doping test Soosay said, “World Vision seeking agents to on one of his has programmes in the pursue their A-League players. As if majority of AFC Member ambitions. Most of that was not Associations. We’re excited them were hoping to to be working together catch the eye of local through One Goal to clubs and return to help make the right kind Australia in the near future. REUTERS/Edgar Su REUTERS/Edgar of nutrition a reality for šŠAustralia’s Mathew Leckie vies with China’s Cai Huikang. children in the region.” Sun is shining bright for China uN KE was instrumental in brought more confidence to the be expecting more from him, China’s progress into the entire team,” said Sun, who made especially during the 2018 World Ssecond round of the Asian his national team debut in March, Cup qualifiers. In the last two Asian Cup. After missing the Group B 2013. Cups, China failed to move past opener against Saudi Arabia due “There’s no way to predict the group stage. Having set that to a knee injury, Sun came off as record straight in Australia, a second-half substitute against Sun, who plies his trade with uzbekistan and he scored the THE EXPERIENCE OF Sainty club, looks to winning goal. PLAYING IN THIS MAJOR the future with full of confidence. The 25-year-old also netted both TOURNAMENT WAS “I think every team has its low the goals in his team’s 2-1 win over REALLY AWESOME. point but now we’ve turned a North Korea and won the corner here. The experience of man-of-the-match award in the playing in this major tournament process. the result in this sport. That’s was really awesome. “Playing in the Asian Cup is what makes it interesting and so “Personally I’ve learnt a lot given a great honour. All players tried enjoyable to watch. We just have to that this is the first time I’m playing their best. Players adjusted quickly prepare for any difficulties that we in such a big event. I’ve improved and for me personally, the goals may run into,” he said. mentally and have learnt a lot of have certainly made me feel more Alain Perrin has a lot of faith in crucial tactics,” added the rising Sun Ke confident. I think they’ve also Sun and the Frenchman would Sun. 10 WEDNESDAY, JANuArY 28, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

FOOTBALL | QATAR ‘Nov-Dec best suited for ’22 World Cup’

HE 2022 World Cup in Qatar Sydney that it also made sense to confidence that FIFA boss Sepp While a winter World Cup now looks increasingly likely to avoid a calendar clash with the ’22 Blatter would ensure the World looks likely, the game’s world Tbe played in November and Winter Olympics. Cup did not overlap with the Winter governing body has also been asked December to avoid the region’s “The period best suited for Games. to consider a spring option, on the summer heat, Asia’s football hosting the ’22 World Cup in Qatar urging of European clubs. supremo said. will be in November and December Blatter and FIFA Secretary General Asian Football because, for sure, it needs to be FOR SURE, IT NEEDS TO Jerome Valcke favour playing the Confederation (AFC) played in the winter,” he said on BE PLAYED IN tournament in November and President Shaikh Salman the sidelines of the Asian Cup in THE WINTER. THE December while uEFA boss Michel bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Australia. MATTER IS RESOLVED. Platini would prefer January to who heads the FIFA The Bahraini official added that avoid clashing with the Champions taskforce charged his working group had decided that League. with investigating a winter World Cup was in the best Blatter has acknowledged that Not only the timing of the potential dates interests of all parties. “The matter the ’22 World Cup could not be tournament has been difficult — for the 2022 (winter timing) is resolved,” he said. played in its traditional June-July the bidding process for hosting World Cup, told International Olympic Committee window due to the summer heat in rights has also been investigated reporters in chief Thomas Bach had expressed the Gulf. over allegations of corruption. Get ready for Challenge 22! šŠ Council. They should be solution- General Hassan Al Thawadi said, Through this initiative, innovators region, enhancing innovation and N Ganesh based proposals related to three key “We’re extremely proud to launch can develop practical solutions to serving a platform to catalyse future themes that address the challenges Challenge 22 and invite people global challenges,” he added. breakthroughs.” while hosting major events. The across the region to think big and The organisers will launch QNrF Executive Director Dr Abdul HE Supreme Committee for themes are sustainability, event come up with inventive solutions a three-week GCC road show, Sattar Al Taei said, “By investing in Delivery and Legacy (SCDL) experience, and sports and health. to the challenges associated with including information sessions, to cutting-edge research, the QNrF is Tlaunched Challenge 22, an Successful applicants will be hosting major events. attract more participation. enhancing a culture that supports award aimed to inspire, challenge provided with a professional mentor “The ’22 FIFA World Cup in Qatar SCDL’s Strategic Development the Qatar Foundation on its mission and unite the region’s brightest network consisting of research, and Assurance Executive Director to build the country’s innovation and minds. academic and business leaders, Mahmoud Qutub emphasised technology capacity, and to help it The award has been instituted who will assist them in giving a THE BENEFITS WE’LL SEE Challenge 22’s role in creating a develop itself into a hub of research in association with Silatech, an proper shape to their ideas. Winners FROM CHALLENGE 22 WILL tangible legacy for the ’22 World excellence. initiative to create jobs, and the will also receive prizes worth GO BEYOND THE WORLD Cup. “Challenge 22 therefore provides Qatar National research Fund $20,000. CUP IN QATAR. “The benefits we’ll see from a tremendous opportunity for (QNrF), an organisation that The deadline to submit entries Challenge 22 will go beyond the innovators in Qatar and region supports education. is March 3, 2015. There will be a World Cup in Qatar and prove a to showcase their talents while Challenge 22 is established to screening phase, with the successful is more than a tournament. It’s an lasting legacy in social, human and contributing solutions to the success engage the region’s innovators entries being invited to submit opportunity for us to build a legacy economic developments in Qatar of the region’s first FIFA World Cup,” and provide them with a forum to more comprehensive proposals at a that supports the entire region. and the region,” said Mahmoud. he said. explore solutions that could directly later date. By recognising and supporting Silatech CEO Dr Tariq Yousef said, For more information about benefit the World Cup in Qatar. Addressing the gathering, which emerging talents, we hope to “Challenge 22 will shed light on Challenge 22 and the application Challenge 22 has sought entries formed a cross-section of people inspire the next generation of some of the extraordinary talents process, log on to www.222. from within the Gulf Co-operation in the Middle East, SCDL Secretary innovators from the Middle East. and outstanding minds of our challenge.qa.

ŠŠ WHO CAN APPLY The applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. Teams must have at least one member of Arab origin. Individual applicants must THE THEMES be of Arab origin. SUSTAINABILITY design and construction of SPORTS AND HEALTH All individual applications Energy-efficient stadiums stadiums and precincts. sports content and members of teams Propose solutions to use Identify practical solutions must be legally resident space and materials in EVENT EXPERIENCE that will increase the use in one of the six Gulf Co- an efficient manner that Making matches accessible of and accessibility to operation Council countries will complement the Propose integrated solutions sports-related information at the time of application. construction work taken by to make sports facilities in Arabic. Future editions of the Supreme Committee for accessible to all fans. Challenge 22 will be open Delivery and Legacy. Healthy lifestyles to all Arab countries. Enhancing fan experiences Propose new solutions that Using green materials Develop interactive solutions will result in a healthier ŠŠHassan Al Propose innovative that enhance the overall fan Middle East as the region Thawadi speaks solutions that incorporate experience. prepares for the World Cup. at the launch. green materials into the