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THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 AFCAF President praises Qatar for staging ChampionsCh League matches successfully WeWe are now looking forward to an outstanding AFC Champions League fifinalna on December 19 and we extend our gratitude to the Member AsAssociationss and clubs for helping us reach this important milestone.

AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa Sport |09

ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 1-0 Sydney, Guangzhou Evergrande 1-3 , Shanghai SIPG 0-1 Yokohama 'Greatest ever' passes away AFP – BUENOSBUENOSA AIRESIRES yesterday and wasw being beeingi treated at his hi home defendersdefenenders forr the second.d. But thethhe matchmmatchh thatt DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA FRANCO north of . defined his tournament, and possibly his inter- Date of birth: October 30, 1960 , one of the greatest footballers “There are four ambulances at the door of national career, was that win over , in Place of birth: Buenos Aires, of all time, died yesterday at the age of 60, the residence. They have summoned family which he scored two goals that will be remem- Date of death: , 2020 plunging his sport and his native Argentina into members to come. It is serious,” the TyC Sports bered forever - for very different reasons. mourning. channel reported. In the 51st minute, as England goalkeeper Place of death: Tigre, Argentina Renowned along with Pele as one of the The life of the divine footballing reached to catch the ball, Height: 1.65m greatest players ever to play the game, the talent that was Diego Armando Maradona jumped alongside him and with a PLAYING CAREER Argentine World Cup-winning captain died of Maradona was marked by wild highs deftness that fooled the eye, flicked the ball with (1976-81), (1981- a heart attack, having undergone brain surgery and lows, with Argentina and with his hand through the England goalkeeper’s arms 82), (ESP/1982-84), Napoli (ITA/1984-91), earlier this month, a member of his entourage club sides Boca Juniors, Barcelona and into the net. Sevilla (ESP/1992-93), Newell's Old Boys (1993), Boca told AFP. and Napoli. After the game, Maradona said he scored Juniors (1995-97) Maradona will forever be known for his con- Excesses with “a little with the head of Maradona and a International caps: 91 (1977-94) troversial against England in the 1986 and alcohol had long little with .” World Cup quarter-final in Mexico, when he taken their toll on the The goal he scored four minutes later, International goals: 34 appeared to use his hand to push the ball into mercurial talent’s health. when he picked up the ball in his own POSITION: attacking midfielder/ the net before later swerving through the The former player half and glided past six England players, HONOURS: English defenders for a memorable second goal underwent surgery earlier including Shilton, was named “Goal FIFA World Cup winner (1986), FIFA World Cup Golden that sealed victory. this month to remove a clot of the Century” by FIFA. Ball (1986), UEFA Cup winner (1989), Italian champion Pele said Maradona had been a “dear friend” lodged between his brain He played for Argentinos Juniors (1987, 1990), Argentine champion (1981), Spanish Super and said he hoped they would “play together and skull. and Boca in Argentina before joining Cup (1983), Spanish Cup (1983), Italian Cup (1987), Italian in the sky” one day. Maradona has been Barcelona in Spain, but it was in Super Cup (1990), Top scorer in Italy (1988), Argentina , who was in the England team admitted to hospital three times where he would enchant an entire city defeated in 1986, tweeted that Maradona was in the last 20 years for serious by leading the then unfashionable club (1979, 1980), FIFA Player of the Century (2000) “arguably the greatest of all time” but made a health issues -- two of which to its only two Italian league titles in COACHING CAREER: reference to that infamous goal by adding: “After were potentially fatal -- due to 1987 and 1990. Textil Mandiyu (1994), Racing Club (1995), Argentina a blessed but troubled life, hopefully he’ll finally his drug and alcohol European football’s governing (2008-2010), Al Wasl (UAE/2011-12), Al-Fujairah (UAE/2017- find some comfort in the hands of God. #Rip- addictions. body UEFA announced that 18), Dorados (MEX/2018-19), Gimnasia y Esgrima La Diego” , the Argentine considered The highs were crowned by Maradona would be honoured with Plata (2019-20) one of the world’s greatest modern-day players, his performances when he a minute’s silence before Wednes- said Maradona was “eternal”. captained Argentina to victory day’s Champions League games. Argentine President Alberto Fernandez in Mexico in 1986. In 2000, FIFA ran an online girlfriend Claudia Villafane in 1984. They had immediately announced three days of national In the final, Maradona set Player of the Century poll. Maradona two daughters, Dalma and Gianinna, and mourning in the South American country. up the 86th-minute winner gained 54 percent of the vote, Pele was divorced in 2004. Shortly before the announcement that against West Germany. He second with 18 percent, but FIFA He also had a son, Diego Junior, born in shocked the world, Argentine media reported scored twice in the semi-final declared them joint winners. Naples in 1986, although he only acknowledged Maradona had suffered a serious health setback against Belgium, beating four Maradona married his long-time paternity in 2004.

In this file photo taken on December 06, 2008 Argentina’s national team coach and former star Diego Armando Maradona gestures as he attends a felicitation programme at in . The legendary footballer passed away yesterday at the age of 60. Champions League: Liverpool slump to 2-0 loss; holders Bayern, City advance

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS REUTERS – LIVERPOOL Atalanta’s Slovenian forward Josip Ilicic scores past Liverpool’s GROUP STAGE Brazilian goalkeeper Becker during the UEFA Champions Atalanta’s Josip Ilicic and Robin Atlético Madrid 0-0 Lokomotiv League match played at Anfield in Liverpool, yesterday. Gosens scored quickfire Moscow second-half goals to give them a comfortable 2-0 win over a Bayern 3-1 FC Red Bull toothless Liverpool, who barely Salzburg managed a shot on target, in Borussia Mönchengladbach their Champions League Group 4-0 Shakhtar Donetsk D clash at yesterday. After the home side fielded Inter 0-2 an experimental lineup fea- Real Madrid turing three teenagers in Rhys Olympiakos 0-1 Man City Williams, and Curtis Jones, Ilicic put the vis- Marseille 0-2 FC itors ahead on the hour mark Ajax 3-1 FC Midtjylland with a deft volley from an inswinging cross from Ale- Liverpool 0-2 Atalanta jandro Gomez. Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp reshuffled his pack, bringing , Fabinho, and Andy There are a few incredible Robertson off the bench, but his players in all of history, side quickly conceded a second he is one of them. For as Gosens volleyed home Hans people of our generation, Hateboer’s knockdown from close range in the 63rd minute. Coman set up Leroy Sane for , who produced League, where they have won out to make the knockouts for the World Cup in '86 in Liverpool could not bounce Bayern’s third goal, with a sublime backheel pass for only three out of eight matches the eighth consecutive Mexico was something back and though they still lead Mergim Berisha notching a con- Foden to slam the ball into the and were beaten 2-0 at Tot- campaign. which made this sport the group on nine points, both solation for Salzburg. net. tenham Hotspur last Real Madrid took full better. Atalanta and Ajax Amsterdam, Bayern have won their last The Greek side stayed in the Saturday. advantage of a first-half sending- Manchester City who beat bottom side 15 games in the Champions game and were not far from After failing to take their off for 's Midtjylland 3-1, are now two League and are guaranteed top finding a late equaliser when chances against Tottenham, with a 2-0 away win to leave the manager points behind with two games spot in Group A with two Konstantinos Fortounis pulled City again lacked ruthlessness side close to a Champions left to play. matches still to play. his shot just wide of the far post in front of goal against Olym- League exit. Elsewhere, Meanwhile, Manchester City from a tight angle, while piakos and should have built on Eden Hazard put Real ahead scored and claimed an assist as finished defender Pape Cisse headed their lead. with a seventh-minute penalty holders Bayern Munich cruised off a brilliant team move as his over the bar in added time. Sterling saw a thumping and Inter's hopes of a fightback into the last 16 stage yesterday side saw off Olympiakos City’s fourth consecutive free kick tipped over the bar by effectively ended when Vidal was with a 3-1 victory at home to Piraeus 1-0 away from home win in Europe’s elite compe- Olympiakos keeper Jose Sa, booked twice in quick succession Salzburg. yesterday to book their place in tition left them top of Group C who also thwarted Joao Cancelo for dissent just after the half-hour put the last 16. with 12 points, while Olym- after the break, while Bernardo after having a penalty appeal Bayern ahead just before half- After dominating possession piakos are third with three. Silva and Foden missed the waved away. time and Coman’s heavily with little reward, City found a The unblemished European target from clear openings. Real Madrid added a second deflected strike doubled the breakthrough in the 36th of Pep Guardiola’s side Olympiakos nearly made in the 59th minute when sub- lead on 52 minutes. The hosts minute when Gabriel Jesus this season contrasts with their them pay with their late stitute Rodrygo's shot was saw sent off but trapped a crossfield ball and fed recent struggles in the Premier chances but City saw the game deflected in by Achraf Hakimi. THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 SPORTSPORT 11 Goodbye legend A very sad day: Messi AFP – BARCELONA

Lionel Messi paid tribute to Diego Maradona yesterday by calling him “eternal” after his fellow Argentine died of a heart attack. “A very sad day for all Argen- tines and football,” Messi wrote on Instagram. “He has left us but he will never leave us because Diego is eternal. I will keep all the beautiful moments that I lived with him and would like to send my condolences to all his family and friends. RIP.” In this file photo taken on June 29, 1986 Messi and Maradona have often Argentina’s captain Maradona kisses the been compared in the debate about World Cup after a 3-2 victory over West who was the greatest footballer of Germany in watched by Mexican all time. President Miguel de La Madrid (left) and West Both players are icons in German Chancellor Helmut Kohl. Argentina and have been likened to each other due to their global status, style and famous In this file photo taken on July 03, 2010 Argentina’s 10 shirts. coach Diego Maradona hugs Lionel Messi after Maradona was also Messi’s the 2010 World Cup quarter-final in Cape Town. coach during his brief time in charge of the national team, which included Argentina being thrashed by Germany in the 2010 World Cup A very sad day for all Argentines and football. He has quarter-finals. Argentina's 1986 World- Maradona spent two years at left us but he will never leave us because Diego is Cup winning hero Diego Barcelona, where Messi is now eternal. I will keep all the beautiful moments that I captain and the club’s all-time top Maradona playing with the scorer, although Maradona’s lived with him and would like to send my Aspire team in in this greatest years were spent with condolences to all his family and friends. RIP. November 17, 2005 file photo Napoli in Italy. during the official unveiling of Asked about Maradona in 2010, the world's biggest covered Messi said: “Even if I played for a Argentinian star Lionel Messi pays tribute sports dome, the ASPIRE million years, I’d never come close to Diego Maradona Academy of Sports Excellence. to Maradona. Not that I’d want to anyway. He’s the greatest there’s ever been.”

In this file photo taken on July 03, 1990 Maradona controlling the ball during the Maradona's greatest goals World Cup semi-final against Italy in Naples.

AFP – BUENOS AIRES In this file photo taken on , 1986 Maradona runs past English defender (left) on his In this file way to score his what is dubbed as the Goal of the Century, during the World Cup quarter-final against photo taken on England in 1986 in Mexico City. June 22, 2010 Few players mastered the spectacular quite Argentina’s like Diego Maradona. From stunning free- coach kicks to winding dribbles, the Argentine, who Maradona has died at the age of 60, scored some of the celebrates most famous -- and thrilling -- goals in football during the history. 2010 FIFA Here AFP Sport picks five of the best from World Cup arguably the greatest footballer to ever play match against the game: Greece in Polokwane. The ‘Goal of the Century’ The solo goal against which all solo goals will be judged. Named the “Goal of the Century” by FIFA in 2002, his high-speed slalom in Mexico in 1986 ended England’s World Cup and cemented Maradona’s position as the world’s best furious at their Juve counterparts for not stepping further back, Maradona footballer. simply said: “Don’t worry, I’ll score anyway”. A quick touch from Pecci was The goal trumps others of its type not just because of its impact, the stage, all he needed to flick a stupendous effort over a group of Juve players who the spectre of the and the fact that it came just minutes after were practically on his toes as he hit the ball and past a bamboozled Stefano his notorious ‘Hand of God’ goal, but for the efficiency of its execution. Tacconi in the Juve goal. Maradona barely deviates from his path towards goal the moment he spins “With this goal,” he wrote in 2017, “I conquered the hearts of free in midfield, with a few drops of the shoulder enough to embarrass England Neapolitans.” for the second time in the space of five minutes. ‘El Pibe’ volleys Verona The ‘Divine free-kick’ that conquered Naples There were more crucial goals among Maradona’s 115 for Napoli, but few Nicknamed the “divine free-kick” in Italy, Maradona’s iconic winning goal matched the sheer nonchalance of his outrageous lob in a 5-0 hammering of for Napoli in the November 1985 home clash with ’s Juventus -- reigning Serie A champions Hellas Verona in October 1985. reigning European champions -- was the one that created the Collecting a long pass with his back to goal on the left flank, Maradona Argentine’s legend in Naples. Standing over an indirect span round and saw future teammate positioned just too free-kick well inside the penalty area, legend has it that far to the left, only a few yards off his line. Maradona asked midfielder Eraldo Pecci to roll him the ball Quick as a flash, and with the ball still bouncing, Maradona Maradona during the Argentina's 2006 for a shot despite the closeness of the Juventus wall. With took a step and clipped a looping shot towards goal that gently Napoli players faded off the left post as Giuliani realised -- too late -- that he was FIFA World Cup match against Holland in about to be humiliated. Frankfurt in this June 21, 2006 file photo.

In this file Bamboozled Belgium beaten photo taken His world-beating effort against England is rightly the goal everyone on May 22, remembers, but his second of another double against Belgium in the semi- 1986 Maradona finals of the same World Cup in 1986 was almost as good. balances a ball Picking the ball up on the edge of midfield in the 63rd minute having on his head as already put Argentina a goal ahead, he quickly advanced and sent three Belgium defenders packing with one shimmy which allowed him to charge into the he walks off the penalty area. Having now isolated flat-footed right back Eric practice field. Gerets, he drags ball and defender to the left before cutting his shot back across goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff, who can only sit on his backside as a fierce drive flashes past him and puts Maradona to within touching distance of World Cup glory.

Maradona balances a ball on his head during a photocall for '' by Serbian director at the 61st Cannes Film Festival in this May 20, 2008 file photo. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020

HOW THE WORLD ‘You will never be forgotten’ REACTED A very sad day for all Argentinians and for football. He has left us but he isn’t going anywhere because World mourns Maradona demise Diego is eternal. I’ll remember the lovely moments I experienced with him and I send my condolences to AFP – accolades at club level for Bar- his family and friends. Rest in celona than Maradona, but has peace. - Argentina and Barcelona Brazilian great Pele led global failed to match his success with captain Lionel Messi, on Instagram tributes to Diego Maradona, the national team. whose death was announced “It is a very sad day for all Everyone is waiting for our words yesterday, saying one day they Argentines and football,” said but what words could we possibly would “play soccer together in the Messi on social media alongside use for a pain such as this that we sky”. photos of him with Maradona. “He are going through? Now is the Renowned for inspiring leaves us but he does not go moment for tears. Then there will Argentina to World Cup glory in because he is eternal. 1986, Maradona was most loved “I am left with many of the be the moment for words. We are at club level for his spells with nice moments we shared and I in mourning. We feel like a boxer Boca Juniors in his homeland and want to send my condolences to who has been knocked out. We are Napoli in Italy, where he won the all his family and friends.” Shirts in shock. A devastating blow for club’s only two Serie A titles. and flags with Maradona’s name both city and club. Always in our Maradona is remembered for and face still adorn Napoli’s San hearts. Ciao Diego. - Italian club his masterly skill with the ball, but Paolo stadium on matchdays in Napoli, where Maradona played he was also famous for his fre- memory of the part he played in from 1984-1991 quent lack of control on and off the southern Italian club’s most the field. successful era. “Sad news to lose a friend like that. He struggled with addiction, “The world awaits our words May God give enough strength to notably to cocaine, and with his but there are no words to describe his family. For sure, one day we will weight, in contrast to the more the pain we’re going through. Now kick a ball together in heaven. clean-cut image of three-time is the time to grieve,” Napoli said World Cup winner Pele. on Twitter. - football great Pele, in a Football legends, Pele (left) and Deigo Maradona, attending the statement to Reuters “Sad news today. I have lost a Maradona also played for Bar- inauguration of the Aspire Dome, the largest indoor facility of its dear friend, and the world has lost celona and Sevilla in Spain and kind in the world, in Doha, in this November 17, 2005 file photo. a legend,” Pele wrote on Argentinos Juniors and Newell’s By some distance the best player of Instagram, alongside a picture of Old Boys in Argentina. my generation and arguably the Maradona hoisting the World Cup “Thank you for everything greatest of all time. After a blessed trophy in 1986. Diego. FC Barcelona expresses its but troubled life, hopefully he’ll “There is much more to say, deepest condolences regarding finally find some comfort in the but for now may God give his the death of Diego Armando Maradona vs Pele hands of God. #RipDiego - Former family strength. One day, I hope, Maradona, a player for our club England striker Gary Lineker, on we will play soccer together in the (1982-84) and an icon of world Twitter sky.” football,” Barcelona said in a Who’s the greatest The pinnacle of Maradona’s statement. Today I say goodbye to a friend playing career came in the 1986 Sevilla said: “A hero for an World Cup quarter-final in Mexico entire country and for football and the world says goodbye to an City, where his two iconic goals, itself. One of the greatest players eternal genius. One of the best of of them all? our times. An unparalleled which reflected his larger-than- to have graced the game and we life character, condemned were lucky enough to enjoy you magician. He leaves too early but England to a 2-1 defeat. at Sevilla FC. Diego Armando AFP – PARIS Maradona, ignored for the honourable, sporting, a career leaves a legacy without limits and a For the first he punched the Maradona, forever eternal. Rest team which won the World spent at just two clubs -- void that will never be filled. Rest ball into the net for a goal he in peace.” Who is the best footballer in Cup on home soil in 1978 and Santos (1956-74) and New in peace. You will never be named the “Hand of God”, while A minute’s silence will be held history? Nowadays some sent off in a tournament- York Cosmos (1975-77). forgotten. - Portugal and Juventus for the second he showed before all of yesterday’s Cham- might argue Lionel Messi or ending 3-1 loss to Brazil in Maradona played for six star , on incredible skill by dancing round pions League matches. Cristiano Ronaldo, but neither Spain in 1982, shot to global teams, was sent off at the 1982 Instagram the England team from inside his Maradona proved an inspi- of the record-breaking pair fame in 1986 for the right and World Cup, scored with his own half. ration even to the current gener- has ever won the World Cup. wrong reasons. His infamous hand against England in the FC Barcelona expresses its deepest “By some distance the best ation of football stars who were Diego Maradona, who “Hand of God” goal against 1986 tournament and was condolences regarding the death of player of my generation and not old enough to see him play died on Wednesday aged 60, England was followed by a sent home in disgrace from arguably the greatest of all time,” live. and Pele each won the sport’s superb individual effort, often the 1994 competition after Diego Armando Maradona, a player said Gary Lineker, who scored “Today I say goodbye to a greatest prize and were hailed as the greatest goal failing a drugs test. He also for our club and an icon of world England’s goal in that match. friend and the world says goodbye undoubtedly the kings of their ever scored. He scored twice suffered with cocaine football. Rest in peace Diego. Thank “After a blessed but troubled to an eternal genius,” tweeted eras. in the semi-final win over addiction. you for everything. - Barcelona life, hopefully he’ll finally find five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cris- AFP Sport looks at who Belgium and supplied the Football Club, Where Maradona some comfort in the hands of God. tiano Ronaldo. was the best between the con- crucial pass for the winner in Argentine vs Brazilian, Played From 1982-1984 #RipDiego.” Maradona went on “One of the best ever. An troversial Argentine and the the 3-2 defeat of West two egos to have a far less successful unparallelled magician. He leaves magical Brazilian: Germany in the final. In a reflection of the bitter Farewell to an all-time great. You coaching career, most notably too soon, but leaves a legacy rivalry which characterises were a troubled soul, but you leading Argentina at the 2010 without limits and a void that will 1986 champion vs triple Number 10 vs number 10 their two countries, both Pele delighted the whole world with World Cup, where a side con- never be filled. crown Both men wore the leg- and Maradona proclaimed your unique footballing skills. RIP. tainingtaining LiLLionelonel MMessieesssi “Rest“RResst inn peace,peace, ace.ace.e PelePele pplayedlayed in ffourour WoWorldrld enendary number 10 shirt -- themselves the greatest player - International Olympic Committee exitedexitedd aatt ththee YouYou wiwwillillll nneverever bbee Cups,Cupsp , winningwiw nning tthreehree timestimmees --- PePele from 1956-1977 and of all time. President Thomas Bach quarter-finalsquarter-finals iinn forgotten.”forgotttteenn.” 1958,1919588, 119196296262 aandndnd 197019770 -- a MaradonaMa from 1976-1997. Pele has a museum dedi- a crcrushinguushih ng 44-0-0 recordrreecoc rdd nnototot yetyetet beaten.beeatten. HeHe wawass Pele’s role was often cated to his name and con- defeatdefeeata ttoo justjjust 1717 whenwhwheenn hhee waswaas woworldorlr d deddescribed as a “nine and a demned Maradona as “not You will always be in our memory, Germany.Gerrmmaany. championchchamppiioonn inin SwedenSSweddenn forforr tthehee hhahalf”, his attacking skills being an example” to young- you left your legacy. Soccer thanks MessiMeM ssi hashas firstfif rst timetiimmee iinn 191958,95588, wwhwhenhene hhee yieldingyyie 1,281 career goals in sters because of his drug you. - Brail and Paris enjoyedenjjoyed evevenenn scoredscscororeded ssixiixx goals,gooalls, twotwwo ooff whichwhhichc 1,36311,3 matches for his clubs, problems. Saint-Germain forward . greatergreater col-cool- werewweerree inin theththe fifinal.nan ll. PPeleelele wwawass SantosSSan and New York Cosmos, Maradona used the tune lectivelectivve aanandnd injurediinnjjuurered inin tthehehe ssecondece oonnd mamatchtch andaand the ‘Selecao’, the Brazilian of Creedence Clearwater My friend is gone. Maradona, the individualindivvidduu aal ofof tthehhe 1196296962 WorldWWoorrld CCuCupp butbub t nationalnna team. Revival’s classic “Bad Moon legend! The Argentine that He remains his country’s Rising” to mock Brazil’s 7-1 conquered the world with the ball topttop international goal-scorer World Cup semi-final humil- at his feet, but also for his joy and withwwi 77. iation at the hands of unique personality. I said it Maradona, sporting the Germany on home soil in sometimes, out of the players I “D10S”“D (a word play with the 2014. have seen on the pitch he was the numbern 10 used to also Brazil fans hit back with createcr the word “Dios”, God their own tune. best. - Former Brazil forward in Spanish) played in a free It went: “A thousand goals! Romario. role,rol more the playmaker, and A thousand goals!...Only hishis career statistics reflect that Peleeee! Only Peleeee! Football and the world of sports claimedclc aiimed a thirdtht ird tititletle in ---- 345 goals in 692 matches. Maradona (is a cocaine) has lost one of its greatest players 1970,199770, hihiss mammagicalgical sissidedee sniffer!” “If you are Argen- today. - India cricket great beatingbeata ing ItIItalyaally in tthehe MMexicoexici o Rebel vs role model tinian... then tell me how it Sachin Tendulkar. CityCity ffinalinall aandnd lleavingeaving ffansans Pele was portrayed as the feels... to have only two World worldwideworldwidesp spellbound.ellbound. clean-cutcle hero, scandal-free, Cups... one less than Pele!” Why the Argentinian legend was better than Messi and Ronaldo BLOOMBERG There are now some video high- he carried on his diminutive frame. lights online that preserve a grainy When he signed for Napoli in 1984, the Football fans are fortunate to live in a record of him in his pomp - including club had never won the Italian league, time when two superstars are simul- THAT goal against England in the and yet its fans immediately began to taneously making the claim to be the Azteca Stadium on June 22, 1986. But dream of championship glory. The best player in the history of the sport these only hint at what he was capable “pibe de oro,” or golden boy, was as - and more fortunate still that we can of. They don’t constitute sufficient sup- much talisman as captain and player. watch the contest between Lionel Messi porting evidence to the argument that Other footballers - Messi among and Cristiano Ronaldo play out, week he was the best ever. them - have since had to cope with in and week out, live before a global What makes it harder still is the comparable pressure, but modern audience of billions. Thanks to even scarcer evidence for claimants of superstars are surrounded by a scaf- YouTube, I can watch high-quality previous generations: Hungary’s folding of public relations professionals videos of their most compelling Ferenc Puskas, Spain and Argentina’s and psychiatrists to help them. performances, and of every goal Alfredo di Stefano, Brazil’s Pele, the Maradona, lacking support off the field they’ve ever scored. Dutchman , Germany’s as he did on it, nonetheless delivered When Diego Maradona was staking , et al. That they the “oro” for club and country over and his claim to the title of best ever, most played under different conditions and over again. of the world could only get a quad- rules, and in different positions, makes Until he didn’t. It was probably rennial glimpse of his genius, when he the argument moot, anyway. played in teams that lacked any other argue that Valdano was to inevitable that the burdens of his turned out for Argentina in the ’82, ’86, We can’t, then, know if Maradona world-beating players. Run your eye Maradona what, say, was to genius would eventually crush him, ’90 and ‘94 World Cups. Growing up was technically the best to have kicked down the list of the Napoli squad with Pele in ‘70. and they did so in spectacular fashion. in India during that period, I never saw a ball. which he conquered Italian soccer in It is one thing to be a brilliant player But he withstood them long enough to highlights of his performances for FC Nevertheless, I’m here to argue that 1986-87, and there’s not a single other surrounded by other brilliant players; cast in bronze - like the plaque com- Barcelona or Napoli (a city where he’s he was the greatest of all time. And my player who would make it to a Serie A in this regard Messi and Ronaldo have memorating THAT goal outside the still regarded as part deity, part case rests on the simple fact that he, hall of fame. He had a slightly better been exceptionally fortunate with their Azteca Stadium - his claim to being the royalty). more than all the other claimants supporting cast in the Argentina sides club teams. But Maradona made magic greatest of all time. Obituary: Maradona, Soccer Icon named here, came closest to defying that he took to two World Cup finals - out of mediocre materials. RIP, Diego Armando Maradona, Who Led Argentina to Glory, Dies at the dictum that soccer is a team sport. winning it in ’86, and coming agoniz- What makes this even more GOAT. 60 For most of his career, Maradona ingly close in ’90 - but nobody would remarkable is the weight of expectation BOBBY GHOSH - BLOOMBERG OPINION THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 SPORT 09 Qatar welcomes brothers and friends in Arab Cup

QNA — DOHA Sheikh Hamad said that “We welcome our friends operations and facilities ahead Libya, Mauritania, MMorocco,orocco, the FIFA Arab Cup will give from the Middle East and the of Qatar 2022, the tournament Oman, Palestine, Qatar,ar, SauSaudidi President of Qatar Football Qatar national team the Arab world to join us in what will take place in the same Arabia, Somalia, Sudan,an, Syria, Association (QFA) Sheikh chance to enhance their prep- will be an important milestone timeslot as the FIFA World Tunisia, United Arab EEmiratesmirates Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed arations ahead of the FIFA and a final test of our prepa- Cup. and Yemen. Al Thani has said that Qatar World Cup Qatar 2022, by rations, only one year away The finals of both the FIFA In June, Qatar FFootballootball looks forward to welcoming going up against some of the from us hosting the first FIFA Arab Cup and FIFA World Cup Association and FIFA 22 Arab national teams and best teams in the region. World Cup in the region,” he will take place exactly one announced plans to oorganizerganize their fans in the FIFA Arab Cup He underlined that fans said. year apart - each on a pan-Arab tournamentment in 2021, and giving them the from across the region will be The tournament will be December 18, Qatar National Doha, with the competitionmpetition opportunity to be one of the treated to the same world- delivered by FIFA, the Qatar Day. acting as a crucial preparatoryparatory select teams that will expe- class experience that awaits Football Association and the The 22 participating teams event for the FIFA Worldorld rience what Qatar has fans from around the world Supreme Committee for are: Algeria, Bahrain, Cup 2022, that kicksks prepared to host the 2022 when they flock to Qatar for Delivery & Legacy. Seen as a Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, off on November 21, FIFA World Cup. the FIFA World Cup in 2022. vital opportunity to test Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, 2022.

AFC President Vissel Kobe advance with win praises Qatar for staging Champions over Guangzhou Evergrande League matches

AFC/THE PENINSULA successfully DOHA QNA — KUALA LUMPUR Vissel Kobe sealed their place in the 2020 AFC Champions League President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Round of 16 (East) with a 3-1 win Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa (pictured) over PR’s Guangzhou Ever- praised Qatar for delivering 2020 AFC Champions grande in Group G at the iconic League successfully. Khalifa International Stadium Chairing the AFC Executive Committees online yesterday. meeting yesterday, the AFC President extended Late goals from substitute thanks to Qatar Football Association, the Qatari Douglas and former Barcelona star authorities, the medical professionals and front Andres Iniesta sealed the win for liners, for their outstanding contribution, stressing the Japanese club, after Kyogo that these combined efforts ensured the AFCs suc- Furuhashi scored at both ends in cessful completion of the West Zone matches and an action-packed encounter now their continued assistance is on show in the Struggling in their domestic East Zone competition. league, Vissel Kobe have now “We are now looking forward to an outstanding accrued six points from two ACL AFC Champions League final on December 19, matches, putting them five points 2020 and we extend our gratitude to the Member clear of both Guangzhou and Associations and clubs for helping us reach this in the important milestone. It has been a significant three-team group. achievement which has demonstrated the excep- Having seen his side fail to tional professionalism which exists in Asia,” the score against Suwon in their last AFC President said. hit out, added Sheikh Salman underlined that the unity and Anderson Talisca and Ai Kesen, transparency that have been so successfully formerly , to the Kobe’s forward (right) celebrates his goal during the AFC Champions League group G match evident in the last seven years will provide the Guangzhou starting line-up, but against China’s Guangzhou Evergrande at the Khalifa International Stadium, yesterday. solid foundations on which a brighter future can the Chinese side were dealt a blow be built, expressing confidence that Asian football when captain Linpeng suc- both responded immediately; the is on the right track to weather the current impact cumbed to injury within the former by making three half-time of the COVID-19 pandemic. opening 10 minutes. substitutions, and the latter by “I am sure the AFC is on the right track and Despite enjoying decidedly increasing their intensity in the that if we continue to work together, we will be less possession than they are early minutes of the second half. able to deliver our objectives and particularly our accustomed to, Guangzhou looked Ai Kesen prodded an effort into competitions. We have already shown that, in dif- the more threatening attacking the crossbar, and it wasn’t long ficult circumstances, we are able to deliver our side in the early skirmishes. Wei before Guangzhou were level, with leading club competition the AFC Champions Shihao saw a shot deflected into Furuhashi turning the ball into his League,” he stressed. the side netting in the 25th minute, own net in a desperate attempt to Shaikh Salman added that the AFC will con- and Luo Guofu, formerly Aloisio, keep out a looping attempt from tinue to work to deliver all the competitions in hit the upright from an acute angle Talisca in the 55th minute. 2021 and with FIFA to guarantee the successful after wriggling his way into the Talisca had two more near completion of the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA box a few minutes later. misses in the next three minutes World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China But Vissel Kobe, who were as the two-time Asian champions 2023 while keeping the health and well-being of appearing in Doha for the first flexed their considerable attacking all participants as a main priority. time, improved as the first half muscle, but in a game full of The AFC Executive Committee also received went on, and their reward arrived momentum swings, it was the Jap- Jeonbuk’s defender updates on the AFCs development program and via Furuhashi in the 44th minute. anese side who finished the Koo Ja-Ryong runs with commercial arrangements during the COVID-19 The game’s opening goal owed stronger. the ball during match pandemicpandemic as wewellll as rerec-c- ommenda-ommenda- much to the increasingly influ- They regained their lead in the against Sydney FC at tionstions byby thethe many standingstanding ential Iniesta, who dribbled to the 74th minute, when Douglas - on Al Janoub Stadium, committeescommittees wwhichhich heldheld its by-line before squaring the ball the pitch for just five minutes - yesterday. meetingsmeetings in thethe for his teammate, with Furuhashi blasted the ball beyond Liu lastlast montmonthh t o practically unable to miss from Dianzuo at his near post after a ensureensure tthehe concon-- directly in front. sublime back-heeled assist from much to think about ahead of their match knowing defeat would tinuedtinued growth Cannavaro and his players . second clash against Vissel on make the losing team the first to and progress of Ai Kesen looked to have sal- Saturday. exit the 2020 AFC Champions thethe AFCAFC andand thethe AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS vaged a point when he bundled Also yesterday at Al Janoub League (East), with both teams AsianAsian footballfootball the ball in with eight minutes Stadium, Na Sung-eun’s first half having collected just one point family.family. Group G remaining, but the goal was ruled strike was the difference as from their first three matches. Guangzhou Evergrande FC 1-3 Vissel out for offside, and Iniesta sealed Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors got their Elsewhere, Yokohama F. Kobe the win for Vissel Kobe when he first win of the 2020 AFC Cham- Marinos left it late to overcome Group H poked home a third in the 84th pions League in a 1-0 victory over Shanghai SIPG 1-0 yesterday and

Jeonbuk 1-0 Sydney FC minute, stretching Guangzhou’s Sydney FC, consigning the Aus- continue their perfect start to the Shanghai East Asia 0-1 Yokohama FM winless run against Japanese tralians to early elimination. 2020 AFC Champions League, opposition to six, and giving them The two sides went into the retaining the top spot in Group H. ACL: Coaches, players laud LOC for slick organisation

THE PENINSULA — DOHA one of the most amazing sta- protecting us since we arrived a diums in the world. I think that few days ago. I have to say from Visiting players and coaches of Qatar is doing a great job hosting an organisational point of view, teams appearing in the AFC this event and has amazing sta- Qatar is facing the Corona epi- Champions League East Zone diums. We are lucky to play at demic with full force and matches have praised the Local Al Janoub Stadium, one of the planning to keep everyone safe. Organization Committee (LOC) most beautiful stadiums in the Portuguese José Manuel Fer- for the manner in which it is world, in my opinion. Indeed, reira de Morais, in charge of hosting the month-long tour- Qatar is ready to host the 2022 South Korean club Jeonbuk nament. FIFA World Cup. Qatar is more Hyundai Motors, said: “There is Boasting a remarkable track than wonderful in all respects, a strong reaction here in Qatar record of hosting major cham- especially in terms of providing to counter the situation in which pionships; Qatar, once again safety for players and everyone the world lives. managed to impress through related to this tournament. The "The LOC carries out meticulous organization and security and safety measures are important precautionary class-leading facilities, here are top-notch. I hope that no one measures concerning the comments of the coaches and will be infected with the Corona security and safety of everyone players who have felt at home pandemic after the end of the involved. Of course, I respect while playing matches on Qatar tournament.” everyone’s concern about this soil since November 18. The AFC Ange Postecoglou, coach of pandemic, but here in Qatar, we Champions League 2020 will Players and coaches of the AFC Champions League East Zone teams are happy with LOC's arrangements. Yokohama F Marinos, said: “The have all means of prevention end on December 19 when Doha stadiums are impressive, the available through the strict stages the final. and meet the highest interna- “The Covid 19 virus is a and everybody else during this organization is excellent, and “health bubble” created in Portuguese coach Vitor tional standards. Qatar is doing global epidemic and must be tournament. We are delighted Qatar has done everything per- Doha. Sometimes I think it Pereira, coach of the Chinese a tremendous job by building confronted with great responsi- with the Qatari organization fectly. We are experiencing a affects the mentality of the team Shanghai SIPG, said: “The stunning stadiums and training bility, and this is the new reality who have put in place strict new atmosphere in football, and players, but security and safety stadiums are more than extraor- venues. What’s more, they are in the world with football also. health and safety measures.” security and safety remain top remain the first priority for every dinary and look distinctive. The available to teams from all parts The LOC is doing a wonderful Shanghai SIPG’s Brazilian issues for any LOC. The LOC in LOC, and it is the same here in facilities are excellent as well of the world”. job of protecting us star : “Al Janoub Stadium is Qatar has been very keen on Qatar”. Sport THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 08

IOC disqualifies QSL: Al Rayyan eye Al Ahli scalp 3 Romanian weightlifters from London to put campaign back on track Games FAWAD HUSSAIN best. I invite the fans of the team THE PENINSULA to come to the stadium and AFP — LAUSANNE support the players." Last year’s runners-up Al "The atmosphere is great Three Romanian weight- Rayyan had a topsy-turvy start and we need their presence, lifters, including two to the 2020-21 QNB Stars which will delight the players medallists, were League season winning just and I promise them that they yesterday disqualified three games out of six, and their will perform well,” said from the 2012 London outgoing coach Diego Aguirre Jovovic. Olympics after fresh believes today’s match against Al Ahli's goalkeeper Ivanildo analysis showed their an in-form Al Ahli can put their Rodrigues said yesterday: “We urine samples to be campaign back on track. have to continue with our tainted with banned Al Rayyan are fourth in the progress in the competition and substances, the IOC points standing after two losses appear well. We continue our announced. and a draw, with Al Sadd, Al Ahli work seriously and enjoy what The weightlifters were and Al Gharafa occupying the our coach is doing and I am named as Razvan Martin, top three positions confident everyone will be a bronze medallist in the respectively. ready.” men’s 69kg category, Al Ahli, who will host Al Roxana Cocos, a silver Rayyan today at 7:45pm, are medallist in the women’s enjoying a phenomenal start 69kg category, and recording five victories, with a Gabriel Sincraian, who did 1-7 drubbing to Al Sadd their not finish the men’s 85kg only setback in the new season. Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre (left) and Al Ahli coach Nebojsa Jovovic react during press conferences. event, the IOC said in a Popular coach Aguirre, who statement. Reanalysis of announced to leave Al Rayyan Aguirre, however, admitted players are determined to win defence, offence and in the ROUND 7 FIXTURES Martin’s samples resulted last week and awaiting his that Al Ahli are playing top the three points against Al Ahli.” middle. And our defence starts Today in a positive test for the replacement, said beating Al football and his team will have Meanwhile, Al Ahli coach with the . Al Sailiya VS Al Wakrah prohibited substances Ahli today is crucial for his to pull their socks up to claim Nebojsa Jovovic hoped his team In general, we defend as one Al Ahli Stadium 5:30pm dehydrochlormethyltes- team’s campaign. full points. will continue the momentum block and we know that Al Al Ahli VS Al Rayyan tosterone, metenolone “We will be in a good “Al Ahli have surprised eve- against Al Rayyan, whom he Rayyan have high quality as Al Ahli Stadium 7:45pm and stanozolol. position if we win against Al rybody with their performance rated as a ‘quality team’. they are not only good in attack, Qatar SC VS Al Arabi Cocos and Sincraian Ahli but in case of a loss, things and there will be no room for “We have strengths, but they are good in all aspects,” Qatar SC Stadium 7:45pm both tested positive for will become very difficult,” mistakes for us. Al Ahli have including harmony and team he added. Tomorrow metenolone and Aguirre said at a pre-match come up as a strong side and spirit among the players. We Jovovic said Al Ahli’s current Al Gharafa VS Al Khor stanozolol. press conference yesterday. we must also show a strong per- have to play with all our capa- standing is a source of confi- Al Gharafa Stadium 5:30pm The International “Al Ahli are ahead of us in formance against them,” he bilities in order to achieve a dence for them, and team must Al Sadd VS Umm Salal Olympic Committee has the standings and if we want to added. good result against Al Rayyan,” maintain it. Al Gharafa Stadium 7:45pm been storing samples from compete for the title we must Al Rayyan striker Yohan Jovovic told a press conference “Our good position in the Al Duhail VS Al Kharaitiyat the Olympic Games since beat them (tomorrow),” said Al Boli said yesterday: “The team yesterday. league (second spot) is an Al Duhail Stadium 7:45pm Athens 2004, and has Rayyan coach. is ready for the game and the “We play as a unit in incentive for us to provide our reanalysed them systematically. Nine other weight- Al Wakrah's players during lifters from the London a training session. Al Sailiya and Al Wakrah seek Games, including six med- allists, have already been disqualified. Weightlifting has full points in mid-table clash more recently been in turmoil since a January documentary by German THE PENINSULA — DOHA was affected by physical TV channel ARD Al Sailiya and Al Wakrah had exhaustion and we did not enter revealed what it Al Sailiya and Al Wakrah are dropped points in Week 6, and the match properly during the described as a “culture targeting full points in their both teams, placed in the middle of first half, and when we felt in of corruption” in the Round 7 clash of the QNB Stars danger, we did not have the level sport intended to mask League at Al Ahli Stadium, today. the table, are keen to win. to fight back as required,” said the use of doping. Al Sailiya and Al Wakrah had Trabelsi. Hungarian Tamas dropped points in Week 6, and Meanwhile, Al Wakrah Ajan, 81, chairman of the both teams, placed in the middle against Qatar SC in the last coach Marquez Lopez said: “ We IWF for 20 years after of the table, are keen to win. round). Al Sailiya coach Sami had only four days to prepare serving as its secretary Al Sailiya are sixth with eight Trabelsi said: “We gave the for the match. This is a kind of general, rejected the points. The Peregrines have two players some rest as we thought suffering for all teams and not accusations as “lies” victories to their credit (2-0 over they needed time to recover just Al Wakrah. Anyway, I will before being pressured Al Kharaitiyat and 4-2 over Al because we play every three choose the best to play against into resigning in April. Gharafa). Al Sailiya, under the days. We felt a kind of physical Al Sailiya. According to the doc- tutelage of Sami Trabelsi, had exhaustion, especially in the last “It is a difficult match of umentary, until 2017 held last season’s runners-up Al match against Al Khor, which course, but I think this week was high-level weightlifters Rayyan to a creditable 1-1 draw ended in a goalless draw. good for us because it passed were being exempted in their opener, but lost 1-5 to Al “We will seek to pick up without injuries for the first time from many doping con- Sadd and 0-2 to Al Ahli. points that we feel we lost this season. trols, and test results were Al Wakrah are seventh with against Al Khor by winning “For me, Al Sailiya are a very being altered in exchange seven points. The Blue Wave, when we play against Al good team and have a distin- for bribes. coached by Spaniard Marquez Wakrah. I know that we will guished coach who provides the Nine other weightlifters Lopez, won two matches (1-0 play against a top team and team with everything. I believe from the London over holders Al Duhail and 2-0 perform well, but facing them is they are one of the strongest Games, including six over Umm Salal). They lost three not easy at all,” he added. teams, after Al Gharafa, Al Sadd medallists, have already games (1-2 against Al Ahli, 0-1 “There is no doubt that our and Al Duhail. For me, Al Sailiya been disqualified. against Al Rayyan and 0-1 performance against Al Khor work very well,” said Lopez.

Pace and spin likely WINNERS Daneyan clinches Al Huwaila Cup LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN key in South Africa, NOVICE PLATE Lama (QA) (Abdulaziz Hamad A A Al Marri/Ali Khalid Al Mosallam) England T20 series THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE (Class 6) AFP - CAPE TOWN is no longer in the South African Huwaiteb (GB) (Mohammed team but left-arm unorthodox Riyaz Ibrahim Kasim/Jason Fast bowlers and spinners spinner Tabraiz Shamsi has the Watson) could play a significant role in ability to be a worthy LOCAL THOROUGHBRED a three-match Twenty20 series successor. NOVICE PLATE: Mizoun (QA) between South Africa and Early season pitches in (Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al England, starting at Newlands South Africa tend to give some Malki/Tomas Lukasek) in Cape Town tomorrow. help to both pace and spin, so THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP South Africa’s Kagiso it is possible that the matches (Class 5) Rabada and Anrich Nortje were could provide a reasonable Gold Fleece (GB) (Gassim a successful strike combination contest between bat and ball Mohammad Ghazali/Saleh for runners-up Delhi Capitals instead of providing feasts of Salem Al Marri) in the recent Indian Premier attacking batting. PUREBRED ARABIAN League in the United Arab South Africa have not HANDICAP TOP: Al Emirates. played an international match Haddaj Dukhan (QA) Huwaila Cup's England’s Jofra Archer was since March but six of their (Mansoor Mesfer H A Al winning team outstanding for the Rajasthan squad played in the IPL, with Hajri/Ali Khalid Al Mosallam) pose for a Royals in the IPL, while Mark captain Quinton de Kock and THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP Wood played in all three former captain Faf du Plessis group photo (Class 4) after the 13th matches in England’s most joining Rabada and Nortje in Roman Melody (GB) (Gassim recent T20 series, when they having successful Race Meeting Mohammad Ghazali/Marco at QREC's Al beat Australia 2-1 in tournaments. Casamento) September. The other squad members Rayyan Park, LOCAL PUREBRED yesterday. All four fast men have the played in two rounds of four- ARABIANS: Lekhraib (QA) ability to bowl at around day matches before assembling RIGHT: Ronan (Mohammed Gassim Thomas 150kmh. Nortje clocked a tour- in Cape Town last week. Ghazali/Marco Casamento) nament record of 156.2kmh England have not played guiding Zakhir AL HUWAILA CUP Racing’s during the IPL. since their series against Aus- Daneyan (FR) (Zuhair England may have an edge tralia but Archer, captain Eoin Daneyan to Al Mohsen Zuhair Maki/Ronan Huwaila Cup in spin bowling, with leg- Morgan, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Thomas) spinner Adil Rashid a consistent Jonny Bairstow and Sam victory. threat in white-ball cricket. Curran all played regularly Long-time stalwart Imran Tahir during the IPL.