Football Qatar

PSG win Al Kass International Cup

2012-01-17T16:22:00.000+03:00

Paris Saint-Germain were crowned champions of the inaugural Al Kass U17 International Cup in Doha after a 5-4 penalties win over Juventus.

The ninty minutes ended goalless despite the French side being reduced to nine men with Arnaud Fezui and Adrien Rabiot seeing red during the second half.

Juventus vs. PSG - Al Kass Cup Final

2012-01-17T14:46:00.005+03:00

Come to Aspire Zone to watch the 2012 AL Kass International Cup Final - 17:30 Doha time

Two of the best European clubs will battling for the title.

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Juventus

Also, third-Place Playoff will be played today at 15:00 between Ajax Amsterdam and Kashima Antlers.

PSG and Juventus into the final

2012-01-15T23:53:00.001+03:00

Paris Saint-Germain (France) will face Juventus (Italy) in the final of the inaugural edition of Al Kass U17 International Cup after both teams recorded emphatic wins in the semi-finals on Sunday.

The Parisians crushed Kashima Antlers (Japan) 5-1 with Moussa Dembele netting a hat-trick, while Juventus defeated Ajax Amsterdam (Netherlands) 4-1.

Details coming soon …

Al Kass U-17 International Cup – Semifinals Preview

2012-01-15T10:39:00.005+03:00

Exciting day of football is expected in Aspire Zone today as we reach the semifinal stage of Al Kass U-17 International Cup.

Four teams will battle for the honor of playing the final of the tournament’s inaugural edition on Tuesday, and after we watched some impressing performances and top class football from those young lads in the group stage, be ready for more thrilling action today.

In the first semifinal at 04:00 pm, Paris Saint-Germain (France) will take on Kashima Antlers (Japan), and that will be followed by a classic European clash at 18.15 between Juventus (Italy) and Ajax Amsterdam (Netherlands).

Entrance is free so do not miss the chance of watching football’s future stars. In a couple of years those players will be breaking into the first teams and some of them will surely play in top competitions like FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League.

PSG (France) – Kashima Antlers (Japan)

16:00 Doha time – Aspire Zone – P4

Both teams have plenty of talent in their ranks, they played very good football and topped their groups in the first round, so the match is worthy of a final.

PSG started with a 9-0 hammering of Egyptian club Al Ahly with Adrian Rabiot grabbing a hat-trick and Herving Ongenda netting a brace.

In their second match, the team showed a lot of nerve as they came back from behind to draw with Spanish giants Barcelona to book the semi-final spot.

The team will get a lot of local support, as last summer Qatar Sports Investment acquired the majority of the club shares and announced its plans to make it a major European force. And with the level shown by the players in this tournament, the future of the Parisian club looks bright.

Their opponents Kashima Antlers is one of the best clubs in Asia, and some of the top Japanese players in the last two decades started their professional career with the club, striker Atsushi Yanagisawa who went on to play for cubs like Sampdoria and Messina in Italy. Other famous players who started their professional career with the club are Mitsuo Ogasawara, Atsuto Uchida and Koji Nakata.

The young Antlers started made a perfect start to the tournament with a 3-1 win over Juventus of Italy, and followed that by another 3-1 victory, this time over Al Jazirah of UAE, before securing top spot in the group with a 1-1 draw with Aspire Qatar.

They are an organized in defense and attack, have a talented goalkeeper, are very good in the air and hold an attacking power that will surely strike fear in the French defense, with talented players like Takahiro Honda, Sho Abe, Masaki Takada and Ren Otake.

Expect a cracking encounter.

Juventus (Italy) – Ajax Amsterdam (Netherlands)

16:15 Doha time – Aspire Zone – P4

A Classic encounter between two European giants, that will surely have some of the quality that we see when their senior teams meet.

The Italians were lucky to get through to this stage after they kicked off their campaign with a 3-1 against Kashima Antlers, before earning a hard-fought victory over Aspire Qatar with a late goal from their star man Federico Mattiello, who also led the team to a 3-2 win over Al Jazirah in the final group match to qualify to the semis.

Mattiello will not be the only player to watch, as talent is abundant in the ranks of the Old lady, in both defense and attack.

Ajax Amsterdam made to the semis only on goal difference from Vasco Da Gama after their match ended in a 1-1 and the Dutch side defeated the third team in the group, Aspire International 4-0, while the Brazilians were only 4-1 winners.

Keep an eye on Branco Van Den Boomen, the midfielder who played an influential role in their 4-0 win over Aspire International, in addition to the strike power of Sheraldo Becker and Quinsley Wensley who grabbed a hat-trick in that win.

The Dutch Club’s youth academy was always considered one of the best football academies in the globe, producing some of world’s best players in the past six decades like Johan Cruyff, Marco Van Basten, Patrick Kluivert, Clarence Seedorf and Denis Bergkamp. Now, with more and more top quality football academies emerging all over the world, leaving Doha with the trophy will surely be a great achievement for “Jong Ajax”.

QSL - Week 12 - Match Summaries

2012-01-15T10:04:00.003+03:00

Lekhwiya (1) Al Wakrah (2)

Said Boutahar netted a brace as Al Wakrah handed league leaders Lekhwiya their second defeat of the season.

The 29-years-old Dutch midfielder did well to control Khaled Moftah’s long ball with a delicate touch that took him past the advancing goalkeeper before slotting the ball home to give the “blue waves” a 15^th minute lead.

Mohamed Razak equalized for the home team in the 68^th with a powerful header after a measured cross from South Korean new signing Nam Tae-Hee.

Ten minutes from time, a deadly mistake by Lekhwiya defense gave the visitors a chance to claim the three points and they made no mistake as Boutahar finished off a beautiful throw pass from Nashaat Akram.

Lekhwiya can now lose top spot on Monday, if second placed Al Sadd defeated Al Arabi in a postponed match from week 5.

Qatar SC (0) Al Gharrafa (2)

Struggling Al Gharrafa defeated Qatar SC 2-0 to claim their first away win of the season and keep alive their hopes of getting back in the title race.

Brazilian Ze Roberto gave the visitors the lead in the 61^st minute with a beautifully curled shot from inside the area after the home team’s defense failed to properly clear a corner.

Veteran defender Osman El Assas, making his first start since late November, sealed the victory for “the Leopards” in the final minute when he cut in from the left hand side before sending a low strike past the keeper.

Al Kass U17 International Cup – Day 6

2012-01-13T14:40:00.006+03:00

Juventus (3) Al Jazirah (2)

Juventus and Al Jazirah met in the final group A fixture, with local fans watching closely and hoping for a surprise result that would send Aspire Qatar team to the semi-finals.

A draw or a win for Al Jazirah would have sent the Qatari team through, while only a win would have helped the Italian side, and with their opponents suffering two successive defeats since the tournament kicked off, it was the expected result.

Juventus made no mistake ending the first half 3-0 up, thanks to goals from Gabrielle Moncini (17’), Stefano Antezza (30’) and Federico Mattiello (44’).

Mattielo’s goal was one of the best in this tournament and was enough to get him the man of the match award for the second successive match. He broke inside the area with great skill before sending a powerful shot past the keeper.

However the second half was a different story, as Ahmed Rabia successfully converted a penalty three minutes after the break to reduce the deficit.

The local supporters kept on cheering the Emirati club till the final minutes as Mohamed Abdullah added a second for them four minutes from time. But it was not enough as the Italian hold on until the final whistle to go through.

Watch Highlights here

Ajax Amsterdam (4) Aspire International (0)

To book the last semi-final spot, Ajax Amsterdam needed a win with a margin of 4 or more goals when they faced Aspire International in the final group stage fixture.

Any other result would have meant that Vasco Da Gama will get through after they defeated Aspire International 4-1 in the opening match, and the game against Ajax Amsterdam ended in a 1-1 draw.

Impressive midfielder Branco Van Den Boomen put them in the lead after 17 minutes with a perfect header.

Minutes later he wasted a penalty and Aspire came close to an equalizer more than once but were unlucky as the first half ended with the Dutch’s slim lead.

Despite a number of brilliant saves from Aspire goalkeeper Ebenezer Dingong in the second half, Queensy Wensley netted a hat-trick to give Ajax Amsterdam the needed result. They will now face Juventus in the semi-finals on Sunday.

Watch Highlights here

QSL – Week 12 – Match Summaries

2012-01-13T12:22:00.000+03:00

Al Khor (0) Al Jaish (2)

AL Jaish continued their great 2012 form with securing their third straight Qatar Stars League victory, as Al Khor suffered their 6^th defeat this season.

The visitors opened the score five minutes from the break, when Algerian Karim Ziani sent a fine cross from a free kick on the right hand side, and Abdul Rahman Eissa scored with a towering header.

Brazilian Adriano sealed the victory in injury time with a simple finish after a good through pass from Wagner.

Al Rayyan (0) Umm Salal (0)

A man-of-the-match performance from Umm Salal’s goalkeeper Saleh Al Lahyar secured a valuable point for the former AFC Champions League semifinalists in their battle against relegation.

The Falcons of Barzan stayed bottom of the table with 9 points and only one victory in 12 matches.

Meanwhile, the home team continued their frustrating results as pressure continue to mount on their Uruguayan coach Diego Aguirre.

Last week they suffered their first defeat this season, but with only three wins from 12 matches, the dream of winning their first league title since 1995 is fading away.

Al Kass U17 International Cup – Day 5

2012-01-12T14:36:00.003+03:00

Aspire Qatar (1) Kashima Antlers (1)

Kashima Antlers secured top spot in group A after a hard earned draw against Aspire Qatar. The Japanese side is one of the favorites to lift “Al Kass Cup” trophy after two impressive shows earlier in the tournament against Juventus and Al Jazirah.

Goalkeeper Faisal Abdul Aziz made a mess of Ren Otake’s cross and Kohei Horinouchi was in the right place to head in the opening goal in the 18^th minute.

The Qatari team wasted a number of chances before leveling the score in the 64^th minute through Solomon Udo’s penalty.

With four points from three matches, Aspire Qatar will now wait for tomorrow’s game between Juventus and Al Jazirah. A win for Al Jazirah or a draw will gave the Qatari team a spot in the semis.

Watch Highlights

PSG (2) FC Barcelona (2)

PSG came back from behind to earn a valuable point against FC Barcelona and book a spot in AL Kass International Cup semi Finals.

In what is surely the best and most thrilling fixture since the tournament’s kick-off, the Parisian club took an early lead when Kingsley Coman received the ball in the right hand side before dribbling past three defenders and sending a fierce strike past goalkeeper Joseph Ebogo.

The lead lasted only for nine minutes as Sandro Ramirez equalized for the Catalans with a strong effort inside the area after a nice pass from Mounir Al Haddadi.

Al Haddadi, man of the match against Al Ahly a couple of days ago, was influential gain when he raced away down the right flank before sending a low cross to Simon Colina who smashed home to give Barca the lead.

Mousa Dembele equalized for the PSG in the 63^rdminute with a powerful shot from inside the area.

PSG’s keeper Mike Maignan made a number of heroic saves in the final minutes as the young Blaugranas pressed hard for a winner.

The draw meant PSG will finish as top of Group B on goal difference from the Spanish side, after they won their opening game 9-0 against Al Ahly, as Barcelona defeated the Egyptian side 3-0.

They will now face Kashima Antlers in the first semi-final on Sunday; Tomorrow’s results will decide the other two semi-finalists.

Watch Highlights

QSL – Week 12 – Match Summaries

2012-01-12T12:14:00.005+03:00

Al Khurtiyath (0) – AL Sadd (1)

A second-half goal from Yousef Ahmed helped Al Sadd to their sixth victory this season as they
close the gap on league leaders Lekhwiya to just two points with a game in hand.

It was always going to be a difficult match for Al Sadd as their opponents were in good form and in their previous fixture they claimed their first Qatar Stars league victory this season, a 4-1 away win over Al Ahli.

The Asian champions dominated most of the match, and scored their only goal in the 64th minute through Yousef Ahmed, followed up Nadir Belhadj’s blocked shot with a simple tap in.

Ahmed, who was one of Qatar’s stars during the past Asian Cup in Doha, he was given a rare start as the main strikers Ivorian Abdul Kader Keita and Senegalese Mamadou Niang are on international duty.

Seven minutes later, Al Khurtiyath wasted their best chance to get something out of this match, as Onyekachi Okonkwo’s penalty hit the post.

Al Arabi (2) – Al Ahli (0)

Al Arabi ended their winless streak with a 2-0 home victory over Al Ahli. The team’s only victory
this season came against Al Wakrah in week 2, exactly 144 days ago.

A result achieved under the helm of interim coach Abdullah Saad, who took over after the Brazilian Paulo Silas was sacked.

A trademark free-kick from Leonardo Pisculichi gave the “Dream Team” the lead after 30 minutes, before new signing Ernest Arko sealed the three points with a powerful header three minutes from time after a perfect cross from Mohamed Khalifa Al Kuwari.

The Ghanaian striker joined Al Arabi during the winter break on loan from Egyptian club AL Jaish.

ALKASS U17 International Cup – Day 4

2012-01-11T17:26:00.003+03:00

Aspire Qatar (1) Juventus (2)

Aspire Qatar played a good game against the Italian giants and were unlucky to go out of the match without at least a point.

They hit the post near the end of the first half, before conceding an early goal in the second after a piece poor defending that allowed to finish from close range.

Pape Ndoye pulled one back for the home side in the 61^st minute after a good run from John Essien in the right hand side.

But seven minutes from time, Federico Mattiello received the ball inside the area without any pressure and was able to turn and send a low shot that somehow found its way past the keeper and gave his team the valuable three points.

Watch Highlights

Ajax Amsterdam (1) Vasco Da Gama (1)

Ajax produced a heroic performance in the first half taking an injury time lead through Sheraldo Becker despite playing with ten men.

Elton Ofoi Acolatse was sent off after around half an hour for a second bookable offence.

The Brazilian side dominated most of the second half and kept up the pressure till the final minutes, but Ajax keeper Stan Bijil produced a man of the match performance to stop them, until the pressure finally paid off in the 84^th minute when Renan Gomes followed a blocked ball form the keeper to hit the target from close range and save the day for his team.

Now The Dutch side will have to win their final group C match against Aspire International with a four goal difference to book a semifinal spot.

Vasco Da Gama defeated Aspire International 4-1 in the opening group game.

Watch Highlights

Al Kass U17 International Cup – Day 3

2012-01-10T19:01:00.005+03:00

Barcelona (3) Al Ahly (0)

Barcelona kicked off their participation in the Al Kass U17 International Cup on Tuesday with an impressive 3-0 win over Egyptian club Al Ahly.

The tournament brings together eight club sides from all over the world, in addition to Aspire Qatar and Aspire international teams.

The Egyptian side suffered a heavy defeat in their opening game of Group B, a couple of days ago, when they lost 9-0 to French club PSG, and another defeat was expected when they faced the Catalonian giants.

Jordi Ortega opened the score after 30 minutes with a beautifully curled free kick, and it turned out to be the only goal in the first half.

Maxi Rolon had a good game with a number of impressive runs on the right flank. His crosses were a constant threat and from one of them in the 80^th minute, substitute Joel Huertas headed in Barca’s second.

Two minutes later, Al Ahly’s defense were unable to clear another cross from Rolon, and the ball reached Munir Al Haddadi who sent a wonderful left foot shot into the top corner leaving no chance the goalkeeper Ahmed Al Bassyouny.

Man Of The Match - Munir Al Haddadi

With only three clubs in this group, the upcoming clash between Barcelona and PSG on Thursday will decide the group winner who will advance to the semi-finals.

Watch the match highlights

Kashima Antlers (3) Al Jazirah (1)

In Group A, Kashima Antlers produced another great performance as they defeated UAE’s Al Jazirah 3-1 to secure a spot in the semifinals.

The Japanese side won their opening game against Italian club Juventus with the same score, while Al Jazirah suffered their second straight defeat after they were hammered 4-0 by Aspire Qatar on the opening day. The top two teams in this group will be awarded semifinals spots.

Masaki Takada put his team in front after only 7 minutes heading in Sho Abe’s pinpoint cross, but Ahmed Al Hashmi leveled the score from the spot in the 30^th minute.

Takahiro Honda, one of the heroes in the first game against Juventus, showed great skill on the left hand side before crossing the ball to Abe, who made no mistake heading the ball into the net in the 58^th minute.

Less than 10 minutes later, Honda made a space for himself before sending a terrific right foot shot from the edge of the area, past Al Jazirah’s keeper Ahmed Abdul Rahman, to secure maximum points for the Antlers.

Watch the match highlights

Al Sadd honored Gholam with a 2-1 win over Schalke

2012-01-10T17:52:00.001+03:00

Al Sadd defeated German side Schalke 2-1 in Doha on Tuesday, in a farewell match for their former star and current sports director Mohamed Gholam.

The 31-years-old midfielder represented Al Sadd between 1997-2010 winning a number of trophies with the club including four league titles. He also represented the national team in 25 matches.

Teemu Pukki put the visitors ahead after 43 minutes, but Maged Mohamed pulled one back for the home side in the 69^th minute, before Felipe Jorge netted the winner in the 74^th minute with a beautiful left foot strike from the edge of the area.

Felipe Jorge is one of the few stars who showed up to take part in the commemoration of their former teammate. He is currently playing for Vasco Da Gama in Brazil.

Schalke 04 were in Doha for their winter camp and played the match with a full strength squad that included Spanish legend Raul and Dutch striker Jan Klaas Huntelaar.

Watch ALKASS U17 International Cup on Al Kass & Europort2

2012-01-10T13:00:00.004+03:00

Millions of football fans across Europe can now have a glimpse of football’s future stars while they are in action in Doha, following the agreement with Eurosport Group to broadcast inaugural Al Kass International Cup U-17. Matches are being broadcasted on Eurosport 2 in 47 countries across Europe and on Eurosport Asia Pacific.

This agreement is further testament to the growing attention being given to the Doha-based tournament with a number of top club teams from all over the globe participating in this event, including FC Barcelona, Ajax Amsterdam, Juventus, Al Ahly Cairo and Vasco Da Gama.

Eurosport is familiar with the venue of the tournament as they are already a partner of the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence since 2005. The Channel is also known for its coverage of other global youth football events, including the annual U-20 Toulon Tournament, one of the most prestigious youth tournaments in the world.

In addition to Eurosport 2, the Cup is also being broadcasted across Asia reaching millions through Asia Sat, the entire MENA region through Arab Sat and Nile Sat, and in the U.S. with Al Kass in Arabic and Al Kass Plus in English.

International Flavour

Bringing an additional exciting international twist, Rhodri Williams, the famous British Presenter, is the moderator and the main anchor for the English language studio at Al Kass, alongside two football analysts including the famous French-Algerian footballer Ali Benarbia and Bryan Hamilton. Commentary will be provided by Eurosport top names; Wayne Boyce and Anthony Jeffers.

At the Arabic studio, Talal Al-Kuwari is the moderator and the main anchor, in addition to analysts, Algerian football Legend Rabah Madjer, Moroccan Talal Al Karkouri and Tunisian Adel Sellimi.

Al Dawri & Al Kass Sports Channel is also broadcasting a series of documentaries focusing on the different participating clubs while in Qatar during the tournament.

ALKASS U17 International Cup – Day 2 Review

2012-01-09T17:25:00.002+03:00

Kashima Antlers (3) Juventus (1)

Kashima Antlers of Japan made a perfect start to their ALKASS International Cup campaign, beating Italian side Juventus 3-1.

The Japanese side took a first half crucial lead in the 36^th minute when Masaki Takada headed in after a poor timed move from the Italian goalkeeper Gianmarco Vannuchi.

The Bianconeris leveled the score seven minutes into the second half through Gabrielle Moncini, but Takahiro Honda put his team in front once again with another header and another poor move from the keeper.

The skillful Honda put the match beyond the Italian’s reach in the final ten minutes when he finished off a terrific counter attack with a superb goal.

Watch the goals

Vasco Da Gama (4) Aspire International (1)

An entertaining first half saw the Brazilians taking a 3-1 lead, before substitute Rodrigo sealed the emphatic victory two minutes from time.

A beautiful left foot strike from Welington gave Vasco Da Gama the lead after only 8 minutes, and Lucas made it 2-0 in the 23^rd minute from the spot.

Alassane Diallo reduced the deficit with what can be considered the goal of the match, sending a powerful free kick past the Brazilian keeper, but another penalty decision in the favor of the Brazilians gave Danilo a chance to add a third, and he made no mistake.

Substitute Rodrigo benefited from another moment of poor defending to secure the victory for the Brazilians.

Watch the goals

Vasco Da Gama's coach praises the tournament

2012-01-09T00:04:00.001+03:00

The 2012 Al KASS U17 International Cup will be a great opportunity for Vasco Da Gama’s young players to gain some international experience in their quest to be part of the Brazilian national team when they host the FIFA World Cup Finals in 2014.

In a press conference following the team’s 4-1 win over Aspire International, the head coach of the Brazilian team, Kleber Henrique De Freitas, praised the new international tournament, saying that it provides his team with an opportunity to play against different styles of football.

Vasco Da Gama already provided two players in the Brazilian U-17 national team.

“It is very important for our players to come up against teams with styles of play from all over the world, and we are absolutely in this tournament to win” the coach said.

The coach also said that he is confident Qatar will be able to host a successful World Cup in 2022 “Qatar can host a great World Cup. I am very impressed to see all of the construction and infrastructure developments here. The overall extravagance of this country’s efforts leads me to believe that Qatar will be able to host a very successful World Cup.”

Al KASS U17 International Cup – Day 1 Review

2012-01-08T17:24:00.003+03:00

It was an entertaining day of football for fans at Aspire Zone today as ALKASS U17 International Cup kicked off with goals galore as PSG thrashed Al Ahly Cairo 9-0 and Aspire Qatar defeated Al Jazirah of UAE 3-0.

In its inaugural edition, the tournament is bringing together eight club sides from around the globe that include big names like FC Barcelona, Ajax Amsterdam, and Vasco Da Gama, in addition to two teams from Aspire Academy – Aspire Qatar and Aspire International.

The ten teams were split into three groups, with the top team of each group plus the runner up of group A, making it to the semi-finals. The final will be played on January 17^th with the winning team grabbing a 75000 $ prize money.

The tournament kicked off today after a colorful opening celebration. Bayern Munich and Netherlands star Arjen Robben played the first kick of the opening match between Aspire Qatar and Al Jazirah.

Group A – Aspire Qatar (3) AL Jazirah (0)

A brilliant performance by Fahad Obaid helped the Qatari team to a deserved victory over the Abu Dhabi-based club.

The mercurial striker gave his side the lead in the 50^th minute with a fine left foot finish after a good through ball from Solomon Udo. Three minutes later he was in the right place at the right time to double the lead from close range.

Obaid was involved again in his team’s third goal, as his perfect cross found Abdo Thiam just outside the area, and the advancing central defender made no mistake with a powerful shot past the keeper.

The Qatari team’s next test will be against Juventus of Italy on Wednesday. The Italian side will kick off their campaign tomorrow against Kashima Antlers of Japan. Two teams will advance from this group to the semi-finals as it’s the only group with four teams.

Watch the goals here

Paris Saint-Germain (9) Al Ahly (0)

Group B opening game saw a big surprise, a 9-0 routing of Egyptian club Al Ahly by PSG.

The Cairo-based club is the most popular team in Egypt, and over its 104 years history, the team won dozens of trophies on local and continental levels.

The club is also one of the best in Egypt on junior level and with a lot of support from their loyal fans in Doha; a better performance was surely expected from the young reds.

The boys from Paris were in top form and in a class of their own as they four goals without reply in the first 45 minutes, against a slow Egyptian side that left huge spaces at the back and showed no ambition of getting back into the game.

Adrian Rabiot opened the core after only four minutes with a good header, before doubling the lead in the 19^th minute with a powerful left foot strike from the edge of the area.

After just six minutes, Hervin Ongenda received a through ball from Rabiot before rounding the keeper and making it 3-0.

He them scored the goal of the match one minute before the break, with a delicate finish after he controlled a loose ball just outside the area and dribbled past three defenders.

Rabiot completed his hat-trick in the 65^th minute, and Pakai Henkel made it 6-0 after 74^th minute.

Al Ahly’s defense was a total wreck in the final ten minutes and the Parisians took full advantage of that, adding three more goals. The first through Yakou miete in the 84^th minute with a beautiful left foot strike, the second a minute later when team captain Stephane Lambese showed great skill on the right hand side before producing a perfect far-post finish, then Mickael Herve completed the rout in the final minute.

The other group B team, FC Barcelona will kick off their campaign on Tuesday against Al Ahly, before facing PSG in the final group game on Thursday.

Watch the goals

Qatar Stars League - Week 7 Fixtures

2011-11-18T16:20:00.002+03:00

Friday - 18/11/2011
17:30 - Al Jaish vs. Al Ahli (Al Rayyan Stadium)
19:30 - Al Wakrah vs. Al Khurtiyath (Al Wakrah Stadium)

Saturday - 19/11/2011
17:30 - Al Rayyan vs. Al Gharrafa (Al Rayyan Stadium)

Sunday - 20/11/2011
17:30 - Qatar sc vs. Umm Salal (Qatar sc Stadium)
17:30 - Al Khor vs. Al Arabi (Al Khor Stadium)
19:30 - Lekhwiya vs. Al Sadd (Al Gharrafa Stadium)

Saqr the hero as Al Sadd crowned Asian Champions

2011-11-06T13:07:00.014+03:00

In 2004 Qatar defeated Oman to clinch their second Gulf Cup title after a nail-biting penalty shootout in which Mohamed Saqr produced a classy performance saving three spot-kicks.

Seven years later, the 30-year-old Qatar international goalkeeper was once again the hero as he saved two penalties in another penalty shootout against Jeonbuk Motors of Korea, after the final match ended in a 2-2 draw, to give AL Sadd their first AFC Champions League title since 22 years.

Jeonbuk Motors was playing the one-legged final of this year’s edition at their home stadium, Jeonju World Cup Stadium, in front of a crowd of 41,000, thanks to a draw that was made before the quarter finals stage, a strange and an unfair decision by AFC in my opinion.

In the past two years the final was played also as a one-legged match but in a neutral venue (Japan) which I also think was just an unfair imitation of UEFA Champions League format, as Asia is a much bigger continent than Europe, and for the fans travel distances are longer, costs are higher, and the ease of access between Asian nations is not as easy as those between their European counterparts.

Brazilian Edinho gave the home team the lead in the 19th minute, with a beautifully curled free kick, but Al Sadd replied quickly and leveled the score I the 30th minute when defender Woo Yeon Sim headed Abdul Kader Keita’s cross into his own net.

In the second half, the Korean team put more pressure on Al Sadd’s defense and goalkeeper, but the Qatari team was able to take a surprise lead in the 61st minute thanks to a brilliant strike from keita. The Ivory Coast international controlled a pinpoint pass from Khalfan Ibrahim at the edge of the box before unleashing a powerful shot past Min Sik kim.

The Korean team hit the post more than once and Saqr made a number of brilliant saves to deny them an equalizer, but they were able to level the score in injury time as Lee Sung Hyun headed in from a corner.

In extra time, the Koreans once again piled up the pressure to snatch a winner, but Al Sadd’s defense was up to the task and there was no way past the Qatari goalkeeper who made another crucial save to deny Shung Hoon Jeong.

Ali Afif was sent off in the final minutes of the second extra-time for a second bookable offence.

In the penalty shootout, Saqr (His name means Eagle) saved penalties from kim Dong Chan and Park Won-Jae, while Al Sadd’s South Korea international Jung Soo Lee was denied by the crossbar, before his team mate Nadir Belhadj scored the decisive spot-kick.

Fossati .. Al Sadd’s “Special One”

Uruguayan coach Jorge Fossati celebrated his first continental trophy in his with Al Sadd. His first spell with the club was in 2006 when he took charge of the team in midseason, following the sacking of Serbian legend Bora Milutinovic, leading them to the league title.

The following season (2006-07) was a memorable one as the team achieved an unprecedented quadruple winning Sheikh Jassim Cup, League, Emir Cup and Heir Apparent Cup titles.

He later took charge of the Qatari national team, but had to leave his post in 2008 due to health problems, according to QFA.

In 2009 he led Liga De Quito of Ecuador to continental glory winning the Copa Sud Americana and Recopa Sud Americana.

The following year he tried his luck in Brazil with Internacional then in Saudi Arabia with Al Shabab, but was not successful, before finally retaining his Al Sadd post in January 2011

The Hard Road To Glory

Al Sadd’s road to the final was not an easy one; the team nick named “Ayal Al Dheeb” “Sons of the wolf” reached the group stage after a playoff stage in which they defeated Ittihad Aleppo of Syria 5-1 and Dempo of India 2-1.

They went through the group stage undefeated and topped a difficult group that included Al Nasr (Saudi Arabia), Esteghlal (Iran) and Pakhtakor (Uzbekistan).

In the Round of 16, they defeated Al Shabab (Saudi Arabia) 1-0, before knocking out Sepahan of Iran in the quarter finals despite suffering a 2-1 home defeat in the 2nd leg, as they were awarded a 3-0 win in the first leg after the Iranian team fielded an ineligible player.

Then came the controversial encounter in the semifinal against Suwon Bluewings of Korea. The Qatari team came out victorious 2-0 in the first leg in Suwon, but the match was marred by crowd trouble and a number of Al Sadd players were injured after they were attacked by the Korean players who claimed that Al Sadd’s second goal was unfair.

Suwon players were waiting for the Qatari team to return the ball after a throw in. They claimed that they gave the Qatari’s the throw in to allow two injured players (one from each side) to get medical treatment after a clash in Al Sadd’s area.

But the television replays showed that the Korean team did not kick the ball out of play immediately after the two players were injured, instead they attempted to score and sent a cross from the right hand side ignoring AL Sadd players’ calls to get the ball out of play.

Once the Koreans knew they will not be able to score they kicked the ball out. From the resulted throw in, the ball reached Keita, and the Ivorian sent a long pass to Niang who easily scored his second of the match. Suwon’s players considered it unfair play and chaos erupted in Suwon World Cup Stadium.

Both teams had players suspended for the second leg in Doha, which Suwon won 1-0 and the Qatari team celebrated reaching the final for the first time since 22 years.

Back in 1989 they were the first Arab team to win the Asian Champions Cup when they defeated AL Rasheed of Iraq in the final. A competition of a much different format than the current AFC Champions League.

Ending East Asia’s Dominance

Their win this year, made them the first western Asian team to clinch the title since 2005, ending the dominance of the Korean and Japanese teams.

Al Sadd will also take part in the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup next December, alongside world class sides like Santos of Brazil and Barcelona of Spain. They will start their campaign from the quarter finals stage.

Al Sadd’s victory came to put an end to any doubts about the standard of the local game in Qatar. Qatar Stars League teams were awarded an extra spot in next year’s AFC Champions League, with Al Rayyan and Lekhwiya qualified directly to the group stage, while Al Gharrafa will have to go through the qualifying playoffs.

Title holders AL Sadd are not eligible to take part as they finished 5th in the 2010-11 QSL season, unless AFC change their rules to make an exception, just like UEFA did with Liverpool in the 2005-06 Champions League edition, when they granted them a place in the first qualifying round of the competition, after they failed to qualify through their local league.

Qatar, Oman played out a goalless draw

2011-11-06T11:23:00.009+03:00

Qatar ended their preparations for the crucial 2014 World Cup Qualifying encounter against Indonesia, scheduled for November 11th, with a lackluster goalless draw against Oman at Al Sadd Stadium on Friday.

Qatar coach Sebastiao Lazaroni used 17 players over the 90 minutes, and the team’s best chance came in the second half when Majid Mohamed scored what appeared to be a legitimate goal but the referee decided it was offside.

The Omani team played with a defensive formation, as their French coach Paul Le Guen was putting the final touches before their World Cup Qualifying clash against Australia.

Oman’s striker Abdulllah Thwaini was a constant threat to the Qatari defense, but Meshal Mubarak made a goal line clearance to deny him the opener, before the powerful striker saw his shot hit the post minutes before the final whistle.

Qatar through to the AFC U19 Finals

2011-11-06T11:20:00.004+03:00

Qatar are through to the finals of the 2012 AFC U19 Championship after finishing top of the qualifying Group B, despite a 2-3 defeat in the final round of matches against Tajikistan.

The Qataris went into the match knowing that they already qualified after three impressive wins and a draw in their previous games and without even conceding a single goal, thanks to brilliant performances from goalkeeper Muhannad Naim.

It will be their first AFC U19 Finals appearance since2004 in Malaysia when they were knocked out from the quarter finals by Japan after a penalty shootout.

In Group B, Kuwait and Jordan also made it to the finals after finishing second and third respectively, level on points with Qatar with 10 points each.

The qualifying fixtures for this group were hosted by Qatar between October 25th and November 4th.

Road to the finals
25/10/2011 – vs. Bhutan (3-0) [Sultan Al Kuwari 63’ – Saoud Al Khalaqi 73’ – Saleh Al Yazidi 84’]
27/10/2011 – vs. Jordan (0-0)
30/10/2011 – vs. Bahrain (3-0) [Saleh AL Yazidi 22’ 40’ – Mohamed Barakat 87’]
01/11/2011 – vs. Kuwait (1-0) [Saoud Al Khalaqi 7’]
04/11/2011 – vs. Tajikistan (2-3) [Sultan Al Kuwari 34’ – Saoud Al Khalaqi 90+3’]

Week 1 Results & Standings

2011-09-23T12:08:00.003+03:00

16-18 September 2011

Al Wakra (0)
Lekhwiya (1) [Madjid Bougherra 29’]

Al Gharrafa (2) [Edmilson 22’ – Bilal Mohamed 68’]
Qatar sc (0)

Al Ahly (0)
Al Arabi (0)

Umm Salal (1) [Cabore 32’]
Al Rayyan (1) [Afonso Aves]

Al Jaish (0)
Al Khor (2) (Moumouni Dagano 16’ 40’]

Al Sadd (1) [Taher Zakaria 90+5’]
Al Khurityath (1) [Jessy John 44’]

لخويا يستهل حملة الدفاع عن اللقب بالفوز على الوكرة

2011-09-17T14:14:00.004+03:00

الوكرة (0) لخويا (1)

استهل فريق لخويا حملة الدفاع عن لقبه بطلاً لدوري نجوم قطر بفوز ثمين خارج ملعبه على الوكره بهدف دون مقابل.

هدف المباراة الوحيد جاء عن طريق المدافع الدولي الجزائري مجيد بوقرة في الدقيقة 29. ووصلت الكرة إلى بوقرة داخل منطقة الستة ياردة بعد أن فشل الدفاع الوكراوي في ابعاد ركنية لعبها أنور ديبا وسددها بشكل غريب اللاعب محمد رزاق، ليضعها النجم الجزائري في المرمى بسهولة.

وكان بوقرة أفضل لاعبي المباراة بدون منازع حيث تألق في خط الدفاع أيضاً ومنع أكثر من فرصة للثنائي العراقي يونس محمود وعلاء عبد الزهرة مهاجمي الوكرة.

لخويا كان الفريق الأفضل في معظم فترات اللقاء ولكنه لم يستطع ترجمة سيطرته إلى أهداف، في الوقت الذي أضاع فيه يونس محمود أبرز فرص أصحاب الأرض.

الغرافة (2) قطر (0)

الغرافة، الباحث عن العودة لمنصة التتويج التي سيطر عليها لفترة طويلة في الأعوام الأخرة قبل أن يجرده لخويا من اللقب في الموسم الماضي، نجح في تحقيق الفوز على ضيفه نادي قطرن رغم أن الأخير كان الأفضل هجومياً.

ولاحت العديد من الفرص للملك القطراوي عبر جناحه الأيسر جسور حسنوف ومهاجمه سباستيان سوريا ولكن الحارس قاسم برهان كان في افضل حالاته وتصدى للعديد من الكرات الصعبة.

الوافد الجديد، البرازيلي إدميلسون وضعه الفهود في المقدمة في الدقيقة 22 بعد أن تابع عرضية من الجهة اليسرى لعبها الإيراني محمد رضا خلعتبري.

وفي الدقيقة 67 من الشوط الثاني ضاعف بلال محمد النتيجة لفريقه برأسية قوية بعد أن تابع كرة عرضية من ركنية للبرازيلي زي روبرتو.

الأهلي يستضيف العربي

17/09/2011 – ملعب حمد الكبير – 18:30 بتوقيت الدوحة

الأهلي عانى كثيراً في الأعوام الاخيرة ونجح في البقاء في دوري النجوم الموسم الماضي بعد بلاي أوف مع فريق الشمال من الدرجة الثانية، ولكن الموسم الجديد قد يكون مختلفاً لعميد الأندية القطرية، الفريق الوحيد الذي يقوده مدرب محلي هذا الموسم، القطري عبد الله مبارك.

فمع الأسماء التي ضمها الفريق في الصيف مثل السويدي الدولي كريتسيان ويلهلمسون والمغربي هشام بوشروان والكونغولي ديوكو كالويتوكا، من المؤكد أن يكون المستوى هذا الموسم افضل بكثير.

منافسه النادي العربي بدأ الموسم بالفوز بكأس الشيخ جاسم مع مدربه الجديد البرازيلي باولو سيلاس الذي حل محل مواطنه بيركليس تشاموسكا المنتقل لتدريب الجيش.

وتعتبر أبرز صفقات الفريق في الصيف ضم المهاجم البرازيلي واندرلي من فلامنغو لتعويض رحيل مواطنه كابوري إلى أم صلال. كما دعم الفريق صفوفه بالمدافع الإيراني الدولي هادي عقيلي ولاعب الوسط المغربي محمد الشيحاني.

مواجهة نارية بين أم صلال والريان

17/09/2011 – ملعب نادي قطر – 20:30 بتوقيت الدوحة

أم صلال سيسعى لتسجيل نتيجة إيجابية في افتتاح الموسم عندما يستضيف الريان على ملعب سحيم بن حمد بنادي قطر.

الفريق البرتقالي سيفقد الكثير من قوته مع الغياب المحتمل للاعبيه الجديدين السوري فراس الخطيب والجزائري مراد مغني بسبب الإصابة. وسيكون بالتالي هناك الكثير من الضغط على مهاجمه البرازيلي كابوري، القادم من العربي لإثبات حضوره.

في المقابل حافظ الرهيب الرياني على تشكيلته الأساسية من الموسم الماضي ومحترفيه الأربعة الذين تقدمهم البرازيليان رودريغو تاباتا وأفونسو أفيس.

ولكن في المقابل خسر جهود مدربه المتميز باولو أوتوري الذي خاض معه كل فترة الإعداد قبل أن يرحل لتدريب المنتخب الأولمبي القطرين ويحل محله الأوروغواياني المتميز دييغو أغيري الذي قاد نادي بينارول للفوز بلقب الدوري في بلاده العام الماضي.

Winning start for Lekhwiya

2011-09-17T12:40:00.003+03:00

Al Wakra (0) Lekhwiya (1)

Lekhwiya got their 2011/2012 Qatar Stars League campaign off to a flying start as they came back from Al Wakra with 1-0 over the home team.

New signing Madjid Bougherra scored the game’s only goal in the 29^th minute.

The ball reached Bougherra inside the 6-yard box after a crucial interception by Mohamed Razak to Anouar Diba’s low cross from the corner, and the Algerian international made no mistake with a tab in.

The 28-years-old central defender, who joined Lekhwiya from Scottish champions Rangers in the summer for around 2m Euros, impressed in his debut with a man of the match performance as he also made a number of crucial interceptions to ruin the day for the Iraqi attacking duo of Al Wakra, Younis Mahmoud and Alaa Abdul-Zahra.

The title holders were the better team for most of the game but failed to impress in the final third, as Younis Mahmoud wasted Al Wakra’s best chances.

Al Gharrafa (2) Qatar sc (0)

Despite being under pressure for most of their game against Qatar sc, Seven-times champions Al Gharrafa managed to come out winners 2-0 thanks to goals from Brazilian Edmilson and Bilal Mohamed.

The visiting team had the better chances but Al Gharrafa’s keeper was in top form as he made a number of brilliant saves to deny Uzebk Jasur Hasanov and his national team mate Sebastian Suria.

Brazilian Edmilson gave the home team the lead after 22 minutes when he met Mohamed Reza Khalatabari low cross from the left hand side with a close range effort.

In the 67^th minute, Bilal Mohamed headed in Ze Roberto’s corner to make the game more comfortable for the hosts.

Al Ahly vs. Al Arabi 17/09/2011 @ 18:30 Doha time

QSL action will continue on Saturday, as Al Ahli, the only team led by a local coach Abdullah Mubarak, takes on Al Arabi at Hamad Al Kabeer Stadium.

Al Ahli suffered greatly in the past few seasons and just kept their place in the QSL after a relegation playoff against Al Shamal. But things might be different this season for the oldest club in Qatar, after reinforcing their team this summer with players like Christian Willhelmsson (Sweden) and Hicham Aboucherouane (Morocco) and Djoko Kaluyituka (RD Congo).

Their opponents Al Arabi, won the season opening Sheikh Jassim Cup in August, and they will be led this season with new Brazilian coach Paulo Silas who replaced his compatriot Pericles Chamusca.

The team’s top scorer Cabore left to Umm Salal, and was replaced by another Brazilian, Wanderley from Flamengo. The “Dream team”, who won their last league title in 1997, also signed Moroccan Mohamed Al Shihany and Iranian international defender Hadi Aghily.

Umm Salal vs. Al Rayyan 17/09/2011 20:30 Doha time

At Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium, Umm Salal will look to impress when they open their QSL campaign against Al Rayyan.

The “Orange team” might miss the services of their new signings Mourad Meghni (Algeria) and Firas Al Khatib (Syria) due to injury, but former QSL top scorer Cabore (Brazil) will be fit to start.

Al Rayyan made no changes to their team from last season, keeping their four foreign players, including the Brazilian duo Rodrigo Thabata and Afonso Alves. But they lost the services of their Brazilian coach Paulo Autuori who took charge of the Qatar U23 squad, and was replaced by Uruguayan coach Diego Aguirre who led Penarol to the league in 2010.

2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Qatar vs. Iran - Live Commentary

2011-09-06T19:46:00.029+03:00

Welcome to the live commentary from the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifier, Qatar vs. Iran, from Doha

Qatar Lineup: Burhan; Amaral, Majed, Bilal, Ismael; Lawrence, Rizq, Fabio, Geddo, Shehab; Soria.

Iran Lineup: Rahmati; Haydari, Housseini, Aghili, Mehrdad, Samarani, Ansari, Rezaei, Karimi, Nekounam, Khaltbari

00' the game kicked off

‎18' Yellow Card to Haydari (IRN) for a foul on Soria (QAT)

‎22' Yellow Card Hamed ISmael (QAT) for a foul on Khalatbari (IRN)

- Qatar's last win over Iran, a 3-2 a friendly game in December 2009 in Doha

- 27 minutes into the game and there are no real attacking attempts till the moment

29' Fabio Cesar tried his luck with a long range effort, goalkeeper saves

31 Iran replies, Java Nekounam with a strong long range effort over the bar

36' Huge blow for the Iranians, Javad Nekounam out with an Injury

37' First substitution for Iran, Nekounam (out) Zare (In)

46+1 Iran's 1st attempt on target, Ansari's shot well saved by Burhan

End of the 1st half, Qatar (0) Iran (0)

46' Qatar (0) Iran (1) Hadi Aghili scores for Iran in the first minute of the 2nd half, with a free header

Lazaroni must make some attacking changes if he want at least a point from this game

51' huge mistake by Hamed Ismael, and a crucial save from Goalkeeper Burhan denies Iran the second goal

54' another crucial save from Burhan, Qatar's defense is wide open in the last few minutes

‎55' Qatar (1) Iran (1) Geddo scores with a nice shot from the edge of the area, perfect

‎63 Fabio's well curled free kick just centimeters away from the Iranian target

‎63' Iran's 2nd substitution Jabari (in) Khalatbari (out)\

Qatar made 2 substitutions, Khalfan & Fohaid (in) Fabio & Shehab (out)

66' Rahmati did well to save Soria's close range effort

70' Iran's final sub. Karimi (out) Majidi (in)

83' Ansari under pressure but he still was able to test the goalkeeper, good save from Burhan

‎86 Yellow Card for Al Majid (QAT) for a foul on Rezaei (IRN)

‎90' finally another striker in, Qatar's final sub, Mohamed Razak (in) Fohaid (out)

‎90 Majidi' header just over the bar

Final Whistle Qatar (1) Iran (1)

قطر - فيتنام / تصفيات كأس العالم 2014 / السابعة مساءاً في ملعب نادي السد / يوم السبت 23-07-2011

2011-07-21T23:00:00.002+03:00

يبدأ المنتخب القطري مشواره في تصفيات كأس العالم 2014 يوم السبت المقبل أمام فيتنام في ذهاب الدور الثاني من التصفيات.

تقام المباراة في ملعب جاسم بن حمد بنادي السد في الساعة السابعة مساءاً بتوقيت الدوحة في أجواء معتدلة مع استخدام تكنولوجية التبريد الحديثة المتاحة في الملعب.

الفوز سيكون هام جداً للعنابي قبل مباراة العودة المقررة في هانوي، فيتنام في 28/07/2011 أي بعد خمسة أيام من لقاء الذهاب.

تواجدوا في الملعب لمساندة العنابي في بداية مشواره، تواجدك هام جداً للفريق، تعالى وشجع العنابي.

بالتوفيق للعنابي

Qatar vs. Vietnam - 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Saturday 23/07/2011 - Al SAdd Stadium - 19:00

2011-07-21T22:48:00.004+03:00

Qatar will kick off their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Saturday against Vietnam.

The match will be played at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium (19:00 Doha Time), in controlled temperatures.

Winning the match will be crucial for Al Annabi before the second leg in Hanoi on July 28th.

Be at the stadium to support Qatari team, being at the stadium will make a huge difference for the players. Good Luck to Al Annabi.

قطر (2) بايرن ميونيخ (4) – تقرير المباراة

2011-07-10T21:13:00.007+03:00

في ثاني تجاربه الاعدادية خلال معسكر أوروبا، خسر المنتخب القطري 2-4 أمام نادي بايرن ميونيخ الألماني في مباراة استضافتها مدينة ترينتينو الإيطالية وحضرها حوالي أربعة آلاف متفرج.

أداء المنتخب القطري تطور كثيراً عن مباراته السابقة قبل ايام فليلة أمام لوزان السويسري والتي خسرها صفر-3، خاصة في الجانب الهجومي حيث نجح في تسجيل هدفين في مرمى العملاق البافاري.

افتتح بايرن ميونيخ التسجيل بعد سبع دقائق فقط من الانطلاق عبر البلجيكي دانييل فان بويتن، وضاعف توماس مولر هداف كأس العالم 2010 النتيجة للفريق الألماني في الدقيقة 34 بعد أن حول عرضية من النجم الفرنسي فرانك ريبيري إلى داخل مرمى قاسم برهان.

مع مطلع الشوط الثاني دفاع مدرب المنتخب القطري ميلوفان راجيفتش بالحارس سعد الشيب بدلاً من برهان كما قام يوب هاينكس مدرب بايرن ميونيخ بعدة تغييرات، ونجح المهاجم نيلز بيترسن في إضافة هدف ثالث للفريق في الدقيقة 57 برأسية من مسافة قريبة بعد عرضية أخرى من ريبيري.

وبعد عشر دقائق نجح سباستيان سوريا في تقليص الفارق عبر تسديدة أرضية زاحفة مرت على يمين الحارس البديل هانز يورغ بوت.

ولكن البديل الكرواتي أفيتش أوليتش أنهى أمال العنابي قبل سبع دقائق من نهاية الوقت الأصلي بتسديدة سهلة من داخل المنطقة مسجلاً رابع أهداف فريقه.

وسجل البديل القطري محمد رزاق هدفاً معنوياً بعدها بدقيقتين بكرة ساقطة لعبها بمهارة من فوق الحارس المتقدم بوت.
يذكر أن المنتخب القطري سيبدأ رحلته نحو نهائيات كأس العالم 2014 بمواجهة فيتنام في الدوحة في 23 يوليو الجاري قبل أن يلعب مباراة العودة بعد خمسة أيام في هانوي بفيتنام. ويتأهل الفريق الفائز إلى المرحلة الثالثة من التصفيات التي تقام بنظام المجموعات.

معلومات المباراة

قطر (2) (د 67 سوريا، د 85 رزاق)
بايرن ميونيخ (4) (د 7 فان بويتن، د34 مولر، د 57 بيترسن، د83 أوليتش)

تشكيلة منتخب قطر: قاسم برهان (سعد الشيب) – إبراهيم الغانم (إبراهيم ماجد)، بلال محمد، مشعل مبارك، محمد موسى – وسام رزق (موسى هارون) (محمد السيد جدو)، لورنس كواي (حامد إسماعيل)، فابيو سيزار (محمد كاسولا) – يوسف أحمد (محمد رزاق)، خلفان إبراهيم (مجدي صديق)، سباستيان سوريا (فهيد الشمري).

تشكيلة بايرن ميونيخ: مانويل نويير (هانز يورغ بوت) – رافينيا (كونييت كوتس)، دانييل فان بويتن، هولغر برادشتوبر (دانييل برانييتش)، فيليب لام (دييغو كونتينيو) – طوني كروس (أناتولي تيموتشك)، لويز غوستافو، آريين روبن (دافيد آلابا) – توماس مولر (إيفيتشا أوليتش)، فرانك ريبيري، ماريو غوميز (نيلز بيترسن).

شاهد أبرز لقطات المباراة

Qatar (2) Bayern Munich (4) – Match Report

2011-07-10T19:52:00.003+03:00

The Qatari national team lost their second friendly test of their summer training camp in Europe, this time it was a 4-2 defeat against German giants Bayern Munich on Saturday.

The game took place under very hot weather conditions in Trentino, Italy, where the 22 times German champions are gearing up for the new Bundesliga season that kicks off in early August.

The Qatari side produced a much improved performance than the one he showed in the 3-0 defeat against Swiss side Laussane sc few days ago.

Belgian international Daniel Van Buyten gave the Bavarian giants the lead after just seven minutes, and 2010 FIFA World Cup top scorer Thomas Meuller doubled the score in the 34th minute.

After the break Qatar’s coach Milovan Rajevac made his first substitution with Al Sadd’s goalkeeper saad Al Shib taking the place of first choice Qassim Burhan.

Bayern’s coach Jupp Heynckes also made few changes to his squad, and substitute Nils Petersen made it 3-0 for the Germans in the 67th minute heading in Frank Ribery’s cross from the left hand side.

Qatar pulled one back ten minutes later through Sebastian Soria’s low drive from just outside the box.

But, Croatian international Ivica Olic added another goal for the German team seven minutes from time with an easy finish inside the box, and two minutes later substitute Mohamed Razak scored a consolation goal for Al Annabi with a beautiful lob shot over the advancing goalkeeper Hans Jorg Butt.

The Qatari squad will kick off their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Vietnam in Doha on July 23rd, with the second leg taking place in Hanoi five days later.

Match Result & Line-ups

Qatar (2) [67. Soria, 85. Razak]

Bayern Munich (4) [7. Van Buyten, 34. Meuller, 57. Petersen, 83. Olic]

Qatar:
Qassim Burhan (Saad Al Shib) – Ibrahim Al Ghanem (Ibrahim Maged), Bilal Mohamed, Meshal Mubarak, Mohamed Moussa – Wissam Rizq (Moussa Haroun) (Mohamed Al Sayed Gedo), Lawrence Quaye (Hamed Ismael), Fabio Cesar (Mohamed Kasula) – Yousef Ahmed (Mohamed Razak), Khalfan Ibrahim (Magdi Sediq), Sebastian Soria (Fohaid Al Shmarri)

Bayern Munich:
Manuel Neuer (Hans Jorg Butt) – Rafinha (Cunyet Kotz), Daniel Van Buyten, Holger Badstuber (Danijel Pranjic), Phillipe Lahm (Diego Contento) – Toni Kroos (Anatoliy Tymoschuk) , Luiz Gustavo – Arjen Robben (David Alaba), Thomas Meuller (Ivica Olic), Frank Ribery – Mario Gomez (Nils Petersen).

Watch the Match Higlights

العربي يضم واندرلي

2011-07-08T01:26:00.003+03:00

ذكرت صحيفة الراية القطرية أن نادي العربي نجح في التوصل لاتفاق مع نادي فلامنغو البرازيلي من أجل ضم مهاجم الأخير واندرلي إلى صفوفه .

وقدرت الصحيفة قيمة الصفقة بحوالي 2.5 مليون يورو.

وكان واندرلي، البالغ من العمر 22 عاماً، قد انضم لصفوف فلامنغو هذا العام قادماً من صفوف كروزيرو، ولعب مع الفريق الأخحمر والأسود 25 مباراة أحرز خلالها 7 أهداف، كما حقق معه لقب بطولة كاريوكا.

وسيعوض واندرلي الفراغ الذي خلفه مواطنه كابوري في خط هجوم الفريق العرباوي بعد أن انتقل الأخير في مطلع الصيف الحالي إلى صفوف أم صلال.

شاهد بعض أهداف واندرلي هذا العام مع فلامنغو

Al Arabi sign Wanderley

2011-07-08T01:07:00.009+03:00

According to Al Raya newspaper, Al Arabi reached a deal with Brazilian club Flamengo for the transfer of their 22-year-old striker Wanderley to the Qatari club. The newspaper estimated the deal to be around 2.5 million Euros.

Wanderley joined Flamengo from Cruzeiro earlier this year, and scored seven goals in 25 matches with the club winning the Campeonato Carioca title.

The young Brazilian will replace his compatriot Cabore in Al Arabi's attacking line, after the later moved to Umm Salal earlier this summer.

Watch the Brazilian starlet in action with Flamengo

مواجهات صعبة للعنابي الأولمبي في تصفيات لندن 2012

2011-07-08T00:16:00.007+03:00

أسفرت قرعة الدور النهائي من تصفيات قارة آسيا لمسابقة كرة القدم في أولمبياد لندن 2012 عن وقوع المنتخب القطري في المجموعة الأولى مع كل من كوريا الجنوبية والسعودية وسلطنة عمان.

المهمة لن تكون سهلة للعنابي الأولمبي خاصة في ظل تواجد المنتخب الكوري الجنوبي الذي لم يغب عن الأولمبياد منذ عام 1988 في سيوول، كما أن المنتخب السعودي من أفضل المنتخبات الآسيوية والمنتخب العماني قدم خلال الأعوام الأخيرة بعض أفضل لاعبي كرة القدم في الخليج.

ولكن ذلك لا يقلل من حظوظ العنابي مع وجود عدد من اللاعبين المتميزين أصحاب الخبرة في الفريق على رأسهم حسن الهيدوس نجم نادي السد، بالإضافة إلى مدرب محنك هو الفرنسي برنارد سيموندي.

وسيكون تحقيق الفريق للنقاط الثلاث في المباريات التي ستقام على أرضه هو مفتاح التأهل للعنابي الذي يبحث عن أول ظهور له في الأولمبياد منذ عام 1992 في برشلونة عندما حقق افضل النتائج في تاريخه وصعد للدور ربع النهائي قبل أن يخسر أمام بولندا التي فازت في وقت لاحق بالميدالية الفضية.

جدول مباريات المنتخب الأولمبي في التصفيات

21 سبتمبر 2011 / السعودية - قطر
23 نوفمبر 2011 / قطر - كوريا الجنوبية
27 نوفمبر 2011 / عمان - قطر
5 فبراير 2012 / قطر - عمان
22 فبراير 2012 / قطر - السعودية
14 مارس 2012 / كوريا الجنوبية - قطر

Tough draw for the U23 squad

2011-07-07T23:13:00.004+03:00

The Draw for the AFC final qualifying round of 2012 Olympic Games football competition was held today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Qatar U-23 squad will face South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Oman in Group A for a place in London 2012. The top team in each group will qualify directly, while the second placed team will play a playoff round against the other runner ups in Group B and C and the winner will face the fourth ranked team in Africa for a spot in the finals.

The road to London 2012 will surely be tough for the young "Annabis", the South Koreans are favorites to win this group as they qualified for all edition since Seoul 1988, their team is coached bt Hong Myung Bo, one of the greates Korean all time players. The Saudis are always a force to be reckoned with in Asian football and the Omanis produced some of the best players in the gulf area in recent years.

But, The Qatar U23 squad, led by French coach Bernard Simondi, include a number of players who already impressed at top club level in QSL. The team looks capable of qualifying for the Olympics for the first time since 1992 in Barcelona, where they produced their best ever performance by reaching the Quarter Finals before losing to Poland. The key for qualifying will be winning each game at home.

Qatar's matches in the London 2012 Qualifying tournament

21/09/2011 Saudi Arabia vs. Qatar
23/11/2011 Qatar vs. South Korea
27/11/2011 Oman vs. Qatar
05/02/2012 Qatar vs. Oman
22/02/2012 Qatar vs. Saudi Arabia
14/03/2012 South Korea vs. Qatar

المنتخب القطري يخسر أول تجاربه في معسكر فرنسا

2011-07-07T20:41:00.005+03:00

خسر المنتخب القطري أول تجاربه الودية خلال معسكره الجاري في مدينة إيفيان الفرنسية بعد سقوطه أمام لوزان بطل دوري الدرجة الثانية السويسري 0-3.

استغل المدرب الصربي ميلوفان راجيفيتش (ميكي) المباراة جيداً من خلال اتاحة الفرصة للعديد من اللاعبين خلال الشوط الثاني فبعد انتهاء الشوط الأول بالتعادل السلبي، أجرى المدرب ثماني تغييرات خلال الشوط الثاني ونجح الفريق السويسري في استغلال تغير الأداء وعدم انسجام البدلاء فافتتح التسجيل في الدقيقة 57 عبر رأسية المدافع الشاب غيلوم كاتز.

وبعد أربعة دقائق فقط نجح مات مويسيلو لاعب العربي القطري السابق في مضاعفة النتيجة للفريق السويسري بعد أن قابل عرضية من الناحية اليمنى بتسديدة من مسافة قريبة في شباك الحارس البديل بابا مالك.

وأختتم موسيلو بنفسه الثلاثية قبل نهاية المباراة بعشر دقائق بعد انفراد تام اثر تمريرة بينية ممتازة من على أطراف المنطقة

الجدير بالذكر، أن ثاني تجارب المنتخب القطري خلال المعسكر ستكون أمام العملاق البافاري بايرن ميونيخ في التاسع من الشهر الجاري في مدينة فيرونا الإيطالية

يمكنك مشاهدة أهداف اللقاء من خلال الرابط التالي بموقع النادي

Laussane (3) Qatar (0)

2011-07-07T19:45:00.007+03:00

Qatar national team fell to a 3-0 defeat against Swiss second division champions Laussane in the the team's first test at their summer training camp in Evian, France.

Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac started with Qassim Burhan (goalkeeper), Ibrahim Al Ghanem, Mohamed Moussa, Bilal Mohamed, Meshal Mubarak, Fabio Cesar, Lawrence Quaye, Khalfan Ibrahim, Wissam Rizq, Yousef Ahmed and Sebastian Soria.

After a goalless first half, Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac made eight changes in the second period including giving an opportunity to Lekhwiya's keeper Baba Malik, and the Swiss side took the lead in the 57th minute through Guillaume Katz's header.

Former Al Arabi Striker Matt Moussilou doubled the lead after four minutes, before completing the Swiss victory ten minuted from time.

The second test for the national team will be on July 9th against Bavarian giants Bayern Munich in Verona, Italy.

You can watch highlights of that game in the following link from Laussane Sport's official website.

National team gears up for 2014 World Cup Qualifiers

2011-07-02T01:05:00.004+03:00

Qatar national team is in Evian, France for a training camp to gear up for the 2014 FIFA World Qualifiers second round which will kick off in late July. They will likely face Vietnam over two legs, after the south east Asian side defeated Macau 6-0 in the first round first leg match.

During that training camp, The team will play three matches possibly against Bayern Munich, Sochaux and Neuchatel Xamax. Before returning to Doha to face India in their last friendly fixture before the Vietnam match on July 23rd.

National team coach Milovan Rajevac picked up 26 players for Evian trip but Jarallah Al Marri and Abdul Karim Al Ali later withdrew due to injury. The other 24 players are:

Goalkeepers: Saad Al Shib (Al Sadd) – Qassim Burhan (Al Gharrafa) – Baba Malik (Lekhwiya)

Defenders: Mohamed Kasula, Ibrahim Maged (Al Sadd) – Ibrahim Al Ghanem, Bilal Mohamed (Al Gharrafa) – Hamed Ismael, Meshal Mubarak (Al Rayyan) – Moussa Haroun (Al Arabi) – Mohamed Moussa, Moussa Al Allaq (Lekhwiya)

Midfielders: Wisam Rizq, Magdi Sediq (Al Sadd) – Lawrence Quaye, Fohaid Al Shmmari (Al Gharrafa) – Fabio Cesar, Younis Ali (Al Rayyan) – Hussein Shehab (Lekhwiya).

Forwards: Khalfan Ibrahim , Yousef Ahmed (Al Sadd), Sebstian Soria (Qatar sc), Mohamed Al Sayed Geddo (Umm Salal), Mohamed Razak (Lekhwiya).

يواصل المنتخب القطري لكرة القدم استعداداته لخوض غمار منافسات كأس العالم 2014 لكرة القدم من خلال معسكره الصيفي في مدينة إيفيان الفرنسية.

ويبدو أن غريم المنتخب القطري في بداية مشواره في التصفيات في 23 يوليو سيكون نظيره الفيتنامي الذي يبدو الأقرب لبلوغ المرحلة الثانية ومواجهة المنتخب القطري بعد فوزه في ذهاب الدور الأول من التصفيات على ماكاو 6-صفر.

وسيلعب المنتخب القطري عدداً من المباريات الودية خلال المعسكر مع أندية بايرن ميونيخ الألماني ونيوشاتل السويسري وسوشو الفرنسي قبل أن يعود إلى الدوحة ويواجه نظيره الهندي في آخر مبارياته الاستعدادية في السابع عشر من يوليو.

واختار المدرب الصربي ميلوفان راجيفتش (ميكي) 26 لاعباً لخوض المعسكر قبل أن يتم استبعاد جار الله المري وعبد الكريم العلي بسبب الإصابة. وبقية اللاعبين هم:

حراسة المرمى: سعد الشيب (السد) – قاسم برهان (الغرافة) – بابا مالك (لخويا)
الدفاع: محمد كاسولا وإبراهيم ماجد (السد) – إبراهيم الغانم وبلال محمد (الغرافة) – حامد إسماعيل ومشعل مبارك (الريان) – موسى هارون (العربي) – محمد موسى وموسى العلاق (لخويا)
الوسط: وسام رزق ومجدي صديق (السد) – لورنس كواي وفهيد الشمري (الغرافة) – فابيو سيزار ويونس علي (الريان) – حسين شهاب (لخويا)
الهجوم: خلفان إبراهيم ويوسف أحمد (السد) – سباستيان سوريا (قطر) – أحمد السيد جدو (أم صلال) – محمد رزاق (لخويا)

Latest QSL 2011 Summer Transfers

2011-07-02T00:41:00.008+03:00

EDMILSON Dos Santos (Brazil) from Urawa Reds (Japan) to Gharrafa
ADRIANO Ferreira Martins (Brazil) from Gamba Osaka to Army sc
Adel Lami from Umm Salal to Lekhwiya
Naif Al Khater from Khurtiyath to Army sc

آخر انتقالات دوري نجوم قطر موسم 2011/2012

البرازيلي إدميلسون دوس سانتوس من أوراوا ريدز الياباني إلى الغرافة

البرازيلي أدريانو فيريرا مارتينز من غامبا أوساكا الياباني إلى الجيش

نايف الخاطر من الخريطيات إلى الجيش

عادل لامي من أم صلال إلى لخويا

U19 squad in Netherlands training camp

2011-07-02T00:30:00.003+03:00

Qatar U19 squad will gear up for the AFC Youth Championships qualifiers through a training camp in Netherlands and a number of friendly matches against Japan, Oman and Uzbekistan.

Qatar will host Group B qualifying matches in Doha in late October. They will face Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Tajikistan and Bhutan.

سيستعد ممنتخب قطر للشباب تحت 20 عاماً لتصفيات بطولة آسيا للشباب 2012 من خلال معسكر في هولندا خلال شهر يوليو بالإضافة إلى عدد من المباريات الودية أمام اليابان وأوزبكستان وعمان.

وتستضيف قطر مباريات المجموعة الثانية من التصفيات في أواخر شهر أكتوبر المقبل بمشاركة منتخبات الكويت والبحرين والأردن وطاجيكستان وبوتان.

Al Rayyan takes 4th place at Asian Futsal Championships

2011-07-02T00:06:00.005+03:00

A Rayyan finished fourth in the Asian Futsal Club Championship losing on Penalties to Al Sadaka of Lebanon. In the first round, The Qatari Club defeated Al Karkh (Iraq) 6-5 and Zhejiang Dragon (China) 6-1, but lost to Nagoya Oceans (Japan) 3-8 to finish second in the group, before losing to Shahid Mansouri in the semi finals 5-6 after extra time.

Nagoya Oceans won the title by defeating Shahid Mansouri 3-2 a.e.t in the final.

اكتفى الريان بالمركز الرابع في بطولة آسيا للأندية لكرة القدم داخل الصالات المقامة في الدوحة بخسارته بركلات الترجيح أمام الصداقة اللبناني بعد تعادل الفريقان 4-4.

وكان الريان قد تأهل إلى الدور قبل النهائي بعد ان احتل المركز الثاني في مجموعته بفوزه على الكرخ العراقي 6-5 وعلى زيجيانغ دراغون الصيني 6-4 وخسارته أمام ناغويا أوشينز الياباني 3-8.

ولكنه خسر أمام شهيد منصوري الإيراني 6-5 بعد وقت إضافي في الدور قبل النهائي ليكتفي باللعب على المركز الثالث.

وحقق ناغويا أوشنز لقب البطولة بعد فوزه في النهائي على شهيد منصوري 3-2 بعد وقت إضافي.

2011 Sheikh Jassim Cup Draw

2011-07-01T23:35:00.001+03:00

The Draw for the 2011 Sheikh Jassim Cup was held on Sunday. The Season opening tournament will see 18 teams battling for the top spot in four groups and a place in the semis. The First round will kick off on August 5th and the Final will be played on August 25th.

Group A: Lekhwiya - Qatar sc - Al Markhiya - Al Khor - Mesaimer
Group B: Al Gharrafa - Al Sadd - Al Sailiya - Army sc - Al Shahaniya
Group C: Al Rayyan - Al Khurtiyath - Umm Salal - Al Shamal
Group D: Al Arabi (Title Holders) - Al Wakra - Al Ahli – Muaither

أسفرت قرعة بطولة كأس الشيخ جاسم، البطولة الافتتاحية لموسم 2011/2012، عن وقوع العربي حامل اللقب في المجموعة الرابعة مع كل من الوكرة والأهلي ومعيذر.

وسيواجه لخويا بطل الدوري كل من نادي قطر والمرخية والخور ومسيمير ضمن المجموعة الأولى، في حين اوقعت القرعة الغرافة حامل لقبي كأس الأمير وكأس ولي العهد ضمن المجموعة الثانية مع غريمه التقليدي السد والسيلية والجيش والشحانية.

أما الريان فسيواجه كل من الخريطيات وأم صلال والشمال ضمن المجموعة الثالثة.

ويتأهل أول كل مجموعة إلى الدور قبل النهائي الذي يقام بنظام خروج المغلوب من مباراة واحدة، وتنطلق البطولة في الخامس من أغسطس المقبل على أن تلعب المباراة النهائي في 25 من الشهر نفسه على ملعب استاد الدوحة.

Qatar to host Gulf U23 and U16 Championships

2011-07-01T23:16:00.005+03:00

Qatar will host the 2011 Gulf U23 Championships between 12 - 21 August and the 2011 U16 Gulf Championships between 5 - 15 August. Both Tournaments will be held at Aspire Dome's Indoor Stadium.

تستضيف دولة قطر منافسات بطولة الخليج للمنتخبات الأولمبية (تحت 23 عاماً) خلال الفترة من 12 حتى 21 أغسطس المقبل، بالإضافة إلى بطولة الخليج لناشئين تحت 16 عاماً من 5 حتى 15 أغسطس أيضاً. وتقام كلتا البطولتين في ملعب كرة القدم الرئيسي داخل قبة أكاديمية آسباير.

QSI buys 70 % controlling stake in PSG

2011-07-01T23:02:00.007+03:00

QATAR SPORTS INVESTMENTS (QSI) had bought a 70 % controlling stake in the French club Paris St. Germain. Local newspapers are talking about major changes at the Parisian club and a possible change at the top level of the club with Al Jazeera Sport Channel General Director and Qatar Tennis Federation President, Nasser Al Khelaifi taking over as club president.

في خطوة تاريخية، قامت شركة قطر للاستثمارات الرياضية بشراء حصة 70 % من نادي باريس سان جرمان الفرنسي لتنتقل بذلك إدارة النادي الباريسي للشركة. وتناقلت الصحافة المحلية أنباء عديدة خلال الفترة الماضية عن تغييرات كبيرة متوقعة في النادي منها تولي القطري ناصر الخليفي رئاسة مجلس إدارة النادي إلى جانب توليه منصبي مدير عام قنوات الجزيرة الرياضية ورئيس الإتحاد القطري للتنس.

كما ترددت أنباء عن اقتراب تولي البرازيلي ليوناردو إدارة الفريق الباريسي بالإضافة إلى التعاقد مع أسماء عالمية مثل المهاجم الكاميروني صامويل إيتو لاعب إنتر ميلان الحالي

Silas is the new coach of Al Arabi

2011-07-01T22:35:00.003+03:00

Al Arabi appointed Brazilian coach Paulo Silas to replace his compatriot Pirecles Chamusca who moved to newly promoted Army sc.

The former Brazil international was part of the national team that took part in the 1986 and 1990 FIFA World Cups, during an impressive playing career he represented the likes of Sampdoria (Italy), Sporting Lisbon (Portugal), San Lorenzo (Argentina) and Brazilian Clubs Sao Paolo and Vasco Da Gama.

He started his Managerial Career in 2007 and led a number of clubs in Brazil including Flamengo and Gremio, but he made his name with a rather smaller club, Avai of Santa Catarina state, when he led them to Brazilian Serie A promotion in 2008.

أعلن نادي العربي رسمياً عن تولى البرازيلي باولو سيلاس تدريب الفريق خلفاً لمواطنه بيرسليس تشاموسكا الذي انتقل لتدريب نادي الجيش الصاعد حديثاَ لمصاف الكبار.

باولو سيلاس لاعب دولي سابق مع المنتخب البرازيلي شارك مع منتخب بلاده في مونديالي 1986 بالمكسيك و1990 بإيطاليا. ةخلال مسيرته كلاعب مثل العديد من الأندية البارزة مثل سامبدوريا الإيطالي وسبورتينغ لشبونة البرتغالي وسان لورنزو الأرجنتيني، بالإضافة إلى ساو باولو وفاسكو جا غاما البرازيليين.

أما مسيرته كلاعب فشملت تدريب عدد من الأندية البرازيلية منها فلامنغو وغريميو، ولكن أبرز نتائجه كمدرب حققها مع نادي آفاي الأقل شهرة عندما قاده في عام 2008 للصعود لدوري الدرجة الأولى البرازيلي.

Qatar into second round of London 2012 Qualifiers

2011-06-24T17:49:00.004+03:00

Qatar U23 squad made it to the second round of the 2012 Olympic Games qualifiers after a 1-1 away draw against India.

India took the lead early in the second half after a terrible mistake by goalkeeper Saad Al Shib who failed to stop Khaled Moftah’s back pass.

But, Mohamed Salah Al Neel leveled the score in the 73rd minute to give his team a 4-1 aggregate win and a place in the second round.

Qatar joined Australia, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Japan, Iraq, UAE, Bahrain, Syria, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia in the second round where three groups of four will play in a two-legged round robin format and the top team in each group qualifies for London 2012.

The three second placed teams will face each other for a playoff spot against CAF’s fourth placed team.

The draw for the second round will be held on July 7th.

Football Qatar News Round-Up

2011-06-19T04:24:00.003+03:00

Pericles Chamusca is the new coach of newly promoted Army Club. The Brazilian coach spent last season with Al Arabi.

According to Local media, Ivorian International Amara Diane is set to move back to Ligue 1 by joining St Etienne after three seasons in Qatar where he played for Al Rayyan and Al Gharrafa.

Qatar National team is gearing up for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The team will undergo a training camp in France between June 28^thand July 15^th.

Qatar U-23 squad defeated Malaysia 4-0 in a friendly in Doha on Monday thanks to goals from Hassan Al Haydos (2), Abdul Aziz Al Ansari and Mourad Naji. Qatar will kick off their London 2012 Olympic Games qualifiers campaign against India on Sunday.

Al Sadd's opponents in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League will be Sepahan of Iran. The First leg will be played in Iran on September 14th , and the 2nd leg a couples of weeks later in Doha.

Latest signings by Qatar Stars League Clubs

Gharrafa: Mohammad Reza Khalatbari (Iran) from Zob Ahn, Iran.

Army Club: Saad Sattam Al Shammari from Al Gharrafa.

Al Wakrah: Younis Mahmoud (Iraq) from Al Gharrafa, Alaa Abdul Zahra (Iraq) from Al Khurtiyath, Waleed Hamza from Al Arabi and Bazman Khobiari from Umm Salal.

Al Ahli: Hicham Abocherouane (Morocco) from Raja Casablanca, Morocco.

Al Khor: Pa Modou Kah (Norway) from Roda JC, Netherlands.

Al Arabi: Mohamed Chihani (Morocco) from Maghreb Fes, Morocco, Hadi Aghily (Iran) from Sepahan, Iran.

Umm Salal: Firas Al Khatib (Syria) from Al Qadisiya (Kuwait), Mourad Meghni (Algeria) from Lazio, Italy and Cabore (Brazil) from Al Arabi.

Emir Cup Final - Live Coverage Al Rayyan (2) Al Gharrafa (1)

2011-05-21T19:00:00.020+03:00

Welcome to the live coverage of the 2011 Emir Cup Final between Al Gharrafa and Al Rayyan.

Full crowd today at Khalifa International Stadium, let's hope for an entertaining game.

Quick start to the match, with both teams wasting chances to open the score

11' Al Rayyan's Rodrigo Tabata hit the post in the 8th minute

13' Al Gharrafa replied quickly, Juninho close range effort was cleared off the line by Moises

‎22' Merghani Al Zain scores for Al Gharrafa, but he was in an offside position

‎23' Al Rayyan leads 1-0,Tabata takes a free kick and Gharrafa's keeper Burhan makes a mess out of it

‎33' Diane's dangerous header over the bar, he was in an offside position anyway

‎36' Gharrafa's Younis Mahmoud tries his luck with a long range effort, but it was a poor one

‎40' Pressure from Al Rayyan, good cross from Meshal Mubarak but Good interception from Gharrafa's Ibrahim Ghanem

44' Younis mahmoud's Bicycle Kick was tipped away by Al Rayyan Keeper Saud Al Hajri

Hungarian Referee Victor Kassai blows his whistle for half time

Half-time score Al Rayyan (1) - Al Gharrafa (0)

Second Half kicked off

‎30 minutes to go and Al Rayyan still leading by Tabata's single goal

‎65' Al Assas nearly equalized for Al Gharrafa, his long range effort went near the right post.

‎75' Gharrafa's Ahmed Faris yellow carded

77' Gharrafa's Hamed Shami was yellow carded for a harsh foul over Hamed Ismael

‎80' Al Marri doubles the score for Al Rayyan, but the goal was ruled offside

‎85' AL GHARRAFA equalize, Cho Yong-Hyung heads into his own net

‎90' Yellow card for Al Rayyan's captain Younis Ali after a foul on Juninho

Nailbiting finale for the second half we are into injury time and the score is still level 1-1

The referee blows for the end of the second half, Al Rayyan (1) Al Gharrafa (1)

We will go into extra time, 30 minutes over two halves

The 1st extra time kicks off

‎91' Al Rayyan makes a substitution, Tareq Al Ali (in) - Fabio Cesar (out)

‎98' another substitution for Al Rayyan - Mohamed Salah (in) - Daniel Gomou (Out)

‎100' Yellow Card for Al Gharrafa's Younis Mahmoud

‎102' TABATA SCORES

Al Rayyan takes the lead again through Tabata who took advantage of another poor decision by goalkeeper Burhan.

We are into the final minute of first extra time, Al Rayyan leading 2-1

‎108' Juninho's freekick was well saved by Al Rayyan goalkeeper Saud Al Hajri

111' Incredible miss by Saad Sattam, the Gharrafa midfielder with only the keeper to beat but shots wide

114' Another chance for Al Gharrafa, but Fahd Al Shammari fails to hit the target with a left foot shot inside the box

we are second away from the final whistle

AL RAYYAN ARE THE 2011 EMIR CUP CHAMPIONS

Fifth title for Al Rayyan, congratulations for Al Rayyan fans and better luck next time for Al Gharrafa fans

2011 Emir Cup Final Preview

2011-05-21T12:31:00.015+03:00

Al Gharrafa will be looking for their seventh Emir Cup trophy when they face title holders Al Rayyan in the final at Khalifa Stadium.

After Three years of dominating Qatari football the “Leopards” lost the league title this season to newcomer Lekhwiya. But after sacking Brazilian coach Caio Junior and re-appointing the former national team coach Bruno Metsu. The team was able to get back on track and won the Heir Apparent Cup title by defeating Al Arabi in the final.

Their opponents in the final are Al Rayyan, four time champions and nine times runner ups. They clinched the title last season beating Umm Salal 1-0 in the final.

All eyes will be on Al Raheeb’s skillful Brazilian Rodrigo Tabata who produced some great performances in recent matches.

Brazilian coach Paulo Autuori also has a number of Qatari internationals in his team’s line-up including the midfield maestro Fabio Cesar, the versatile winger Hamed Ismael and excellent striker Jarallah Al Marri.

Khalifa Stadium Gates

Al Gharrafa fans: Gates 1 – 2 – 3 – 4
Al Rayyan fans: Gates 22 – 23 – 24 – 25
Family sections: Gates 18 – 19 20 – 21

Al Rayyan - Players to Watch

Rodrigo Tabata (31-year-old)

A Brazilian attacking midfielder with fine scoring abilities.
Joined the team this winter break on loan from Turkish side Besiktas and played an influential role since then in getting them back to winning ways.
Scored the winning goal in Al Rayyan's 3-2 victory over Al Gharrafa in the 17th round league game.
Made his name in Turkey with Gaziantebspor after joining from Santos in Brazil in 2008, then moved to Besiktas but could not get a regular starting spot.
2010-11 Stats: 11 League games – 7 goals.

Cho Yong-Hung (27-year-old)

One of the best defenders in Asia, he can play anywhere in defense, but excels in the center back position.
Made his debut with the South Korean national team in 2008 and has been a regular startr since then, was part of the quad in the 2010 FIFA world cup finals and the 2011 Asian Cyp Finals, Joined Al Rayyan at the start of this season from Korean side Jeju United.
2010-11 Stats: 20 League games – no goals

Meshal Mubarak (29-year-old)

Experienced left full back who joined the team in the 2008/2009 season after nine seasons with Qatar sc. He likes to go forward and his crosses were always a threat to the best defenses in the league.
A Qatari international but did not make the squad for more than two years, was part of the Qatar U-17 team in the 1999 FIFA world Youth Cup in New Zealand.
Had a short trial with Dutch side Feyenoord in 2003.
2010-11 Stats: 19 League games – no goals

Jarrallah Al Marri (23-year-old)

One of the best young players in the league.
Al Rayyan's top scorer in the league this season with 10 goals in 19 appearances.
Qatari international who also represented the country on youth and junior levels.
2010-11 Stats: 19 League games – 10 goals.

Fabio Cesar (32 year-old)

One of the best midfielder in the league, a consistent scorer with his club and with the Qatar national team and a Set-piece specialist.
Possess great play-making skills and always support the attack.
Born in Brazil, and played for major clubs that include Sao Paulo in Brazil, Udinese and Napoli in Italy.
Joined AL Rayyan last season after four successful seasons with umm Salal in which he led the club to the Emir Cup title (2008) and the semi finals of the AFC Champions League.
2010-11 Stats: 18 League games – 4 goals.

Hamid Ismael (25-year-old)

A fast and skillful right winger who started his career with Al Arabi before joining Al Rayyan in the 2008-09 season.

Always dangerous when it comes to the attack with his speed and skill, but needs to improve his defending skills.
A Qatari international and was part of the team that reached the 2011 Asian Cup quarter finals.
Came into the spotlight in 2007 when he was picked as the most valuable player in the U-23 Gulf Championships in Saudi Arabia.

2010-11 Stats: 19 League games – 2 goals.

Itamar (31-year-old)

A powerful Brazilian striker who joined Al Rayyan during the winter break from Mexican side Tigres.
Played for Palmeiras and Sao Paolo in Brazil and also spent four seasons in South Korea where he made huge success with Chunham Dragons.
His performance in the latest matches was not convincing and he may not be included it the squad for the cup final.
2010-11 Stats: 9 League games – 5 goals.

Al Gharrafa - Players to Watch

Younis Mahmoud (28-year-old)

Powerful striker, always dangerous in the air, Qatar Stars League’s top scorer this season with 15 goals. The third time he tops the scoring charts with Al Gharrafa. Last season he finished as joint top scorer with Brazilian Cabore of Al Arabi and he was top scorer in the 2006-2007 season with 17 goals.
Hit his top form in 2007 when he led Iraq to Asian Cup title and was chosen as best player in the tournament. In the same year he just missed out on Asian Player of year award to Saudi Yasser Al Qahtani.
2010-11 Stats: 21 League games – 15 goals.

Lawrene Quaye (24-year-old)

A Dynamic force in midfield with a powerful right foot.
The former Saint-Etienne player made his international debut with Qatar last year and was part of the squad that reached the quarter finals of the 2011 Asian Cup.
2010-11 Stats: 20 League games – 7 goals.

Ibrahim Al Ghanem (27-year-old)

A central defender who made his name with Al Arabi before joining Al Gharrafa last season.
2010-11 Stats: 19 League games – no goals.

Bilal Mohamed (24-year-old)

One of the best defenders in Qatar and his aerial ability prved decisive in many games for his team and for the Qatari national team.
2010-11 Stats: 17 League games – no goals.

Qassim Burhan (25-year-old)

National team’s first choice goalkeeper. On his day he’s a great shot stopper with superb reflexes, but sometimes his lack of confidence creates disasters.
Joined Al Gharrafa in the 2008/2009 from Al Rayyan.
2010-11 Stats: 15 League games – Conceded 15 goals.

Amara Diane (28-year-old)

Former PSG striker is spending his third season in Qatar.
The Ivoirian international Joined from Al Rayyan in the winter break and scored many crucial goals since then.
2010-11 Stats: 11 League games – 5 goals.

Juninho (36-year-old)

Before joining Al Gharrafa last season, the former Brazil international had a successful career with French club Lyon winning seven straight league titles.

One of the best free-kick takers of all time, and had showed this season that he still got it.
The Emir Cup final will be his last game with Al Gharrafa before he returns to Brazil to re-join Vasco Da Gama.
2010-11 Stats: 18 League games – 8 goals.

QSL Week 18 – Lekhwiya one step closer

2011-03-20T15:31:00.002+03:00

Lekhwiya are one step closer to winning Qatar Stars League title in their first ever season in the competition, after they defeated bottom of the table Al Ahli 2-1

The team, led by French-Algerian coach Djamel Belmadi, are now eight points clear at the top of the table, after their nearest rivals Al Arabi were defeated 1-2 on Friday by Qatar sc.
With four weeks to go till the end of the season, Lekhwiya now needs five points to secure the title.

Lekhwiya had most of the possession yesterday against struggling Al Ahli, Qatar's oldest football club, and they took the lead after 36 minutes through Jasur Hasanov. The Uzbek international received the ball near the box and had all the time and space to sent a powerful shot that took a slight deflection before nestling in the bottom corner.

The league leader found themselves reduced to 10 men in the final minutes of the first half after their top scorer Mohamed Razak was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Al Ahli made their numerical advantage count in the second half, and leveled the score in the 67th minute through substitute Adel Ahmed who showed a lot of skill before beating goalkeeper Baba Malick.

But Lekhwiya had the final word when team captain Abdul Salam Ouaddou headed in from close range in injury time to give his team the valuable three points.

Meanwhile, defending champions Al Gharrafa crashed Al Kharitiyath 5-1, in a match that also saw them wasting two penalty kicks, to move to second place with 34 points and only on goal difference from al Al Arabi.

Iraqi international Younis Mahmoud netted a hat-trick while the other goals came from Meghani Al Zain and Lawrence Quaye.

Round 18 – Sunday March 20th 2011
Umm Salal vs. Al Rayyan (18:15 Doha Time – Qatar sc stadium) Al Wakra vs. Al Sadd (20:15 Doha Time – Al Wakrah Stadium)

Al Rayyan can move to second place today if they beat Umm Salal and sixth-placed Al Sadd will be aiming to revive their hopes of a Heir Apparent cup spot when they visit Al Wakra.

Al Rayyan vs. Al Shabab - AFC Champions League - Group D - Day One

2011-03-02T17:47:00.010+03:00

Al Rayyan (Qatar) vs. Al Shabab (Saudi Arabia) - AFC Champions League Group Stage - Group D - Day One

Al Rayyan will kick off their 2011 AFC Champions League campaign today against Last year's semi finalist Al Shabab of Saudi Arabia.

The match will kick off at 18:15 pm Doha time, in Ahmed bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan), a great game to watch, be there to support your team.

Both teams failed to make a serious challenge for their domestic league titles and a good run in this years continental competition will be be a huge plus for their fans. Al Rayyan currently lie fifth in Qatar Stars League, nine points behind league leaders Lekhiwya, while Al Shabab are fourth in Saudi Premier League, 12 points behind leaders Al Hilal.

Watch out for Nasser Al Shamrani Al Shabab's striker and current Saudi Premier League top scorer with 13 goals. Al Shabab's captain is former Al Rayyan Brazilian defender Marcelo Tavares.

Fans locked out of the Asian Cup final will get a refund

2011-02-01T00:48:00.005+03:00

The Local Organizing Committee of the 2011 Asian Cup issued a press release on Monday apologizing for all the fans who were not able to attend the final match between Japan and Australia on Saturday, despite having a valid ticket.

Here is what they said “Qatar Local Organizing Committee (QLOC) would like once again to offer our apology for the fans that were not able to enter the Final Match, despite the fact that they had valid tickets in their hands”.

Once again, we apologise to these fans, and have decided in conjunction with the AFC to refund all ticket-holders who have been denied access to the venue due to Security Closure of Gates “.

Please see detailed process below for applying for refunds and - as always – please do not hesitate to contact the QLOC at tickets@asiancup2011.com.qa for any further enquiries you may have.

Kindly be informed that the submission will be from 3rd to 28th of February.

Procedure – Application for Refund for the Final Match

1.Go to AFC website (www.afcasiancup.com) and click on TICKETS Link

2.Download and fill in the Refund Application Form

3.Attach your original tickets to the Refund Application Form along with copy of your Passport / ID. If you bought the Tickets online or at any of the Ticket Box Offices using Visa or Mastercard, please attach a photocopy of the Card. Only whole tickets can be attached. Ripped, damaged, lost or stolen tickets will not be accepted.

•If living in Qatar, please send or bring the necessary documents and original tickets to: QLOC HQ - Qatar Local Organising Committee - Tatweer Tower – Ticketing Department, West Bay, Doha, Qatar, from Sunday to Thursday 08.00 – 14.00)

•If living abroad, please courier the necessary documents and original Tickets free of charge via DHL (QLOC Account Number 952189844 and Reference: Final Match Refund Application) to the QLOC HQ Address above.

4.Please ensure you keep a copy of all personal documentation and your tickets as well as the DHL receipt as proof.

5.QLOC will assess the Application and refund eligible tickets by the end of April 2011

•Customers who have bought tickets using their credit card will be refunded on that credit card

•Customers who bought their tickets and paid cash will be invited to collect the refund in cash.

Japan vs. Australia - Asian Cup Final _ Live Coverage

2011-01-29T17:52:00.036+03:00

Welcome to the live coverage of the 2011 Asian Cup Final in Qatari Capital Doha

Wonderful atmosphere at Khalifa Stadium, with less than ten minutes to go for the Kick-off.

No surprises in Australia's starting line-up, all eyes will be on the talented midfielder Matt Mckay who played a huge role in the last two matches.

The Socceroos are aiming for their first title in only their third Asian Cup appearance.

On the other side the Japanese are looking for their fourth title. The Blue Samurai were Asian champions in 1992, 2000 and 2004.

With Shinji Kagawa out of the clash, Italian Coach Alberto Zaccheroni start with Shimizu S-Pulse midfielder Jungo Fujimoto.

The match kicked off few minutes ago, early threat from both sides, but no solid chances.

16' Australian midfielder Carl Valeri gets a yellow card after a foul on Ryochi Maeda

19' Japanese keeper Kawashimadid well to stop a good header from Harry Kewell.

Japanese fans "Ultra Nippon" are well heard around the stadium, great support for the Blue Samurai.

29' Okazaki penetrates the Australian defense fromt he left side, his shot hit the defender and reached goalkeeper Schwarzer, he should have passed to Maeda.

32' Kewell with a great chance to give the Socceroos the lead, but he shots wide.

37' Maeda's left foot shot from the edge of the area went just wide.

39' Brett Holman fouls Yasuhito Endo and gets a yellow card.

Half-time whistle still goalless between Japan and Australia in 2011 Asian Cup Final.

Strong performance from both sides, but few real chances, hope for a more entertainment in the second half.

46' Second half kicks off, no changes for both sides.

49' goal line clearance from Japanese defense, that was close for Australia

56' first substitution for Japan - Fujimoto Out / Daiki Iwamasa In

Pressure from the Blue Samurai, but Socceroos experienced defense hold on

Trivia - Japanese Captain Hasebe was part of Urawa Reds team that won AFC Champions League in 2007, with current socceroos coach Holger Osieck.

65' Huge chance wasted by Japan, Okazaki's header just inches away from the post

Beautiful scene - Mexican waves at Khalifa stadium, the fans are enjoying their time.

71' Kewell with only the keeper to beat, Kawashima saves

Will the experience of the Australian team beat the Japanese youthful side?

Good attendance for today's match: 37, 174 spectators.

87' good timing from Kawashima as he stopped another attempt from Kewell.

The second half ended, still goalless, It's Extra-Time, hope we will see better football in the next 30 minutes.

Trivia - In each time japan reached the Asian Cup final, they won the title, in 2007 they faced Australia in the Quarter Finals and won on Penalties.

93' Australia looks the better side in the early minutes of the first extra time.

103' Robbie Kruse in for Kewell, he could have scored with his first touch, but his header hit the bar.

104' Japan replies with a a fierce shot from Honda, inches away from the post.

The Referee blows his whistle for the end of the first extra time, Japan (0) Australia (0)

109' Gooooooooooooooooool, Japan Scores, Substitute Tadanari Lee with a wonderful first time shot after a perfect cross from Nagatomo

112' Schwarzer did well to stop Endo's well curled free Kick.

We are into the final minutes of the second extra time, Japan still leading 1-0

The Blue Samurai are minutes away from their fourth Asian Cup title.

120+1 Australia with a free kick near the edge of the area, final chance to equalize

120+2 No they did not, Another wasted chance for the Socceroos

Final Whistle, Japan (1) Australia (0) Japan are Asian Champions for the fourth time in history, the blue samurai players are celebrating

Time to celebrate for Japanese Football fans, sure there will be a lot of celebrations in Japanese cities, although it's around 2:30 AM in Tokyo.

Japan vs. South Korea - Live Coverage

2011-01-25T16:25:00.017+03:00

Welcome to the live coverage of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup semi final between Japan and South Korea

Wonderful crowds at Gharrafa Stadium Today

Presure from Japan in the early few minutes, Yasuhito Endo's crosses creating trouble fore the Korean defeners.

16' - Korea Drew first blood, a beautifully curled free kick from Celtic's Ki Sung Yeung but Eiji Kawashima's stops it with a brilliant one handed save.

17' quick reply from Japan, Korean goalkeeper Sung Ryong did well to stop Endo's header and the ball hit the post.

21' Penalty for South Korea after Konno fouls Park Ji Sung inside the area.

22' Ki Sung Yeung took the penalty, and it's a gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal for the Koreans.

26' korean goalkeeper Sung Ruyong controls a well taken header from Honda.

32' South Korea wins a freek Kick on the right flank, good cross from Ki, but Koo Ja Cheol's header goes over the bar.

36' Goaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal - Japan Scores 1-1, Good run in the left flank from Nagatomo, cross to Ryochi Maeda who makes no mistake from close range.

37' Ji Dong Won header's saved by Kawashima.

38' Honda tries his luck with a long range effort, good block by the Korean goalkeeper.

Half-time score South Korea (1) Japan (1)

Second half kicks off no changes for both sides.

53' Japanese defender Uchida booked after a foul on Chung Yong

60 Brilliant skill from Koo, one of the best players in this tournament, he got rid of two Japanese defenders inside the area before hitting the side net.

66' First Substitution or the Koreans , Hong Jeung Ho IN - Ji Dong Won Out

72' Free Kick for Korea near the edge of the Japanese area, Lee Yong Rae left footed shot just inches away from the post.

79 ' A good shot from Okazaki, well handled Korean goalkeeper

80' Okazaki threatens again this time with a a strong header that flies over the bar.

Korea looks the better sides in the final minutes of the second half

We are into injury time here at Gharrafa stadium, The score still level 1-1, Seems like we are heading into extra-time

Fina Whistle - Japan (1) South Korea (1) , It's Extra Time we stil have 30 minutes of entertaining football

96' Okazaki wins a penalty for Japan, Saudi Referee Khalil Al Ghamdi hesitated before making the decision, Televesion replays shows the foul outside the Area, unlucky Korea.

98' Honda takes the penalty, Sung Ryong blocks, but Hosogai fllowed with a close range shot, Goaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal Japan leads 2-1

Midway through the second extra time - Pressure from Korea but Japan still leading 2-1

Seems like the Blue Samurai are heading for their fourth Asian Cup Final, they are leading 2-1 in closings second of the second extra time.

No they're not. The Koreans level the score in the final seconds through Hwang Jae Won..

What a match at Khalifa Stadium, Asian football at its best. Final Score 2-2 It's penalty Shots time.

Kawashima shines saving two penalties, Japan are through to the Final for the fourth time.

Qatar - China Live

2011-01-12T20:05:00.004+03:00

Qatar took the lead in the 27th minute, Yousef Ahmed scores. Beautiful ball control from Al Sadd player followed by a superb volley past the chinese goalkeeper Zeng Cheng.

We are into the final minutes of the first half, Qatar still in the lead with Yousef Ahmed's super goal.

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal - Qatar (2) - China (0) - Yousef Ahmed scores again this time with a low drive from the edge of the box.

Final Score Qatar (2) China (0) Al Anabbi revive their hopes of second round place with a win over China. Yousef Ahmed scored both goals.

Qatar - Uzbekitsan Preview

2011-01-07T16:13:00.002+03:00

Qatar will kick-off their 2011 AFC Asian Cup campaign today against Uzbekistan in the opening game that will take place at Khalifa Stadium.

The Qatari team and their French coach Bruno Metsu will be under pressure to perform well and get positive results during the tournament, especially with the country winning the bid to organize the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Al Ennabi’s main weapons to get those positive results will be the expected tremendous support of their fans at Khalifa Stadium. Qatar never lost against Uzbekistan in Doha and also won their last two meetings in Doha, 2-1 in 2006 (Asian Cup Qualifiers) and 3-0 in 2008 (FIFA World Cup Qualifiers).

Metsu took charge of the team in 2008 and his start was not so impressive but the French coach surely know how to get good results in big tournaments, like he did with Senegal in the 2002 FIFA World Cup (reached Quarter Finals) and UAE in 2007 (Gulf Cup Winners), he also led Al Ain of UAE to the title of 2003 AFC Champions League.

But despite the ups and downs of Ennabi with Metsu the team showed they can play very well, they got some good results during a number of European training games, including beating World Cup Quarter-Finalists Paraguay in 2009 and Drawing 1-1 with Bosnia in Sarajevo in 2010.

The team also showed great improvement in the last couple of months, during their home friendly matches, beating African champions Egypt 2-1 & Estonia 2-0, then drew with Iran 0-0.

The Qatari squad looks capable of reaching the semi finals for the first time in their history. The team includes a number of players who won the 2006 Asian Games gold medal in Doha, like Sebastian Soria, Mosaad Al Hamad, Ibrahim Al Ghanem and Khalfan Ibrahim.

Meanwhile, The Uzbek team underachieved in each tournament since they recorded their best ever result in their first continental appearance, winning the 1994 Asian Games gold medal.
Their main strength will be the attack line with the experienced Maksim Shatskikh and Alexander Geynrikh who is one of the best strikers in Asian football. They will be supported by a dangerous midfield that includes former Asian Player of the Year Server Djeparov, QSL leaders Lekhyiwa’s Jasur Hasanov and experienced winger Timur Kapadze.

History made in Zurich, Qatar to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup

2010-12-02T18:56:00.005+03:00

Historic day in Zurich, Qatar won the rights to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The first Arab and Middle Eastern nation to host Football's biggest tournament.

The presence of HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar and the powerful speech of HH Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned at the file presentation yesterday was absolutely effective.

Emotional address by HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad Al Thani after the announcement of the decision by FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Celebrations start in the streets of Doha, thousands of football fans at Doha cornish, Souq Waqif and Aspire Zone.

Congratulations to the people of Qatar and Middle East, and many thanks to everyone who worked with the Qatar 2022 bid committee.

More details soon..

It's time, Qatar tells FIFA

2010-12-02T12:44:00.005+03:00

BY RIZWAN REHMAT

Qatar urged FIFA — football’s governing body — to take a bold decision in awarding the World Cup to the Middle East for the first time in the history of the sport.

In an impassioned appeal on behalf of football fans of the region, H H Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned yesterday told FIFA's Executive Committee that the wait for the World Cup to come to the Middle East must end now.

Read the full article at the official website of The Peninsula newspaper.

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/134410-its-time-qatar-tells-fifa.html

Qatar squad for the 2010 Gulf Cup

2010-11-20T16:22:00.004+03:00

Al Sadd's Ali Afif in the friendly against Haiti

French coach Bruno Metsu named his final 28 man squad for the upcoming Gulf Cup in Yemen.

Former AFC player of the year Khalfan Ibrahim Khalfan is still recovering from a foot injury but made the final cut, while Mohamed Razak of League leaders Lekhwiya was excluded despite scoring eight goals since the start of the season.

Hussein Yasser of Zamalek SC was picked by Metsu and announced that he will travel with the team to Yemen, despite the objection of his Egyptian Club. The QFA is aiming to settle the dispute peacefully as Gulf Cup tournaments is not part of the FIFA Calendar.

Qatar will kick off their campaign on Monday with a match against nine time champions Kuwait. Hosts Yemen and Asian football giants Saudi Arabia made up the other two teams in the group.

Squad List

Goalkeepers

Saad Al Shib (Al Sadd)

Omar Barry (Al Rayyan)

Qassim Burhan (Al Gharrafa)

Defense

Mohamed Kasula (Al Sadd)

Mesad Al Hamad (Al Sadd)

Ibrahim Majid (Al Sadd)

Hamed Ismael (Al Rayyan)

Ibrahim Al Ghanem (Al Gharrafa)

Bilal Mohamed (Al Gharrafa)

Hamed Shami (Al Gharrafa)

George Kwesi (Al Gharrafa)

Moussa Haroun (Al Arabi)

Khaled Muftah (Lekhwiya)

Midfield

Wissam Rizq (Al Sadd)

Talal Al Bloushi (Al Sadd)

Magdi Sediq (Al Sadd)

Abdul Karim Hassan (Al Sadd)

Mohamed Abdul Rab (Al Sadd)

Fabio Cesar (Al Rayyan)

Lawrence Quaye (Al Gharrafa)

Abdul Aziz Al Sulaiti (Al Arabi)

Attack

Khalfan Ibrahim (Al Sadd)

Hussein Yasser (Zamalek)

Hassan Al Haidos (Al Sadd)

Ali Afif (Al Sadd)

Sebastian Soria (Qatar sc)

Maged Mohamed (Al Sailiyah)

Jar Allah Al Marri (Al Rayyan)

Qatar Stars Cup - Results

2010-11-20T14:47:00.005+03:00

Group A - Week 1

18/11/2010

Al Khor (3) - [Ibrahim Awal 25', C. Rebiero 27' 49']
Al Ahli (2) - [Adel Ahmed 54', Ali Khamis 73']

19/11/2010

Umm Salal (1) - [Saud Ghanem 7' Pen)
Al Arabi (0)

20/11/2010 - Saud bin Abdul Rahman Stadium (Al Wakra) - 19:45 Doha Time

Al Sadd vs. Al Wakra

Group B - Week 1

18/11/2010

Al Gharrafa (1) - [Clemerson 67']
Lekhwiya (1) - [Luis Martin Junior 51' Pen]

19/11/2010

Al Rayyan (0)
Al Khurityath (0)

20/11/2010 - Saud bin Abdul Rahman Stadium (Al Wakra) - 17:30 Doha Time

Qatar sc vs. Al Sailiyah

Brief News from Football Qatar

2010-11-19T18:39:00.005+03:00

Qatar wrapped up their preparations for the 2010 Gulf Cup with a surprise 1-0 defeat against Haiti in Doha.

Midfield Monuma Constant scored the only goal of the match in the 53^rd minute with an unstoppable right foot drive.

Bilal Mohamed scored in the 35^th minute but the goal was ruled out for offside. The Qatari team had most of the possession but they lacked creativity in the midfield and wasted a couple of good chances to level the score. Al Ennabi's best chance came in the second half when Sebastian Soria's shot hit the post.

Qatar will open their Gulf Cup campaign on Monday with a match against nine-times champions Kuwait. The other two teams in the group are hosts Yemen and former champions Saudi Arabia. Qatar won the title twice 1992 and 2003, on both occasions they were the hosts.

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Lionel Messi fired a superb injury time winner against Brazil to give Argentina their first win over their classic rivals since 2005.

In front of a fully-packed Khalifa Stadium in Doha, The Barcelona magic man dazzled past four defenders before slotting the ball home in style.

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The U-23 squad crashed out of the 2010 Asian games after an extra-time defeat against Uzbekistan.

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The 2011 Asian Cup Local Organizing Committee unveiled a five-member family of mascots for the competition that will be hosted by Doha in January.

Zkreti, Traana, Freha, Saboog and Tmbki are a small family of Jerboas, as small family of rodents that lives in the Desert. The mascots will be touring Qatar in November to promote the tournament.

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Aspire Academy successfully hosted the four day ASPIRE4SPORT Congress and Exhibition between 15-18 November, with a number of high profile guest speakers making their appearance.

Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson, Former Olympic champion Michael Johnson, Barcelona president Sandro Rossell, and Williams F1 founder sir Frank Williams are just some of the names that attended the event.

Qatar Stars League - Week 2 - Matches

2010-09-19T14:21:00.003+03:00

19/09/2010

Thani Bin Jassim Stadium (Al Gharrafa)
18:00 - Lekhwiya vs. Al Gharrafa (Live - Al Kass, Jazeera Sport 2)

Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan)
18:00 - Al Sailiyah vs. Al Sadd (Live - Al Kass, Jazeera Sport 1)
20:15 - Al Rayyan vs. Al Ahly (Live - Al Kass, Jazeera Sport 1 & Global)

20/09/2010

Al Khor Stadium (Al Khor)
18:00 - Al Khor vs. Qatar sc (Live - Al Kass, Jazeera Sport 2)

Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium (Qatar Sports Club)
18:00 - Umm Salal - Al Wakra (Live - Al Kass, Jazeera Sport +4)

Grand Hamad Stadium (Al Arabi)
20:15 - Al Arabi vs. Al Khurityath (Live - Al Kass, Jazeera Sport 1 & Global)

** All Matches - Doha time (+3 GMT)

2010-09-18T02:17:00.004+03:00

The FIFA inspection team has just ended a three-day visit to Qatar with the positive conclusion that the country "has the potential to host an international sports event such as the FIFA World Cup".

Football Qatar will bring you a full report of the event, day by day summaries, reactions from inside Qatar and around the world, profile of Qatar 2022 bid new Ambassador Zinedine Zidane, and much more.

Stay tuned.

Qatar Stars League - Week 1 - Review

2010-09-18T00:02:00.002+03:00

Al Sadd (1) Al Rayyan (0)

Ivorian international Abdul Kader Keita marked his return to Al Sadd after five seasons in Europe with scoring the winning goal in "El Clasico" against their bitter rivals Al Rayyan.

The new cooling technology, that Qatar intend to apply in all the stadiums, in case the country secured the rights to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, was used for the first time.

The FIFA delegation, who were in an official visit to Qatar to evaluate the country's bid, attended the match, and were impressed by the results as the temperature inside Jassim bin Hamad stadium was around 19 °C with an outside temperature of more than 37 °C.

The match itself was highly entertaining, Al Sadd goalkeeper Saad Al Shib was in top form and made a number of crucial saves before his team took the lead just before the break.

Keita headed in a shot from Wissam Rizq, and Al Rayyan players complained for offside but the television replays showed the visitor's Brazilian defender Marcelo Bordon provided the cover for the Ivorian marksman.

Al Sadd best chances in the second-half came in the 57th minute, but Al Rayyan's goalkeeper Omar barry made a finger tip save to deny Hassan Al haydoos. The visitor's Korean defender Cho Yong-hyung was sent off in injury-time after a foul on Al Shib.

Lekhwiya (4) Al Sailiya (0)

Newcomers Lekhwiya made a dream debut in Qatar Stars League with an emphatic 4-0 win over Al Sailiyah. All goals came in the second half through Ghanaian-born striker Mohamed Razak.

Lekhwiya's new signing, Ivorian international Aruna Dindane missed the game through injury, but his compatriot Bakary kone and Uzbekistan international Jasur Hasanov were in the starting line up and made an impressive league debut.

Al Arabi (2) Umm Salal (2)

An injury-time strike from Leonardo Pisculichi saved Al Arabi from a Embarrassing home defeat in their opening league match against umm Salal.

The home team took a first half lead through last years QSl top scorer Brazilian Cabore, but Spanish star Gabri levelled the score early in the second half after a wonderful show of dribbling skills. and minutes later the visitors were in the lead with a goal from "last season's bad boy" Brazilian Davi.

seconds before the final whistle "Piscu" sent a trade mark left foot strike past goal keeper Saleh Al Lhyar to save the day for the "Dream Team".

Qatar sc (3) Al Khurityath (2)

Qatar sc came back from behind to overcome last season's surprise package Al Khurityath with a late goal from Brazilian striker Marcinho.

Qatari international Sebastian Soria gave the home team the lead after just 10 minutes with an unstoppable shot from inside the area.

But, Burkina Faso international Yahia Kebe equalized for the visitor's ten minutes later tabbing in Mosaab Mahmoud's cross from close range.

Three minutes later, kebe scored his second with a beautifully taken free-kick and his team ended the first half in the lead.

Soria leveled the score early in the second half after he combined well with Iraqi international Qusay Mounir, and nine minutes from time a perfect pass from Mohamed Omar an intelligent move from Marcinho, left the Brazilian with a clear opportunity with the visitor's goalkeeper Khalipha Boubacr and he made no mistake to give his team the three points.

Al Wakra (0) Al Khor (0)

Al Khor had more of the possession in a match that saw few chances for both sides and an impressive performance by Al Wakra's young goalkeeper Ahmed Sofian.

Al Hilal (3) Al Gharrafa (0)

2010-09-17T23:54:00.002+03:00

Al Gharrafa slumped to a heavy 3-0 defeat against Saudi champions Al Hilal on Wednesday in the first leg of the AFC Champions League quarter finals.

Infront of 53,241 fans at King fahd stadium, a record home crowd for the Saudi club, the Qatar Stars League champions were in poor form and their defense line was unable to cope with Al Hilal's powerful attack. Belgian coach Eric Gerets described his team's performance as their best of the season.

Veteran Saudi international Mohamed Al Shalhoub gave the home side an early lead with a left foot strike from inside the box.

Fourteen minutes into the second half, Goalkeeper Abdul Aziz Ali could only parry a Tiagho Neves free kick as far as Ahmed Al Fardi, and the Saudi International made no mistake scoring on the rebound from close range.

Substitute Waleed Al Gizani added the third five minutes from time after another slow response from the shambolic defense of the "Leopards".

The second leg is scheduled for September 22nd in Doha, and the Qatari champions now need at least a 3-0 win to keep alive their chances of a place in the semis.

Bosnia Herzegovina (1) Qatar (1)

2010-08-11T10:09:00.002+03:00

The Qatari national team concluded their European training camp with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia Herzegovina in a friendly international in Sarajevo on Tuesday.

Vidad Ibesivic gave the home side the lead after just nine minutes capitalizing on a deadly mistake by Mohamed Kasula.

Wissam Rizq, making his national team return after a couple of years marred by injuries, equalized for "Al Annabi" from the spot 15 minutes into the second half.

The match saw the return of Hussein Yasser for the first time since the 2009 Gulf Cup, and debut of Al Gharrafa's defender George Kwasi.

Qatar line-up

Qassim Burhan – Geroge Kwasi, Mesaad Al Hamad (Hamed Shami), Bilal Mohamed, Mohamed Kasula – Wissam Rizq (Younis Ali), Talal Al Bloushi, Majdi Sediq (Saad Sattam Al Shmari), Hussein Yasser (Fabio Cesar) – Khalfan Ibrahim (Ali Afif), Majid Mohamed.

Oman and UAE into semis

2010-07-31T01:17:00.005+03:00

Oman and UAE secured their places in the semi finals of the U-23 Gulf Cup on Friday with wins over Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Qatar is hosting the tournament from July 28th till August 7th, and the matches are being played on the FIFA approved football field inside the fully air conditioned Aspire Dome, the largest indoor sports facility in the world. The capacity of the football field is around 6000 Spectators.

Defender Nasser Al Shamli gave Oman the lead after ten minutes with a well taken header, and Mansour Al Nuaimi made sure his team will finish top of Group A scoring from the spot eight minutes from time.

Oman defeated Qatar in the opening day of the tournament with the same score, and now the second spot in the group will be decided on Sunday when the hosts take on Bahrain.

In Group B, UAE made their debut with a deserved 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia in a game in which they have most of the possession and wasted many chances.

Substitute Ahmed Khalil scored the winning goal four minutes from time with a beautiful free kick. Khalil who plays for Al Wahda was the 2008 Asian young footballer of the year.

The Saudis are playing with their Under-19 squad as part of their preparations for the upcoming AFC Asian Youth Championship that will be held in China next October.

They drew 1-1 with Kuwait in the opening day of the tournament, and still have a chance to make it to the semi finals if the Kuwaitis lost their match against UAE with more than two goals.

Qatar Stars League - Clubs get ready for the new season

2010-07-30T18:54:00.005+03:00

Qatar Stars League clubs continue their preparations in Europe for the 2010-11 season that will kick off in mid September, here are some friendly matches results:

18/7 – Avion (FRA) vs. Lakhwiya [1-1]
18/7 – Go Ahead Eagles vs. Umm Salal [1-1]
21/7 – Swindon Town vs. Al Sadd [1-1]
22/7 – Al Fath (Saudi Arabia) vs. Al Wakra [0-0]
24/7 – Lille (FRA) vs. Al Ahli [3-0]
25/7 – Nasr (UAE) vs. Al Sailiyah [1-0]
25/7 – Chateauroux (FRA) vs. Lakhwiya [4-1]
25/7 – Achilles'29 (NED) vs. Umm Salal [0-1]
27/7 – Roma (ITA) vs. Al Sadd [2-1]
27/7 – Getafe B (ESP) vs. Qatar sc [2-3]
27/7 – Wahda (UAE) vs. Al Arabi [2-0]
27/7 – Eintracht Frankfurt U23 (GER) vs. Al Wakra [3-0]
27/7 – Ijsselmeervogels (NED) vs. Umm Salal [1-1]
28/7 – Dubai (UAE) vs. Al Sailiyah [3-1]

2010-11 QSL schedule announced

2010-07-29T02:25:00.002+03:00

The Qatar Football Federation (QFA) announced the 2010-11 Qatar Stars League schedule on Tuesday.

There will be huge anticipation among football fans in Qatar for the first week that will kick off in mid-September as 12 time champion Al Sadd host Al Rayyan at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. The match is dubbed "El Clasico" due to the huge popularity of both clubs in Qatar.

Defending champions Al Gharrafa was due to face Al Ahli in the same round but the match was postponed due to the leopards' AFC Champions League quarter finals clash against Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia.

Another Clasico "Al Rayyan vs. Al Arabi" is scheduled for October 27th in week eight, while arch-rivals Al Sadd and Al Gharrafa will face off in week 10 on November 6th.

QSL – Week One

13/09/2010

Lekhwiya vs. Al Sailiyah
Al Arabi vs. Umm Salal

14/09/2010

Al Sadd vs. Al Rayyan
Al Wakra vs. Al Khor

15/09/2010

Al Khurityath vs. Qatar sc
Al Ahly vs. Al Gharrafa (Postponed)

Al Sadd sign Korean international Lee

2010-07-22T16:03:00.002+03:00

KASHIMA, Japan (AFP) - South Korean defender Lee Jung-Soo has agreed to play for Qatari side Al Sadd, officials from his current J-League club Kashima Antlers said Thursday.

Lee, who is 30, made his debut for South Korean national team in March 2008 and scored two goals in last month's World Cup, helping his team reach the last 16.

"I feel very sorry that I will leave Kashima in the middle of the season. I received a chance to play football in different cultures. It's a new challenge for me," said Lee in a statement.

Lee, who joined Kashima from Kyoto Sanga this season, scored three times in 10 games, including a match-winning goal to help Kashima regain top spot in the league last Saturday.

The J-League has been overshadowed by rich Middle Eastern clubs who have repeatedly lured its most accomplished players, including Brazilians Davi from Nagoya Grampus, Kabore from FC Tokyo and Leandro from Gamba Osaka.

AFP

Football Qatar – Latest News

2010-07-19T16:30:00.003+03:00

Yemen is set to host the 2010 Gulf Cup in late November, and the final draw will be conducted in August.
Tickets for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup Finals will be available to buy online starting from Sunday July 25th. More details will be available soon.
Qatar Under-23 squad is currently in a training camp in Holland with their Dutch coach Co Adriaanse preparing for the Under-23 Gulf Cup to be held in Doha later this month in the Aspire Dome.
Qatar national team's friendly international against Bosnia in Sarajevo will played on August 10th instead of August 11th. The team will also face Oman in Doha on September 7th, after pre-scheduled match against Estonia was canceled.

Jorge Fossati is the new coach of Saudi Arabian club Al Shabab. The Uruguayan is one of the most successful coaches in the history of Al Sadd.

QSL - Brief News

2010-07-19T16:24:00.002+03:00

Lekhwiya

Former Morocco international Abdeslam Ouaddou signed a three-year contract with newly promoted Lekhwiya.

The 31-year-old defender formerly played for Nancy (France), Fulham (England) and Olymiakos (Greece), he also represented Morocco in three African Nations Cups (2004 – 2006 – 2008) before announcing his international retirement earlier this year.

Lekhwiya squad is currently in France for their summer training camp.

Sailiyah

Training camp in Germany

Khurytiath

Training camp in Evry, France.

Al Rayyan

Training camp in Netherlands, will travel on Tuesday.

Al Sadd

Training camp in Austria & Italy

Al Gharrafa

Training camp in Evreux, France.

Umm Salal

Training camp in Netherlands, they drew 1-1 with Go Ahead Eagles in their first friendly match.

Qatar sc

Training camp in Spain, starting July 21st and will include five friendly matches.

Wakrah

Training camp in Germany to start on July 18th.

Al Arabi

Training camp in Germany starting on July 18th.

Al Ahli

Training camp in France.

According to Al Sharq newspaper, Zimbabwe international Tinashe Nengomasha is undergoing trials with the club. He is currently with Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa.

Al Khor

Training camp in France. Their latest recruit is Brazilian defender Alan Bahia from Atlético Paranaense.

Malaga CF – Latest News

2010-07-02T23:56:00.001+03:00

Spanish Primera Division club Malaga CF officially presented Jesualdo Ferreira as their new coach. The 64-year-old Portuguese coach signed a three-year contract.

It will be the first test for Ferreira outside his homeland where he successfully led Porto to three consecutive league titles between 2006 and 2009, and to the quarter-final stage of the UEFA Champions League in the 2008-2009 season.

Qatari businessman, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani became the owner of the Andalucían club last month in a deal worth 36 million Euros. He also became the club's new president, with the former president and owner Fernando Sanz staying in a consulting role.

The club's first signing this season is Portuguese international midfielder Eliseu who played for the "Boquerones" between 2007 and 2009.

QSL 2010-11 – Latest News

2010-07-02T22:25:00.005+03:00

Al Rayyan

Ivoirian international Amara Diane will stay with a Rayyan for the 2010-11 season.

The team will travel to Holland on July 20th for a 30-day training camp.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani, Honorary member of Al Rayyan, is the new owner of Spanish club Malaga CF. The deal was officially announced last week and worth around 36 million Euros

Al Gharrafa

The "Leopards" strengthened their squad for the new season by signing Meshaal Abdullah from Al Ahli and Bilal Abdul Rahman from Al Khurytiath.

Preparations continue for the QSL title defense and the AFC Champions League quarter final clash against Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia. The first leg is scheduled for September 15th in Riyadh.

It will include a training camp in Evreux, France that will start in late July, and a possible participation in a friendly tournament in UAE.

Al Ahli

Al Ahli signed a one-year deal with Omani international Mohamed Rabia. The 29-year-old centre-back spent the last five seasons with Al Sadd.

Experienced Serbian Ilija Petkovic will lead the team in the 2010-11 season. He led Serbia and Montenegro in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and was recently with Incheon United of South Korea.

Meshaal Abdullah left to QSL champions Al Gharrafa and goalkeeper Amer Al Dosari joined Umm Salal.

Al Sadd

The team will travel to Austria and Italy for a 30-day training camp in which they will play matches against Poli Timisoara (Romania), Swindon Town (England), Roma, Parma, Cesena, Chievo and Padova (Italy).

Al Arabi

Brazilian Pericles Chamusca is the new coach of Al Arabi.

Chamusca started his managerial career in 1992, he worked with many Brazilian clubs including Botafogo and Sao Caetano and Avai and also led the Japanese club Oita Trinita to the cup title in 2008.

The club renewed the contracts of Waleed Hamza for one year and Mojtaba Sayed Jaafar for two years.

Lekhwiya

Former Algerian international Djamel Belmadi is the new coach of newly promoted Lekhwiya.

The club's New signing, Ivoirian international Bakari Kone is expected to arrive in Doha in the next few days.

Umm Salal

The team will be in Holland for a training Camp in the city of Arnhem between July 14th till August 3rd. They will play matches against a number of Dutch clubs that include Go Ahead Eagles and Ado den Haag.

Al Khurytiath

Al Khurytiath will represent Qatar in 2010-2011 Gulf Clubs Cup. Last season Qatar sc reached the final before controversially losing to Al Wasl of UAE.

Sheikh Jassim Cup draw on July 7th

2010-07-02T22:23:00.004+03:00

The 2010-11 Qatari football season will kick off in August 16th with the Sheikh Jassim Cup.

Eighteen teams will take part in the competition (Twelve Qatar Stars League clubs & six the second division clubs), and will be divided into four groups with the top team in each group making it to the semi-finals.

The draw for the 2010-11 Sheikh Jassim Cup will be held on July 7th.

Umm Salal is the current title holders, they beat Al Khor 2-0 in the 2009 final.

2010-11 provisional calendar

Qatar Stars League – Day One – 14 September, 2010
Qatar Stars League – Final Day – 14 September, 2011
Qatar Stars Cup – Day one – 7 October, 2010
Qatar Stars Cup – Final – 29 December, 2010
Heir Apparent Cup – First Round – 18 April, 2011
Heir Apparent Cup – Final – 23 April, 2011
Emir Cup – First Round – 21 April, 2011
Emir Cup – Final – 14 May, 2011

Metsu to announce Qatar squad on Saturday

2010-07-02T22:18:00.001+03:00

French coach Bruno Metsu will announce Qatar national team squad on July 3rd, ahead of a training camp in Paris that will be concluded with a friendly match against Bosnia Herzegovina in Sarajevo, on August 11th.

An international friendly against Estonia in Doha on September 7th was also confirmed by the QFA.

It all comes as part of the team's preparations for the 20th Gulf Cup in Yemen (November 2010) and Asian Cup Finals in Qatar (January 2011)

Qatar under-23 head for Holland training camp

2010-07-02T22:14:00.002+03:00

The Qatar under-23 squad will travel for Holland on July 3rd for a three-week training camp.

The team is preparing for the 2nd under-23 Gulf Cup that will be held in Doha between July 28th and August 7th at the Aspire Academy indoor football stadium.

Six teams will take in the tournament. Group A includes hosts Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait playing in Group B.

The tournament will kick off on July 28th at 05:30 pm with a match between Qatar and Oman.

Honda Shines as Japan advance to the round of 16

2010-06-25T20:35:00.004+03:00

A brilliant performance by Keisuke Honda helped Japan to a historic 3-1 victory over Denmark in the third round of the group stage at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The win earned Japan a place in the round of 16 for the second time in their history, where they will face group six leaders Paraguay.

The only time Japan reached the second round was in 2002 when they hosted the tournament. They were knocked out by a strong Turkish side that later finished third.

Meanwhile, North Korea ended their World Cup campaign on Friday with a 3-0 defeat against Cote d'Ivoire.

The result was not a surprise, as after the 7-0 hammering by Portugal in their second match, the North Koreans lost all hopes of qualifying to the next stage.

The Chollima's best performance came in their opening game when they lost 1-2 to Brazil.

With two of the four Asian teams making it to the second round, the chance that FIFA may grant the continent an extra spot in the next finals is strong, specially with the poor performance of the six representatives of Africa, as only Ghana made it to round of sixteen.

Brave Socceroos out despite beating Serbia

2010-06-24T00:01:00.002+03:00

Despite beating Serbia 2-1 in their final group game, Australia missed out on a chance to go through to the second round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The Socceroos 4-0 defeat against group winners Germany in their opening game, gave Ghana the second spot in the group only on goal difference, after both teams finished level on four points.

Tim Cahill gave Australia the lead after 69 minutes with a well-taken header. Four minutes later the Socceroos were 2-0 up with a stunning long range effort from substitute Bret Holman.

At the same time the Germans were leading Ghana 1-0 in the other group match, which meant that the Australians needed to score two more goals to go through.

But Serbia pulled one back six minutes from time through Marko Pantelic to make the task more difficult for the Australians.

The Serbians then were denied a penalty in the last minutes of the game after Tim Cahill handled the ball inside the area, and the match ended with a win for Australia.

It was Australia's second ever win at the World Cup Finals after they recorded their first win the 2006 edition against Japan.

Bright future for Malaga

2010-06-23T23:04:00.001+03:00

The new owner of Spanish club Malaga CF, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani, is planning to make the Andalucían club one of the top sides in La Liga.

Details of the deal are expected to be revealed later this week during a press conference at the club's headquarters.

Current Malaga president Fernando Sanz will stay at the club's board of directors as a consultant.

Last season, Malaga, founded in 1948, avoided relegation to the second division in the last day of the competition. The 2010/2011 season will be the club's third successive season in the Spanish top division.

Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferreira is expected to replace Juan Lopez Muniz. Ferreira guided Porto to three successive league titles in Portugal between 2006 and 2009.

Taegeuk warriors into the second round

2010-06-23T23:03:00.003+03:00

2011 Asian Cup finalists, South Korea, booked their place in the round of 16 of the 2010 World Cup Finals after an exciting 2-2 draw with Nigeria on Tuesday.

The Koreans finished second in group two behind Argentina, and will now face Uruguay on June 26th for a place in the quarter finals.

The Taegeuk warriors recorded Asia's best result in the history of the competition, when they finished fourth in the 2002 edition.

AFC gives green light to 2011 Asian Cup plans

2010-06-01T19:18:00.000+03:00

Asia’s governing football body, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have enthusiastically endorsed the arrangements in place for Qatar’s biggest sporting event next year, the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011™.

Senior officials from the AFC’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur are in Qatar to look at the preparations and planning for Asia’s premier football tournament which brings together the continent’s 16 top teams from 7-29 January next year.

The AFC visited the five stadiums staging the 32 matches in the tournament, including the jewel in Qatar’s crown, Khalifa International Stadium, which will be hosting the opening and closing ceremonies, Qatar’s matches in the group phase, one quarter-final, one semi-final and the final.

“We have visited all the venues as well as the Main Media Centre and the International Broadcast Centre and we went through many details with the venue planning team. We have completed, during our visit, all venues planning as well as the finer details related to the broadcast requirements”, said Mr Tokuaki Suzuki, AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011™ Tournament Director.

The two sides were also discussing Ticketing, Marketing and Accreditation programmes with a particular focus on attracting football fans from the region as well as Qatar.

In addition, the local organisers presented their plans for a stunning FanZone with games, food and entertainment which is expected to be the hub of activities during the tournament.

The AFC’s management team also fine tuned the planned broadcast operations for the event which will be watched by hundreds of millions of viewers across Asia.

The local organisers, the Qatar Local Organising Committee (QLOC), are working closely with host broadcaster Al Dawri & Al Kass to provide High Definition (HD) coverage of every match in the tournament for the first time in Asian Cup history.

QLOC’s Chief Operating Officer Dr Athanasios Batsilas was also optimistic that his team, a number of them with international event experience, would produce a world-class tournament. “Nearly all the elements are in place,” he said. “We have had very fruitful discussions with the AFC and are on track to stage a great event which will showcase the best of Asian football.”

Mr Suzuki added: “We appreciate all the hard work that has been done by the venue planning department of the QLOC to get the facilities up to the standards of AFC. I believe the QLOC have done a very good job and we look forward to working with them closely over the next seven months”.

To underline the quality of the tournament, four of the 16 qualifiers – Australia, Japan, the Korea Republic and DPR Korea – will be taking part in the World Cup in South Africa which kicks off on 11 June.

Aboutrika backs Qatar's world cup bid

2010-05-28T00:56:00.002+03:00

Egyptian football star Mohamed Aboutrika showed great support for Qatar's bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup during an interview with Qatari newspaper Al Sharq, published on Tuesday.

"I was extremely happy to see an Arab country taking a step to organize a prestigious tournament like the World Cup; I wish them all the best" Aboutrika said.

He assured that Qatar has a very good chance to be chosen as hosts "Qatar has superb stadiums, excellent infrastructure and the technology to host the event, so why not, it will be a dream come true to see the world cup in Qatar, and will be a great honor for all Arabs."

Aboutrika is a living legend among football fans in the Arab world and the African continent. He led Al Ahli club of Cairo to many honors at local and international levels, and was a vital part of the Egyptian national team that won the 2006 and 2008 African Nations Cup.

Here are some articles about Aboutrika

FIFA
http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/news/newsid=689327.html/

BBC

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/7915685.stm

World Food program

http://www.wfp.org/stories/mohamed-aboutrika-scoring-against-poverty

And here is a link for the full interview with Al Sharq newspaper (only in Arabic)

http://al-sharq.com/articles/more.php?id=196049&date=2010-05-25

Yasser continue to shine

2010-05-28T00:00:00.003+03:00

Hussein Yasser continued to boost his chances of a place in Qatar's final squad for the 2011 Asian Cup Finals with some impressive performances with his club Zamalek in the 2010 Egypt Cup.

Yasser created the goal that took his club past the second division side Al Fayum in the round of 32, sending a well timed cross to the goal scorer Ahmed Gaafar.

And in the round of sixteen against their arch rivals Al Ahli, the Qatari international put his side into the lead after just 53 seconds with a fine close range finish. However, league champions Al Ahli replied with three goals to book their place in the quarter finals.

Yasser moved to Al Zamalek during the winter transfer window, after 18 months with Al Ahli in which he was mostly used as a sub.

Qatar 2022 in the lead according to WFI poll

2010-05-27T22:32:00.003+03:00

A recent poll by World Football Insider website showed great support for Qatar to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The website visitors were asked to choose the country that deserves to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and out of 14,659 participants, 4650 (31.7 %) choose Qatar as the best place to host the event ahead of Japan (21.7 %), South Korea (20.9 %), Australia (18.1 %) and USA (7.5 %).

Japan and South Korea co hosted the event in 2002, while the 1994 edition was played in the United States.

For more info visit WFI website http://www.worldfootballinsider.com/Story.aspx?id=33316

Furthermore, an analysis assessing weakness and strength points of all the 2018 and 2022 bids was published by the website on Wednesday and showed great progress by Qatar who came in second place, two points behind England who is favourite to host the 2018 event.

More details at WFI http://www.worldfootballinsider.com/Story.aspx?id=33321

WFI info

Based in United States, World Football Insider is a leading website covering news about football industry from all around the world. According to Alexa web information company (http://www.alexa.com/), around 50 % of the website visitors come from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

It was founded in June 2009 by notable American sports journalist Ed Hula, the man behind "Around The Rings" http://www.aroundtherings.com/ a leading media outlet specialized in covering news about the Olympic Movement since 1992.

Lekhwiya get ready for their QSL debut

2010-05-27T21:07:00.002+03:00

Qatar Stars League debutants Lekhwiya reinforced their squad for the 2010/2011 season by signing Ivory Coast internationals Bakary Kone and Aruna Dindane.

Since their promotion, the club formerly known as "Al Shorta" or "Police Club" had been busy in the transfer market. Their new additions include Al Sadd's veteran Brazilian midfielder Felipe and Umm Salal's goalkeeper Baba Malick.

Some newspapers reports also linked Australian international Joshua Kennedy with a move to the club. He's currently playing his trade in Japan with Nagoya Grampus Eight.

Kone, who played for Al Gharrafa in 2002, helped Marseille to win the French Ligue 1 this season scoring four goals in 27 appearances, but he started sixteen of them on the bench.

The 28-year-old is one of the most skilful players in the French League, and likes to play as a second striker or left winger. He scored eight goals in 40 matches with the national team.

Dindane will join from French side Lens after he spent this season on loan at Portsmouth. He scored eight goals in 19 appearances for the financially-troubled Premier League side but could not prevent their relegation to the championship.

The pair started their career at the Ivorian famous club, ASEC Mimosas, and are set to play a vital role in the "Elephants" World Cup Finals campaign this summer in South Africa.

Gabri and Melchiot to sign for Umm Salal

2010-05-27T16:09:00.002+03:00

Umm Salal sports club announced Thursday the arrival of their new European duo; Gabri Garcia of Ajax Amsterdam, and Mario Melchiot from the premier league side Wigan Athletic.

Both players have arrived in Doha, where Gabri passed the medical examination, and Melchiot is to take it later on.

Gabri who started his career with Barcelona B in 1997 joined the A-team for the Catalan side a couple of years later, where he stayed until 2006 before a move to Ajax on a free transfer. He can play either as a right or central midfielder, and is well known for his defensive capabilities & tackles.

As for the other signing, Melchiot holds an impressive career records with teams like Ajax, Chelsea FC, and Wigan Athletic where the versatile right-back has spent the past three seasons.

It was upon the request of Umm Salal coach, the Dutchman Henk ten Cate, to bring his compatriot Melchiot and the Spaniard Gabri to the Qatar Stars League to reinforce the orange team.

Unrivaled Fan Zones for Asian Cup 2011

2010-05-27T13:12:00.002+03:00

The local organizers of next year’s AFC Asian Cup are planning one of the most ambitious FanZone projects ever undertaken with the aim of involving the whole community in Asia’s premier sporting event.

The Qatar Local Organising Committee (QLOC) of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 yesterday approved what is almost certain to be the hub of activities during the 16-nation tournament which kicks off on 7 January.

The QLOC Board of Directors gave the go-ahead to a wide range of entertainment, food and fun for all the family to celebrate the three-week festival of football.

QLOC is confident the FanZone will attract more than football lovers and will be “The Place To Be” for all the family.

While the location has not been confirmed, the FanZone will be open every day during the tournament and will offer a different schedule of events every day with an ever-changing menu of food and drink from participating countries from the region and across Asia.

“QLOC is constantly looking for innovative ways to spark interest in the tournament and get everyone involved in this great festival of the best football in Asia,” said Hilal Al-Mohannadi, the Communications and Marketing Director.

For lovers of football, there will be penalty simulators, speed kicking, goal wall and ball control competitions, tabletop football and electronic football games (FIFA, Pro Evolution Soccer), beach soccer and street soccer.

And for those interested in the zanier side of the game, there are plans for a football pitch with bumps as well as a three goal-pitch.

Different regional food and drink will be served (from Qatar, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Indian, Far East, Uzbekistan and Australia) in a nice and relaxing environment.

All month long, QLOC will be offering a number of interactive experiences, including the chance to win prizes, photo opportunities and much more at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 FanZone.

And not forgetting the tournament of course, giant TV screens will display the live matches. Concerts and shows will also be part of this entertainment extravaganza.

The AFC Asian Cup kicks off on 7 January at Khalifa International Stadium with hosts Qatar playing Uzbekistan.

QSL Transfer Center – 25/05/2010

2010-05-25T18:10:00.003+03:00

Here is the latest Transfer news & gossip from local newspapers

Aziz bin Askar might be on his way out of Emir Cup finalists Umm Salal after two successful seasons with the club. Al Ahli, Al Wakrah, Al Khurytiath and Saudi club Al Qadisya are said to be interested in the 34 year-old Moroccan centre-back.

Al Sailiyah will travel to Germany on July 12th for a three-week training camp. Last week, the club appointed German coach Uli Stielke to lead the team during the 2010/2011 season.

Umm Salal's Dutch coach Henk Ten Cate is keen on bringing former Spanish international midfielder Gabri from Ajax Amsterdam. The 31 year-old graduate of FC Barcelona youth academy joined Ajax in 2006 after seven seasons with the Catalan club.

According to Al Watan newspaper, former Spanish international Guti, who left Real Madrid after 15 successful seasons with the Premiera Liga club, will join either Galatasaray of Turkey or a Qatari club.

2010 Emir Cup Final Prizes

2010-05-25T16:45:00.004+03:00

If you were of the 50,000 spectators who attended the 2010 Emir Cup Final and still looking for the winning ticket numbers, have a look at the full list of winners published on the QFA website.

http://www.qfa.com.qa/topics/index.asp?level=4&item_no=11646&version=1&temp_id=346&temp_type=42&parent_id=345

According to al Raya Newspaper, The QFA announced that many ticket winners did not claim their prizes yet, and set the 27th of May as the deadline for claiming them. The unclaimed prizes include a number of Toyota Vehicles.

Good Luck

Al Gharrafa to face Al Hilal

2010-05-25T15:43:00.002+03:00

The draw for the Quarter finals of the AFC Champions League was held in Kuala Lumpur today.
Qatar Stars League champions Al Gharrafa will face two-time winners Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia.

A difficult test for the Qatari team against Asia's club of the century, who knocked their compatriot Al Sadd from the group stage, and a positive result for the "leopards" in the first leg set for September 15th in Saudi capital Riyadh will be crucial if they want to make it to the final four.

The second leg will be played in Gharrafa's Thani bin Jassim stadium a week later. And if the attacking duo of Iraqi Younis Mahmud and Brazilian Clemerson can keep up the form they showed during the QSL season, The Qatari champions will surely be able to win.

Last year Umm Salal was able to knock out Al Hilal from the round of 16 after a penalty shoot-out win in Riyadh. They followed that by a surprise win over FC Seoul of South Korea n the quarter finals, before losing to eventual champions Pohang Steelers in the semis.

Au revoir Toulon

2010-05-25T15:41:00.001+03:00

Qatar under-23 squad crashed out of the 38th Toulon tournament group stage with defeats against Chile and Denmark and a single draw with Russia.

The Annual "Tournoi de Toulon" is one of the top youth tournaments in the world, and the likes of Thierry Henry, Jean Pierre Papin and Alan Shearer all tasted their first success on international level in this small southern French city.

The team's defense line was a disaster in the first two games as they lost 2-4 to Chile, then 1-3 to Denmark, but there was a slight improvement in the final game against Russia which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Al Sadd's striker Hassan Al Haydoos was the star of the team scoring in all three matches, including a beautifully curled free kick from the edge of the box in the opening match against Chile.

Overall the tournament was a good opportunity for Dutch coach Co Adriaanse to know his team's weakness points before the upcoming 2012 summer Olympics qualifiers.

Qatar's last appearance in the Olympic Games football competition was 18 years ago in Barcelona when they made it to the final eight after some impressive performances in the group stage against Spain, Egypt and Colombia.

AL RAYYAN ARE THE 2010 EMIR CUP CHAMPIONS

2010-05-15T21:03:00.001+03:00

Fantastic atmosphere at Khalifa Stadium.

50,000 fans watched Afonso Alves scoring the winner as Al Rayyan beat Umm Salal 1-0 in the final.

Congratulations to all Al Rayyan fans and hard luck to Umm Salal.

Details to follow soon.

2010 Emir Cup Final - The Big Preview - Part 3 - The Match

2010-05-14T23:53:00.006+03:00

Info
- The Emir Cup is the most prestigious competition in the state of Qatar.
- The final match is the most followed annual sports event in the country.
- The first edition of the competition dates back to 1972.
- HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani will present the trophy to the winning team.

HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
during last year's final at Khalifa Stadium.

Date Saturday, May 15th, 2010

Location Khalifa International Stadium – Doha Sports City Complex – Next to Aspire Academy & Villaggio Shopping Mall (Capacity: 50.000 spectators)

Kick-off 19:00 Local Time (16:00 GMT)

Match events
- Stadium gates & the Fan Zone will be open from 15:00 Local time (12:00 GMT)
- Sponsors will offer a wide range of gifts and entertainment activities in the fan zone, and after the match tickets will be for Prizes with a total value of two million Qatari riyals.

Tickets
- Available in major shopping centers like Villaggio, City Center and Land Mark.
- About 90 % of the tickets are already sold, those who did not buy a ticket yet can get it on the day of the match as 10 % of the tickets will be available to buy from the ticket office of Khalifa Stadium on Saturday starting 13:00

Stadium Gates
Al Rayyan section [Gate 22 – 23 – 24]
Umm Salal section [Gate 03 – 04 – 05]
Families section [Gate 08 – 09 – 10]
Women-Only section [Gate 06 – 07]
Special needs section [Gate 15]

Referee
Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)

Al Gharrafa players celebrate
winning last year's trophy