Search form

You are here

  • Home
  • As it happened: Egypt 0 Uruguay 1


As it happened: Egypt 0 Uruguay 1

1 / 6
2 / 6
3 / 6
4 / 6
5 / 6
6 / 6
Mohamed Salah waves to supporters as he arrives for the Group A match between Egypt and Uruguay. The Liverpool forward will start the match on the bench. (AP)
Updated 15 June 2018
Arab News
Follow

As it happened: Egypt 0 Uruguay 1

  • Jose Giménez scores after 89 minutes in Yekaterinburg
  • Mohamed Salah left on the bench for Egypt
Updated 15 June 2018
Arab News

REACTION: Jermaine Jenas: "Egypt were strong in the early stages but they lacked creativity."

Gary Lineker. "It was a valiant effort from Egypt. They held on for so long."

Phil Neville: "That was a cruel, cruel blow at the end for Egypt. The goalkeeper had a fantastic game but Uruguay had the best chances. They probably should have won by two or three."

Matthew Upson: "To lose a point through a set-piece will be so disappointing for Egypt."

FULL-TIME: Uruguay have their first opening game World Cup win since 1970 after Jose Giménez scores a brilliant header late on

4.52pm: Martin Keown on the unused Mohamed Salah: 'If he's been fit to train then what have you got to lose? He's not been allowed to come to the party."

4.49pm: GOAL! Heartbreak for Egypt as Jose Giménez comes up from the back and rises highest to thump home a header. What a time to score for Uruguay. That should win it for them.

4.48pm: CLOSE! Edison Cavani strikes the inside of the post with a free-kick. Boy, that was a close call for Egypt.

4.44pm: El-Shenawy, the Egypt keeper, has just made the save of the match to deny Cavani. "That's an excellent save," said Keown.

4.42pm: There will definitely be no Mohamed Salah this afternoon as Hector Cuper has just made his final sub and used it to bring on Ramadan Sobhi. "Salah clearly can't be fit," said BBC Sport pundit Martin Kewon.

4.34pm: You do have to wonder how fit Mohamed Salah actually is because if he was anywhere near ready and up to speed, coach Hector Cuper would surely have thrown him on in this one. The game is crying out for his brilliance.

4.33pm: Fathy goes closest for Egypt with a shot after he surged forward from defence. "It's wonderful strike, so clean," said BBC Sport pundit Martin Keown. 

4.29pm: Will Mohamed Salah be called on to break the deadlock with 20 minutes remaining here?

4.26pm: A good game here, against Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani, really will put Egypt defender Ahmed Hegazi in the shop window. He was relegated from the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion, but there should be plenty of takers for him.

4.35pm: "This game has been poor and after what Russia did last night, they'll believe they can beat these two sides, too," said Martin Keown.

4.23pm: Egypt have made their second substitution, bringing on Kahraba for Mohsen, so that means there is now only one more chance for Hector Cuper to bring on Mohamed Salah.

4.19pm: "This game just hasn't got going," said former England defender Martin Keown.

4.14pm: Egypt have done well to keep Edison Cavani quiet so far. He has only had 17 touches so far, the fewest of any Uruguay player in the first half.

4.10pm: Egypt do make a change but it's not Mohamed Salah coming on. Sam Morsy is the man picked to replace the injured Tarek Hamed. He should be on the crest of a wave after helping Wolverhampton Wanderers gain promotion to the Premier League.

4.08pm: Tarek Hamed looks like he's going to have to come off because of injury. "He's very important to them," said former England defender Martin Keown.

4.05pm: And we are back underway. Mohamed Salah remains on the bench.

4pm: We like this...

3.54pm: "It's shocking," said former England defender Matthew Upson on the dive by the Egypt forward Abdallah El-Said. "I can't believe El-Said hasn't been given a yellow card. It is such a glaring dive."

3.52pm: The question for Egypt coach Hector Cuper now is when and if does he risk Mohamed Salah in the second half? Or does he keep him for easier games against Russia and Saudi Arabia.

3.51pm: "Egypt will be the happier of the two sides," said former England striker Gary Lineker. "A draw will suit them massively."

3.45pm: And that's half-time. Egypt will be happy to go into the dressing room all square after giving as good as they got against the much-fancied Uruguay. 

3.44pm: Egypt have not kicked off a World Cup with a win since they beat Israel in 1970. 

3.39pm: Marwan Mohsen is leading the line for Egypt but he is without a goal for his country since January 2017.

3.36pm: "Egypt's defeat to Belgium has done them a favor," said BBC Sport pundit Martin Keown. "They've actually started the game here much better. They are first to every ball and are winning every battle."

3.24pm: Big let off for Egypt as Luis Suarez fires into the sidenetting from less than six yards out. Could fatigue have been a factor as this represents Suarez's 59th game of the season?

3.23pm: Egypt, who are ranked 45th in the world, are certainly holding their own against 14-ranked Uruguay, enjoying 49 percent of the possesion. 

3.19pm: SNAPSHOT: Egypt midfielder Amr Warda hits the turf but he was quickly back up again.

3.18pm: "Egypt look well organised and happy in posession," said former England defender Martin Keown. 

3.16pm: A blatant dive there from Abdallah Said. He should really have been booked. 

3.15pm: Egypt are not the most prolific side. They have only scored more than one goal in a game once in their last 14 matches. 

3.10pm: These two have only met once before and that was in 2006 when Uruguay won 2-0 in Alexandria. 

3.06pm: "Egypt will be quite happy with the way they have started," said former England defender Martin Keown.

3.03pm: Egypt have got to try and find a way past Diego Godin, Uruguay's teak tough defender. "Godin is fantastic," said former England defender Phil Neville. "When we faced him in Spain I watched him warm up and he didn't look like an athlete. He couldn't run, couldn't jump. On the pitch he was an animal. "A simple no-nonsense defender, so aggressive. He sees the ball and he will go and win it, reads the game so well. He's so so key for Uruguay."

3pm: And Uruguay get us underway. This is Oscar Tabarez's 187th game in charge or Uruguay. That's some going.

2.59pm: And we're ready to go at the Yekaterinburg Arena in Yekaterinburg.

2.55pm: Luis Suarez has scored seven of Uruguay's last 13 goals. Egypt really do need to keep him quiet on his 99th appearance for his country.

2.53pm: "I would like to have seen Salah play," said former England defender Martin Keown. "He gives the team belief. I'm disappointed but I see the bigger picture."

2.46pm: 

2.42pm: Uruguay have a rich World Cup pedigree. They have won the World Cup twice and reached the semifinal three times. "If any country punches above its weight then it's Uruguay," said former England striker Gary Lineker. 

2.40pm:  "I think it's the right decision not to start Salah," former England midfield Jermaine Jenas told BBC Sport. "Uruguay is their toughest game. Looking at Russia and Saudi Arabia, those are the games where you'd look for Mo Salah to come back in. Uruguay are a seriously physical side, and it may be he wouldn't be able to perform at the level we know he can."

2.37pm: Egypt's last World Cup game was in 1990 when they lost 1-0 to England. There was no disgrace there as England went on to reach the semifinal. 

2.33pm: Luis Suarez will win his 99th cap for Uruguay this afternoon. He has scored 51 goals in that time which is pretty good going.

2.26pm: Uruguay come into the tournament on the back of three straight friendly wins, against Czech Republic, Wales and Uzbekistan. 

2.22pm: Egypt's squad will certianly not lack big-match experience. Their squad includes 15 foreign-based players, most notably Mohamed Salah, Mohamed Elneny, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Ramadan Sobhi, Ahmed Hegazi and Abdallah El-Said.
The eight Egypt-based players are Al-Ahly’s Sherif Ekramy, Mohamed El-Shennawy, Ayman Ashraf, Ahmed Fathi Saad Samir, Marwan Mohsen, and Zamalek’s Mahmoud Hamdy El-Wensh and Tarek Hamed.

2.19pm: A reminder that Essam El-Hadary is on the bench for Egypt. If the 45-year-old goalkeeper comes on, he will be the oldest player to ever play at the World Cup.

2.16pm: The Egyptian fans have descended on Yekaterinburg in their numbers are are making plenty of noise

2.13pm: Ahmed Hegazi is the linchpin of the Egypt defence, but the West Brom defender is going to have his work cut out to keep Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani quiet. They have 93 international goals between them.

2.11pm: "In terms of commitment and desire, I'm sure we are amongst the very top," said top Uruguay striker Edison Cavani pre-match

2.06pm: Uruguay XI: Muslera; Varela, Gimenez, Godin, Caceres; Nandez, Betancur, Vecino, De Arrascaeta; Cavani, Suarez.

2.05pm: Egypt XI: El-Shenawy; Fathy, Gabr, Hegazi, Shafy; Elneny, Hamed; Warda, El-Said, Trezeguet; Mohsen.

Right, we've put Saudi Arabia's thrashing at the hands of Russia behind us and are now ready for Egypt to restore some Arab pride this afternoon. You may have heard that Mohamed Salah has had a shoulder problem (where have you been if you haven't?) and Hector Cuper has decided this game comes too soon for the Egyptian star. He is named among the substitutes and it will be interesting to see if he is called on if the game is not panning out the way Cuper hopes. Join us here to see how Egypt get on without their talisman against a Uruguay side boasting Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez.

Topics: Arab Nations at Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup Egypt Mohamed Salah

Newcastle boss Howe eager to hang onto goalkeeper Dubravka

Updated 7 sec ago
AFP
Follow

Newcastle boss Howe eager to hang onto goalkeeper Dubravka

  • Newcastle manager Eddie Howe still hopes goalkeeper Martin Dubravka will stay at St. James’ Park beyond the end of the January transfer window
Updated 7 sec ago
AFP
LONDON: Newcastle manager Eddie Howe still hopes goalkeeper Martin Dubravka will stay at St. James’ Park beyond the end of the January transfer window.
The in-form 35-year-old Slovakia international has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab as he enters the final six months of his contract with the Magpies.
Dubravka has conceded just two goals in seven games in all competitions — all of them victories — while deputising for the injured Nick Pope during a run where Newcastle are closing in on a place in the English League Cup final and are fifth in the Premier League table.
“Martin’s been in a difficult situation,” Howe said Friday.
“Like any player that is coming out of contract in the summer, with every player that I’ve ever worked with, there’s always that feeling of doubt.
“He will naturally want some conclusion to his future, whether that’s a new contract with us, whatever the outcome. But he’s certainly played very well and I’ve been really pleased with him.
“He’s more than played his part in our recent run of fixtures. Again against Arsenal (a 2-0 win in the first leg of a League Cup semifinal), I thought he was very, very good, so hopefully we can come to some sort of agreement with him.”
Dubravka was seen to be in tears following the conclusion of Tuesday’s game against Arsenal, in what many observers interpreted as a farewell to Newcastle.
He was signed by former Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez, initially on loan, in January 2018, but has largely been a back-up to England international Pope for the last two-and-a-half years, a period which included a loan spell at Manchester United.
But he has shown his value in recent weeks with Howe, who must decide whether or not to rest Dubravka for Sunday’s FA Cup third-round tie against fourth-tier Bromley, saying: “I know how much Newcastle means to him and you can see that emotionally, he’s very invested.
“Of course, all those things will be playing a part in his decision-making and our decision-making and hopefully there’s a successful outcome at the end.”
Newcastle have been linked with a move for Burnley’s England under-21 international James Trafford should Dubravka move on.
And Howe refused to say whether Pope, who is back in training, remained his first-choice goalkeeper.
“It’s always in a state of flux,” he said. “It’s always changing and moving because that’s down to the player’s performances.”

Manuel Neuer set to return in goal for depleted Bayern as Jamal Musiala is out with illness

Updated 32 min 51 sec ago
AP
Follow

Manuel Neuer set to return in goal for depleted Bayern as Jamal Musiala is out with illness

  • Musiala hasn’t been training because of illness and now is confirmed to miss Bayern’s first league game of the new year
Updated 32 min 51 sec ago
AP

MUNICH: Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is set to return for Bayern Munich for the first time in more than a month in Saturday’s Bundesliga game against Borussia Moenchengladbach but Jamal Musiala will miss out.
The 38-year-old Neuer missed Bayern’s last four games of 2024 with a broken rib and wasn’t in the squad for a friendly against Salzburg on Monday, but now looks fully fit again, coach Vincent Kompany said Friday.
Neuer’s return for Bayern’s first league game of 2025 is all the more important after backup Daniel Peretz injured a kidney in a training incident on Wednesday. He’s expected to miss a few weeks, Kompany said.
Kompany confirmed Musiala, who hadn’t been training because of illness, won’t be available Saturday for the German league leader.
Among several other absences are midfielder João Palhinha, who hasn’t played since early November with an adductor muscle tear, and defender Dayot Upamecano, who’s serving a one-game Bundesliga suspension for five yellow cards.

Topics: Manuel Neuer Bayern Munich

Related

Sport
Tottenham beats Liverpool 1-0 in English cup semis after a serious injury and in-stadium ref call
Sport
De Zerbi is improving fortunes at Marseille two months after he considered quitting the club

Sowter, Hose shine for Desert Vipers in warm-up match against Gulf Giants ahead of DP World ILT20 start

Updated 10 January 2025
Arab News
Follow

Sowter, Hose shine for Desert Vipers in warm-up match against Gulf Giants ahead of DP World ILT20 start

  • Vipers’ win sees team easily surpass Giants’ total of 125 at the ICC Academy in Dubai
Updated 10 January 2025
Arab News

DUBAI: Ahead of their opening match of the DP World ILT20  against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on Sunday, the Desert Vipers produced an impressive performance against the Gulf Giants in a warm-up match played at the ICC Academy in Dubai.

The Giants batted first and were bowled out for 125,  a target the Vipers chased down with ease to the extent that the two sides’ head coaches, James Foster of the Vipers and the Giants’ Andy Flower, agreed on a new target of 186. The Vipers fell just three runs short of that mark, but it was still an encouraging display

The Vipers bowling was highlighted by Nathan Sowter’s four for eight, while Dhruv Parashar and David Payne contributed with two wickets apiece. Speaking with the Vipers Voices podcast after the match, Sowter said he was pleased with what he delivered in match conditions.

“Yes, it was obviously a great start and it was nice to get a few wickets,” he said. “I was happy with how they came out and I hit my lengths quite well. It is nice to get a win for the boys and get the feeling of how we want the competition to go.”

Speaking about bowling in partnership with UAE finger-spinner Dhruv Parashar, Sowter said the duo worked well together and also used their time together after time in the field to discuss strategy ahead of the main competition.

“I think they (Gulf Giants) got off to a good start, and then we kind of just pegged them back a little bit. And then we started getting wickets and it happened quite quickly. I think we took maybe six wickets in three overs there.

“So, it put a bit of sting in the tail and that was nice. Dhruv bowled really well and we have had a few conversations after, about how we can go about things through the competition as well, either if we play together or if Dhruv plays with (Wanindu) Hasaranga.

“It is good to have those conversations because you can have days like this where you can learn a lot more than just getting a few wickets.”

Sowter added that he felt pleased with how preparations have gone ahead of Sunday’s opening encounter with the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.

“It is going well,” he said. “I think the Vipers’ mantra is you get what you need (at training) and you get out of there.

“So, I think the boys are building up really nicely. I think, for myself, it is about making sure you do not overdo it. But you do not want to underdo it as well. And I think the coaching staff here give you a great mix of that and they allow you to take control of your own cricket. I think that helps players a lot, or it does help me a lot, to just pick and choose when I need to do what or how much I need to do.

“I feel like we have got a good mix of players who know each other, and have played a lot of cricket against each other or with each other. So, I think we will be all right going forward.”

Meanwhile on the batting side of things, Adam Hose was top scorer for the Vipers with 47 from 23 balls, including four fours and three sixes, and said he was glad to have put on a good show.

“Yes, it was a nice start to it, from a personal and a team’s perspective,” he said. “I think it is always tough to gauge where you are at, especially since I have not been here (in the UAE) too long.

“We have had a couple of really good outdoor sessions, but having not played much (after the English domestic season) prior to this competition, it is always fairly tough to know where you are.

“I think I just gave myself a little bit of a chance, faced a few balls, and then I felt like I got into my work, started picking the ball up early and seeing the length. Fortunately, a few came out the middle of the bat tonight.”

Hose was the Vipers’ top scorer last year in a pre-tournament practice match against the Dubai Capitals, but that came off the back of time in Australia at the Big Bash League with the Adelaide Strikers.

This time, the build-up has involved rest and reflection for the player, and he said he thought it had been a positive for him.

“(I am here) off the back of a little bit of time off back in England for New Year and Christmas which, to be honest with you, was really nice.

“I have just tried to focus, especially in the last two days, on the basics of what I know works well for me — that is having a good, strong base, tracking the ball for as long as possible and being as still as possible.

The Desert Vipers’ first match of the 2025 DP World ILT20 is on day two of the tournament, against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Topics: Desert Vipers Gulf Giants

Related

Business & Economy
Saudi PIF on track to reach $2tn in AuM, 2nd-largest globally by 2030
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief continues aid work in new year

Former champs Medvedev and Rublev set for Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships return

Updated 10 January 2025
Arab News
Follow

Former champs Medvedev and Rublev set for Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships return

  • Lineup for the 2025 edition of the ATP 500 Event includes world No.8 Alex de Minaur, two-time Grand Slam finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas
Updated 10 January 2025
Arab News

DUBAI: The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships return on Feb. 16 with the 33rd edition of the ATP 500 tournament featuring some of the biggest names in the sport.

Daniil Medvedev, the 2023 champion, heads to Dubai after a challenging season in which he finished without a title for the first time since 2017. Currently ranked world No.5, the 28-year-old Russian boasts an impressive 20 career titles, including the 2021 US Open. Despite his year ending in defeat at the Nitto ATP Finals, Medvedev will hope to start 2025 on the right foot by reclaiming his crown.

Also playing will be Andrey Rublev, the 2022 champion who is currently the world No.9 after claiming two ATP titles in 2024, picking up trophies at the Madrid Open and Hong Kong Open. With 16 titles to his name, the 27-year-old stands as a strong contender for another successful campaign in Dubai.

“This year’s ATP 500 tournament is shaping up to be another memorable event, and we’re excited to welcome back former champions Medvedev and Rublev,” said Ramesh Cidambi, managing director of Dubai Duty Free and chairman of the tournament’s organizing committee.

“This is the 25th year of the WTA week and the 33rd year for the ATP week. Over that time we have always had a fantastic line-up of players who provide the fans with a stellar fortnight of tennis and this year will be no exception.”

Adding to the men’s roster is Alex De Minaur, currently No.8 in the world. The 25-year-old Australian reached a career-high ranking of No. 6 in July 2024 and has secured nine ATP singles titles.

Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas, ranked No.11, brings additional firepower. The former world No.3’s career highlights include an ATP Finals victory and multiple Grand Slam final appearances, including the Australian Open and Roland Garros.

Completing the confirmed lineup is No.19 Karen Khachanov, a 28-year-old renowned for his performances in high-stakes matches. A former world No.8, Khachanov memorably defeated Novak Djokovic in the 2018 Paris Masters final to claim his biggest crown to date and reached the men’s singles final at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

Tournament Director Salah Tahlak, who is also deputy managing director of Dubai Duty Free, added: “Fans from across the globe will be treated to another fantastic edition of the ATP 500 tournament. With some of the top players already confirmed and more to be announced in the weeks ahead, we’re excited about the competitive level of this year’s event.”

Meanwhile, a star-studded Women’s Tennis Association lineup will see the world’s top 10 female players descend for the 25th Dubai women’s tournament. Defending champion Jasmine Paolini and the world’s top three players — Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, who won a third consecutive French Open in 2024, and Coco Gauff — lead an impressive pack.

The emirate’s long-standing tennis championships will again run as back-to-back competitions, with the WTA week getting under way on Feb. 16, followed immediately by the ATP event on Feb. 24.

Topics: Medvedev Dubai Duty Free tennis

Related

Saudi Arabia
Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art to host ‘Manga Hokusai Manga’ exhibition
Update
Saudi Arabia
Kingdom readies itself for 3 days of rain and high winds

‘Delighted’ to return to Abu Dhabi, says Team Cup director

Updated 10 January 2025
Arab News
Follow

‘Delighted’ to return to Abu Dhabi, says Team Cup director

  • Graham Glynn spoke to Arab News about the reasons for hosting the Team Cup in Abu Dhabi, the players taking part, and event’s importance for Ryder Cup selection
Updated 10 January 2025
Arab News

ABU DHABI: The Team Cup, the UAE’s first major golf tournament of 2025, tees off in Abu Dhabi on Friday, as Continental Europe, led by Francesco Molinari, aim to defend their title against a Great Britain & Ireland team captained by Justin Rose.

Ahead of the match-play event, Arab News spoke with Team Cup Championship Director Graham Glynn, who looked ahead to the competition over the weekend at the Abu Dhabi Golf Resort.

The popularity of golf in the region continues to grow. What makes the Team Cup different to some of the other more established events?

There is no doubt that golf fans within the UAE are spoilt for choice when it comes to high-profile events.

In November, we enjoyed the inaugural DP World Tour Play-Offs, comprised of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and DP World Tour Championship, while the New Year sees the return of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

While the Team Cup (formerly Hero Cup) is less established than those tournaments, what makes the event stand out from others is the match-play format, as opposed to the more traditional stroke-play format.

Match-play golf calls upon collective contributions and, in the Team Cup, every player will be involved in each session, making it the ultimate team test as Continental Europe, led by Francesco Molinari, aim to defend their title against Justin Rose’s Great Britain & Ireland.

While similar to the Ryder Cup, the format is not identical, with players paired up for the first two days, before the final-day singles against each other.

The collaborative element is something fans in the UAE won’t be used to watching in-person, and will undoubtedly make for some exciting and gripping action.

Why was Abu Dhabi Golf Resort selected as the host venue for the tournament?

We are blessed, here in the UAE, to have an array of elite-level golf courses all across the country, and there is certainly no shortage of options.

Abu Dhabi Golf Resort is one of the most impressive courses in the region and offers the perfect layout for match-play golf.

The venue opened over 20 years ago and boasts an illustrious history with tournament golf having played host to high-profile events down the years, including the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, while some of the biggest names in the sport have competed there.

From a logistical perspective, it’s a great venue due to the fact there is an on-site hotel, meaning players have the course and practice facilities on their doorstep, along with the world-renowned Falcon Clubhouse, which offers breathtaking views of the course.

Access for spectators, both in terms of getting to the course, and then moving around once on-site, is also fantastic, which is obviously hugely important for an event which will attract large numbers of fans.

Having hosted the Hero Cup at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort in 2023, we were delighted with its success both from a player and fan perspective, which is why we have chosen to return for the Team Cup.

With the likes of Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Francesco Molinari and the Hojgaard twins (Nicolai and Rasmus) confirmed to be competing, what does that say about the overall quality of the competition?

There will certainly be a strong lineup of talent on show, with plenty of big names who fans will be familiar with, and both teams each have players who have previously competed in the Ryder Cup.

However, what I really enjoy about this tournament is the fact we have those high-profile figures playing alongside some of the DP World Tour’s blossoming talents, with both teams combining youth and experience.

For example, the event’s oldest (Justin Rose) and youngest (Tom McKibbin) players will be part of the same team, with 23 years between them, which is a wonderful story and indicative of what the Team Cup is all about.

Aside from the big names, which players should fans look out for?

Italy’s Matteo Manassero is undoubtedly a player to watch, and he has a very interesting backstory, having become the youngest winner in DP World Tour history, at the age of 17, when he clinched the Castello Masters in 2010, before then stepping away from the game completely.

Following his return in 2019, he has continued to improve. This year, he won the Jonsson Workwear Open and finished 12th on the DP World Tour Race to Dubai Rankings, also securing a PGA TOUR card for 2025.

Aaron Rai, from England, is one of the lesser-known players in the competition, but don’t be fooled. He is a highly accomplished performer who boasts two DP World Tour victories, including at the Scottish Open in 2020 when he defeated Tommy Fleetwood in a playoff. He won on the PGA TOUR earlier this year and is one to watch.

Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin is the youngest player involved at 21 and having only turned professional in 2021, he has already claimed a maiden DP World Tour victory at last year’s Porsche European Open.

Regardless of age or experience, the Team Cup is a tournament packed full of quality, and we can all look forward to watching some brilliant golf over the three days.

Can you tell us about the structure and format of the event?

The event will follow the same format as 2023, with the teams competing in match play across one session of fourballs on the Friday, two sessions of foursomes on the Saturday and one session of singles on the Sunday.

Every player will take part in all four of the sessions. Each match will be worth one point, and the team who crosses the 12.5-point mark will be crowned Team Cup winners.

With so much talent on show, across both teams, we are hugely excited about what’s in store and I think it will be a tight and exciting battle.

How important is the event in terms of Ryder Cup selection?

It will certainly play a part, although only Luke Donald, who will lead Team Europe at the Ryder Cup, knows to what extent.

Luke has been heavily involved in proceedings up to now, and he has spoken publicly about how significant the Hero Cup was in 2023, particularly in relation to experiencing the uniqueness of a team environment.

As we know, there were players involved in that event who went on to play key roles in Team Europe’s success in Italy.

Competing in the Ryder Cup is a major milestone for any European player, and naturally those who are involved in the Team Cup will be eager to stake their claim, which should make for some fantastic competitive action.

Topics: Team Cup golf Abu Dhabi UAE

Related

Sport
Continental Europe and Great Britain & Ireland set for Team Cup showdown in Abu Dhabi
Sport
Continental Europe and Great Britain & Ireland teams announced for 2025 Team Cup

Latest updates

Newcastle boss Howe eager to hang onto goalkeeper Dubravka
Lebanon PM to visit new Damascus ruler on Saturday
Kremlin says Putin ready for talks with Trump
The Supreme Court is considering a possible TikTok ban. Here’s what to know about the case
Pakistan receives over 22,000 applications for 4,500 scholarships for Afghan students

Search form

Print Edition
Read pdf version Subscribe now
© 2025 SAUDI RESEARCH & PUBLISHING COMPANY, All Rights Reserved And subject to Terms of Use Agreement.