LONDON: Lebanon coach Miodrag Radulovic believes Saudi Arabia are among the favorites to win the 2019 Asian Cup but insists his side will not roll over for the Green Falcons next January.
Saudi Arabia join Lebanon, Qatar and North Korea in Group E, with Juan Antonio Pizzi’s men widely tipped to progress to the last-16 as group winners.
The Green Falcons lifted the trophy last time it was hosted on UAE soil in 1996, but have failed to add a fourth title since — finishing as runners-up in both 2000 and 2007.
However Radulovic, who has been doing his homework on Saudi Arabia, watching all three of their matches at this summer’s World Cup, is convinced they can go all the way this time.
“I went to see Saudi Arabia in Russia and although the first game did not go well, they improved with every match,” Radulovic told Arab News.
“The first game was very surprising to me because those who saw Saudi Arabia in qualifying would have been expecting a much better performance.
“But against Uruguay and then particularly against Egypt, they showed what a good team they are. They work very hard and there are a lot of talented players.
“Saudi Arabia will be a very dangerous opponent and for sure will be one of the favorites to win the Asian Cup.”
Lebanon begin their Asian Cup campaign against Qatar at Al-Ain’s Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Jan. 9, with Saudi Arabia opening against North Korea at the Maktoum bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Stadium in Dubai a day earlier.
Radulovic’s side face off against Pizzi’s in the second game on Jan. 12 and despite being impressed with what he has seen of the Green Falcons, the Montenegrin feels Lebanon have what it takes to ruffle some feathers in Group E.
“Yes, Saudi Arabia are probably the favorites to win the group right now, but it is still more than four months until the start of the tournament,” Radulovic said.
“Nobody knows in January what will happen.
“It is a difficult group, of course. Qatar also have very big ambitions as they are hosting the next World Cup, and North Korea have a good history having played in the 2010 World Cup.
“We know it is a big challenge to face these teams but our preparation is still ongoing and I think we will only get better. I am very hopeful of our chances at the Asian Cup.”
Lebanon sit in 79th place in the latest FIFA World Rankings, making them the ninth best team in Asia on paper. But they are still seen by many as major outsiders, having never previously qualified for the Asian Cup.
As hosts of the 2000 edition of the competition, the Cedars came bottom of a group containing Iran, Iraq and Thailand. In 2019, though, Radulovic is optimistic that Lebanon can make a bigger impact.
“It is great to be in this competition and we are proud to have qualified but at the Asian Cup the teams are equal,” the Montenegrin said.
“We will try to show everybody that our hard work has been worth it. We will not be there as tourists and we will fight for every goal and every point.
“I think we will represent Lebanese football very well.”
Lebanon coach tips Saudi Arabia as Asian Cup favorites
Lebanon coach tips Saudi Arabia as Asian Cup favorites
- Lebanon coach Miodrag Radulovic believes Saudi Arabia are among the favorites to win the 2019 Asian Cup
- Saudi Arabia join Lebanon, Qatar and North Korea in Group E
Rafael Nadal, Spain’s Davis Cup captain won’t say whether he’ll play before retirement
- Spain is scheduled to face the Netherlands on Tuesday in the quarterfinals
- Nadal announced last month that he would walk away from tennis after the Davis Cup
Spain is scheduled to face the Netherlands on Tuesday in the quarterfinals on an indoor hard court at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena. The winner will play in the semifinals on Friday. The championship will be decided on Sunday.
Asked at a news conference how he has been feeling in practice in recent days and whether he is ready to play, Nadal said: “That’s a question for the captain.” That response drew a smile and laugh from Ferrer, sitting to Nadal’s left.
Moments later at a hotel in Fuengirola, about 12 miles south of the arena in Malaga, the question of Nadal’s participation was put to Ferrer.
“I don’t know yet,” Ferrer said. “At the moment, I have not decided the players that are going to play tomorrow.”
The 38-year-old Nadal announced last month that he would walk away from tennis after the Davis Cup at home in Spain. He has been dealing with a series of injuries the past two seasons and has been limited to fewer than 25 official matches in that span.
“I’m not here to retire. I’m here to help the team win. It’s my last week in a team competition and the most important thing is to help the team. The emotions will come later,” said Nadal, wearing the squad’s red polo shirt with a tiny red-and-yellow Spanish flag on the left sleeve.
“I’m enjoying the week. I’m not putting too much attention to the retirement,” Nadal said. “It will be a big change in my life after this week.”
Nadal said it doesn’t “make sense to keep going knowing that I don’t have the real chance to be competitive the way that I like to be competitive because my body” won’t allow it.
He hasn’t played an official match since the Paris Olympics in early August. He lost in the second round of singles to Novak Djokovic and in the quarterfinals of doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz.
“I’ve tried to prepare as hard as possible for the last month and a half. I’m trying to give my best for this event,” Nadal said. “When you don’t compete so often, it’s difficult to maintain the level consistently. But the improvement is there every day. I believe that.”
Spain’s Davis Cup team also includes Alcaraz, Marcel Granollers, Roberto Bautista Agut and Pedro Martinez.
Pakistan win toss, bat first in final T20 against Australia
- Salman Ali Agha leads Pakistan as tourists rest skipper Mohammad Rizwan
- Left-arm pacer Jahandad Khan makes debut as Pakistan try to avoid whitewash
HOBART, Australia: Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat in the third and final Twenty20 game against Australia on Monday.
The tourists rested captain Mohammad Rizwan with Salman Agha to lead in Rizwan’s absence.
Haseebullah Khan returned to the lineup, while Babar Azam opened the batting with Sahibzada Farhan.
Left-arm pace bowler Jahandad Khan made his debut, replacing Naseem Shah.
For the third successive game, Australia kept faith in the same playing XI.
The hosts had a 29-run win in a rain-shortened seven-overs-a-side match in the first T20 at Brisbane, before fast bowler Spencer Johnson grabbed a career-best 5-26 and propelled Australia to a 13-run win to clinch the three-match series with a game to spare on Saturday.
Pakistan won the preceding ODI series 2-1.
Squads:
Australia: Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis (captain), Aaron Hardie, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa.
Pakistan: Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah Khan, Usman Khan, Salman Agha (captain), Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem.
‘Won’t be that challenging’ — Iraq’s Ali Taleb confident as he heads into PFL MENA Championship
- Taleb will take on Moroccan standout Rachid El Hazoume in the league’s 135-pound finale
RIYADH: Iraqi bantamweight Ali Taleb is showing no lack of confidence as he prepares to compete in the inaugural PFL MENA Championships in Riyadh later this month.
“The victory is closer to me, and I’ll surprise my opponent with a level and style he won’t expect,” said the 27-year-old, who boasts slate of 11-1.
Taleb will take on Moroccan standout Rachid El Hazoume in the league’s 135-pound finale.
His record may boast fewer fights but Taleb could have the advantage as he has competed in the PFL since 2022 and has championship experience under the UAE Warriors banner.
Given this, Taleb believes El Hazoume will not be much of a threat.
“I’ve already been a bantamweight champion in 2022, when I defeated Brazilian Vinicius de Oliveira,” he said.
“The fight with El Hazoume won’t be that challenging, especially since he has three losses compared to my one, and this will certainly affect his performance and motivate me to give my best and achieve victory.”
As far as preparations go for what will be the biggest test of his career to date, Taleb says he has had superb training.
“I’m fully prepared and ready for this match. I’ve undergone an intensive and high-quality training camp under the guidance of top coaches,” he said.
The Iraqi is also counting on the fans’ support come fight night.
“Undoubtedly, the presence of Iraqi fans … will fuel my enthusiasm and motivate me to win, fulfilling my plan and satisfying my fans who follow all my fights,” he said.
Taleb will face El Hazoume in the PFL Mena Championships on Nov 29. The event also features three more must-see title bouts. The complete fight card is:
PFL MENA Featherweight Championship: Abdelrahman Alhyasat (5-0) vs. Abdullah Al-Qahtani (9-2)
PFL MENA Welterweight Championship: Mohammad Alaqraa (7-0) vs. Omar El Dafrawy (12-6)
Amateur Women’s Atomweight Bout: Hattan Alsaif vs. Lilia Osmani
PFL MENA Bantamweight Championship: Ali Taleb (11-1) vs. Rachid El Hazoume (15-3)
PFL MENA Lightweight Championship: Mohsen Mohammadseifi (6-1) vs. Georges Eid (10-4)
Showcase Fights:
Lightweight MENA Showcase: Mansour Barnaoui (21-6) vs. Alfie Davis (17-4-1)
Heavyweight MENA Showcase: Slim Trabelsi (7-0) vs. Abraham Bably (5-0)
Featherweight Global Showcase: Jesus Pinedo (23-6-1) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (19-4)
Featherweight Global Showcase: Asael Adjoudj (8-1) vs. Jose Perez (9-1)
Middleweight Global Showcase: Costello van Steenis (15-3) vs. Joao Dantas (7-1)
The PFL MENA Championships can be seen live on MBC on Friday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. AGT.
Tickets are now on sale via webook.com
James Harden breaks tie with Ray Allen, moves to No. 2 on NBA’s career 3-point list
- The Los Angeles Clippers guard connected on the 2,974th 3-pointer of his career Sunday night
INGLEWOOD, California: James Harden now stands alone at No. 2 in 3-pointers.
The Los Angeles Clippers guard connected on the 2,974th 3-pointer of his career Sunday night and broke a tie with Basketball Hall of Famer Ray Allen for the No. 2 spot on the NBA’s list.
“It’s an unbelievable accomplishment and just a testament to the work that I’ve been putting in,” Harden said. “As I get older and chip away at an unbelievable career, you start to accomplish things like that and I don’t ever want to take it for granted.”
Harden’s history-making shot came from the right wing with 6:09 left in the first quarter in a 116-105 victory over the Utah Jazz. The only player ahead of Harden on the list is Golden State’s Stephen Curry at 3,782.
Curry and the Warriors are in Southern California to face the Clippers on Monday.
“I’m one of the most confident guys we have in this league, but no, I probably won’t catch Steph, and I don’t think anybody will, honestly,” Harden said.
Harden was 2 of 8 from 3-point range and finished with 20 points, 11 assists and six rebounds.
Allen needed 1,300 games to make his 2,973 3-pointers. Harden passed him in 1,086 games.
“Both of those guys,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said last week, “are extraordinary shooters.”
Harden is one of three players in NBA history to have 300 3-pointers in a season. He made 378 in 2018-19; the other players on that list are Curry (who has done it five times, including an NBA-record 402 in 2015-16) and Klay Thompson (who made 301 in 2022-23).
“To be a scorer at all three levels and to be second all-time in 3-pointers made is crazy,” Lue said after the game. “And a lot of tough 3s: off the dribble, step backs, pocket 3s, pulling up off the dribble on pick and rolls.
“Just to see what he has accomplished from a two-guard to the transition to point guard, his whole career has been great.”
Harden also is 15th on the NBA’s career list in points and 13th in assists. The only other player who ranks in the top 15 in scoring, assists and 3-pointers — appearing on all three lists — is LeBron James, the league’s career scoring leader who is fourth in assists and eighth in 3-pointers.
Allen passed Reggie Miller for No. 1 on the 3-pointers list during the 2010-11 season and held the record for more than a decade. Curry passed Allen during the 2021-22 season.
‘Gracias, Rafa’: Rafael Nadal will head into retirement after Spain hosts the Davis Cup
- When Nadal explained last month that the Davis Cup would be it for him, he spoke in happy terms about his more than two decades in the sport
- He becomes the second member of the so-called Big Three of men’s tennis to retire
MALAGA, Spain: Rafael Nadal’s impending retirement will loom over the Davis Cup Final 8 from the moment it begins Tuesday in southern Spain.
If that weren’t already obvious, just glance at the banner measuring 28,000 square feet (2,600 square meters) — about half the size of a football field — that wraps around the soccer stadium across the street from the arena hosting the tennis. The blue sign, visible from the highway leaving Malaga’s airport, is marked with large white letters that read, “GRACIAS, RAFA.” Between those two words is an image of Nadal toting a tennis racket in his left hand while wearing one of his trademark sleeveless shirts and his just-as-ever-present headband.
He is shown with his back to the world, walking away, symbolizing the 38-year-old Spaniard’s goodbye to the sport after a remarkable career.
“It’s going to be very exciting for everyone,” said tournament director Feliciano Lopez, a former player who faced Nadal 14 times on tour as an opponent in singles and also was his Davis Cup teammate. “Very emotional, at the same time.”
That sentiment likely applies to Nadal’s fans, other players, his family — his wife and their son have attended practice — and, quite understandably, the 22-time Grand Slam champion himself as Tuesday approaches. That’s when Spain face the Netherlands on an indoor hard court at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena.
“It’s amazing that it might be the last match that Nadal plays,” Dutch captain Paul Haarhuis said Sunday, “and we hope to give him a nice ‘Adios.’”
Nadal had hip surgery in June 2023 and missed nearly all of that season. He dealt with a new hip muscle problem this year and an abdominal injury, part of a long series of issues that contributed to his body feeling like what he described as “a jungle” in May after losing in the first round of the French Open, the clay-court Slam he’s won a record 14 times.
That was his only Grand Slam appearance all year; Nadal played a total of just 23 official singles matches over the past two seasons combined. That includes going 12-7 in 2024. His last real matches came at the Olympics in early August, when he lost in the second round of singles to Novak Djokovic and in the quarterfinals of doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz.
Spain’s captain, David Ferrer, the 2013 French Open runner-up to Nadal, has not yet told the world how he will employ the star in Malaga.
Could be for singles, although Nadal said he’ll step aside if he doesn’t think he can win. Could be in doubles with his 21-year-old heir apparent, Alcaraz, in a renewal of their “Nadalcaraz” partnership. Could be both. If Spain gets past the Netherlands, it would face Germany or Canada in the semifinals on Friday.
“I really want him to retire with a title,” Alcaraz said.
Thursday’s quarterfinals feature the US against Australia, and defending champion Italy — whose roster features No. 1-ranked Jannik Sinner — against Argentina. The winners of those matchups will meet in the semifinals on Saturday; the championship will be decided Sunday.
When Nadal explained last month that the Davis Cup would be it for him, he spoke in happy terms about his more than two decades in the sport.
“Really, everything I have experienced has been a dream come true,” he said.
He becomes the second member of the so-called Big Three of men’s tennis to retire.
Roger Federer announced his departure in 2022 — teaming with Nadal in doubles at the Laver Cup, then crying alongside his longtime rival and, eventually, friend — while Djokovic is still near the top of the game.
Djokovic’s Serbia did not qualify for the Davis Cup quarterfinals, but he wrote on social media that he would be on hand in Malaga. Who knows who else might show up in the sellout crowd of 9,200 on Tuesday, not just from the world of tennis, and not just athletes from other sports, but other celebrities, as well?
“I don’t know if we’re going to have seats for everyone,” Lopez said. “Everyone wants to be there for his farewell.”
There will be plenty of folks tuning in on TV from afar, including other tennis players, of course.
“I’m going to watch it. I’m going to enjoy it,” said 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, who lost to Nadal in two Grand Slam finals. “It’s a big moment for the sport, because he did so much for the sport.”
