Al-Hilal eye Asian glory: 5 things we learned from the AFC Champions League victory over Iran’s Esteghlal

Al-Hilal moved into the last eight of the AFC Champions League on Monday with a 2-0 win over Esteghlal of Iran in Dubai. (Twitter: @Alhilal_FC)
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Updated 14 September 2021
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Al-Hilal eye Asian glory: 5 things we learned from the AFC Champions League victory over Iran’s Esteghlal

  • The 2-0 win meant the Saudi champions became the first club to reach the last 8 of the competition they last won in 2019

Al-Hilal moved into the last eight of the AFC Champions League on Monday with a 2-0 win over Esteghlal of Iran in Dubai.

After a tight opening period, Bafetimbi Gomis opened the scoring seven minutes before the break. About 10 minutes after, Salem Al-Dossari found himself in acres of space and made no mistake with a low finish.

That was it in terms of goals but not in terms of the contest. Below are five things we learned from the first round of 16 tie in this year’s edition.

1. The win was harder than the scoreline suggests

Playing a proud Asian powerhouse such as Esteghlal in the knockout stages of Asia’s premier club competition is not supposed to be easy, and this was far from a stroll in the park.

Despite the attacking riches at his call, Al-Hilal boss Leonardo Jardim has yet to really get a fluid performance out of his stars so far this season. The first 38 minutes followed a similar pattern to recent league games. The three-time continental champions had plenty of possession against a well-drilled defense but struggled to open it up.

But then there was a moment for Matheus Pereira. It was not anything spectacular, but a lovely little pass from outside the area that took three defenders — though one slipped — out of the equation. There was still some work for Gomis to do, and his little chip over the goalkeeper was as delicate as it was accurate, but it hinted at how important Pereira is going to be this season.

That goal gave the Saudi champions a little more space in attack, top-class vision from Moussa Marega and a smart pass freed Al-Dossari to score the all-important second.

2. Esteghlal always posed a threat but could not get past Al-Mayouf

The Iranians were happy to sit back and let the opposition have the ball, but it did not mean they were toothless. Indeed, they had more chances than the victors and will leave wondering how they did not score.

In the first half Siavash Yazdani headed over from a good position, and then Abdullah Al-Mayouf made a great diving save from a shot on the turn from Amir Motahari. It was a warning shot that the Tehran giants were not in Dubai just to defend, but had what it took to score and win.

But when you have a goalkeeper such as Al-Mayouf in this form then you always have a chance. He saved his best save until the 71st minute. Al-Hilal were looking comfortable and were cruising to victory, but then there was a header from Arman Ramazani that was destined for the bottom corner.

The keeper had other ideas, and although he was moving in the wrong direction he somehow managed to get across and claw the ball away for a corner. At that moment victory seemed assured, even though there were more chances that came and went begging.

Yet Esteghlal, which fielded an all-Iranian team, just did not have the cutting edge that Al-Hilal had. If there had been a Gomis in their ranks, or a Moussa Marega or Pereira, then perhaps the outcome would have been different.

3. Al-Hilal can beat anyone in Asia

For a team that won the continental title in 2019 for a record-equalling third time, it is hardly surprising that Al-Hilal are one of the favorites. There is just so much quality in the team, especially going forward. Even when the Riyadh giants are not at their best, there are players such as Al-Dossari, Gomis, Marega, Pereira and Salman Al-Faraj who can just produce a moment of magic. The defense can still look vulnerable under pressure, but with such striking power at the other end it is a surprise when Al-Hilal do not score.

Another plus is that the Saudi league is just getting going as the Asian campaign approaches its climax. Those from Japan and Korea are approaching the end of hard domestic seasons and are starting to look a little tired. The problem for Al-Hilal may be the busy international breaks and the fact that they provide so many players for the Saudi national team. All in all, however, this is a good problem to have.

4. Al-Hilal need to keep an eye on domestic affairs

Although Al-Hilal were focused on Asia, new Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad ensured that the champions were not able to completely put domestic concerns out of their minds.

The Tigers, who dismissed coach Fabio Carille last month after defeat in the final of the Arab Club Championship and were criticized in some quarters, have been in great form since. A hard-fought 2-1 win at Al-Faisaly was followed by a 6-1 thrashing of Abha, a team that had looked fairly solid until this weekend. The arrival of Igor Coronado, the big-summer signing, has made a huge difference. He was not ready to play under Carille, but scored one and made one against Al-Faisaly, and scored one and made three on Saturday. If he can continue with this kind of impact, then the new league leaders may be at the summit for some time to come. Saturday’s game with Al-Nassr promises to be massive.

5. Nasser Al-Dossari does the job

With the injury to Abdullah Otayf and the suspension of Mohamed Kanoo in midfield, coach Jardim had to turn to young replacement Nasser Al-Dossari to come in and partner Al-Faraj.

The senior man, who has picked up an injury that may keep him out of the next round of league action, helped the 22-year-old through a difficult match. At times Al-Dossari struggled to cope with the Iranians, who put plenty of men in the middle, but he stuck to his task and grew throughout the game. By the end, he was looking more assured in possession and reading the game well.

It was a solid performance from someone who is very much a squad player, and it shows that the three-time champions have the strength in depth that is needed to compete on multiple fronts.


Jeddah Corniche Circuit to host SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024 on Nov. 29-30

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Jeddah Corniche Circuit to host SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024 on Nov. 29-30

  • SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024 consists of two main races, the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe and the GT4 European Series
  • Some of the world’s leading drivers and manufacturers will take part in the race

JEDDAH: The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, dubbed the fastest street circuit in the world, is set to host the SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024 for the first time on Nov. 29-30.
The SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024 consists of two main races — the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, which lasts for six hours and covers 1,000 km with more than 40 teams participating, and the GT4 European Series powered by RAFA Racing, which is 250 km long and features more than 30 teams.
GT racing showcases car models designed for road use that have been expertly modified for high-speed endurance events, often proving to be more powerful and durable than Formula cars, according to a media statement on Thursday.
The championship is sponsored by Fanatec, a leading manufacturer of racing simulation equipment, offering a connection between real and virtual motorsports.
The race will see an array of the world’s leading drivers and manufacturers take part, such as Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Ford.
The primary focus of GT racing is to challenge the endurance of both drivers and cars, particularly in events such as the SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024.
Teams, drivers and spectators are set to make the most of the opportunities offered by the SAL Jeddah GT 2024. Saudi Arabia will again be in the global spotlight as it becomes an important destination for international motorsport stars and racing enthusiasts, in a new championship that stands apart from other regional competitions, the media statement said.


UEFA investigates English ref Coote over footage of alleged drug use at Euro 2024

Updated 14 November 2024
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UEFA investigates English ref Coote over footage of alleged drug use at Euro 2024

  • “A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to evaluate a potential violation of the UEFA disciplinary regulations by the referee, Mr. David Coote,” UEFA said
  • The report said the incident was filmed one day after Coote’s last match duty, the quarterfinal between France and Portugal

NYON: UEFA started another investigation into English match official David Coote on Thursday after a video allegedly showed him using cocaine during the European Championship.
“A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to evaluate a potential violation of the UEFA disciplinary regulations by the referee, Mr. David Coote,” UEFA said in a statement.
Coote worked as a video review specialist at Euro 2024, where match officials stayed at a hotel near Frankfurt. He was an assistant supporting the lead VAR official at eight games.
British daily The Sun published a video late Wednesday appearing to show Coote snorting the drug using an American banknote.
The report said the incident was filmed one day after Coote’s last match duty, the quarterfinal between France and Portugal. France won a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw.
Coote was suspended on Monday by the English match referees body after a different cellphone video circulated of him making offensive comments with friends about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. That body and the English FA started investigations.
UEFA already withdrew Coote from match duty for national team games this week after the first video was published.
The games he worked at Euro 2024 included host Germany’s 2-0 win over Denmark in the round of 16 that included a controversial penalty award for handball. The lead VAR official at that game, Stuart Attwell, was involved in some of the tournament’s most debated decisions.


Sinner doping case could have been communicated more efficiently, ATP chair says

Updated 14 November 2024
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Sinner doping case could have been communicated more efficiently, ATP chair says

  • A decision by an independent tribunal to clear Sinner of wrongdoing was appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency in September
  • The Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport is expected to make a final ruling on the case early next year

TURIN: There “could have been better communication” in explaining the rules involved in Jannik Sinner’s doping case, ATP Tour chairman Andrea Gaudenzi acknowledged Thursday.
However, Gaudenzi said at the ATP Finals that anyone hinting that a “double standard” was applied because of top-ranked Sinner’s status is “unfair because the rules have been the same.”
Sinner is playing at home this week for the first time since it was announced before his US Open title that he tested positive for an anabolic steroid in two separate drug tests in March.
The case wasn’t made public until August.
“I learned the day before we all learned,” Gaudenzi said in his first public comments on the case. He spoke in a round-table discussion with international reporters.
“And to be honest, I’m happy about that. I really thank the ITA (International Testing Agency) and our representatives there for intentionally keeping me and our entire team in the dark because that’s how it should be.
“It should be completely independent and that was agreed by the (parties). It was a shock, but obviously comforted by the evidence afterward.”
A decision by an independent tribunal to clear Sinner of wrongdoing was appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in September and the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is expected to make a final ruling on the case early next year.
Sinner’s explanation was that the banned performance-enhancer entered his system unintentionally through a massage from his physiotherapist, who used a spray containing the steroid to treat his own cut finger.
WADA is seeking a ban of one to two years for Sinner.
“We are completely external and it’s (an) independent process,” Gaudenzi said. “I generally think has been a fair process. It was really done by the book and by the rules. Maybe there could have been better communication in explaining those rules, and that is something that I would urge every party involved to work better in the next time.”
ATP Finals future will be revealed
Gaudenzi said he plans to announce on Sunday the future host of the ATP Finals. The contract with Turin expires next year and there is an option to move the event to nearby Milan at a bigger arena being built for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.


Saudi goal disallowed in scoreless draw with Australia

Updated 14 November 2024
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Saudi goal disallowed in scoreless draw with Australia

  • Green Falcons thought they had won in the 93rd minute when Sultan Al-Ghannam rifled home from just inside the box
  • Mitch Duke clashed heads with goalkeeper Ahmed Al-Kassar who came out to clear the ball, but VAR showed the infringement was outside the box

MELBOURNE: Saudi Arabia had a goal disallowed in added time in a scoreless draw with Australia, a result that did neither side any favors in their bid to qualify for World Cup 2026.
Despite several chances in front of a sold out AAMI Park in Melbourne, the breakthrough both teams desperately needed never came.
The Saudis and their new French coach Herve Renard thought they had won in the 93rd minute when Sultan Al-Ghannam rifled home from just inside the box.
But the flag went up, with one of his teammates offside.
“We had some good opportunities but we have to go give our opponent credit. First half we didn’t play very well,” said Socceroos coach Tony Popovic.
“We were not very good with the ball while they were sharp and energetic.
“We improved significantly in the second half, which is good,” he added.
“Overall, it’s a point and we move forward but certainly we can improve.”
The stalemate played into the hands of Group C leaders Japan and opened the door for Bahrain to leapfrog them as Asian qualifying reached the halfway mark.
Australia and the Saudis both have six points, four behind table-toppers Japan who can stretch their lead further when they meet Indonesia in Jakarta on Friday.
Bahrain, on five points, host China later in Riffa and will move into second spot if they win.
Just the top two seal their place at the 2026 World Cup in North America, with third and fourth forced into another round of Asian qualifying.
Australia must now lift themselves for a difficult trip to Bahrain next week, while Saudi Arabia travel to Indonesia.
Popovic made just one change from the team that drew with Japan in Saitama last month with Standard Liege midfielder Aiden O’Neill in for Luke Brattan.
Renard, who was appointed a fortnight ago in place of Roberto Mancini, swung the axe with just four survivors from their last match, a goalless draw with Bahrain.
Both sides started at a frenetic pace and in a big moment on 12 minutes the referee awarded Australia a penalty after Mitch Duke clashed heads with goalkeeper Ahmed Al-Kassar who came out to clear the ball.
But VAR showed the infringement was outside the box.
The first decent effort did not come until the 27th minute when Saudi midfielder Nasser Al-Dawsari whipped in a shot from a tight angle. Goalkeeper Joe Gauci saved at the near post.
Gauci made another crucial stop on the cusp of half-time, charging off his line to pluck the ball off the feet of Feras Albrikan in a one-on-one situation.
Australia had the brighter second half, creating far more chances with Riley McGree and Duke whipping in shots that were blocked.
They had a glorious opportunity with seven minutes left when substitute Brandon Borrello beat the offside trap.
But instead of shooting he opted to pass and the chance was wasted, before the last-minute drama with the disallowed goal.


Maxwell’s power-hitting and Australia pace flatten Pakistan in a rain-shortened T20

Updated 14 November 2024
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Maxwell’s power-hitting and Australia pace flatten Pakistan in a rain-shortened T20

  • Match started after a three-hour delay and was shortened to seven over per side
  • Pakistan made 64-9 in response to Australia’s 93-4, losing five wicket in first 15 balls

BRISBANE: Glenn Maxwell’s robust 43 off 19 balls helped Australia thump Pakistan by 29 runs in a rain-shortened first Twenty20 on Thursday.
After a nearly three-hour delay due to lightning and rain, the match was shortened to seven overs per side.
Maxwell powered Australia to 93-4 and Pakistan reached only 64-9 after slumping to 16-5 inside the first 15 balls.
Nathan Ellis (3-9) and Xavier Bartlett (3-13) ran through the top order before No. 8 batter Abbas Afridi’s unbeaten 20.
“Certainly had a lot of fun out there,” Maxwell said. “We thought we had enough on the board … the bowlers did a great job. There was a few of us who had packed our bags expecting the game to be called off, so it was a mad rush to get ready.”

Pakistan’s Haris Rauf and Usman Khan (left), celebrate the dismissal of Australia’s Matt Short during the T20 cricket international between Pakistan and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia, on November 14, 2024. (AP)

Maxwell followed scores of 0, 16, 0 in the preceding one-day international series won by Pakistan 2-1 by smacking three sixes and five boundaries. He played some extravagant lap shots to third man against the pace of Haris Rauf (1-21) and Naseem Shah (1-37).
Maxwell fell in the penultimate over when he hooked Abbas Afridi (2-9) to backward square leg but Marcus Stoinis provided a final flourish with an unbeaten 21 off seven balls. Stoinis smashed 20 runs in Shah’s last over with two fours and six.
None of the top six Pakistan batters reached double figures.
Sahibzada Farhan hit Spencer Johnson for two successive boundaries off the first two balls he faced before mistiming a pull shot off the fourth ball and holing out at midwicket.
Mohammad Rizwan, in his first match as the Pakistan skipper, fell to the first ball when he top-edged Bartlett to point. Usman Khan was caught at third man in the same over.
Ellis struck twice in his first over when Babar Azam was caught in the deep and Jake Fraser-McGurk snapped his third catch as Irfan Khan also offered a tame catch at deep midwicket.
Pakistan was 24-6 in the fourth over when Salman Ali Agha scored only 4 in his debut T20, guiding a sharp, short Bartlett delivery to Australia first-time captain Josh Inglis on the run.

Pakistan’s Abbas Afridi bats during the T20 cricket international between Pakistan and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia, on November 14, 2024. (AP)

Leg-spinner Adam Zampa clean-bowled Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah off successive balls in the last over to complete the rout.
“It was difficult to keep things normal in a seven-over game,” Rizwan said. “Got to give credit to Maxy, his style worked really well.”

Australia’s Adam Zampa, right, celebrates with teammates after defeating Pakistan during the T20 cricket international between Pakistan and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia, on November 14, 2024. (AP)

The second T20 is in Sydney on Saturday, and the last in Hobart on Monday.