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.


Son scores 50th international goal as South Korea beat Kuwait in World Cup qualifying

Updated 14 November 2024
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Son scores 50th international goal as South Korea beat Kuwait in World Cup qualifying

  • Jordan and Iraq stayed in second and third place on eight points after drawing 0-0 in Basra
  • Oman are now two points behind after defeating the Palestinian team 1-0

MELBOURNE: Son Heung-min scored his 50th international goal on Thursday as South Korea beat Kuwait 3-1 to take a big step toward an 11th successive World Cup appearance.
The Tottenham forward converted a penalty to make it 2-0 in the 19th minute and help South Korea earn a fourth successive win in Group B of Asia’s World Cup qualifiers to move five points clear at the top with five games to go.
Oh Se-hun headed in South Korea’s opener in the 10th minute and Son, who had just returned from a hamstring injury, extended the advantage after being fouled in the area. Mohammed Daham pulled a goal back with a spectacular strike with 30 minutes remaining but Bae Jun-ho sealed the win for the visitors.
“(Son is) such an important part of our team,” South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo said. “He just came back after being hobbled by injury.”
Jordan and Iraq stayed in second and third place on eight points after drawing 0-0 in Basra while Oman are now two points behind after defeating the Palestinian team 1-0.
In Group A, Iran defeated North Korea 3-2 in Laos to move onto 13 points, three clear of Uzbekistan which lost 3-2 at Qatar. The 2022 World Cup host stayed in fourth with seven points, level with the United Arab Emirates which defeated Kyrgyzstan 2-0.
In Group C, Australia and Saudi Arabia drew 0-0 in Melbourne and remained level on six points from five games and are joined by China, which defeated Bahrain 1-0 with an injury-time goal from Zhang Yuning. Leader Japan will move seven points clear if they can defeat Indonesia in Jakarta on Friday.
Only the top two of six in each group will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup. The third- and fourth-place finishers will advance to the next stage.


McIlroy shares Dubai lead with Ballesteros mark in sight

Updated 14 November 2024
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McIlroy shares Dubai lead with Ballesteros mark in sight

  • McIlroy fired a 67 to stand on top of the leaderboard alongside Tyrrell Hatton
  • McIlroy only needs a top ten finish to secure a sixth Race to Dubai crown of his career, matching the tally of Ballesteros

DUBAI: Rory McIlroy claimed a share of the first-round lead at the World Tour Championship in Dubai on Thursday as he closed in on equalling Seve Ballesteros’ mark of six European Tour Order of Merit crowns.
McIlroy fired a 67 to stand on top of the leaderboard alongside Tyrrell Hatton.
The 35-year-old McIlroy started the season-ending event in Dubai with a healthy lead over South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence who endured a nightmare day, signing for a one-over 73 which included five bogeys.
With 2,000 points on offer to the winner, McIlroy only needs a top ten finish to secure a sixth Race to Dubai crown of his career, matching the tally of Ballesteros.
Playing partners Hatton and Paul Waring, who sealed the biggest victory of his career at last week’s Abu Dhabi Championship, hit the front at four under after they each birdied the 14th hole, but the Northern Irishman followed suit shortly after.
Hatton became the first person to reach five under with a birdie at the penultimate hole, only to be matched by McIlroy’s 48-foot putt at the same hole to share the lead with Englishman.
“I thought I played well. I hit the ball pretty well. I gave myself plenty of chances, plenty of looks,” four-time major champion McIlroy said.
“I want to go on from here and win the golf tournament. I’ve opened up with a really good score, but I need to go out and play similarly over these next three days, not just to try to win the tournament, but also to try to get the job done in the Race to Dubai.
“I’m under no illusions that that was probably Thriston’s worst day. If he goes out and has three good ones, I still need to go out there and play some very solid golf.”
Hatton, 33, carded seven birdies and two dropped shots in his round.
Dubai-based Waring reached the turn in 32 before mixing a bogey and birdie on the back nine to sit alone in third at four under.
There are seven players at three under — Billy Horschel, Matt Wallace, Adam Scott, Alex Fitzpatrick, Niklas Norgaard and Japanese duo Keita Nakajima and Rikuya Hoshino.


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

Updated 14 November 2024
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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.