Here to stay: 5 things we learned from successful 2021 FIFA Arab Cup

Algeria’s goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi lifts the trophy as they celebrate winning the Arab Cup Final against Tunisia at Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar on Saturday. (Reuters)
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Updated 19 December 2021
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Here to stay: 5 things we learned from successful 2021 FIFA Arab Cup

  • A dress rehearsal for Qatar 2022, and a chance for teams to prepare for continental competitions and World Cup qualifiers ended up being an outstanding tournament in its own right

The 2021 Arab Cup ended on Saturday with Algeria defeating Tunisia 2-0 after extra time to lift the trophy. Here are five things we learned from what turned out to be hugely successful 16-team tournament.

1. FIFA Arab Cup is here to stay

With no Confederations Cup, it was always a good idea to have some sort of tournament a year out from the World Cup, and the resurrection of the Arab Cup seemed like a natural thing to do. It is no surprise that it has worked out well, but just how well was somewhat unexpected.

The tournament started with the big African nations shorn of their European stars and talking of using it as preparation for bigger challenges to follow in 2022. It ended with fans watching the game on big screens in Algeria and Tunisia, and wild celebrations in the former.

As entertainment, it was memorable. There were some great games, superb goals and the correct amount of controversy — the 19 minutes of added time in Algeria’s semifinal win over Qatar was stunning, as was the action it contained.

Attendances were healthy, especially in the knockout stages, and the atmosphere in the stadiums added the big-match feeling that such tournaments need. In short, this felt like a real tournament, one that should become part of the football calendar in different countries in the region for a long time to come. 

2. Africa triumphs in Asia

Ten Asian nations started out last month, but only one, Qatar, made the last four and none made the final. While the African entrants had to leave their big stars in Europe, they still proved to be too good for Asia.

The likes of Oman and Jordan reached the quarterfinals and showed that they could be competitive internationally, and it was an excellent experience for them to play teams from outside Asia as they rarely get the chance. 

Overall, though, it was not quite good enough from the AFC representatives, and it shows that the West Asian teams need, among other things, to send more players overseas to play. That is the striking difference between the nations of North Africa and West Asia. One region exports talent to play around the world and gain international experience, the other does not.

3. Saudi Arabia’s approach was right

There was debate back in Riyadh as to whether it was the correct decision to send U-23 team to Qatar instead of a more senior side. After all, with World Cup qualification resuming in January, it would have been easy to give Herve Renard more time to work with his players, especially as the Saudi Pro League has been suspended for the duration of the tournament.

But to go with the rookies was the right decision. Giving young players experience at regional tournaments is what Japan and South Korea have been doing for years — they started doing so at the Asian Games before it became compulsory — and they have an enviable World Cup qualification record.

While perhaps the league did not need to be paused (no more than two players could have been called from one club to spread the burden), the decision to use young players was a far-sighted one. It did mean that Saudi Arabia were never going to go too far in the tournament, but the benefits should become apparent in the years to come.

4. Egypt can also be satisfied

Egypt’s approach was slightly different to Saudi Arabia’s as they took plenty of young and inexperienced players, though there were a few older heads to help out, too. It also resulted in a satisfying outcome.

The Pharaohs could easily have been in the final, but were defeated by Tunisia in the semifinal with the last action of the game. In the end, a fourth-placed finish with a largely inexperienced team was a decent performance from Egypt under new coach Carlos Queiroz, who will now have a much better idea of the general level of the players pushing to be in the senior squad after six competitive games.

“It was a good opportunity to discover new players and new blood,” said Queiroz. “The average age of the team is less than 25, and many players wore the Egypt shirt for the first time. This was the reason we came here, to gain experience, and indeed we won four times and were unlucky the last time.”

It sets Egypt up nicely for the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon next month and, of course, the final round of qualification for the 2022 World Cup.

5. Encouraging for the World Cup

With games in the English Premier League canceled on a regular basis and COVID-19 surging in many countries, it was a credit to organizers and the host nation that the Arab Cup went ahead seemingly without a major outbreak. The players were kept safe and despite the substantial attendances, so far there has not been an issue.

With much of the world reimposing restrictions as cases rise once again, the success of the Arab Cup offers hope. It means that even if we are still living in the midst of the global pandemic this time next year, it is possible to hold a festival of football.

The World Cup is, of course, on a different scale and is the biggest sporting event on the planet, but the Arab Cup suggests that there can be cause for optimism and much to look forward to next year.


Dubai Basketball end historic first season with knockout in Belgrade

Updated 03 June 2025
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Dubai Basketball end historic first season with knockout in Belgrade

  • Despite a 114-97 defeat to Partizan, the season has been one of major milestones for the team

DUBAI: Dubai Basketball ended their inaugural ABA League season after a 114-97 defeat in the final leg of the semifinal against Serbian powerhouse Partizan.

The team officially set out on their journey in the Adriatic League in September, competing against some of the most prolific sides in Europe. From beating reigning champions Red Star in their opening game to being one of the only teams in the league to beat Partizan twice at their home court, the 2024-25 season was packed with milestones.

The third and final game of the semifinals took place on Sunday night at Belgrade Arena, the home of Partizan, with Dubai determined to capitalize on squaring the series in the previous game.

Dubai opened the game with intensity, taking an early lead as Davis Bertans, Klemen Prepelic, and Nate Mason each sank three-pointers within the first four minutes. By the end of the first quarter, Dubai had stormed ahead with a commanding nine-point lead.

However, the momentum began to shift in the second quarter. With the backing of a packed home crowd, Partizan tightened their defence and gradually closed the gap, reducing Dubai’s lead to just a single point by the end of the third quarter.

As the game progressed into the third and fourth quarters, Partizan demonstrated why they are seven-time ABA League champions. Although they surged ahead, Dubai refused to go down without a fight, repeatedly equalising the score and keeping the contest wide open.

In the final quarter, Partizan pulled away, scoring an impressive 28 points that widened the gap to 17 and ultimately secured their place in the finals. Dubai, however, walked away with their heads held high, having challenged one of Europe’s top basketball teams to the very end.

Reflecting on the season, Dubai Basketball’s head coach, Jurica Golemac, said: “We must be satisfied. This was our first season, with 13 new players in total. We were fortunate to have selected not only top-quality athletes but also exceptional people who made this journey smoother.

“Throughout the season, we played good basketball. We claimed major wins — including victories over some of the league’s giants — and today, we pushed Partizan into a serious battle for a place in the finals. Plans for the future are already underway. In fact, they’ve been in motion throughout the season. Analysis, planning — it all continues.

“As they say, the off-season begins tomorrow, and so does our preparation for what comes next.”


Rory McIlroy set for Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

Updated 03 June 2025
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Rory McIlroy set for Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

  • McIlroy is first European to win the career grand slam
  • Yas Links hosts the Abu Dhabi championship Nov. 6-9

ABU DHABI: Grand slam winner and five-time Major champion Rory McIlroy will return to Yas Links for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship from Nov. 6 to 9 as he bids to win a seventh Race to Dubai Rankings crown.

The Masters champion leads the Race to Dubai having already secured his place in the field for the first event of the DP World Tour Play-Offs.

This is thanks to that thrilling victory at Augusta National, in addition to a fourth-place finish at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the first Rolex Series event of the season.

Staged by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the DP World Tour, the championship is the first event of the tour’s end of season showpiece. This leads straight into the DP World Tour Championship where the Race to Dubai champion will be crowned.

The top 70 available players at the conclusion of the Back 9 events will gather in Abu Dhabi for the fourth Rolex Series event of the year as the season comes to a close.

McIlroy became the first European to win the career grand slam earlier this year when he added a Green Jacket to his four previous Major victories at the 2011 US Open, the US PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014, and The Open in 2014.

And he will look to clinch a fourth successive Race to Dubai title when he returns to the Middle East in November.

Aref Hamad Al-Awani, general secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said the UAE capital has established itself as a world-class golfing destination, and was “proud” to host McIlroy.

“Since its inception, the championship has played a pivotal role in supporting sports tourism and generating tangible economic benefits for the region.

“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the DP World Tour in delivering another outstanding event befitting the prestige of the Rolex Series.

McIlroy said: “I love ending the season in the Middle East and I’m excited to return to Abu Dhabi again for the first of two big events later this year.

“I’ve started the year well and I’ve got a good record at Yas Links so hopefully I can continue doing what I’m doing and give myself a chance of finishing the season strongly, and having a shot of getting another Race to Dubai under my belt.”


Saudi eLeague concludes first phase of 2025 season

Updated 03 June 2025
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Saudi eLeague concludes first phase of 2025 season

  • More than 40 clubs involved as Twisted Minds, Team Falcons, Al-Qadsiah lead charge

RIYADH: The Saudi eLeague, the Kingdom’s premier esports competition, has seen over 40 clubs take part in the 2025 season.

Organized by the Saudi Esports Federation and hosted at the SEF Arena in Boulevard Riyadh City, the league showcases the Kingdom’s top clubs as they battle across multiple titles and divisions.

Participating clubs have so far battled across 10 high-stakes contests, six in the elite category and four in the women category, with valuable points up for grabs at the top of the cross-game leaderboard.

The final standings will determine the qualifiers for the championship, the league’s most prominent event in which top clubs compete for the ultimate title and a major share of a prize pool worth almost $1.9 million.

Twisted Minds lead the pack after the latest round, with Team Falcons second. Al-Qadsiah Esports sit in third, the breakout team of the season, surging up the ranks with wins in both the men’s and women’s contests.

The first phase of the Saudi eLeague season has now concluded, and Abdullah Al-Nasser, head of esports products at the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “The strong start to this year’s Saudi eLeague says a lot about how far the scene has come.

“Compared to previous seasons … we’re seeing real progress, more clubs, stronger competition, new talents and growing excitement from the community.

“What matters most is how competitive and intense every match has become. (It is) a platform where Saudi talents and clubs can grow, compete, and shine on bigger stages.”

Fans can follow the action live at the SEF Arena or via Saudi eLeague channels on Twitch, YouTube, and social platforms.


England coach Tuchel expects players to suffer in World Cup heat

Updated 03 June 2025
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England coach Tuchel expects players to suffer in World Cup heat

  • “It is important to see matches now in America, and in Miami at three in the afternoon,” Tuchel said as he prepared his team for their World Cup qualifier against Andorra in Barcelona

LONDON: England coach Thomas Tuchel will attend FIFA’s Club World Cup starting this month to observe how players cope with the expected hot and humid weather conditions.
Next year’s World Cup, taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, could be one of the hottest in the tournament’s history.
“It is important to see matches now in America, and in Miami at three in the afternoon,” Tuchel said as he prepared his team for their World Cup qualifier against Andorra in Barcelona.
“I will see that. How it looks, and we need to understand how to cool the players down, to drink. What our options are.”
England are top of qualifying Group K and almost certain to qualify for next year’s tournament where they will be among the favorites for the title.
But Tuchel says the conditions will be harsh.
“Let’s see because it is after the season, so it will be very similar. The actual experience is for the players, but I have done pre-season there in Orlando and I will be very surprised if we do not suffer,” he said.
“Suffering is one of the headlines for this World Cup.”
England are preparing for the Andorra game in the Spanish city of Girona and are using heat tents to test the players reaction and recovery to training in heat and humidity.
Sixteen stadiums will be used at next year’s World Cup with predictions of potentially extreme temperatures.
In Dallas, one of the host cities, in an average year more than 80 percent of June and July days exceed 28 degrees Celsius.
A study led by Brunel University found that, according to analysis of 20 years of weather data, 14 of the 16 host stadiums would top 28 degrees Celsius on a daily basis in June and July with four likely to hit 32 degrees in a hotter than summer.
FIFPRO, the world players union, recommends that if there is Wet Bulb Globe Temperature of between 28-32 degree, cooling breaks should take place around the 30th and 75th minutes.
It says that if there is a WBGT of more than 32 degrees, training and matches should be rescheduled.


UAE Team Emirates-XRG combines vision with victory on World Bicycle Day

Emirati squad received two prestigious nominations from the Union Cycliste Internationale. supplied
Updated 03 June 2025
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UAE Team Emirates-XRG combines vision with victory on World Bicycle Day

  • The UAE Team Emirates-XRG Academy has already reached over 700 schoolchildren through more than 80 hours of in-school coaching

ABU DHABI: UAE Team Emirates-XRG celebrated more than just race wins on World Bicycle Day on Tuesday.

The Emirati squad, a dominant force in the professional peloton, continues to make waves away from competitive events with major strides in community engagement and sustainability — efforts which are earning global recognition.

This week, the team received two prestigious nominations from the Union Cycliste Internationale — the Cycling for All Award for their youth-focused UAE Team Emirates-XRG Academy and the Climate Action Award for their ongoing “Road to Net-Zero” initiative. Both will be presented later this month at the UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum in Copenhagen.

“As we celebrate World Bicycle Day, we’re incredibly proud to see our work recognized on the global stage with nominations for both the UCI Cycling for All Award and the UCI Climate Action Award,” said Mauro Gianetti, team principal and CEO.

“These honors reflect our deep commitment to growing the sport at a grassroots level and ensuring sustainability remains at the heart of everything we do.”

Launched in 2025, the UAE Team Emirates-XRG Academy has already reached over 700 schoolchildren through more than 80 hours of in-school coaching. The program is set to expand to an additional 1,300 students by the end of the year, underlining the team’s aim of nurturing cycling talent across Abu Dhabi and beyond.

“The UAE Team Emirates-XRG Academy, Powered by ADNOC, is central to this vision, helping us inspire the next generation of cyclists and create meaningful change in our communities,” Gianetti added. “I’d like to sincerely thank ADNOC for their unwavering support. Without them, this wouldn’t be possible. The opportunities ahead are endless — for our team, for young riders and for the continued development of cycling across the region.”

While their community work garners headlines, the team’s racing form in 2025 has been just as impressive. UAE Team Emirates-XRG has already captured landmark victories at the Tour of Flanders and Liege–Bastogne–Liege, alongside podium finishes at Milano-Sanremo, Paris-Roubaix, and the Giro d’Italia. The run continues a dominant stretch that began last season, reinforcing their status as one of the sport’s elite outfits.

“The growth of the team over the past eight years has been extraordinary,” Gianetti said. “Our success is driven by the talent and dedication of our riders, the expertise of our staff, and the incredible support from the leadership of the country, our partners, and fans. Cycling is continuing to grow rapidly in the UAE, and that momentum is something we are proud to contribute to every day.”