Al-Hilal and Al-Nasser clash in Saudi’s biggest game — and Argentina’s

Al-Shabab will be looking to bounce back from that 5-0 loss at the hands of Al-Hilal, which ended their 17-game unbeaten run. (Twitter/@Alhilal_EN)
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Updated 21 February 2022
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Al-Hilal and Al-Nasser clash in Saudi’s biggest game — and Argentina’s

  • The King’s Cup quarter-final between the Riyadh Rivals will pit former River Plate legend Ramond Diaz against ex-Boca Juniors coach Miguel Angel Rosso

The biggest game in Argentina this week is not in Buenos Aires or Cordoba but Riyadh. Al-Nassr against Al-Hilal is always a tasty encounter and one of the fiercest rivalries in Asian football, but their King’s Cup quarter-final on Monday should be almost as eagerly awaited in South America as in Saudi Arabia.

Both teams, who have won 26 domestic championships and 30 King’s Cups between them, have recently appointed Argentine coaches who know a thing or two about fierce rivalries. Al-Hilal recruited Ramon Diaz on Feb.14 and were rewarded with a 5-0 thrashing of Al-Shabab, another neighbor, on Thursday that kept alive the champions’ faint title hopes. The 62-year-old is a River Plate legend with two spells at the club as a player and as a coach. 

On the opposite side of Riyadh is Miguel Angel Rosso who, this time last year, was in charge of River’s bitter Buenos Aires rivals Boca Juniors. These two coaches know what it is like to be in the middle of one of the most frenzied derby atmospheres in world football, but there is plenty riding on Monday’s game. 

This will be the ninth meeting between the two tacticians, and in the past Diaz has had the upper hand with four wins and just two defeats. The first clash was back in 1996 when many of their current players were not even born. Diaz won the 1996 Copa Libertadores with River Plate and defeated Rosso, then in charge of Universidad de Chile, in the semifinal. The subsequent six clashes have all taken place in Argentina, the last of which were in the 2013-14 season. 

For Diaz, it is a great opportunity to build on a great start. To knock Al-Nassr out of the King’s Cup would really get the fans, some of whom have expressed doubts about the reappointment of the man who was fired from the same job in 2018, onside. He will be without injured right-back Mohammed Al-Breik as well as midfielder Abdulelah Al-Malki. Meanwhile, Mohammed Kanno and playmaker Matheus Pereira remain suspended.

For Russo, just two months into the job, this is a chance to achieve a famous victory. The league form has been outstanding with nine wins out of the past 10, though the recent 3-0 loss to Al-Ittihad suggests that winning the SPL is beyond the Yellows. Ironically, the former Boca boss has been getting the best out of Pity Martinez. The Argentine was a star for River Plate as they defeated Boca in the final of the 2018 Copa Libertadores, a performance that helped the 28-year-old win the South American Player of the Year award in the same year. 

Injuries meant that the playmaker hasn’t played much since his big money signing in September 2020 but now he is looking like the player Al-Nassr thought they were getting almost 18 months ago. His last-minute penalty gave the club a crucial 4-3 win over Al-Batin last Thursday, and if he can do something similar on Monday he would become a hero. Al-Nassr are still smarting from losing to their rivals in the semifinal of the 2021 AFC Champions League, which Hilal went on to win. Serving some revenge would go down well.

There’s more to it than that. While both teams are still officially in the title race — Al-Nassr second and Al-Hilal fourth — leaders Al-Ittihad remain strong favorites to stay in first for the rest of the season. The King’s Cup offers their rivals’ best chance of silverware this year. It is a prestigious prize in its own right but also comes with a ticket to Asia and, at this stage of the season, neither can be sure of qualifying through their league position. 

There are other teams with their eye on the cup. Leaders Al-Ittihad saw their 10-game winning streak in the league come to an end last week as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Taawoun, and the two teams meet once again with a place in the last four at stake. Al-Shabab and Al-Ahli face off in what is another big clash. Al-Shabab will be looking to bounce back from that 5-0 loss at the hands of Al-Hilal, which ended their 17-game unbeaten run. The Riyadh club are not yet out of the title race completely, but a first championship since 2012 looks unlikely. Al-Ahli have less in the league to play for. The Jeddah giants have moved clear of the relegation zone to sit in mid-table. To win the King’s Cup for what would be a record 19th time would end a forgettable campaign on a major high. In the fourth tie, one of Al-Batin and Al-Feiha will progress to the semifinal and keep alive their hopes of a rare piece of silverware.

All eyes, however, will be on Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr — in Buenos Aires as well as Riyadh.


Uzbekistan, Jordan eye World Cup berths as South Korea close on finals

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Uzbekistan, Jordan eye World Cup berths as South Korea close on finals

Uzbekistan side take on the UAE knowing a draw will earn the Central Asians a berth among the 48 nations in North America
Jordan could also advance with a win over hosts Oman

HONG KONG: Uzbekistan and Jordan will look to secure debut appearances at the World Cup as the pair on Thursday attempt to confirm their progress to next year’s finals while South Korea are also closing in on qualification.

Timur Kapadze’s Uzbekistan side take on the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi knowing a draw will earn the Central Asians a berth among the 48 nations in North America, while Jordan could also advance with a win over hosts Oman.

The Koreans, one of Asia’s World Cup regulars, will confirm their participation at an 11th consecutive finals with a draw against Iraq in Basra.

Japan and Iran have already taken two of the confederation’s increased allocation of eight guaranteed spots in the United States, Canada and Mexico as the top two finishers in each of Asia’s three preliminary groups advance automatically.

The nations finishing in third and fourth will progress to a further round of preliminaries for the pair of remaining slots while those in fifth and sixth will be eliminated.

Uzbekistan sit second in Group A three points behind Iran, who play Qatar in Doha, and lead the third-placed United Arab Emirates by four points ahead of the final two matches in the third phase of qualifiers.

South Korea, meanwhile, are in pole position in Group B on 16 points and a draw with Iraq in Graham Arnold’s first game as head coach of the Gulf nation will take Hong Myung-bo and his team into yet another World Cup draw.

The Iraqis, currently third in the table, need a point to keep their hopes of automatic qualification alive as second-placed Jordan would progress with a win over Oman should Arnold’s side lose to the Koreans.

Oman sit in fourth place on 10 points, and victory over the Jordanians will keep Rashid Jaber’s outfit in contention for a first World Cup ticket.

Australia take on Japan in Perth knowing a win against Hajjime Moriyasu’s already-qualified Group C winners might not be enough to confirm their progress on Thursday.

Tony Popovic’s Socceroos lead Saudi Arabia by three points with two matches left, meaning a win for Herve Renard’s side away to Bahrain would see the remaining Group C berth decided when Australia face the Saudis next Tuesday.

However, a win for the Australians against a Japan side featuring a host of uncapped players and defeat for the Saudis in Riffa would confirm the Socceroos’ passage to a sixth consecutive World Cup.

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.