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Head coach of the Iraq football team, Australian Graham Arnold, affirmed that the team is orchestrating an ideal kickstart to its campaign in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, as it faces Bahrain on Wednesday at Stadium 974 within Group D.In the pre-match press conference, he noted that the championship constitutes a pivotal opportunity for the Iraqi footballers to showcase all capabilities before entering the intercontinental playoff enjoined for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.He implored his players to seize this incredible chance and demonstrate their entire finesse to take a victory lap in all clashes at this tournament, emphasizing that he feels a grandiose atmosphere as incredible and perfect as the World Cup.Emphatically, the organization will be dazzling as usual, since the championship is a critical chance for Iraq to observe players who were previously called upon in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to showcase their finesse, Arnold stressed.Iraqi captain and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan said the morals are up, as players will be committed to mesmerize the Iraqi fans in this tournament.The first clash is usually tough for the two teams, but the Iraqi squad is fully ready to face Bahrain and will be keen to perform well as required, as players are highly motivated, Hassan assured, wishing them Godspeed in tomorrow’s clash.Addressing the press conference, head coach of the Bahrain team, Dragan Talajic, emphasized that tomorrow’s match will be challenging because Iraq will be clashing with a powerful squad.Talajic stressed that he has tremendous hope to snag the title and reach the final, clarifying that the team is ready with preparations afoot to attain the upcoming World Cup.Expressing his respect to the Iraqi team, Talajic asserted that his team will do its best to achieve a positive result, as this tournament is pretty different from the others and Bahrain is listed in an extremely difficult group.He indicated that winning the three matches is contingent upon having ambitions to enhance luckiness in the competition, highlighting that the team has acquired a lot of expertise after playing in the most recent World Cup qualifiers. Source link
Screenshot 2025-12-03 at 11-42-07 (20) Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) _ X Qatar will seek to regain its momentum in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 when it faces Syria tomorrow at Khalifa International Stadium, as part of the second round of Group A matches.Qatar seeks to compensate for its sudden 0-1 loss to Palestine in the opening match of the tournament, whereas Syria will enter the match in high spirits after defeating Tunisia 1-0, collecting three valuable points.Currently, Syria and Palestine sit on top of Group A with three points each, while Qatar and Tunisia are third and fourth without points.Qatar will be required to perform differently in the match in order to win, which will force Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui to find solutions on the front line after the clear inability to show effectiveness in the first match.In the match against Palestine, Qatar lacked effective influence in the offensive aspects, with a scarcity of real opportunities in light of the inability to penetrate the opponent’s defense, despite high ball possession. What is required is change and the regaining of momentum Qatar had during the fourth stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which displayed an outstanding level that enabled it to grab qualification for the World Cup at the expense of Oman and the UAE.After the first match, Qatar’s coach Lopetegui affirmed his confidence in the players’ ability to overcome the defeat, and to perform differently in the second match against Syria, with the aim of winning and correcting course.Meanwhile, Syria hopes to continue to shine in the tournament by achieving a positive result to bring it closer to qualifying for the quarter-finals.Syria, led by Spanish coach Jose Lana, qualified for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 by defeating South Sudan 2-0. This will be their eighth appearance in the tournament’s history.For its part, Qatar searches for its first FIFA Arab Cup title in its fourth appearance in the tournament, having been runners-up in 1998, as well as placing third in 2021, when it was held in Doha. Related Story Source link
Morocco began its campaign in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 with a 3-1 victory over Comoros, in the match held on Tuesday at Khalifa International Stadium in the first round of Group B, which also includes Saudi Arabia and Oman.Morocco’s goals were scored by Soufiane Bouftini in the 5th minute, Tarik Tissoudali in the 11th minute, and Karim El Berkaoui in the 45+4 minute, while Comoros’ goal came when Moroccan player Mohamed Boulaksout accidentally scored an own goal in the 56th minute.With this result, Morocco temporarily moved to the top of the group with 3 points, with Saudi Arabia and Oman still to play later this evening.The Moroccan team imposed clear dominance at the start of the match with high pressing and managed to open the scoring after a corner taken by Oussama Tannane, which Soufiane Bouftini met with a powerful header into the net in the 5th minute.Morocco continued its offensive pressure, extending the lead with a second goal, also from a corner executed by Oussama Tannane into the box, which Tarik Tissoudali converted with a shot to the goalkeeper’s right in the 11th minute.Comoros attempted to respond after going down, nearly reducing the deficit with a shot from the edge of the box, but it went over the crossbar in the 24th minute.Morocco relied on wing-based attacking play and managed to add a third goal after a cross from Hamza El Moussaoui into the box, which Karim El Berkaoui headed into the net in the 45+4 minute, ending the first half with Morocco leading 3-0.In the second half, Comoros were much improved as they searched for a comeback, and Ibrahim Joudja almost scored after a cross that he struck powerfully, but the Moroccan defense blocked it in the 53rd minute.Comoros succeeded in scoring its first goal when Amir Zaid penetrated the defense and sent in a cross that Moroccan defender Mohamed Boulaksout mistakenly turned into his own net in the 56th minute.The match remained open and Morocco's Amine Zouhzouh missed a great chance to widen the gap when he was one-on-one with the goalkeeper after a cross from Abderrazak Hamdallah, but his shot went over the bar in the 83rd minute. Source link
Morocco’s head coach Tarik Sektioui expressed his delight following his team’s 3-1 victory over Comoros in their opening match of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.Speaking at the post-match press conference, Sektioui said winning the opening match is crucial, it was by no means an easy task, especially in this type of encounter, thanking all the players for their realistic approach, seriousness, strong will, desire, and respect for the opponent.He added that he opted to change tactics in the second half to strengthen the scoreline, noting that the opposing team was well-organized and had standout players, particularly on the flanks.Sektioui clarified that Morocco’s performance did not decline in the second half, but rather he chose a more balanced style to maintain control and extend the lead.Tomorrow, he clarified, they turn their focus to preparing for the next match against Oman, hoping to meet the expectations of Moroccan fans and deliver a strong performance.Meanwhile, Moroccan player Karim El Berkaoui, who was named Man of the Match, said all players gave their utmost effort and succeeded in presenting the desired image that brought joy to Moroccan supporters.El Berkaoui added that they secured three important points and are determined to double their efforts to uphold the reputation of Moroccan football, aiming to continue in the same vein.On the other side, Comoros head coach Hamadi Jambay voiced his disappointment following the defeat in their tournament opener.Jambay said they made several mistakes, adding that they knew they would face tremendous challenges against a very strong and experienced opponent.Conceding three early goals made it even harder to recover, Jambay said during the press conference.He praised his players’ second-half performance and their determination to improve and make up for the first-half shortcomings.he concluded by confirming that they must prepare for the future and build a strong team, doing their utmost to perform well in the next match and play with greater attacking courage.He added that they’ll continue working to fix the issues and get ready to turn things around. Source link
Former England Test player Robin Smith has died aged 62, hailed by cricket chiefs as a “batter ahead of his time”.The South Africa-born Smith, who played 62 Tests between 1988 and 1996, died on Monday in Australia, where he lived.Smith’s family announced their “profound sense of sadness and loss” in a statement released by Hampshire, his former English county club.”Robin died unexpectedly at his South Perth apartment on Monday, 1st December. The cause of his death is at present unknown,” they said.Smith had only recently met with the second-string England Lions squad in Perth ahead of the first Ashes Test at the invitation of coach Andrew Flintoff.Smith scored 4,236 Test runs for England, including nine centuries, at an average of 43.67, and 2,419 runs in 71 one-day internationals.”Robin Smith was a player who stood toe to toe with some of the quickest bowlers in the world, meeting spells of hostile fast bowling with a defiant smile and an incredible resilience,” said England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson.”He did so in a way that gave England fans enormous pride, and no shortage of entertainment.”He was a batter ahead of his time, which was typified in that unforgettable unbeaten 167 from 163 balls in a one-day international against Australia at Edgbaston in 1993.”Former England wicket-keeper Jack Russell, who played Test cricket alongside Smith, paid tribute on social media by saying: “Robin Smith, one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Would do anything for you, hard as nails.”What a player. Played quick bowling as well as anyone. Had the hardest square-cut in the business along side G (Gordon) Greenidge (the celebrated West Indies opener and a Hampshire teammate of Smith). #RIP my Friend, rest easy now.”‘Charismatic, popular’Nicknamed “The Judge”, with his hair likened to a judge’s wig, Smith grew up in apartheid-era South Africa, when the country was banned from international cricket.The son of an English father, Smith followed older brother Chris into both the Hampshire and England teams.He was renowned for his fearless batting against the world’s fastest bowlers, including Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh and Waqar Younis.But he struggled with mental health and alcohol-related problems in retirement.”Robin rose to fame as one of England’s most charismatic and popular players,” Smith’s family said. “A brave and dashing batsman, he excelled both for Hampshire and his adopted country, collecting legions of admirers and friends along the way.”They added: “Since his retirement from the game in 2004 his battles with alcohol and mental health have been well documented but these should not form the basis of speculation about the cause of death which will be determined at post-mortem investigation.”Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove hailed Smith as “one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of all-time Hampshire cricket heroes”.”He was a batsman of awesome power and control and amongst the most courageous players this club has ever seen – especially against bowling of real pace,” he added. Source link
This how Formula grid will line up in 2026, with Cadillac entering as the 11th team. Isack Hadjar will replace Yuki Tsunoda in the hot seat as Max Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate next season with Arvid Lindblad joining Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls, the Formula One teams announced.Frenchman Hadjar, 21, has made a big impression in his debut season with sister team Racing Bulls including taking his first podium with third place in the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August. British-born Lindblad, who also has Swedish nationality and Indian heritage through his mother, moves up from Formula Two to partner New Zealander Lawson and will be the sole rookie on the 2026 grid.Tsunoda’s departure leaves Formula One without a Japanese driver on the starting grid. Red Bull said he will remain within the ‘family’ as test and reserve driver for the first season of a new engine era.Tsunoda will also serve as Racing Bulls reserve when compatriot Ayu Iwasa, this year’s Japanese Super Formula champion, is not available. “We believe Isack can thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on track,” said Red Bull principal Laurent Mekies.The role of teammate to four-times world champion Verstappen, who could yet add a fifth title in a row at Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, has been something of a poisoned chalice for a string of hopefuls. Verstappen, the absolute number one driver, will start 2026 with his fourth different teammate since the last race of 2024.No teammate has come close to the Dutch driver’s relentless form since Mexican Sergio Perez took four podiums in the first five races last season and then suffered a dramatic loss of pace before departing. Before him Alex Albon, now at Williams, and Pierre Gasly, who moved to Renault-owned Alpine, also struggled to keep up.Lawson started this season as the incumbent but was replaced by Tsunoda after two races without scoring. The Japanese has been completely eclipsed by Verstappen, with the champion winning seven races and scoring 396 points while Tsunoda’s tally stands at a mere 33.”After all the hard work I have put in since joining the junior team, it’s such a great reward,” said Hadjar. “I’ve had many ups and downs throughout my career, and they kept believing and pushing me. I feel ready to go… and I am happy and proud they feel the same. It’s an awesome move, to work with the best and learn from Max is something I can’t wait for.”Lindblad will take his place as the 20th Red Bull junior driver to reach Formula One and he recognised the challenge ahead. “I know there’s a lot to learn, but I’m ready to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can’t wait to get started, it’s going to be an exciting year,” he said.Team boss Alan Permane said Lawson, 23, and Lindblad, 18, would be a strong and dynamic pairing. “He (Lawson) has excelled when conditions have been at their hardest and we look forward to building on this in 2026, while Arvid’s rapid progression marks him as one of the standout young talents in the sport,” he said. Related Story Source link
Egypt and Kuwait drew 1-1 in their Tuesday match at Lusail Stadium, as part of the first round of Group C matches in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025. Fahad Al Hajri scored Kuwait’s goal in the 64th minute, while Mohamed Magdy (Afsha) scored Egypt’s goal in the 88th minute from a penalty kick. Each team now has one point in the group that includes Jordan and the UAE, who will meet on Wednesday. The match was average. Egypt dominated for most of the time, but failed to translate that dominance into a positive result after its players raced to waste easy opportunities in front of the Kuwaiti goal, opportunities that could have changed the course and result of the match. Source link
England head into Thursday’s day-night second Ashes Test against pink-ball masters Australia needing a rare victory at Brisbane’s Gabba to get back into the five-match series.Travis Head’s whirlwind century as a makeshift opener carried Australia to an eight-wicket victory inside two days in Perth as they went 1-0 up. The hosts are again without captain Pat Cummins and fellow quick Josh Hazlewood, leaving swing king Mitchell Starc, who is expected to be a force in humid Brisbane under lights, to carry the attack. England, who capitulated in four frantic hours in Perth from a winning position, cannot afford to slip 2-0 down with three matches to play if they are to have realistic hopes of regaining the urn. They will be without their own pace spearhead, Mark Wood, who is nursing a knee injury. He was replaced by off-spinner Will Jacks, who will bolster the batting, in an otherwise unchanged team named Tuesday. All-rounder Jacks has played in two previous Tests and claimed a five-wicket haul on debut against Pakistan in 2022. He has mainly been used by England in white-ball cricket. “Everyone knows what a brilliant cricketer he is,” England batsman and Jacks’ Surrey team-mate Ollie Pope told reporters. “The way he’s grown over the last few years, we’ve seen his white-ball game really go forward. It’s a great opportunity for his red-ball, too. “He’s obviously got that style of spin bowling where he can get some bounce and turn off the pitch, then everyone has seen the skills he’s got in the white-ball format. “He can take on a really good attack.” Captain Ben Stokes says England have moved on from Perth and are not scarred by past results but they face a formidable weight of history in Brisbane, where they have been holding extra training sessions this week. England have not won a Test in Australia since their 2010-11 tour, losing 14 and drawing two. Moreover, they have not triumphed at the Gabba for 39 years and have lost all three previous day-nighters against the hosts. Day-night specialists Australia thrive under lights, winning 13 of the 14 pink-ball Tests they have played worldwide, but England will take encouragement from the sole defeat coming at the Gabba against the West Indies a year ago. “On an evening it does seem to do a little bit more, especially if you have a slightly newer ball,” said England fast bowler Brydon Carse after a night session in the nets Tuesday.Steve Smith captains Australia, who must decide how to fill the opening slot vacated by Usman Khawaja who was ruled out Tuesday after failing to recover from back spasms suffered in Perth. “Khawaja will remain with the team to continue his rehabilitation. He has not been replaced in the squad,” said Cricket Australia. Khawaja batted for 30 minutes in the practice nets Tuesday evening but the left-hander appeared to be in discomfort. Head is likely to again move up alongside Jake Weatherald, with seaming all-rounder Beau Webster coming into the side at number six with Cameron Green moving up to five.Paceman Scott Boland had sympathy for Khawaja. “It’s hard because he’s put in a lot of work since the last game just trying to get his body right but he hasn’t come up, unfortunately,” Boland told reporters. “I thought he looked pretty good in the nets, but he must have thought in himself that he wasn’t ready to go.” Marnus Labuschagne filled in as an opener for Khawaja in the first innings at Perth. “It’s just game-by-game, and you work out what’s your best team and how does it best work for the game,” said Labuschagne. Australia also have the option of bringing in Josh Inglis to open, leaving Head at number five where he would not have to face a new pink ball under lights. Head, who stunned England with a match-winning 123 from 83 balls, said he would be ready to move up again, adding that fixed batting orders were “slightly overrated”. “The traditionalists will say that’s how it’s got to be,” Head said. “It’s ever evolving and we’ll see where we get to. I feel I can play in any role.” SQUADS Australia: Steve Smith (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster England: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer. Related Story Source link
Saleh al-Shehri produced a deft deflection in the second half to power Saudi Arabia to a feisty 2-1 win over neighbouring Oman on day two of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.Al-Shehri, who charged into the Oman box, sent the ball home on a cross from the flank (77) as Saudi Arabia – coached by Hervé Renard – sealed a fighting win at the Education City Stadium. Earlier Firas al-Buraikan gave Saudi the lead in the 55th minute but that was cancelled by a superb snap-header by Oman’s Ghanim al-Habashi in the 70th minute. Al-Shehri’s late effort sealed the deal in Saudi’s favour. Oman – coached by Carlos Queiroz of Portugal – played an attacking game for most of the match. Oman will now play Morocco on Friday at Education City Stadium while Saudi Arabia take on Comoros at Al Bayt Stadium the same day. Dramatic draw Kuwait held Egypt to a dramatic 1-1 stalemate in their FIFA Arab Cup 2025 Group A clash at Lusail Stadium Tuesday. While Egypt controlled the tempo for large stretches of the match, they were left chasing the game after a second-half header from Fahed al-Hajeri gave the West Asian side a shock lead (64). The encounter remained tense until the final minutes, when a red card shifted the balance, forcing both sides to settle for a point in their tournament opener. Egypt wasted numerous opportunities to seize control early, with Kuwait goalkeeper Suod Alhoushan producing a string of saves to deny Mohamed Elneny and Ghanam Mohamed. The Pharaohs’ frustrations mounted when Amro Elsoulia missed a penalty in the first half – after Abdulwahab Alawadhi’s foul on Eslam Eissa – and Mohamed Sherif fired wide shortly after the break. Against the run of play, Kuwait capitalised in the 64th minute when al-Hajeri connected with Mohammad Daham’s corner to power a header into the top corner, leaving the Egyptian squad stunned. The match reached a chaotic conclusion in the 83rd minute when hero-turned-villain Alhoushan was sent off for a second bookable offence after fouling Marwan Hamdy in the box. Mohamed Afsha converted the resulting penalty against substitute goalkeeper Sulaiman Abdulghafour to level the score. Kuwait missed a late chance to seal the win prior to the red card, and they will now look to regroup against Jordan on Saturday, while Egypt prepare to face the UAE. Related Story Source link
Algeria coach Madjid Bougherra keeps a close eye on his players as they train ahead of their Arab Cup opener against Sudan. Defending champions Algeria face Sudan in the FIFA Arab Cup at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium today in a tough Group D that also includes Iraq and Bahrain, making it one of the most difficult groups in the tournament. Both sides will be targeting a crucial opening victory that could significantly shape the qualification race. Algeria arrive in Qatar as reigning champions under coach Madjid Bougherra, who has retained the core of the squad that featured in the African Nations Championship (CHAN). The team has been strengthened by several new additions, which gives Bougherra’s lineup added depth as they seek to defend the title they won in 2021. Central to Algeria’s campaign is Al Gharafa playmaker Yacine Brahimi, whose creativity and sharp movement in the final third make him one of the standout figures of the competition. The squad also includes influential names such as Amir Sayoud, Sofiane Bendebka and veteran striker Islam Slimani. Speaking at a press conference Tuesday, Bougherra highlighted his side’s strong preparation and stressed the importance of making a confident start. He acknowledged Sudan’s quality, saying: “Thursday’s match will be difficult because Sudan possess strong technical and physical qualities.” He noted that both teams already know each other well, having met recently at the CHAN. Bougherra also pointed to the competitiveness of the Arab Cup, citing Syria’s victory over Tunisia and Palestine’s win against Qatar on Monday as examples of the narrow margins between teams. He urged his players to remain fully focused, adding that the match “requires fighting spirit and composure in key moments.” Sudan enter the group stage with momentum after defeating Lebanon 2–1 last week in the playoffs to secure qualification. Their squad features a balanced mix of domestic players and professionals from African and Arab leagues, including Bakheet Khamis, Mohamed Abdelrahman, Abu Aqla Abdullah and goalkeeper Munjid al-Nil. Under Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah, Sudan rely on defensive organisation and quick counter-attacks in an effort to unsettle the Algerian back line. Appiah said he expects a disciplined and competitive performance from his players. “We are aiming for a strong start against one of the strongest teams in the tournament,” he said. “Such matches are a real test of our ambitions.” Sudan also take confidence from their most recent meeting with Algeria, a penalty shoot-out victory in August during the CHAN.Jordan, UAE set for evenly matched clash At Al Bayt Stadium, Jordan and the UAE will open their Group C campaigns in a closely watched encounter between two teams that have made notable strides in recent years. The group also includes Egypt and Kuwait. Jordan, ranked 66th in the world, enter their tenth Arab Cup appearance with renewed ambition following a historic run to the AFC Asian Cup final in 2023 and their first-ever qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Coach Jamal Sellami leads a squad featuring key players such as striker Yazan al-Naimat, goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Laila, Mahmoud Mardi and Ali Alwan. However, the team will be without several important names due to club commitments, including France-based winger Musa al-Taamari and defender Yazan al-Arab. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Sellami expressed belief in his squad’s ability to compete at the highest level despite the absences. “We came to Doha with great ambition, seeking to reach the later stages and contend for the title,” he said. “Our focus is solely on the first match, which will not be easy against a UAE side that performed strongly in the World Cup qualifiers.” He added that confidence remains high following Jordan’s World Cup qualification. “Despite missing six key players, we have great trust in the rest of the group to deliver a high-level performance,” he said. The UAE, led by experienced Romanian coach Cosmin Olaroiu, are making their third appearance in the Arab Cup and hope to challenge for a podium finish for the first time. The team reached the quarter-finals in 2021 and impressed in parts during the recent World Cup qualifying campaign, though they exited after a narrow playoff defeat to Iraq. Olaroiu praised Jordan’s rise in recent years and acknowledged the challenge his side faces. “Jordan have been performing at an amazing level, reaching the Asian Cup final and qualifying for the World Cup,” he said. “But we are ready for this challenge.” He added that the UAE have put their elimination behind them. “We performed very well against Iraq and were the better side in both matches, but luck was not on our side. Our confidence has not been shaken.” The UAE will rely on key performers such as goalkeeper Khalid Eisa, Ali Saleh, Yahya al-Ghassani and Caio Lucas as they look to start their campaign strongly. Related Story Source…