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Portugal held their nerve in a tense penalty shootout to overcome Brazil and secure a place in the U-17 World Cup final, where they will face Austria, who earned a composed 2-0 win over Italy in yesterday’s semi-finals at the Aspire Zone in Doha.It is the first time both Portugal and Austria have reached an U-17 World Cup final, and for Austria, it also marks their maiden appearance in a FIFA World Cup final across all age groups.The final will be played on Thursday at the Khalifa International Stadium at 7pm, while Brazil and Italy face off in the third-place play-off at the Aspire Pitch 7 at 3:30pm.An electric atmosphere greeted Portugal and Brazil at the Aspire Zone and both teams delivered an opening half that matched it. Both sides created chances, including Portugal’s Anisio Cabral seeing a shot blocked from inside the area and a Dell chance for Brazil that was cleared off the line.The second half saw the contest become much cagier, with neither defence willing to yield an inch as a spot was at the fingertips of each. A goal could not be found, so matters had to be settled from the spot.Each team converted their first four kicks before Portugal goalkeeper Romario Cunha skied his attempt. Brazil’s Ruan Pablo had the chance to win it, but hit the post. The teams then exchanged successful attempts before Jose Neto converted for Portugal and Angelo of Brazil sent his over the crossbar to give Portugal the win.Earlier, Johannes Moser scored a brilliant double as Austria beat Italy. The attacking midfielder netted his seventh and eighth goals of the tournament to earn his team a famous victory.In a tense first half where both sides struggled to find their fluency, Italy’s Dauda Iddrisa came closest when his rising drive went just over the bar. Austria would strike the first blow 12 minutes after half-time, and in some style.Moser tricked his way into space before playing a pass into Jakob Werner. He brilliantly turned his man and then slipped an inch-perfect return ball into Moser’s path, who fired an unerring finish beyond goalkeeper Alessandro Longoni. Substitute Valerio Maccaroni almost levelled for Italy but Moser’s stunning free-kick – after Italy defender Benit Borasio was sent off – put the result beyond doubt.Moser, who was adjudged as player of the match, was ecstatic to take his side to the final. “I’m so happy. We can’t believe it yet!” he said. “It was a very physical game, now we have to analyse it and look forward to the final. We are a very small country and it means a lot to all of us. But the job is not finished, and we want to win the World Cup.”Austria coach Hermann Stadler was equally elated: “It’s great, it’s amazing, it’s outstanding. It’s a dream for the Austrian football association and especially for all young Austrian footballers. It’s the first time the Austrian team is in the final. It’s incredible, it’s fantastic. The boys worked for each other, and now we are in the final! It’s a dream come true.”Meanwhile Italy captain Luca Reggiani lamented missed opportunities but praised his side’s campaign. “We missed some chances in the beginning and we could not get the win. This is football. We have to be proud because I think we have had a good tournament. We lost one game, but we can keep our heads up. We are a good team, and I think we can do a lot together in the future,” Reggiani said. Source link
Four years after Algeria captain Rais M’Bolhi thrust the trophy into the night air at Qatar’s iconic Al Bayt Stadium, the FIFA Arab Cup is back.The four week-long football festival gets underway with the qualification phase to be held today and tomorrow before the 16-nation group stage swings into action on December 1.Lusail Stadium, the site of the FIFA World Cup Qatar final in 2022, will then reprise that role for the Arab Cup decider on December 18. With nine nations seeded directly through to the tournament proper, the remaining seven slots at the regional showpiece will be settled through a series of one-off qualifiers in Qatar.Three matches kick off today, with Mauritania facing Kuwait, Syria meeting South Sudan and Palestine taking on Libya. The remaining four fixtures — Oman v Somalia, Bahrain v Djibouti, Sudan v Lebanon and Comoros v Yemen — will be played tomorrow. Here is a preview of today’s matches of what is set to be a tense couple of days of action in Al Rayyan and Doha.Mauritania v Kuwait (kick-off at 4pm)Mauritania boss Aritz Garai has been able to call on the services of experienced European pair Lamine Ba and Bakari Camara as they look to reach the group stage for the second straight edition. Young Egypt-based attacking midfielder Maata Magassa is also a name to watch for the Northwest African nation. Garai said: “We have a very good generation of young players and this is an incredible opportunity to keep developing the national team and test ourselves against a strong opponent.”New Kuwait coach Helio Sousa faces his first competitive match at the helm of the Blues and does so off the back of a productive Cairo camp where they downed Tanzania and drew with Gambia.Fahad al-Hajeri, Kuwait defender, said: “Everyone probably knows that the Kuwaiti team has been in a state of flux recently and we haven’t won a title in many years. But we’re always a force, and we enter every tournament aiming to compete for the title.”Syria v South Sudan (kick-off at 7pm)Syria have been in sparkling form since the mid-2024 arrival of head coach Jose Lana and a thumping 5-0 win in Pakistan last week in an Asian Cup qualifier means that they have still only lost once this calendar year. Several of their European-based stars may be absent but in the likes of deadly marksman Omar Khrbin and electric winger Mohammad Al Salkhadi they still have plenty of quality.Jose Lana, Syria head coach, said: “We know it is going to be very difficult for us as we have some players who will not be able to come, others who are injured or have just recovered. As we always do though we will remain focused on the next match, being aware of how important it is.”By contrast, South Sudan remain winless in 2025 but they did pick up a credible draw at home to Togo last month in their final World Cup 2026 qualifier. Having been forced to withdraw on the eve of the qualifiers four years ago due to a Covid outbreak, the planet’s youngest nation are determined to reach the group stage at Qatar 2025. Majak Mawith, South Sudan goalkeeper, said: “The Arab Cup is a really important tournament for us, one that we’ve been targeting and a chance to show what South Sudan is all about. We’ve been together for the last three months, constantly playing matches and we feel that we’re ready.”Palestine v Libya (kick-off at 7pm)Palestine are fresh off a camp in Spain, where they lost narrowly to a pair of very strong, selective regional teams from Catalonia and the Basque Country last week. That followed on from an eye-catching 1-0 win against the defending Arab Cup champions Algeria last month that continued a strong run of form under coach Ehab Abu Jazar.Palestine goalkeeper Rami Hamada said: “My family, my city, my people, all of them are so proud of us and we want to say to the world that we have a dream, and we’re dreaming like everyone else and that is to now play football, especially after how difficult things have been over the past years.”Likewise Libya have also had an impressive preparation, seeing off Mauritania 1-0 last week and drawing with World Cup-bound Cabo Verde last month. Forward Ezzeddin El Maremi looms as a major threat, having struck in four of the nation’s past six outings. Defender Ali Yousef said: “We respect every team, of course, but we fear no one. Right now we’re focused on the play-off, and only after that will we look at the group opponents.” Source link
e1d89c11-2a4f-47ff-a016-0c3e4a2a1c22 The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee (LOC) unveiled Alkass Sports Channels as the new tournament sponsor today at a signing ceremony held in Doha.Alkass Sports Channels, a Qatari-based sports broadcaster, will join a number of esteemed brands who will be playing a critical role in the delivery of this prestigious Arab tournament.The signing ceremony was attended by H.E. Eng. Yasir bin Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Jamal, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, and Essa bin Abdullah Al Hitmi, General Manager of Alkass Sports Channels.“Alkass is proud to be part of the Arab Cup that holds a special significance for both players and fans across the region. Qatar will, once again, provide a global stage for our football stars to showcase their talents, and will bring Arab fans together to celebrate our culture and passion for the game. We are excited to capture incredible stories from the pitch and beyond, and showcase Qatar’s ability to host world-class tournaments. We are confident that the second edition of the Arab Cup will be a great success,” said Al Hitmi.The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will be held from 1-18 December across six stadiums that previously hosted matches during the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Tickets are available at: www.roadtoqatar.qa, with prices starting from QAR 25. Supporters can also purchase a Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of their team of choice during the group stage. Throughout the competition, fans will also be treated to a variety of entertainment and cultural activities.All tickets will be digital and will include accessible seating options for disabled fans.For tournament updates, follow @roadtoqatar on all major social media platforms.Copy ends Source link
ea9c6ea7-f62a-4516-8efe-0ef614ec9913 The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 and FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 unveiled Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB) as the new tournament supporter today at a signing ceremony held in Doha.QIIB, a leading Islamic bank in Qatar, was announced as the tournament supporter for both competitions, joining a number of esteemed brands who will be playing a critical role in the delivery of these prestigious tournaments.The signing ceremony was attended by H.E. Eng. Yasir bin Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Jamal, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, and Dr. Abdulbasit Ahmed Al-Shaibei, CEO, Qatar International Islamic Bank.“QIIB’s sponsorship aligns with our national role in supporting major events hosted by Qatar, which reinforce its position as the capital of regional and international sports. We are proud of the sponsorship we are announcing today, which comes as part of our close cooperation and continuous support for Qatari sports. As always, we are confident that the tournaments will achieve great success at all levels,” said Al-Shaibei.The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will be held from 1-18 December across six stadiums that previously hosted matches during the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Tickets for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 are available starting from QAR 25. Supporters can also purchase a Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of their team of choice during the group stage. Throughout the competition, fans will also be treated to a variety of entertainment and cultural activities.During the rest days of the FIFA Arab Cup, Qatar will host the final three matches of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 presented by Aramco on 10, 13 and 17 December at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, one of the venues used to host matches of the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The prestigious competition will crown the best club in world football for 2025, with teams vying for the FIFA Derby of the Americas Qatar 2025, FIFA Challenger Cup Qatar 2025 and FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 trophies.Tickets for both tournaments will be digital and will include accessible seating options for disabled fans. They are available exclusively at: www.roadtoqatar.qa. Source link
Soccer Football – UEFA Champions League – Manchester City Training – Etihad Campus, Manchester, Britain – November 24, 2025 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola with Bernardo…
Moshrif showed all his class to capture the Gr.2 (PA) Grand Prix de Sa Majesté le Roi Mohammed VI at Casablanca, a race for Purebred Arabians aged four and up run over 2100m on dirt on Sunday evening. The contest brought together a field of proven older horses, and the seven-year-old returned to winning ways.Trained by Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte, ridden by Guillaume Guedj-Gay, and owned by Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari, the son of Dahess bounced back after a respectable but below-par run in the Gr.1 (PA) Qatar Arabian World Cup at the ParisLongchamp.Already a dual Gr.1 (PA) winner, this victory marked his second Gr.2 (PA) triumph, confirming his enduring class and competitive spirit.Breaking well from stall one, Moshrif soon settled in third behind Casbar Ymir, in a race led by Al Zeer. Approaching the first bend, Guillaume Guedj-Gay allowed his mount to move closer, slipping onto the inside of Casbar Ymir to dispute second, with Mamouni Fal tracking in fourth.Around the final bend, Moshrif moved clearly into second as Casbar Ymir came under pressure, while Al Zeer continued to lead. Straightening for home, Moshrif came on the leader’s outside, the pair quickly drawing clear of the rest. Locked in a prolonged duel through the final 400 metres, Moshrif gradually gained the upper hand, showing great determination to edge ahead and win by a short neck to beat his rival. Mugheer (Mahabb) stayed on well to take third.Bred by Shadwell France, Moshrif is out of Tashreefat. He is a half-brother to Muraaqib, a seven-time Gr.1 (PA) winner over 1600m and 2000m between the ages of three and six, and to Barnamaj, a dual winner over 1400m and 2000m, as well as runner-up in a Gr.1 (PA) over 1200m and a Gr.2 (PA) over 1400m at four. Source link
England’s Jacob Bethell, Matthew Potts and Josh Tongue were picked to play a day-night warmup match against the Australian Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, the country’s cricket board (ECB) said on Monday.The three players did not feature in England’s crushing eight-wicket defeat in Perth last week, a match that ended as the shortest Ashes test by overs bowled to produce a result since 1888.”The England Men’s Ashes Test squad have released three players – Jacob Bethell, Matthew Potts and Josh Tongue – to join the England Lions for their forthcoming two-day fixture against the Australian Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra,” ECB said in a statement.The match will be a day-night fixture, played with the pink ball, starting on Saturday.Australia head into the Brisbane test with momentum and an imposing record in day-night matches, having won 13 of their 14 tests played under lights, including all three against England. (Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; editing by Ed Osmond) Source link
Hundreds of fans from across the Arab region gathered in Doha to celebrate ahead of the tournament Hundreds of fans from across the Arab world came together today at Old Doha Port for the Arab Fan Walk, a vibrant celebration of culture, unity and football held ahead of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025. The gathering brought together supporters from all 23 participating nations, alongside community groups and fan leaders, who expressed their excitement for the event as they carried their national flags and marched along Doha’s scenic waterfront in a powerful display of regional pride and solidarity. As Qatar welcomes teams and supporters from across the region, the Arab Fan Walk exemplifies the power of football in bringing people together, as well as the cultural significance of the Arab Cup in connecting the Arab community. The Arab Fan Walk also serves as an early showcase of the atmosphere expected during the Arab Cup Qatar 2025, which will be held from 1-18 December across six stadiums used during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Al Bayt Stadium, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Education City Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, Stadium 974 and Lusail Stadium. A total of 16 teams will compete for this year’s title. Nine teams have already qualified directly based on FIFA rankings, while 14 countries will compete in crucial qualifiers taking place on November 25-26 in Qatar to secure the remaining seven places in the tournament.The tournament will feature vibrant fan zones, cultural and musical performances, all designed to bring fans closer to the action. Venues are connected by Qatar’s integrated public transport network and provide barrier-free access to disabled fans. Source link
Qatar Boxing Federation President Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid al-Thani is seen with new president of World Boxing Gennady Golovkin at the governing body’s annual Congress in…
Adil Boulbina scored a blistering hat trick as Qatar’s Al Duhail handed Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad a thumping 4-2 defeat in the AFC Champions League Elite clash yesterday to boost the club’s hopes of a place in the knockout rounds.A virtuoso performance saw the 22-year-old score in the fifth, 33rd and 53rd minutes before Krzysztof Piatek’s 74th minute goal ensured that a late brace from Karim Benzema was in vain for Sergio Conceicao’s side.Victory moves Al Duhail onto seven points from five matches in the West Zone league phase while Al Ittihad remain on six points going into the final three games of the opening round of the competition.It was a thunderbolt of a strike that gave Al Duhail the lead when Boulbina unleashed a drive from 25 yards, the Algerian’s left foot shot flying past Pedrag Rajkovic’s despairing dive to his left.With 12 minutes left in the half Al Duhail doubled their lead, and it was Boulbina again who punished the Saudi side. Captain Marco Verratti’s inch-perfect through pass from inside his own half released Boulbina, who beat Danilo Pereira to the ball before bearing down on goal and, after a clever feint caused Rajkovic to hesitate, the ball was thumped home.Boulbina got his third in the 53rd minute after Luis Alberto released him into the penalty area and, afte rwrong-footing Jan Carlo Simic, Boulbina worked the ball onto his left to fire a low shot under the body of Rajkovic.Burke pushed Fabinho’s header over the bar as Al Ittihad sought a way back into the game but, with 16 minutes left, Piatek hit the fourth with Rajkovic unable to keep out a powerful right-foot shot. Benzema headed in two minutes later for Al Ittihad and then hit his side’s second with seven minutes remaining with a high quality right foot finish but it was not enough to spark a late comeback for the visitors.Shabab stroll past GharafaMeanwhile, Al Gharafa went down to Shabab Al Ahli 0-2 at the Rashid Stadium in Dubai. The win gave the side from the United Arab Emirates their third win and took them to 10 points. The loss was Al Gharafa’s fourth, leaving the Qatar side on three points.Kauan Santos gave the home side the lead in the ninth minute when he threaded his way past three Al Gharafa defenders and drilled a low shot that struck defender Aron Gunnarsson’s boot and went past a lunging Khalifa Ababacar into the bottom right corner.An unmarked Guilherme Bala doubled his side’s lead in the 28th minute by coolly bending the ball from outside the area, again past a diving Ababacar and again into the bottom right.Shabab Al Ali will look to continue their winning ways when they face Qatari chapions Al Saad while Al Gharafa play UAE’s Al Wahda FC, with both matches scheduled for December 23. Source link