World Cup: Defeat for hosts Qatar as Ecuador triumphs in opening match
The large swathes of empty seats in the second half summed up the Qatar soccer team's disappointing start to its first ever World Cup.
Saudi Arabia Sport News
Qatar first World Cup hosts to lose opener with Ecuador defeat
DOHA: Qatar became the first home team to lose their opening World Cup match as Ecuador cruised to a 2-0 victory over the hosts, with Enner Valencia scoring twice in the tournament curtain-raiser on Sunday. Asian champions Qatar enjoyed the backing of the majority of the crowd at the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium, but could not follow a glitzy opening ceremony with a statement performance. Ecuador thought they had made a dream start when they silenced the home fans as Valencia headed in, only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR for an offside in the build-up.
Max Verstappen signs off with record-extending win in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix F1 finale
ABU DHABI: Double world champion Max Verstappen signed off on a dominant 2022 Formula One campaign with a record-extending 15th win of the year in Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as Charles Leclerc secured second in the overall standings. The Dutchman, who wrapped up the title last month in Japan with four races to spare, was unchallenged as he led from pole position to chequered flag. He crossed the line 8.7 seconds ahead of Leclerc, who having made just one stop, held on to second ahead of Verstappen’s two-stopping team mate Sergio Perez to edge him in their battle for second.
World Cup gets underway with stakes high for host Qatar
AL KHOR, Qatar: The World Cup kicked off in Qatar on Sunday (Nov 20) with the Muslim nation, which faced a barrage of criticism over its treatment of foreign workers, LGBT rights and social restrictions, staking its reputation on delivering a smooth tournament.
After rocky buildup, football ready to grab World Cup spotlight
AL KHOR, Qatar : Soccer took centre stage on Sunday as a World Cup shrouded in controversy prepares to kick off with a glitzy opening ceremony and host Qatar playing Ecuador in the first match to push aside the criticism which has dogged the showcase event.
Al-Nassr maintain lead at the top of Saudi Women’s Premier League table
Al-Nassr maintained their position at the top of the Saudi Women’s Premier League after defeating the Eastern Flames 4-1 on Saturday night at Al-Nahda Club Stadium in Dammam.
Messi's Argentina expected to roll over Saudis in Group C opener
DOHA : Lionel Messi's Argentina have an easy-looking start to the World Cup on Tuesday based on blistering recent form and opponents Saudi Arabia's history of drubbings in tournament openers.
Zaid Al-Kathiri becomes UAE’s first black belt gold medalist at Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championships
ABU DHABI: The UAE’s Zayed Al-Kathiri created history on Saturday by becoming the first-ever black belt holder in the country to win gold at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championships.