Year in review: Arab football highlights from 2022
It has been an action-packed year for football in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world in general. As 2023 kicks off, we take a look back over the last 12 months.
Ronaldo Sport News
Mattias Ekstrom edges Loeb to take opening Dakar Rally prologue
YANBU, Saudi Arabia: Sweden’s Mattias Ekstrom drove his Audi hybrid to victory in the 13km-long prologue of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Ekstrom edged out France’s nine-time World Rally champion Sebastien Loeb (BRX) by a second. “It’s always nice to start in a good way, but, of course, the day is long and the rally is even longer,” said Ekstrom.
Maguire mockery is ‘undeserved’ says England’s Phillips
DOHA: England midfielder Kalvin Phillips has backed team-mate Harry Maguire as the much-maligned center-half prepares for the ultimate World Cup quarter-final test against France on Saturday. Manchester United defender Maguire has started just three games in the Premier League this season due to a combination of injury and the arrival of Argentine Lisandro Martinez, but has been solid so far for England in Qatar, where he has started every game. It marks a stark turnaround in fortunes for Maguire, who became the butt of many jokes on social media after a bad run of form last season.
IOC warns Afghanistan over women’s sports and Olympics
LAUSANNE: The International Olympic Committee on Tuesday warned that it could stop working with Afghanistan ahead of the next Olympics in 2024 if women are not allowed to play sports under Taliban rule.
Twilight for Busquets, last of Spain’s champs at World Cup
AL RAYYAN, Qatar: Sergio Busquets stood in the center circle, hands on hips, a blank look on his face.
Moroccans celebrate historic World Cup win against Spain
RABAT, Morocco: Exuberant Moroccans poured into the streets of their capital and in cities across Europe on Tuesday, waving flags and honking horns to celebrate their national soccer team’s historic victory over Spain at the World Cup.
Morocco players celebrate with Palestinian flag after Spain upset
DOHA: Morocco’s players unfurled a Palestinian flag during their on-pitch celebrations after the team’s stunning World Cup upset victory against Spain on Tuesday. The Palestinian flag — which has been fluttering widely across Qatar during the finals — was seen being held aloft by Moroccan players following the dramatic penalty shoot-out win over the Spaniards.
Anticipation builds ahead of Saudi Baja 2022 at Hail
HAIL; Saudi Arabia: Anticipation is building ahead of Saudi Baja 2022 at Hail as the three-day event gets underway with a ceremonial start and a 18km desert qualifying stage on Thursday afternoon.