Sahan Bidappa

Qatar will most likely play their last two friendlies against tough opponents in the next five days, before they embark on a historic World Cup appearance at home in two months’ time.

On a day of high wind at the Qatar Sports Club Friday, the favourites fell by the wayside at the Diamond League season opener. The windy conditions did not spare even home favourite and Olympic champion Mutaz Essa Barshim as the Qatari finished second in front of a vociferous packed crowd.

Since that magical night at Tokyo Olympics when they both stood on top of the podium with gold medals draped around their necks, Mutaz Essa Barshim and Gianmarco Tamberi have been inseparable. The two high jumpers have been friends for long, but after their act of sportsmanship in Tokyo when they de

The opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2022 will see hosts Qatar play against Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on November 21. Qatar, who will be making their World Cup debut at home, will also face African champions Senegal and three-time runner-up The Netherlands in other Group A matches.

Coach Felix Sanchez said Qatar will aim to be competitive in the FIFA World Cup, after the hosts were drawn to play Ecuador, Senegal and the Netherlands in Group A yesterday.

Qatar will step an inch closer to hosting the FIFA World Cup later this year, with the draw for the football’s showpiece event to be held on Friday.

Al Duhail saved their best for the big occasion as the Red Knights’ sealed an empathic 5-1 win over Al Gharafa in the final to clinch the 50th edition of the Amir Cup yesterday.

Al Duhail and Al Gharafa will step out of Al Sadd’s absolute dominance in recent years, when the two sides clash in the final of the 50th edition of Amir Cup on Friday.