8 things to look out for at the 2024 Dubai World Cup

8 things to look out for at the 2024 Dubai World Cup
Jockey Yuga Kawada on 'Ushba Tesoro' (R) competed to win the Dubai World Cup horse racing event at the Meydan track in Dubai last year. (FIle/AFP)
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Updated 22 March 2024
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8 things to look out for at the 2024 Dubai World Cup

8 things to look out for at the 2024 Dubai World Cup
  • The 28th edition of the racing festival takes place at Meydan Racecourse on March 30

With just over a week to go, here is who, or what, we should be looking out for at the 28th Dubai World Cup when Meydan Racecourse opens its doors on Saturday, March 30.

Kabirkhan

You would do well not to miss him. This tall, flashy chestnut has been the talk of the town since his debut here in January. Bred in Kentucky, trained in Kazakhstan, raced in Russia and then Dubai, it is the stuff of fairytales. Costing just $12,000 as a yearling, he now races for $12 million and could give his trainer Doug Watson and jockey Pat Dobbs their biggest career wins.

Ushba Tesoro

He came with a devastating late run to deny Algiers in last year’s Dubai World Cup and now Japanese star Ushba Tesoro will try and do so again. Second in the Saudi Cup last time, he must beat the winner of that race, Senor Buscador.

Liberty Island

Equinox destroyed the field in last year’s Longines Dubai Sheema Classic and Liberty Island was second only to him in Japan last year. She is very exciting and could become the first filly to win this race since Dolniya in 2015.

Auguste Rodin

Up against Liberty Island is Auguste Rodin, a shiny dark bay colt who won the Derby, Irish Derby, Irish Champion Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Turf last season. He is trained by Aidan O’Brien who won the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic with St Nicholas Abbey in 2013.

Frankie Dettori

He is back. Despite announcing his retirement at the start of last year, the world’s most famous jockey rides on and could win a record fifth Dubai World Cup. He partners Newgate in the big race for trainer Bob Baffert.

Lord North

Frankie Dettori will also be onboard Lord North, who aims for an unprecedented fourth win in the $5 million G1 Dubai Turf. No horse has ever won the same race more than three times on the Dubai World Cup card.

The Show

Sharp-eyed social media watchers may have already had a sneak preview of some horses galloping in the air above the track. So this year’s Dubai World Cup Show is expected to be more spectacular than ever.

The Style Stakes

There is almost $55,000 in prizes up for grabs in the Dubai World Cup Style Stakes, in which Dubai’s most fashionable will battle it out in the Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Man, Best Dressed Couple, Best Hat and Best Traditional Outfit competitions.


Former US coach Gregg Berhalter hired as coach of the Chicago Fire

Former US coach Gregg Berhalter hired as coach of the Chicago Fire
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Former US coach Gregg Berhalter hired as coach of the Chicago Fire

Former US coach Gregg Berhalter hired as coach of the Chicago Fire
  • Berhalter was dismissed as US coach in July, shortly after the team was eliminated in the group stage of the Copa America
  • He replaces current Fire coach Frank Klopas, who will step down after the team’s final regular-season game on Oct. 19

CHICAGO: The Chicago Fire have hired former US national team coach Gregg Berhalter to be the club’s new head coach and director of football.

Berhalter was dismissed as US coach in July, shortly after the team was eliminated in the group stage of the Copa America. It was his second stint with the national team.

He replaces current Fire coach Frank Klopas, who will step down after the team’s final regular-season game on Oct. 19 to assume a new role as the team’s vice president of football.

Berhalter becomes the 10th head coach in the Fire’s history. He will oversee Chicago’s sporting operations, including the senior team, Fire FC II, and the Chicago Fire Academy.

“Chicago is an incredible city, built on communities of hard-working and passionate people who truly love soccer. I look forward to working alongside our staff and players to transform the Fire into a world-class organization that all our fans and the city can be proud of and will support,” he said in a statement.

Berhalter, 51, was the first American to coach the national team after playing for the team at a World Cup. He was originally hired to coach the US in December 2018 after stints with Sweden’s Hammarby (2011-13) and the Columbus Crew (2013-18).

“I’m confident that under his guidance, we will build on the foundation that has been laid over the past five years and be an organization that Chicago will be proud of and reflects the values of our city. I expect that Gregg will create a competitive culture and return our club to its winning ways,” Fire owner Joe Mansueto said in a statement.

Berhalter led the US to a 44-17-13 record during his tenure, taking the team to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His contract expired following the World Cup but he was rehired in June 2023.

Earlier that year, US Soccer investigated a decades-old domestic violence allegation that was brought to the USSF’s attention by the Reyna family, upset that Berhalter limited Gio Reyna’s playing time at the World Cup. A law firm retained by the USSF said there was no legal obstacle to bringing Berhalter back.

With the Crew from 2013-18, Berhalter led the club to the playoffs in four of his five seasons, including an appearance in the 2015 MLS Cup final.

As a player, Berhalter appeared in a pair of World Cups for the US. When he made his international debut against Saudi Arabia on Oct. 15, 1994, Klopas scored on the young center back.

Berhalter, a New Jersey native who lives in the Chicago area, played professionally for 18 season with stops in Europe and a stint with the LA Galaxy.

The Fire (7-9-17) have already been eliminated from postseason play with one game remaining in the regular season. Chicago have not been to the playoffs since 2017.

It is the seventh coaching change so far this season in MLS. Austin FC’s Josh Wolff was fired on Sunday, joining Nashville’s Gary Smith (May 16), Atlanta’s Gonzalo Pineda (June 3), Dallas’ Nico Estévez (June 9), San Jose’s Luchi Gonzalez (June 24) and St. Louis’ Bradley Carnell (July 1).


Chelsea edge Real Madrid in Women’s Champions League, Lyon win

Chelsea edge Real Madrid in Women’s Champions League, Lyon win
Updated 09 October 2024
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Chelsea edge Real Madrid in Women’s Champions League, Lyon win

Chelsea edge Real Madrid in Women’s Champions League, Lyon win
  • Eight-time winners Lyon eased to a comfortable victory against debutants Galatasaray

PARIS: Chelsea began their hunt for Women’s Champions League glory with a 3-2 win over Real Madrid on Tuesday, while eight-time winners Lyon eased to a comfortable victory against debutants Galatasaray.
Sjoeke Nuesken and Guro Reiten gave Chelsea the lead before Alba Redondo pulled one back for the visitors before half-time.
Mayra Ramirez struck in the second half to restore Chelsea’s two-goal advantage. A late Linda Caicedo tap-in set up a nervy finale at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea went into the lead in the second minute when Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s cross struck the unfortunate Sheila Garcia, via the head of Nuesken, and trickled into the Madrid net.
The English champions doubled their lead shortly before the half-hour as the referee pointed to the spot after Maria Mendez caught Nuesken as the pair fought over a loose ball in the box.
Reiten slotted the spot-kick beyond the reach of Misa Rodriguez, who had correctly guessed which way to dive.
Madrid halved the deficit on 39 minutes. Fine wing play by Olga Carmona created the chance and after some pinball in the Chelsea box, Redondo showed composure to take a touch and finish from 10 yards.
Ramirez restored the hosts’ two-goal lead eight minutes into the second half with a header that looped over goalkeeper Misa.
Caicedo converted from close range in the 84th minute after Lucy Bronze had blocked a goal-bound effort on the line, however the Spaniards were unable to complete the comeback as Chelsea ground out the win.
Also in Group B, Dutch club Twente beat Celtic 2-0 in Glasgow thanks to a Kayleigh van Dooren brace either side of the interval.
Earlier, a trio of headers from Kadidiatou Diani, who scored twice, and Vanessa Gilles gave last year’s beaten finalists Lyon a 3-0 home victory over Galatasaray.
France attacker Diani opened the scoring when she stole in to nod home a Tabitha Chawinga cross with 34 minutes on the clock.
Chawinga then got her second assist of the match — and Lyon scored their second goal — right on the stroke of half-time as Gilles turned in her chipped cross from close range.
Gilles went close with another header early in the second period, but her towering effort from a corner rattled against the crossbar.
Diani did make it three in the 77th minute, her guided header crept inside the far post after Amel Majri had burst down the left flank and drilled in a cross.
“They had a lot of fight and it’s never easy to combat that, but that’s football and that’s the Champions League. We’re so happy to come away with the win,” said Lyon defender Gilles.
In the Italian capital, a 14th-minute penalty converted by new captain Manuela Giugliano was enough for Roma to upset two-time champions Wolfsburg 1-0.
The visitors struck the woodwork twice after the break but were left frustrated as Roma held on to take all three points and go second in Group A — behind Lyon on goal difference.
On Wednesday, Arsenal visit Bayern Munich and Champions League holders Barcelona start their title defense at Manchester City.


Riyadh Season to sponsor Spain’s La Liga

Riyadh Season to sponsor Spain’s La Liga
Updated 08 October 2024
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Riyadh Season to sponsor Spain’s La Liga

Riyadh Season to sponsor Spain’s La Liga
  • Three-season deal positions Riyadh Season as the official sponsor of one of the world’s strongest leagues
  • La Liga President Tebas highlights strategic importance of the Kingdom to La Liga

RIYADH: Riyadh Season is to sponsor Spain’s La Liga for the next three seasons.

Riyadh Season, which was represented by Faisal Bafarat, the CEO of the General Entertainment Authority, signed the partnership agreement with Spanish football’s La Liga President Javier Tebas.

It marks a three-season deal that positions Riyadh Season as the official sponsor of one of the world’s strongest football leagues.

Tebas highlighted the strategic importance of the Kingdom to La Liga, noting the immense passion that Saudi football fans have for the Spanish league.

He added that La Liga is committed to fostering the growth of the sports and entertainment industry in the Kingdom by supporting initiatives like Riyadh Season.

David Villa, La Liga’s ambassador, expressed confidence that the partnership with Saudi Arabia would open new avenues for collaboration.

He stressed that football in the Kingdom had experienced tremendous growth in recent years, making it an ideal partner.

The partnership, which reflects Riyadh Season’s global presence, aims to initiate promotional activities for both brands and implement joint initiatives targeting football fans and visitors to Riyadh Season.


France start post-Griezmann era amid Mbappé controversy

France start post-Griezmann era amid Mbappé controversy
Updated 08 October 2024
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France start post-Griezmann era amid Mbappé controversy

France start post-Griezmann era amid Mbappé controversy
  • Deschamps insisted that Real Madrid are Mbappé’s employer, not the French Football Federation, and he took the best option to avoid putting the striker in a delicate position
  • “I know very well that he’s not going to go against his club,” Deschamps said

PARIS: Antoine Griezmann has retired from France duty. Kylian Mbappé is absent, nursing a minor thigh injury in Madrid.
Ahead of Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium, France’s leadership is scarce.
“The lack of experience doesn’t help,” France coach Didier Deschamps admitted this week.
Mbappé is France’s usual captain while Griezmann, who surprisingly announced the end of his international career last month, was the vice-captain. Together, they led France to the 2018 World Cup title and were Deschamps’ most influential players in recent years.
Deschamps has yet to announce who will wear the captain’s armband for the upcoming matches.
“The end of Antoine’s international career and Kylian’s absence, that leaves room,” Deschamps said. “The group is obviously younger, with less experience.”
For sure, the armband won’t be going to veteran midfielder N’Golo Kanté. He was left out of the squad because of an adductor injury. Neither will experienced defender Dayot Upamecano, who has 27 caps for France but had to withdraw from the squad with a right thigh injury.
Deschamps said he will choose among players who are capable of taking on the responsibility of captaincy, without it altering their behavior, or diminishing their level of performance.
Following a mediocre European Championship where they reached the semifinals without playing well, France are in need of good and convincing results. Their previous Nations League matches were not entirely reassuring — defeat to Italy followed by a win against Belgium.
Italy have a three-point lead over France and Belgium in their group after two rounds. France play Israel on Thursday and travel to Belgium four days later.
Mbappé, who has 48 goals for France, failed to score against Italy and Belgium and Deschamps later said he had not been his usual self during the international break.
After the Real Madrid forward went on as a substitute in Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss at Lille last week, his omission from Deschamp’s squad came as a surprise. And that surprise turned into controversy when the Tricolors captain started a Spanish league game for Madrid following his omission from the France squad, amid sharp criticism from fans.
Deschamps insisted that Real Madrid are Mbappé’s employer, not the French Football Federation, and he took the best option to avoid putting the striker in a delicate position.
“I know very well that he’s not going to go against his club,” Deschamps said. “You have to do what’s in the player’s best interests without putting him in difficulty.”
Deschamps is hoping his rejuvenated squad will bring an extra dose of enthusiasm that has been lacking in France’s previous outings.
“You have to channel everything,” he said. “There is an emotional aspect, managing the emotions will be important.”
Asked for his views on what makes a good leader, Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté said, “It’s something you are born with.”
Konaté added he was “saddened” by Griezmann’s decision to retire. “He was a typical example of a leader.”
Now that the way is clear for someone to take his place, Konaté said he could see himself taking over and mentioned the names of goalkeeper Mike Maignan, defender Jules Koundé and Aurélien Tchouaméni as possible new leaders.
“A leader,” Konaté said, “has to be there when things go wrong.”


Ex-Barcelona and Spain star Iniesta retires aged 40

Ex-Barcelona and Spain star Iniesta retires aged 40
Updated 08 October 2024
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Ex-Barcelona and Spain star Iniesta retires aged 40

Ex-Barcelona and Spain star Iniesta retires aged 40
  • Andres Iniesta came up through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy and made his first-team debut in 2002 aged just 18

BARCELONA: Former Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta, who won two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup with an all-conquering Spain team, announced his retirement from football on Tuesday at the age of 40.
“Being on the pitch is over,” a visibly emotional Iniesta told reporters at a news conference in Barcelona.
“I can’t stay away from football, it’s my life and will continue to be my life. Now I need to continue educating myself, I’m in the process of doing my coaching diploma and that’s the next step.”
“I will try to come back and do a great job, but it won’t be running after the ball, but from another place,” he added.
Iniesta came up through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy and made his first-team debut in 2002 aged just 18, becoming a mainstay in the midfield before his departure 16 years later.
He won nine La Liga titles and the Champions League four times with Barcelona, but his greatest moment came in the 2010 World Cup final when he scored the winning goal against the Netherlands in extra time.
After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta spent five years with Japanese club Vissel Kobe before playing one final season with Emirates of the UAE.