Chiefs ‘three-peat’ would close gap on Patriots in ‘dynasty’ rankings

Chiefs ‘three-peat’ would close gap on Patriots in ‘dynasty’ rankings
Photo shows Caesars Superdome ahead of Super Bowl 59 between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs Saturday in New Orleans. (AP)
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Updated 09 February 2025
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Chiefs ‘three-peat’ would close gap on Patriots in ‘dynasty’ rankings

Chiefs ‘three-peat’ would close gap on Patriots in ‘dynasty’ rankings
  • For Rob Gronkowski, the former Patriots tight end who won four Super Bowls, there is no question that the Chiefs still have some way to go to better New England’s legacy
  • What is beyond discussion is that a Chiefs victory will make them the first team to win three Super Bowls in a row

NEW ORLEANS: If Patrick Mahomes can lead the Kansas City Chiefs to an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl victory when they face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, expect the debate over the NFL’s greatest-ever dynasty to heat up.

On the face of it, the Chiefs still have some way to go to catch what is widely recognized as the greatest dynasty — the New England Patriots in the era of quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick.

That pairing delivered six Super Bowl titles while the partnership of head coach Andy Reid and Mahomes will claim their fourth if they can overcome the Eagles and their powerful running game.

But a case can be made that the Patriots dynasty was in fact two separate periods, given there was a decade gap between their 2004 triumph over the Eagles in Jacksonville and their 2014 victory against Seattle in Arizona.

However, even in the 10 years without a Super Bowl win, the Patriots were a near-constant challenger — reaching the Super Bowl twice and never missing out on the playoffs.

For Rob Gronkowski, the former Patriots tight end who won four Super Bowls with Brady and Belichick, there is no question that the Chiefs still have some way to go to better New England’s legacy.

“I don’t think they’re closing in on everything we’ve accomplished in our dynasty because it was over two decades. You had that first dynasty decade, from like 2002-2010... then it trickled into the second decade,” he told the Rich Eisen Show.

Gronkowski, though, generously acknowledged that the Chiefs have done something unique.

“What they’ve done over the last 10 years, I believe, (is) the best decade of dominance from a dynasty, especially if they get the three-peat,” he said.

There is, however, a tendency for recency bias in such evaluations and it’s worth remembering that while the NFL may be set up to avoid long-lasting dynasties, via the NFL Draft and roster rules, there were several dynasties before Belichick and Reid came along.

The Dallas Cowboys with quarterback Troy Aikman won three Super Bowls in four years in the early 1990s and the 1980s belonged to the San Francisco 49ers, who won four titles over nine years.

Before that, from the mid-1970s, the Pittsburgh Steelers led by quarterback Terry Bradshaw twice won back-to-back Super Bowls.

The Green Bay Packers under legendary coach Vince Lombardi in the 1960s won the NFL crown five times, but because only the last two of those wins are counted as Super Bowls, the achievements of the Wisconsin club appear to be forgotten or undervalued by some.

The Packers actually achieved a ‘three-peat’ winning three straight, pre-Super Bowl NFL championships from 1965 to 1967.

What is beyond discussion is that a Chiefs victory will make them the first team to win three Super Bowls in a row.

But all the talk of dynasties and ‘three-peats’ will simply be fuel to fire up an Eagles team who are in no mood to just become a statistic.

Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has sensed a determination among the Philadelphia players.

“The Chiefs are going for the three-peat but I will say this: There’s definitely a chip on the shoulder of the Eagles. They lost this game two years ago. I don’t think that sits very well with them right now.

“And I think they’re a better team this year than they were two years ago.”


Former Bangladesh cricket captain Tamim Iqbal in hospital after cardiac arrest

Former Bangladesh cricket captain Tamim Iqbal in hospital after cardiac arrest
Updated 24 March 2025
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Former Bangladesh cricket captain Tamim Iqbal in hospital after cardiac arrest

Former Bangladesh cricket captain Tamim Iqbal in hospital after cardiac arrest
  • The 36-year-old reportedly complained of chest pains while fielding in Dhaka Premier Division match
  • ESPN said his condition rapidly worsened and he was rushed to a hospital for emergency treatment

SAVAR: Former Bangladesh men’s cricket captain Tamim Iqbal is in hospital after suffering cardiac arrest during a Twenty20 match on Monday.
The 36-year-old Tamim reportedly complained of chest pains while fielding as he was leading the Mohammedan team against Shinepukur in Savar in the Dhaka Premier Division.
ESPN said his condition rapidly worsened and the Mohammedan team physio performed CPR. Tamim was rushed to KPJ Hospital where he underwent emergency treatment.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board said in a statement that an “angiogram procedure to address a blockage in one of the arteries of his heart” was successful, adding that Tamim remained under close observation in a coronary care unit.
He was visited in hospital by Mohammedan teammates Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.
Tamim is the only Bangladesh batter to score centuries in all three international formats. He’s scored more than 5,000 test runs in his 15 years as Bangladesh’s prime opener, including 10 centuries and a top score of 206 against Pakistan in 2015.
Known for scoring heavily through the offside and for his textbook straight drive, he caught the eye with a stylish second-innings 103 against England at Lord’s in 2010 when Bangladesh was following on, and a gritty 108 in Bangladesh’s modest total of 216 in the next test in Manchester. Tamim’s astute reading of situations meant he could also bat well while managing tailenders.
He’s amassed more than 8,000 one-day international runs with 14 centuries and a best of 158, and hit one T20 hundred.
In late 2023, Tamim opted out of the ODI World Cup after a dispute with a BCB member.


Saudi coach Renard expecting a tough game against Japan

Saudi coach Renard expecting a tough game against Japan
Updated 24 March 2025
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Saudi coach Renard expecting a tough game against Japan

Saudi coach Renard expecting a tough game against Japan
  • Japan qualified for next year’s World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain on Thursday
  • Renard said the previous game against China, which Saudi Arabia won 1-0 was “a good game”

TOKYO: Saudi Arabia manager Hervé Renard says Japan’s qualification for the World Cup will not affect how either team plays when they meet on Tuesday at Saitama Stadium just north of Tokyo.

Japan qualified for next year’s World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain on Thursday and remained top of Group C with 19 points from seven games. Australia is second with 10 points followed by Saudi Arabia with nine.

“We still have to play Japan tomorrow, then go to Bahrain and to receive Australia for the last game, so it’s a tough sprint for the second position,” Renard said at a press conference on Monday held in Saitama Stadium near Tokyo. "You always have to adapt yourself to the situation, to be strong and to fight to get the direct qualification. We know Japan are disciplined, we know their philosophy, and there is no doubt they can play this game against us at 100 percent. We are playing against the best team in Asia, so we will be ready to compete on the field tomorrow.”

Goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aghidi said the Saudi squad have had a positive few days in Japan: “We have a good a couple of days here in Japan and everything has been positive. I would like to thank the Japanese for their warm welcome for the team here and we would like to congratulate them on securing their spot in the World Cup finals. Tomorrow's game is a difficult game for both teams and hopefully we can manage to get the three points.”

Renard said the previous game against China, which Saudi Arabia won 1-0 was “a good game” but admitted his team was not efficient enough. “We didn't score a lot of goals, but we got a lot of opportunities,” he said.

Renard noted that the squad had suffered some injuries, and the demands of Ramadan had also affected some players, but he emphasized, he was not looking for excuses. “Yes, it's true we have some injured players, but this is part of football where we must adapt ourselves. Concerning getting cramp during Ramadan, it is never easy for all the players, but they must adapt themselves. So, we must be ready tomorrow because tomorrow we'll have to run a lot.”

Al-Aghidi said his role as a goalkeeper was just to help the team: “My aim is always to help my national team, and this is why I wanted to have more playing time, and this is the place I want to be. As a goalkeeper, it's very important to have more playing time. I'm ready to play a key role for my team tomorrow. I will do my best to help my fellow players during the game to get the result that we have been working for.”

Renard was asked about Japan’s ambition to win the World Cup by 2050.

“It's normal when you have a big ambition,” he replied. “To win the World Cup is a very big ambition, but they can do this in the future, I'm sure, because they have so many quality players. We are playing against a very strong team, so we need to be ready to have a tough game. But in football you must believe in yourself.”


Oman’s Al-Zubair ready for new racing challenges in Europe

Oman’s Al-Zubair ready for new racing challenges in Europe
Updated 24 March 2025
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Oman’s Al-Zubair ready for new racing challenges in Europe

Oman’s Al-Zubair ready for new racing challenges in Europe
  • Al-Manar Racing team driver will take part in the sprint and endurance races at the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe

MUSCAT: Having won the opening race of the 2025 Middle East Trophy at the Dubai 24 Hour in January, Omani driver Al-Faisal Al-Zubair of Al-Manar Racing is now set to take on a new challenge in one of Europe’s most prestigious GT racing championships.

The announcement that Al-Manar will race at the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe came at a ceremony on Sunday night held under the patronage of Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmood Al-Said, the secretary-general of the General Secretariat of the Omani Council of Ministers.

The start of the 2025 season marked a new chapter for Al-Zubair and Al-Manar Racing team as they teamed up with a new partner, the WRT team.

The team began their partnership with a win at Dubai Autodrome, and will now participate in the endurance and sprint races at the Fanatec GT World Challenge. This will be the first time that Al-Zubair has taken part in sprint races after only participating in endurance races last year.

Speaking during the ceremony, at which he was joined by key partners, sponsors, dignitaries, media, family and friends, Al-Zubair said: “I am proud to announce my 2025 racing program, which started off perfectly with a new team and a new car, including our victory in the Dubai 24 Hour.

“I am delighted to be carrying the flag of the Sultanate of Oman and the Arab world, and my goal is to build on last year’s achievements.

“Last year I finished second but in the 2025 season Al-Manar Racing will partner with the world’s most important and best GT team, WRT, so it’s only natural that our goal is to achieve first place. The victory in Dubai came at the perfect time in my first participation with the team, and it provided a morale boost and a great boost for the season.

“For the past three years I have driven a Mercedes, and in 2025 I will move to a BMW GT3 Evo, which I will use to compete in all rounds of the Fanatec GT World Challenge.

“This season is different from last year as I will participate in all 10 rounds of the Fanatec GT Challenge, which includes the long endurance races and the short sprint races where I will compete for the sprint and endurance championship titles, as well as the overall championship title.”

He added: “My teammates, German racing driver Jens Klingmann and British racing driver Ben Tuck, will alternate with me in the team, and our goal is to win the Gold Cup title. I am eagerly awaiting the start of the season at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France next month.”

Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe is renowned for its fiercely competitive field and demanding race tracks, providing the ultimate test of endurance, speed, and precision. The rounds include a number of races, starting in France and then continuing to Britain, Belgium and Italy, along with other locations.


Make-or-break time for Saudi’s hopes of automatic World Cup qualification

Make-or-break time for Saudi’s hopes of automatic World Cup qualification
Updated 24 March 2025
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Make-or-break time for Saudi’s hopes of automatic World Cup qualification

Make-or-break time for Saudi’s hopes of automatic World Cup qualification
  • Green Falcons need a result against Japan in Tokyo if top-two finish in the group is to remain realistic target

LONDON: Tuesday could make or break Saudi Arabia’s quest for automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Any result in Japan, the toughest fixture in Asia, as coach Herve Renard admitted, is a good one. A win, however would have belief surging among the Green Falcons and send a message to the other teams in their AFC qualifying group. Defeat would not be a disgrace but could be a blow that almost ends hopes of a top-two finish.

That 1-0 win over China last Thursday was not just welcome and needed, but put Saudi Arabia third in Group C with nine points, one behind Australia. Those two are likely going to be the ones fighting it out for that second automatic spot now that Japan has already qualified.

Missing out does not mean the end of the North American dream, but while some teams would welcome finishing third and fourth and then progressing to another stage of qualification, Saudi Arabia, seeking a seventh World Cup appearance, is not one of them.

There is some good news. Japan are through with 19 points from seven games. Coach Hajime Moriyasu has said that he will try to win the three remaining matches, and while there was never a suggestion that the Samurai Blue would take it easy, there is no doubt that the pressure is off and the intensity on the pitch and in the stands will not be quite as high. Japan do not need to win.

There may even be a little experimentation from Moriyasu as he takes a look at some of the other squad members. There are already fitness doubts over English Premier League star winger Kaoru Mitoma as well as Ayase Ueda and Hidemasa Morita. Any suggestion that Japan will be below strength would be welcomed by the visitors.

China could also lend a helping hand. Australia are a point ahead of the Saudis with a far superior goal difference after thrashing Indonesia 5-1, and take on Team Dragon in Hangzhou. After the action at Saitama Stadium finishes, whatever the result, fans back in Riyadh, Jeddah and elsewhere will be tuning in to the goings-on in China, willing the hosts to get a point or even three. It is not just about the points, but erasing Australia’s goal difference advantage. There may come a time when this becomes crucial. 

How Japan set up and how Australia get on may be on the minds of fans, but the most important factor is how Saudi Arabia approach this game. Renard’s best result in charge was that 2-1 win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup when the team played with courage and skill.

Noises coming out of the camp as they touched down in the east (that long journey could be a factor but there is nothing that can be done about that) is that the coaching staff want a slow start in Saitama to try to calm things down in the opening period of the game — the worst thing that could happen is Japan taking an early lead.

At some point, there has to be aggression and ambition. Going to Japan and defending deep for 90 minutes is unlikely to work. In eight games in 2024, the Blues scored 32 (including that 2-0 win in Jeddah). There were 34 scored in the eight before that including a 4-1 win over Germany in Germany. 

Saudi Arabia have been practising attacks from wide positions, looking to get behind the hosts. The injury to Roma right-back Saud Abdulhamid, who made the goal last week, does not help in that regard. Midfielder Mohamed Kanno is another big miss, as is defender Hassan Kadesh, carried off against China.

That win in Riyadh was promising as well as deserved. The major criticism was that too many of the chances made were wasted but, after four previous qualifiers without a goal, at least the opportunities were there to begin with.

Salem Al-Dawsari was the man who made the difference once again and there is also good news in that midfielders Nasser Al-Dawsari and Musab Al-Juwayr look to be fit and ready.

Japan are not going to sit back, which will mean plenty of defending to do but also opportunities to attack. Just how well Saudi Arabia manage both will determine whether this goes down as a glorious result and a big step toward the 2026 World Cup, or something a little different.


Shabab Al-Ahli and Al-Jazira to meet in ADIB Cup final

Shabab Al-Ahli and Al-Jazira to meet in ADIB Cup final
Updated 24 March 2025
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Shabab Al-Ahli and Al-Jazira to meet in ADIB Cup final

Shabab Al-Ahli and Al-Jazira to meet in ADIB Cup final
  • Shabab Al-Ahli will be aiming for a record-extending sixth ADIB Cup victory when the clubs meet on April 19

DUBAI: An intriguing ADIB Cup showpiece awaits next month after Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club gained revenge on Sharjah, and on-song Al-Jazira produced a rapid comeback against Wasl, in their gripping semifinal deciders.

Shabab Al-Ahli will be aiming for a record-extending sixth ADIB Cup victory when the clubs meet in the final on April 19, while Jazira are aiming to add to their solitary triumph in 2010.

Sunday night’s rollercoaster tie at Rashid Stadium pitted ADNOC Pro League leaders Shabab Al-Ahli against second-placed perennial rivals Sharjah.

A 2-2 draw earned the club their 5-3 aggregate triumph, which featured two Fede Cartabia spot-kicks. It was the fourth-successive meeting between the clubs in five-consecutive fixtures across all competitions.

Sharjah had given themselves hope with Corinthians loanee Biro’s precise, low 12th-minute finish.

Cartabia converted the first of two penalties at the start of the second half, with center-back Shahin Abdulrahman returning the favor from 12 yards. This was prior to Cartabia’s second settling any Shabab Al-Ahli nerves about a fightback.

It was recompense for being eliminated by the same opponent in AFC Champions League Two’s quarterfinals prior to the international break.

On Saturday evening, France superstar Nabil Fekir was among the scorers when a rampant Jazira first-half performance at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium helped turn a 1-0 first-leg deficit into an eventual 3-2 triumph.

Jazira had burst out the blocks with goals from Argentine forward Ramon Mierez, Vinicius Mello and Fekir within the first 45 minutes of the second leg.

A second-half Joao Pedro penalty then proved inconsequential as Wasl added ADIB Cup elimination to this month’s earlier AFC Champions League Elite exit.