Mbappe scores hat-trick as PSG hit Montpellier for six

Mbappe scores hat-trick as PSG hit Montpellier for six
Montpellier's French midfielder Teji Savanier (L) fights for the ball with PSG's French forward Kylian Mbappe (R) during the French L1 football match between Montpellier Herault SC and Paris-Saint-Germain (PSG) at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, southern France, on March 17, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 18 March 2024
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Mbappe scores hat-trick as PSG hit Montpellier for six

Mbappe scores hat-trick as PSG hit Montpellier for six
  • Mbappe completed the whole 90 minutes of a Ligue 1 game for the first time since informing the club in mid-February that he intended to leave at the end of the season when his contract expires

MONTPELLIER, France: An unstoppable Kylian Mbappe hit a hat-trick as Paris Saint-Germain romped to a 6-2 win away to Montpellier on Sunday that allowed them to open up a huge 12-point lead at the top of Ligue 1.
Vitinha put PSG ahead at the Stade de la Mosson and Mbappe doubled their advantage midway through the first half, only for an Arnaud Nordin header and a Teji Savanier penalty to bring Montpellier back level at the interval.
However, a marvellous Mbappe goal restored PSG’s lead shortly after the break and Lee Kang-in made it 4-2 before the France captain completed his hat-trick.
Nuno Mendes put the seal on the victory late on, as Luis Enrique’s side ended a run of three successive draws in Ligue 1 and extended an unbeaten domestic record stretching back to September.
A 1-1 draw for nearest challengers Brest against Lille earlier on Sunday means the Parisians are now 12 points ahead at the Ligue 1 summit with only eight games left, and a 10th title in 12 seasons is an inevitability.
Mbappe completed the whole 90 minutes of a Ligue 1 game for the first time since informing the club in mid-February that he intended to leave at the end of the season when his contract expires.
His hat-trick, his third of the campaign, took him to 24 goals in Ligue 1 this season, and 38 in all competitions.
Portugal midfielder Vitinha opened the scoring in the 14th minute, collecting Mbappe’s pass 25 meters from goal before curling a low shot into the bottom-right corner.
Mbappe then made it 2-0 on the counterattack, feeding Randal Kolo Muani and then sprinting to get the ball back and slot into the far corner from a tight angle.
Montpellier got one back when Danilo Pereira could only help on a cross from the left and Nordin — a friend of Mbappe’s as a youngster at Clairefontaine, France’s national youth academy — headed in at the back post.
The home side then won a penalty right on half-time when Tanguy Coulibaly pounced on Pereira’s short back-pass before being clattered by PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Teji Savanier smashed in the spot-kick, but PSG were back ahead five minutes after the restart as Mbappe scored with a superb shot from range, in off the underside of the crossbar.
South Korean star Lee made it 4-2 on 53 minutes, playing a one-two with Kolo Muani and firing in from outside the area on his left foot.
Mbappe then completed his hat-trick with a right-foot finish after latching onto a ball over the top, before Montpellier had a second penalty award overturned following a VAR review.
Warren Zaire-Emery hit the post for the visitors, and Mendes made it 6-2 a minute from time, bursting into the box to run onto a Vitinha pass and fire in.


Injuries forcing Bayern Munich to innovate before tough games ahead

Injuries forcing Bayern Munich to innovate before tough games ahead
Updated 53 sec ago
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Injuries forcing Bayern Munich to innovate before tough games ahead

Injuries forcing Bayern Munich to innovate before tough games ahead
  • João Palhinha was injured while on duty with Portugal, likely ruling the midfielder out for the rest of the year
  • Kompany said the quality of his squad had not declined despite the injuries

MUNICH: Injuries are forcing Bayern Munich to innovate before a series of tough games after the international break.
João Palhinha was injured while on duty with Portugal, likely ruling the midfielder out for the rest of the year, and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is doubtful for Augsburg’s visit in the Bundesliga on Friday because of a rib injury.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said on Thursday that Neuer felt a “stabbing pain,” the reason the 38-year-old goalkeeper was unable to finish Wednesday’s training session.
If Neuer can’t make it, third-choice Daniel Peretz will play against Augsburg. Bayern said reserve ‘keeper Sven Ulreich is out for “personal reasons for the time being.”
French forward Mathys Tel was also injured on international duty with France Under-21s.
But Kompany said the quality of his squad had not declined despite the injuries.
“They’re just different types of players,” Kompany said of the replacements. “We have confidence that the performances will be up to scratch.”
Leon Goretzka will get another chance to make an impression in midfield following Palhinha’s injury. The former Germany international had been expected to leave Bayern in the offseason but made his first start of the season in the 1-0 win at St. Pauli before the international break.
Goretzka was arguably fourth choice at the start of the season, behind Bayern youngster Aleksandar Pavlović, Palhinha, and Austrian Konrad Laimer.
The 20-year-old Pavlović started all but one of Bayern’s opening seven Bundesliga games before breaking his collarbone early in the 4-0 win over Stuttgart, giving Palhinha his opportunity.
Laimer has been helping out in defense, covering for Sacha Boey and Raphaël Guerreiro.
“We’ve many injuries in defense. He’s been outstanding in this role,” Kompany said of Laimer.
Bayern lead the Bundesliga by five points after 10 rounds.
After Augsburg, the Bavarian powerhouse face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, and defending champion Bayer Leverkusen in the third round of the German Cup.
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl said the Leverkusen match felt like it should be the final. The teams will play in Munich, likely with Goretzka still in midfield.
“We are happy that we’ve played such a season so far and are totally in flow in all competitions,” Eberl said.


How Arab nations are faring in Asian Qualifiers after Matchday 6

How Arab nations are faring in Asian Qualifiers after Matchday 6
Updated 21 November 2024
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How Arab nations are faring in Asian Qualifiers after Matchday 6

How Arab nations are faring in Asian Qualifiers after Matchday 6
  • After 6 match days of 10 in the third round of qualifiers, only Iraq are looking strong candidates for automatic qualification, while brave Palestine likely to miss out on progress

DUBAI: With World Cup 2026 qualifying’s third round now past its halfway point in Asia, nations are starting to sense whether they will need to renew their passports or begin brainstorming alternative holiday ideas.

None of the Middle East’s nine remaining competitors yet look guaranteed to be boarding a flight to North America, with four crucial fixtures left to fulfill until June 2025.

This four-month gap until play resumes provides an opportune moment for Arab News to assess where the region’s finest stand.

PACKING THEIR BAGS

Iraq (2nd, Group B)

Perennial underachievers look poised to make their global return.

A golden touch from unheralded Spanish boss Jesus Casas saw him debut with victory on home soil in January 2023’s 25th Arabian Gulf Cup. This unifying impact on a fractious national team has extended into a third round from which the Lions of Mesopotamia appear most capable of slotting in behind South Korea as automatic qualifiers from a Group B full of Middle Eastern interest.

Youngsters, such as Ali Jasim and Youssef Amyn, have dovetailed perfectly with experienced campaigners like hulking center forward Ayman Hussein. They will, though, want to wrap up a first World Cup qualification since 1986 before June 2025’s onerous, final double-header against South Korea and Jordan.

LOOKING AT FLIGHTS

UAE (3rd, Group A)

November could not have gone any better for Paulo Bento’s side.

October’s anguish was unequivocally erased with 3-0 victory against Kyrgyzstan and reparative 5-0 thrashing of great-rivals Qatar. Fabio De Lima’s legend status was underlined with four goals against the Qataris, while youthful vigor abounds elsewhere.

Fourth-round progression is almost assured. But, with momentum now on their side, the bigger prize of automatic World Cup entry — for the first time since 1990 — looms when they aim to reel in second-placed Uzbekistan next year.

Jordan (3rd, Group B)

An international break stamped with frustration should not detract from a positive wider picture.

Draws at Iraq (good) and Kuwait (bad) have kept Jordan on the heels of the former-mentioned second-placed side. This further defied pessimism which followed the summer abdication of transformational head coach Hussein Ammouta from the shock 2023 Asian Cup beaten finalists, to the UAE’s Al-Jazira.

With Montpellier’s Musa Al-Taamari and 2023 AFC Player of the Year runner-up Yazan Al-Naimat within their ranks, anything is possible for potential World Cup debutants.

IN FOR THE LONG HAUL

Qatar (4th, Group A)

If Qatar in this cycle make a World Cup via qualification for the first time, they will have done it the hard way.

A rollercoaster November from 2022’s hosts contained the highs of 102nd-minute victory against second-placed Uzbekistan and the depths of their UAE humiliation. That is now 17 goals conceded from six third-round matches — an unsustainable volume even for a nation garlanded by 2023 AFC Player of the Year Akram Afif.

Pressure builds on 2023 Asian Cup orchestrator Tintin Marquez. March’s generous restart against also-rans North Korea and Kyrgyzstan must favorably change their qualifying situation, or a fourth-round lottery awaits.

Oman (4th, Group B)

Bold leadership could yet gain reward for unfancied Oman.

Former Czech Republic manager Jaroslav Silhavy was unceremoniously dumped after September’s pointless third-round start versus predicted automatic qualifiers Iraq and South Korea. A return to Rashid Jaber has, however, kept them in the hunt.

Beat Kuwait on March 25, 2025 and a fourth-round berth will feel increasingly tangible.

Kuwait (5th, Group B)

A glimmer of hope still exists for Kuwait.

Saudi Arabia’s World Cup 2018 supremo Juan Antonio Pizzi has added valuable know-how into a squad still finding its feet after iconic forward Bader Al-Mutawa’s 2022 international retirement.

Repetition of 1982’s World Cup qualification remains a distinct long shot. If a fourth-round spot is secured, however, they will look back on a pair of 1-1 draws against fancied Jordan as pivotal.

Saudi Arabia (4th, Group C)

A demanding Group C was never going to be easy.

But, few expected the six-time World Cup qualifiers would find themselves in such peril.

Last month’s decision to ditch Roberto Mancini and rehire Herve Renard generated just one point from testing visits to Australia and Indonesia. Even Palestine (four goals) and North Korea (five goals) have outscored the Green Falcons (three goals) throughout this concerning third round.

A clean bill of health for Al-Hilal talisman Salem Al-Dawsari cannot come soon enough, while replication would be welcome on the international stage of 20-year-old winger Marwan Al-Sahafi’s eye-catching scoring exploits on loan at Belgium’s Beerschot.

If the debonair Renard can solve these chronic attacking issues against China and runaway leaders Japan in March, a compact pool — second to sixth are separated by one point — still offers substantial hope.

Bahrain (5th, Group C)

It has been a nerve-fraying experience for Bahrain fans in the third round.

Decisive goals from 89 minutes+ have been produced during four of their six qualifiers. From this maelstrom, The Reds — somehow — remain firmly in contention for either automatic World Cup progression or a fourth-round slot.

The visit to an impassioned Indonesia on March 25, 2025 looks key.

MAKING OTHER PLANS

Palestine (6th, Group B)

It is remarkable — and utterly commendable — that Palestine have made it this far.

Makram Daboub’s men continue to perform heroically despite war in Gaza, with South Korea and Tottenham Hotspur superstar Son Heung-min stating this month “we can all learn from” their preparations after a heroic 1-1 draw. This was the second time they have held Group B’s giant.

Charleroi forward Oday Dabbagh and his teammates keep believing, even while being forced to play away from home. But, they appear just short of the necessary quality.


Chelsea defender Reece James misses Leicester match because of hamstring injury

Chelsea defender Reece James misses Leicester match because of hamstring injury
Updated 21 November 2024
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Chelsea defender Reece James misses Leicester match because of hamstring injury

Chelsea defender Reece James misses Leicester match because of hamstring injury
  • “Unfortunately, he felt something small and we do not want to take a risk with him at the weekend,” Maresca said
  • James missed the 2022 World Cup because of a knee injury

LONDON: Chelsea defender Reece James will miss Saturday’s English Premier League game against Leicester because of a hamstring problem.
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca confirmed the latest setback for the England international, who has endured two years of injury disruption.
“We have, for sure, just one injured player and that is Reece. Unfortunately, he felt something small and we do not want to take a risk with him at the weekend,” Maresca said on Thursday.
James missed the 2022 World Cup because of a knee injury and last year had surgery on a recurring hamstring problem.
He has been restricted to just 18 starts for Chelsea since December 2022, curtailing the progress of a player who was regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in England.
The Chelsea captain has made only three starts this season.
Maresca is assessing a host of players who did not feature during the international break, including Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill who pulled out of England’s UEFA Nations League games against Greece and Ireland.


A Costa Rican team threatens FIFA with legal action in bid for spot at Club World Cup

A Costa Rican team threatens FIFA with legal action in bid for spot at Club World Cup
Updated 20 November 2024
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A Costa Rican team threatens FIFA with legal action in bid for spot at Club World Cup

A Costa Rican team threatens FIFA with legal action in bid for spot at Club World Cup
  • Team spokesman Marco Vazquez noted that Mexican clubs Leon and Pachuca belong to the same owner, Jesus Martinez, of Grupo Pachuca
  • “We hired a law firm in Spain, and they have all the details,” Vazquez said of potential legal action

COSTA RICA: The winningest team in Costa Rica are asking FIFA for a spot in next summer’s Club World Cup and are willing to take legal action if denied.
Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, which have won 30 league titles, want FIFA to enforce the rule that forbids clubs from the same ownership to participate in the tournament.
“The claim is based on the principles of eligibility set in the rules of the tournament,” the club said in a press release.
Team spokesman Marco Vazquez noted that Mexican clubs Leon and Pachuca belong to the same owner, Jesus Martinez, of Grupo Pachuca.
“Those are the rules that FIFA established — there cannot be multi-ownership,” Vazquez said Wednesday. “There are two Mexican clubs from the same owner and the rulebook is clear. What we are asking is to review what FIFA itself established.”
The FIFA-run competition has been expanded from seven teams to 32 and will be staged in the United States from June to July next year.
“We hired a law firm in Spain, and they have all the details,” Vazquez said of potential legal action.
FIFA has not publicly reacted to the team’s announcement and didn’t immediately answer a request for comment.
Alajuelense are the best-ranked team in Central America for the CONCACAF but 40th overall in the region.
CONCACAF has four spots in the Club World Cup. The teams that qualified are: the Seattle Sounders, Monterrey, Leon and Pachuca. Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will participate as guests of the host.
All five clubs were announced for the Dec. 5 draw in Miami.
In Mexico, besides Leon and Pachuca, there are another two companies that own two or more clubs in the first division. Grupo Caliente owns Tijuana and Queretaro, while Grupo Orlegi controls Atlas and Santos. TV Azteca owns Mazatlan and has partial ownership of Puebla.
On May 2023, the Liga MX announced that multi-ownership will be forbidden but gave owners four years to sell.
Jesus Martinez Murguia, who runs the Leon club, said they will sell part of the team to comply with the rules but will still have a partial ownership.


Netflix showcases Ittihad and Ahli episodes of new docuseries at exclusive Jeddah screening

Netflix showcases Ittihad and Ahli episodes of new docuseries at exclusive Jeddah screening
Updated 21 November 2024
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Netflix showcases Ittihad and Ahli episodes of new docuseries at exclusive Jeddah screening

Netflix showcases Ittihad and Ahli episodes of new docuseries at exclusive Jeddah screening
  • Six-part “Saudi Pro League: Kickoff” will be available for streaming on the platform from Thursday
  • Al-Ittihad’s episode is titled, “The struggle to achieve glory,” while Al-Ahli’s is “Counterattack”

JEDDAH: Ahead of its official launch on Nov. 21, Netflix gave an exclusive first look at its new documentary series, “Saudi Pro League: Kickoff,” on Tuesday night with two viewing events in Jeddah that showcased episodes covering the city’s two giant clubs.
The screenings were attended by club officials, members of the media, sports bloggers and Al-Ahli’s German coach Matthias Jaissle.
Al-Ittihad’s episode is titled, “The struggle to achieve glory,” while Al-Ahli’s is “Counterattack.”
Two more exclusive screening events will take place in Riyadh on Wednesday to unveil episodes on Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.
Attendees at the Muvi theater in Jeddah were treated to storylines on Karim Benzema’s experiences during his first season at Al-Ittihad, and Jaissle’s leadership at Al-Ahli as the club battled to gain qualification to the AFC Champions League on their return to the Saudi Pro League after relegation two season earlier.
As well as shining a spotlight on Jeddah’s big-name players, the episodes also showcased emerging local talents from the two clubs, such as Al-Ahli’s forward Feras Al-Buraikan, and the 16-year-old striker Talal Hajji of Al-Ittihad.
Jaissle said that he was impressed with the first look at “Saudi Pro League: Kickoff,” and described Al-Ahli’s episode in three words: “Overwhelmed, emotional and authentic as well.”
“I really enjoyed the special documentary on Al-Ahli, and it offers an exclusive look into the world of Saudi league, showcasing Al-Ahli dynamics and individual player journeys,” he said.
Adnan Jastania, a renowned Saudi football analyst who watched Al-Ittihad’s episode, said: “It really shows the drama, excitement and passion for football in Saudi Arabia. I enjoyed the intra-history of Al-Ittihad and the culture of the oldest sports in Saudi.”
Set to launch on Thursday, the docuseries will have six episodes in total and will focus on the battle for the 2023-24 SPL title with focus on then-reigning champions Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ettifaq.