Sparky’s Column

Paying the Penalty

 

Mick MaCarthy the former Wolves manager and Republic of Ireland player said in the 1990 World  Cup after Ireland had won against Romania, that a penalty shoot out was a terrible way to lose a game but a great way to win one. It is footballs Russian roulette and some of the games greats have succumbed to the pressure of the occasion.  The Etisalat Cup final came down to spot kicks for the first time in its history and Al Ahli  were the team left smiling at the end of the night. The 5-4 victory after 120 energy sapping minutes brings down the curtain on a strange season for Al Alhi. At one point it looked like the campaign would be a complete write off for the club. The change of coach to former Athletico Madrid man Flores did little to reverse the fortunes of the club in the early days of his reign. The club persevered for a few months and it has now paid dividends at the end of a what was initially a tough season.

 

When you live in the UAE as an expat then it's good to catch up with whats going on back home. I usually listen to the radio and was amazed to here Al Nasr mentioned in the news. It was a double take moment but true enough Al Nasr were being linked with Tim Cahill of Everton. I investigated further and it turned out he was being linked with Al Nasr of Saudi Arabia, the station had got the wrong club. Though an error it may not be a bad idea Tim Cahill would be the ideal match up for Al Nasr. He would have Australian team mate Bresciano at the club, he has been here many times and it's an ideal base if he wants to prolong his international career. The slip by a Liverpool radio station may well sow the seeds of an idea for the Australians future career.

 

Al Jazira will be bitterly disappointed that their Champions League campaign has come to an end in such a cruel way. A penalty shootout is in the words of Mick MaCarthy a terrible way to lose a game. The club must have been pretty hopeful of a decent run in the knock out stages after qualifying so easily from the group stage. The performances over all of UAE teams has improved 100% since last season when not one team from the country qualified for the knock out stages. The improved performances in the Champions League is reason for optimism in the future and a firm foundation from which to build.