Sparky’s Column

The Awana penalty.. an internet sensation

 

The UAE national team look set to progress to the group stages of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. The 3-0 win was a routine affair especially as India were reduced to nine men whilst conceding two penalties. Post-match with all looking good for the next round, Katanec the coach should have expected a warm reception from the media but the press conference had a decidedly frosty feel. First the coach had to deflect yet more questions about Awana's now infamous penalty and then a reporter asked him to explain an unacceptable performance. This left an incredulous Katanec to politely if slightly annoyed to point out the performance and win was more than acceptable. It seemed a strange atmosphere for a press conference after a win, I would hate to see one after a loss.

 

The Awana penalty has become an internet sensation, I added up the number of Youtube views and it is up over 4.3 million. It was picked up by newspapers as far away as Brazil and the UK. The rights and wrongs of the penalty have been discussed at length but the amazing thing is a friendly that barely registered on the radar the most talked incident in world football. It is more a story about the power of social media than football itself and shows how much people love something a little out of the ordinary.

 

Hamdan Al Kamali has been talked about on the world stage for all the right reasons. Seven times French Champions Lyon have been tracking the player and want to take him on trial. Al Wahda are understandably reluctant as they would lose a star player for a good proportion of the season and possibly permanently. Srecko Katanec has previously singled out the player as someone who could easily handle Europe's big leagues. The only way he may make the move is if Lyon make a serious offer. Opinions have been expressed by Al Wahda, Lyon and his national team coach. What has not been heard is the opinion of the player himself and if he wants the move. It is a rare thing for a player to not be vocal about a transfer but maybe it is the best policy and he can let his football do the talking.  

 

We are told Maradona is 10-15 days from arriving in the country to take over at Al Wasl. The latest player to be linked with the club after Yeste's departure is Mariano Donda. He is an Argentinian currently playing his trade for Godoy Cruz after a spell in Europe with Bari. He is touted as a creative midfielder, his goals record is not spectacular but his link up play is what Maradona has in mind. It realistically doesn't matter who he signs as all eyes will be on the touchline once the Argentinian legend is in town. The Maradona countdown is well and truly on and I cannot wait for his arrival.