Sparky’s Column

The big match up last weekend seemed to have everything

The big match up last weekend seemed to have everything. One of the best stadiums in the UAE, the top two teams from last year's Etisalat Pro-League and a big publicity push by Al Jazira. The only thing missing was goals, as a 0-0 stalemate was the order of the day between the capital's heavyweights. A draw isn't always a bad result as I am sure Sharjah will testify. The King of clubs produced a gritty display in Al Ain to come from a goal down to secure the point. The sending off of goalkeeper Almas for the foul that led to the penalty, looked at first glance like a tough decision. Jose Sand dusted himself off to fire home a goal. This would have been the cue for a lot of teams to crumble, however Sharjah has shown that they are made of sterner stuff since the middle of last season. I predicted Sharjah to do well this season and everything I have seen so far convinces me I was right.

Cannavaro, the first World Cup winner in the League, has achieved another first - the first foreign player to be suspended this season. He will miss the President's Cup match against Al Rams, however this means he will be available for the Al Jazira match-up this weekend. The President's Cup, which takes place on Monday and Tuesday night this week, is the oldest competition in the UAE and the equivalent of the English FA Cup.

The world again sat up and took notice of the UAE this week. Rumours abounded that Ronildinhio was set to move to the desert. The clubs were quick to deny all knowledge but that is not always the end of the story in football. Will we end up with two world cup winners in the Etisalat Pro-League? Watch this space!

The upcoming weekend's stand out fixture is Al Ahli versus Al Jazira at Al Ahli's stadium at 8pm on Friday. This will really test if Al Ahli have progressed this season. The Club's wobbly away form has meant a stuttering start. A win against Al Jazira would go a long way to showing the Club is making strides in the right direction. Al Wahda's home tie with Al Ain is another huge game, with the League leaders facing the current champions. I think we could be watching the future champions playing the current ones!

Mark 'Sparky' Pendergast