Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal fans celebrate victory over Manchester City in Florida
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The National
20 minutes ago
- The National
F1 CEO: Plan in place but 'not even thinking' about Middle East race changes
Formula One has a contingency plan to keep the show on the road should the season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi be affected by conflict in the Middle East, says chief executive Stefano Domenicali. The Italian, who is meeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street along with several drivers and team principals on Wednesday as part of an event to mark the 75th anniversary of F1, emphasised there was no current concern those races might not be held. Qatar is due to host the penultimate round of the championship on November 30, with Abu Dhabi following on December 7. Yas Marina Circuit has been a title decider in the past. Iran responded to US participation in Israel's 12-day air war against Iran last month by firing missiles at an American airbase in Qatar, just across the Gulf from Iran. Airline services in the Middle East were heavily disrupted, with some countries closing airspace for a period. Domenicali said Formula One was in daily contact with promoters in the Middle East, who he said remained relaxed, and was closely monitoring the situation. 'To say something on that is very, very difficult,' he said on Tuesday when asked if he felt there was a real risk of the races not happening. 'So far, we don't have this kind of signal and so we are really hoping not. So I don't want to even think about it, mainly for the bigger picture and not for the racing itself … and of course, in case of, we have a plan. 'But let's hope this will not be even thinkable.' Qatar and Abu Dhabi are the last two races in a triple-header on successive weekends that starts with Las Vegas on November 22, with the cars then moving straight to the Middle East. While weather conditions in December would make it tricky to host replacement races at some European tracks, there are warmer options such as Portugal's Algarve circuit, which was used during the Covid-19 pandemic. 'Europe is big, the temperatures are quite mild in certain areas,' said Domenicali, who agreed one circuit might host both races. 'Definitely, we cannot go in places where there will be snow. But as I said, I am not even thinking about that. 'We are not worried at all that this will have an effect on the championship.' Formula One raced in Saudi Arabia in 2022 despite attacks launched by Yemen's Houthis on an oil facility near the Jeddah street circuit. Domenicali said Formula One was there then because it was sure of the guarantees of safety but recognised situations could change fast. 'We just need to be always ready and monitor the situation,' he said.
UAE Moments
24 minutes ago
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The Six Best Bollywood Movies About Cricket
Explore six iconic Bollywood films that beautifully capture the spirit of cricket through powerful storytelling and unforgettable performances. Share Cricket isn't just a sport in India—it's a passion that runs deep in the veins of millions. Over the years, Bollywood has tapped into this passion, creating compelling films that combine sport, drama, and emotion. Whether it's the thrill of the match or the personal journey of the players, cricket-themed Bollywood movies continue to win hearts. Here are six of the best Bollywood movies about cricket that every fan should watch. 1. Lagaan (2001) Director: Ashutosh Gowariker Cast: Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh, Paul Blackthorne Set during British colonial rule, Lagaan follows a group of villagers who challenge their British rulers to a high-stakes cricket match to avoid paying oppressive taxes. This Oscar-nominated epic blends sports, patriotism, and drama with unforgettable music. It's widely considered the most iconic cricket film in Bollywood history. 2. MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) Director: Neeraj Pandey Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Kiara Advani, Anupam Kher Based on the life of Indian cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, this biopic dives deep into Dhoni's journey from a ticket collector to one of the most successful captains in Indian cricket history. Sushant Singh Rajput's portrayal received immense praise for capturing the essence of the calm and calculated cricketer. 3. 83 (2021) Director: Kabir Khan Cast: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Pankaj Tripathi 83 tells the story of India's historic win at the 1983 Cricket World Cup. Ranveer Singh transforms into Kapil Dev, capturing the captain's iconic leadership style. With detailed recreations of real matches and heartfelt performances, this film is a tribute to one of India's greatest sporting moments. 4. Iqbal (2005) Director: Nagesh Kukunoor Cast: Shreyas Talpade, Naseeruddin Shah Iqbal is an inspirational underdog story about a deaf and mute boy who dreams of playing for the Indian cricket team. With the help of an unlikely coach, he beats the odds and pursues his dream. This emotional sports drama continues to be a favorite for its message of perseverance and belief. 5. Jersey (2022) Director: Gowtam Tinnanuri Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Mrunal Thakur, Pankaj Kapur A remake of the Telugu hit of the same name, Jersey follows the story of a former cricketer who returns to the game in his late 30s to prove himself to his son. Shahid Kapoor shines in this moving tale about second chances, dreams, and a father's love. 6. Patiala House (2011) Director: Nikkhil Advani Cast: Akshay Kumar, Rishi Kapoor, Anushka Sharma Set in London, Patiala House revolves around a talented cricketer who struggles between following his passion and respecting his father's traditional values. The film is a heartfelt drama that balances family dynamics with the spirit of cricket and self-discovery. Final Over Bollywood's love for cricket continues to produce gems that are as entertaining as they are inspiring. These six films beautifully blend sports and storytelling, making them a must-watch for every movie buff and cricket enthusiast. So grab some popcorn, wear your jersey, and dive into these cinematic innings that celebrate the gentleman's game with all the drama only Bollywood can deliver.
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Ask Mina: Al Hilal's tactical masterclass, Inter running on fumes
Q: Did you watch Al Hilal crush Manchester City! How did they manage it? @Faisalehh via Instagram A: It was an incredible match, perhaps the game of the tournament so far! A seven-goal thriller that no one saw coming. But Al Hilal didn't crush them. Manchester City were the only team to win all three of their group-stage matches – and they didn't top their group by accident. Their goal was clear: avoid Real Madrid. A smoother path to the quarter-finals was targeted, with Al Hilal seen as the 'easier' opponent. Instead, it was Al Hilal who stole the spotlight – and knocked City out. Credit goes to Simone Inzaghi. His team produced a disciplined, incisive counter-attacking performance – exactly the kind he's built his reputation on. Set up in a 5-4-1 formation, Al Hilal targeted City's weakness in transition and capitalised on their players' strengths, especially Malcom. Hilal's standout forward drove forward with intent and exploited space with pace and precision. City simply couldn't cope with his speed. Without Aleksandar Mitrovic, there were questions about where the goals would come from, but Inzaghi's system provided the answer. The real hero, though, was Bono. The Moroccan goalkeeper – a star of the 2022 World Cup – was exceptional. He made 10 saves to Ederson's two, keeping City at bay despite their 30 shots (14 on target). Without him, the scoreline could've been ugly. What stood out most was Al Hilal 's mentality. Inzaghi has already instilled a clear sense of belief and structure. The team worked tirelessly, tackled, and won the key duels. Ironically, it was City's opening goal that ignited their ferocity – it seemed to provoke the Saudi side into action. From that moment on, they played with intensity and conviction, delivering one of the Fifa Club World Cup's most dramatic upsets. Q: Ruben Neves is one of the best midfielders in the world. Are Al Hilal building around him or do you think he'll come back to Wolves? @Zaido via Instagram A: I don't see Ruben Neves returning to Wolves anytime soon. But the admiration for him remains deep, as shown by the wave of affection that followed his decisive penalty for Portugal in the Uefa Nations League final. He left a lasting mark at Molineux; few overseas players have connected so completely with a fan base. For now, though, Neves is flourishing at Al Hilal. He played a central role in their victory over Manchester City, helping guide the team into the Club World Cup quarter-finals. It's been a standout month for him, both individually and collectively. Throughout the group stage, he dictated the pace of play, anchoring midfield with assurance. In matches against Real Madrid and RB Salzburg, he led all players in completed passes – a clear reflection of his composure and intelligence. Inzaghi's system demands versatility. His teams shift fluidly between attacking through central channels and stretching play out wide, depending on where the spaces are. Neves fits in perfectly. He's technically gifted, positionally astute, and equally capable of stepping into a defensive role, as he did against City, when the tactical balance requires it. What sets him apart, though, is his ability to hit long, accurate diagonals. With Al Hilal's forwards stretching the backline, Neves becomes the architect, picking passes few others can see. Add to that his threat on set pieces, and it's easy to see why he's so crucial to Inzaghi's vision. Q: Are you surprised that Inter lost to Fluminense in the Club World Cup? I can't see a bright future for the Italians. @AliRasekh via X A: Inter's performance against Fluminense wasn't just disappointing, it was lethargic, disjointed, and well below the standard expected of a team with their ambitions. They switched off almost instantly, allowing Fluminense to strike early and seize control of the match. The Brazilians were superb in maintaining a compact shape, counter-attacking with precision, and halting the Italians from establishing a playing rhythm, not unlike what Al Hilal managed against Manchester City. At the back, Fabio, their 44-year-old goalkeeper, was excellent. Despite enjoying 68% possession, Inter offered little in the way of genuine threat. The ball moved sideways far too often, with minimal movement off it and a final third that completely lacked invention. Lautaro Martinez was uncharacteristically sluggish, while Federico Dimarco came closest with an effort off the bar. Inter only really came to life in the final 15 minutes. By then, it was far too late. Still, it's hard to ignore the fatigue. This was Inter's 63rd game of the season, and it looked like it. Static in attack, slow to recover, a team running on fumes. Perhaps that's why Beppe Marotta has been so vocal about shifting towards younger profiles in the market. Manager Christian Chivu needs time. For now, the verdict is simple: Inter weren't good enough. Q: Liverpool have done some great business in the transfer market. Do you think Darwin Nunez will go to Napoli and why do they want him? @Kidilby via Instagram A: I think Nunez is an intriguing fit, more suited to Antonio Conte's vertical, high-intensity football than what Arne Slot wants to implement at Liverpool. Nunez has always been a forward who plays on instinct rather than structure. He thrives in space, attacks relentlessly, and presses with purpose. But in a system that demands patience, close control, and combination play – like Slot's Liverpool – he often looks disconnected. That's not a knock on the player, just a reminder that tactical fit matters. Working under Conte at Napoli, especially in a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3, Darwin begins to make sense. He works best alongside a more grounded, physical striker, someone who holds the line while he roams, presses, and attacks space. Think of the role Romelu Lukaku played under Conte at Inter. Nunez, in that context, could be devastating. His aggression, directness, and stamina are tailor-made for Conte's demands. But there are barriers, big ones. According to Fabrizio Romano, the deal is currently at a stalemate Liverpool want as much as €65 million for the striker, and that's a price Napoli are unlikely to meet, especially with the Victor Osimhen saga unresolved. Napoli don't splash cash and have to work within their financial constraints. Liverpool, for their part, rejected offers from Saudi Arabian clubs in January because they lacked reliable alternatives up front. Now, with a need to sell before making new signings, Nunez's diminished role in the squad and the constant criticism he's faced are likely to weigh heavily on his market value. Q: Rasmus Hojlund looked like a great player at Atalanta. Why was he so poor for Manchester United? @PBouHabib via Instagram A: Who has it really worked out for at Manchester United in recent years? The club hasn't operated under a cohesive, long-term project for some time. Squad-building involves more than collecting 'best-in-class' players. You either recruit players to fit a manager's tactical system or appoint a pragmatic coach who can maximise the resources at hand. United have done neither. Hojlund is clearly talented, but talent alone is never enough. He arrived at Old Trafford off the back of just one season at Atalanta, where he scored nine goals in 32 appearances. In Italy, he played in a system built around verticality, fluidity, and controlled chaos. But expecting a youngster to lead the line at United – a club with a revolving door of managers, tactical shifts, and public scrutiny – was always a monumental ask. Ruben Amorim's ideals demand different movement, more patience, and clinical decision-making – areas where Hojlund is still raw. His confidence has clearly dipped, further compounding the misery. His runs were predictable, his positioning inconsistent, and he was simply not producing enough shots on goal. It must also be said that Amorim's United didn't generate many high-quality chances for their forwards. And strikers, no matter how talented, cannot thrive without service.
