HOW SWITZERLAND QUALIFIED FOR WORLD CUP 2022: (Group C): March 25, 2021. Bulgaria 1 (Despodov 46') Switzerland 3 (Embolo 7', Seferovic 10', Zuber 13'): Three goals in the first 13 minutes sealed the Swiss win with Breel Embolo, Haris Seferovic and Steven Zuber scoring in quick succession. Switzerland manager Vladimir Petkovic said: “It was a tremendous start from us. Scoring three goals so early was fantastic. We could relax a bit.” EPA
HOW SWITZERLAND QUALIFIED FOR WORLD CUP 2022: (Group C): March 25, 2021. Bulgaria 1 (Despodov 46') Switzerland 3 (Embolo 7', Seferovic 10', Zuber 13'): Three goals in the first 13 minutes sealed the Swiss win with Breel Embolo, Haris Seferovic and Steven Zuber scoring in quick succession. Switzerland manager Vladimir Petkovic said: “It was a tremendous start from us. Scoring three goals so early was fantastic. We could relax a bit.” EPA
March 28, 2021. Switzerland 1 (Shaqiri 2') Lithuania 0: An early goal from then Liverpool player Xherdan Shaqiri was enough to make it two wins from two matches for the Swiss. “If you don’t make the most of your chances you could end up in trouble.," said Petkovic. "I was pleased with our energy but we had enough opportunities to win by a bigger margin.” Getty
March 28, 2021. Switzerland 1 (Shaqiri 2') Lithuania 0: An early goal from then Liverpool player Xherdan Shaqiri was enough to make it two wins from two matches for the Swiss. “If you don’t make the most of your chances you could end up in trouble.," said Petkovic. "I was pleased with our energy but we had enough opportunities to win by a bigger margin.” Getty
September 5, 2021. Switzerland 0 Italy 0: A good point in the end for the Swiss as Jorginho missed a second-half penalty for the Euro 2020 winners who had now gone 36 games unbeaten. "We played as a real team tonight and with great solidity against a strong opponent," said Murat Yakin, who had replaced Petkovic as Swiss manager. "Every player pushed himself beyond his limits." AP
September 5, 2021. Switzerland 0 Italy 0: A good point in the end for the Swiss as Jorginho missed a second-half penalty for the Euro 2020 winners who had now gone 36 games unbeaten. "We played as a real team tonight and with great solidity against a strong opponent," said Murat Yakin, who had replaced Petkovic as Swiss manager. "Every player pushed himself beyond his limits." AP
September 8, 2021. Northern Ireland 0 Switzerland 0: Haris Seferovic saw a weak first-half penalty saved for the visitors in Belfast as Switzerland had to settle for a second goalless draw in successive games. They were now second in the table, six points behind leaders Italy but with two games in hand. AP
September 8, 2021. Northern Ireland 0 Switzerland 0: Haris Seferovic saw a weak first-half penalty saved for the visitors in Belfast as Switzerland had to settle for a second goalless draw in successive games. They were now second in the table, six points behind leaders Italy but with two games in hand. AP
October 9, 2021. Switzerland 2 (Zuber 45+3' Fassnacht 90+1') Northern Ireland 0: Two injury-time goals at the end of each half earned Switzerland a vital three points against opponents who were reduced to 10 men in the first half. Switzerland attacker Xherdan Shaqiri said: "We knew it was going to be a tough game because Northern Ireland are defensively a good team. After the red card the game opened up and it was more simple for us to play and create chances." PA
October 9, 2021. Switzerland 2 (Zuber 45+3' Fassnacht 90+1') Northern Ireland 0: Two injury-time goals at the end of each half earned Switzerland a vital three points against opponents who were reduced to 10 men in the first half. Switzerland attacker Xherdan Shaqiri said: "We knew it was going to be a tough game because Northern Ireland are defensively a good team. After the red card the game opened up and it was more simple for us to play and create chances." PA
October 12, 2021. Lithuania 0 Switzerland 4 (Embolo 31', 45', Steffen 42', Gavranovic 90+4'): A first-half double from Breel Embolo put Switzerland on the way to a comfortable victory in Vilnius that left them level on points at the top of table with Italy after playing six games each. Reuters
October 12, 2021. Lithuania 0 Switzerland 4 (Embolo 31', 45', Steffen 42', Gavranovic 90+4'): A first-half double from Breel Embolo put Switzerland on the way to a comfortable victory in Vilnius that left them level on points at the top of table with Italy after playing six games each. Reuters
November 12, 2021. Italy 1 (Di Lorenzo 36') Switzerland 1 (Widmer 11'): A Silvan Widmer piledriver put the visitors in front before Giovanni Di Lorenzo headed home. Jorginho blazed a last-minute penalty over the bar for Italy - his second miss from the spot in a row against the Swiss. "I think we were better in the first half, while Italy were better in the second, so the result is fair," said Shaqiri. EPA
November 12, 2021. Italy 1 (Di Lorenzo 36') Switzerland 1 (Widmer 11'): A Silvan Widmer piledriver put the visitors in front before Giovanni Di Lorenzo headed home. Jorginho blazed a last-minute penalty over the bar for Italy - his second miss from the spot in a row against the Swiss. "I think we were better in the first half, while Italy were better in the second, so the result is fair," said Shaqiri. EPA
November 15, 2021. Switzerland 4 (Okafor 48', Vargas 57', Itten 72', Freuler 90+1') Bulgaria 0: An unforgettable night for the Swiss after they trounce Bulgaria and Italy can only draw at Northern Ireland, meaning automatic qualification for Murat Yakin's side. "After we went 1-0 up, it was like an assembly line. And now we're celebrating," said goalscorer Noah Okafor. "I'm incredibly proud of everyone here.” AP
November 15, 2021. Switzerland 4 (Okafor 48', Vargas 57', Itten 72', Freuler 90+1') Bulgaria 0: An unforgettable night for the Swiss after they trounce Bulgaria and Italy can only draw at Northern Ireland, meaning automatic qualification for Murat Yakin's side. "After we went 1-0 up, it was like an assembly line. And now we're celebrating," said goalscorer Noah Okafor. "I'm incredibly proud of everyone here.” AP

World Cup

Road to Qatar: how Switzerland qualified for World Cup 2022 - in pictures

We look at how Xherdan Shaqiri and Co sealed their spot at the finals

Gareth Cox

September 23, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Switzerland made it five World Cup finals appearances in a row by qualifying for Qatar – but there were some major obstacles along the way before they booked their ticket for the Middle East extravaganza.

Their qualification campaign was just two games old when Bosnian manager Vladimir Petkovic, the most successful coach in Switzerland's history, jumped ship after seven years in the job to take over at French side Bordeaux.

Petkovic was replaced by Basel-born Murat Yakin, who had won 49 caps for Switzerland during his playing career and left Swiss second-tier side Schaffhausen to take over.

For Yakin to secure automatic qualification from Group C, it would mean knocking European champions Italy off the top spot – a feat Switzerland managed in thrilling fashion after the last round of matches.

They finished two points clear of Roberto Mancini's side, who would go on to miss out on Qatar after losing to North Macedonia in the play-offs.

Cameroon-born forward Breel Embolo would finish as their top scorer with three goals. In Qatar, they have been drawn in Group G against Brazil, Serbia and Cameroon.

In the gallery above, you can see how Switzerland qualified for the finals that kick off on November 20. To view the next image, click on the arrows or just swipe if on a mobile device.

Switzerland's fixtures in Qatar

November 24 Switzerland v Cameroon – Al Janoub Stadium (2pm)

November 28 Brazil v Switzerland – Stadium 974 (8pm)

December 2 Serbia v Switzerland – Stadium 974 (11pm)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Things Heard & Seen

Directed by: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini

Starring: Amanda Seyfried, James Norton

2/5

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THE BIO

Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13 

Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier

Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife 

What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents. 

Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.

Result

6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 – Group 1 (PA) $65,000 (Dirt) 2,000m; Winner: Brraq, Ryan Curatolo (jockey), Jean-Claude Pecout (trainer)

7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $65,000 (Turf) 1,800m; Winner: Bright Melody, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby

7.40pm: Meydan Classic – Listed (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Naval Crown, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby

8.15pm: Nad Al Sheba Trophy – Group 3 (TB) $195,000 (T) 2,810m; Winner: Volcanic Sky, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor

8.50pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (T) 2,000m; Winner: Star Safari, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

9.25pm: Meydan Challenge – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Zainhom, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi

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3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

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Sarfira

Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal 

Rating: 2/5

Yahya Al Ghassani's bio

Date of birth: April 18, 1998

Playing position: Winger

Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda

Kareem Shaheen on Canada
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The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

UAE currency
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

Tomorrow 2021
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1921

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1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

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%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStreaming%20on%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMBC%20Shahid%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Ali Kasheif, Salim Rashid, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Khalfan Mubarak, Ali Mabkhout, Omar Abdulrahman, Mohammed Al Attas, Abdullah Ramadan, Zayed Al Ameri (Al Jazira), Mohammed Al Shamsi, Hamdan Al Kamali, Mohammed Barghash, Khalil Al Hammadi (Al Wahda), Khalid Essa, Mohammed Shaker, Ahmed Barman, Bandar Al Ahbabi (Al Ain), Al Hassan Saleh, Majid Suroor (Sharjah) Walid Abbas, Ahmed Khalil (Shabab Al Ahli), Tariq Ahmed, Jasim Yaqoub (Al Nasr), Ali Saleh, Ali Salmeen (Al Wasl), Hassan Al Muharami (Baniyas) 

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

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Comment on Coronavirus
Wydad 2 Urawa 3

Wydad Nahiri 21’, Hajhouj 90'

Urawa Antonio 18’, 60’, Kashiwagi 26’

Why it pays to compare

A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.

Route 1: bank transfer

The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.

Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount

Total received: €4,670.30 

Route 2: online platform

The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.

Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction

Total received: €4,756

The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.

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The bio

Date of Birth: April 25, 1993
Place of Birth: Dubai, UAE
Marital Status: Single
School: Al Sufouh in Jumeirah, Dubai
University: Emirates Airline National Cadet Programme and Hamdan University
Job Title: Pilot, First Officer
Number of hours flying in a Boeing 777: 1,200
Number of flights: Approximately 300
Hobbies: Exercising
Nicest destination: Milan, New Zealand, Seattle for shopping
Least nice destination: Kabul, but someone has to do it. It’s not scary but at least you can tick the box that you’ve been
Favourite place to visit: Dubai, there’s no place like home

Updated: September 28, 2022, 8:35 AM`
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