All eyes turn to Qatar this week as the 2022 World Cup finals are held in the Middle East for the first time.
The host nation kick-off proceedings on Sunday, November 20, when they take on Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, quickly followed by three games on Monday as England meet Iran, Senegal face Netherlands and USA play Wales.
The tournament has seen some of the finest players ever to lace up their boots through the years, scoring some jaw-dropping goals along the way.
Before the action starts in Qatar, we pick out the best of the best when it comes to scoring glorious goals in World Cup finals. Here are the first 10 to make the list.
Robin van Persie (Netherlands v Spain, at Brazil 2014)
A beautiful effort to kick-off proceedings; from the glorious Daley Blind ball from the left over the Spanish defence, to the perfectly timed run from Van Persie that catches Real Madrid great Sergio Ramos napping, and finally a perfectly executed belly-flop diving header over goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
A goal that had even reliably miserable Dutch coach Louis van Gaal showing some rarely used facial muscles when celebrating on the sidelines. It was the second goal in a 5-1 group-stage win for the Netherlands against the reigning European and world champions.
Careca (Brazil v France, at Mexico 1986)
A fabulous team goal from a side that can be counted alongside the Dutch in '74 and '78 as one of the best not to win the World Cup. Julio Cesar started the move at the back by winning a fine header from a French goal kick before the likes of Josimar, Socrates, Alemao, Junior and Muller combined in style to set-up Careca who finished confidently.
It was to prove the high point for Brazil, though, as France went of to win the quarter-final on penalties after Michel Platini had levelled the scores in normal time. Careca would finish with five goals in the tournament, one behind Golden Boot winner Gary Lineker of England.
Bobby Charlton (England v Mexico, at England 1966)
The man who would become England's all-time top goalscorer until he was overtaken by Wayne Rooney in 2015 was also a key player in his country's only World Cup victory, on home turf in '66.
The Manchester United player had a right foot like a traction engine and this thunderbolt effort from distance – when footballs were like ton weights compared to today's nicely cushioned balloons – was the opener in a 2-0 group-stage game against Mexico at Wembley. It was the 38th of his 49 international goals.
Maxi Rodriguez (Argentina v Mexico, at Germany 2006)
The first of two stunners by players called Rodriguez playing for a South American country that would win goal of the tournament, albeit eight years apart. Maxi's effort secured his team a 2-1 last-16 victory in extra-time.
Juan Pablo Sorin picked up possession on the left and sent a long ball over to Rodriguez who controlled the ball on his chest before sending a thumping left-footed volley flying past Mexico goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez. “That goal didn’t change me but it did change my career. People remind me of it wherever I go,” Rodriguez would later say of his strike.
James Rodriguez (Colombia v Uruguay, at Brazil 2014)
The goal from Colombia's Rodriguez enjoys other similarities with the Argentine's version, apart from being goal of the tournament. It also saw the player controlling the ball on his chest before sending a left-foot volley sailing into the net, via a satisfying clip off the bottom of the crossbar.
It was Rodriguez's fourth goal in four games, one of two he scored against the Uruguayans that sealed his team a 2-0 victory and a place in the quarter-finals. He would finish the competition with six goals and the Golden Boot award.
Lothar Matthaus (West Germany v Yugoslavia, at Italy 1990)
A flying start to the tournament for the eventual winners as they stuck four past the Yugoslavians in the group stage match at Milan's San Siro stadium, with captain Matthaus scoring twice.
The second of which saw him pick the ball up in his own half before surging forward, skipping past one challenge and finally firing a perfectly hit low strike into the bottom corner. Matthaus would go on to lift the trophy after the Germans beat Argentina 1-0 in the final.
Arie Haan (Netherlands v Italy, at Argentina 1978)
There seemed little danger for Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff when the Dutch were awarded a free-kick more than 40 metres from goal with the match poised on a knife edge at 1-1.
But Haan had a knack for audacious long-range shooting at the tournament following his rocket against West Germany in the second group stage. The Ajax player takes a few steps forward with the ball before unleashing an arrow-like finish into the net, off the inside of the post. It would seal the Netherlands a spot in the final where they would lose to hosts Argentina.
Said Al Owairan (Saudi Arabia v Belgium, at USA 1994)
The unforgettable highlight in Saudi Arabia's first World Cup finals appearance. In scorching conditions at RFK Stadium in Washington, attacker Al Owairan picks up the ball deep in his half after five minutes and embarks on a lung-bursting charge up the field past four challenges – granted, some of the attempts to stop him are not the best, particularly the final one by Belgian defender Rudi Smidts – before sliding a finish past goalkeeper Michel Preud'homme.
A remarkable effort that won the match and earned the Saudis a place in the last-16, where they would lose 3-1 to Sweden.
Marco Tardelli (Italy v West Germany, at Spain 1982)
The fact this is a fantastic team goal made up of intricate passing, back-heels and a move that began in Italy's own half, is sometimes overshadowed by Tardelli's iconic celebration at the end. The likes of Bruno Conti, Claudio Gentile and, in particular, Gaetano Scirea were all involved in a move that finished with the midfielder's unstoppable left-foot finish.
“I was born with that scream inside me,” Tardelli would later say about his shouting, fist-pumping celebration that helped Italy win 3-1. “That was just the moment it came out. The joy of scoring in a World Cup final was immense, something I dreamt about as a kid. My celebration was a release after realising that dream.”
Dragan Stojkovic (Yugoslavia v Spain, at Italy 1990)
A finish of remarkable composure by the Yugoslav great who would score both goals in a 2-1 last-16 victory in Verona. There was a huge amount still to do after Sreko Katanec flicked Zlatko Vujovic's cross into the air before the ball landed at the feet of Stojkovic who left one Spanish player on his backside after a velvet first touch before calmly sending the ball past goalkeeper Andoni Zubizaretta.
Stojkovic's second was also a stunner, a right-footed free-kick that sent his team into the quarter-finals, where they would lose on penalties to Argentina.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
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Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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The Facility’s Versatility
Between the start of the 2020 IPL on September 20, and the end of the Pakistan Super League this coming Thursday, the Zayed Cricket Stadium has had an unprecedented amount of traffic.
Never before has a ground in this country – or perhaps anywhere in the world – had such a volume of major-match cricket.
And yet scoring has remained high, and Abu Dhabi has seen some classic encounters in every format of the game.
October 18, IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders tied with Sunrisers Hyderabad
The two playoff-chasing sides put on 163 apiece, before Kolkata went on to win the Super Over
January 8, ODI, UAE beat Ireland by six wickets
A century by CP Rizwan underpinned one of UAE’s greatest ever wins, as they chased 270 to win with an over to spare
February 6, T10, Northern Warriors beat Delhi Bulls by eight wickets
The final of the T10 was chiefly memorable for a ferocious over of fast bowling from Fidel Edwards to Nicholas Pooran
March 14, Test, Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by six wickets
Eleven wickets for Rashid Khan, 1,305 runs scored in five days, and a last session finish
June 17, PSL, Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by 15 runs
Usman Khawaja scored a hundred as Islamabad posted the highest score ever by a Pakistan team in T20 cricket
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
The specs: 2018 Opel Mokka X
Price, as tested: Dh84,000
Engine: 1.4L, four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: Six-speed auto
Power: 142hp at 4,900rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 1,850rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L / 100km
Where can I submit a sample?
Volunteers can now submit DNA samples at a number of centres across Abu Dhabi. The programme is open to all ages.
Collection centres in Abu Dhabi include:
- Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
- Biogenix Labs in Masdar City
- Al Towayya in Al Ain
- NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City
- Bareen International Hospital
- NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
- NMC Royal Medical Centre - Abu Dhabi
- NMC Royal Women’s Hospital.
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Sleep Well Beast
The National
4AD
UNSC Elections 2022-23
Seats open:
- Two for Africa Group
- One for Asia-Pacific Group (traditionally Arab state or Tunisia)
- One for Latin America and Caribbean Group
- One for Eastern Europe Group
Countries so far running:
TWISTERS
Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Starring: Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos
Rating: 2.5/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The biog
Hobbies: Salsa dancing “It's in my blood” and listening to music in different languages
Favourite place to travel to: “Thailand, as it's gorgeous, food is delicious, their massages are to die for!”
Favourite food: “I'm a vegetarian, so I can't get enough of salad.”
Favourite film: “I love watching documentaries, and am fascinated by nature, animals, human anatomy. I love watching to learn!”
Best spot in the UAE: “I fell in love with Fujairah and anywhere outside the big cities, where I can get some peace and get a break from the busy lifestyle”
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
