Qatar, having waited so long for this moment, sit a solitary match from exiting their home tournament at the first juncture.
Not one match, mind, as in the final round of Group A games, which comes around next Tuesday, against the Netherlands, no less.
No, the hosts’ fate could be sealed as soon as Friday night, after they followed that opening-day defeat to Ecuador with a loss to Senegal.
Thus, should the Dutch defeat the South Americans later on the same day, Qatar will be eliminated.
On Sunday, Felix Sanchez’s side became the first hosts to lose their opening match at a World Cup. Within five days, they could join South Africa as the only home team at a global finals not to get out of their group.
It would represent a real shame – tournaments typically are better when the host hope sustains – but, at Al Thumama Stadium on Friday, Qatar were once more the makers of their own downfall.
They lost 3-1 to Senegal, the African champions gifted the opening goal right before half-time and granted a second moments after the interval. From there, and despite a spirited response, Qatar never recovered.
Oh, to be in Boualem Khouki’s boots. On 41 minutes, the defender lashed at a clearance in his penalty area and fell over, inadvertently presenting the ball to Boulaye Dia. The Senegal striker, surely not believing his luck, promptly rolled home his shot. Unfortunately for Qatar, Khouki has previous.
Three minutes into the second half, their problems deepened. Famara Diedhiou got across the near post to meet Ismail Jakobs’ corner, arcing his neck to power past Meshaal Barsham in the Qatar goal.
Barsham, in for Sunday struggler Saad Al Sheeb, had had a first-half to forget as well, although he could do nothing about Senegal’s second. Qatar’s race appeared run.
Maybe, though, it should never have come to that. Not long before Senegal’s opener, Qatar thought they should have had a penalty and they have had a point.
Racing clear, Akram Afif was bundled over in the box by Ismaila Sarr, but referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz waved away his protests. The previous night, Cristiano Ronaldo had received less contact and was awarded more. Yet, here, the Video Assistant Referee wasn’t even consulted.
To their credit, Qatar pressed for a way back. The crowd, sensing their players’ predicament, reacted by urging on their side.
Almoez Ali inadvertently blocked teammate Abdelkarim Hassan’s goal-bound effort, then Hassan flashed wide a shot from range.
Ali soon forced Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to save at full stretch; the Chelsea stopper then, unbelievably, kept out Ismaal Mohammed when the Qatar defender was right on top of him.
And then, for Qatar, a first World Cup goal. Not this week, but ever. The World Cup debutants had a way back in, Mohammed latching on to Hassan’s sublime raking pass and crossing to substitute Mohammed Muntari, who thumped home his header.
The clock read 78 minutes. Qatar, the team and its people, had renewed hope. However, it did not last. Five minutes later, Iliman Ndiaye broke down Senegal’s right and squared to Bamba Dieng, who hammered home via a slight deflection. Realising there would be no way back, Qatar’s fans began to head for the exit.
Maybe they’ll be swiftly followed by their national team. A second successive defeat had the hosts’ World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
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Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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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 four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
How to help
Donate towards food and a flight by transferring money to this registered charity's account.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
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MATCH INFO
Rajasthan Royals 158-8 (20 ovs)
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Rajasthan Royals won by 15 runs
UAE v IRELAND
All matches start at 10am, and will be played in Abu Dhabi
1st ODI, Friday, January 8
2nd ODI, Sunday, January 10
3rd ODI, Tuesday, January 12
4th ODI, Thursday, January 14
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
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- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
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