The UAE’s all-important World Cup 2022 qualifier against Iraq, which was originally scheduled to be held in Baghdad, will be played in Riyadh.
Announcing the decision on Saturday, Fifa and Asian Football Confederation stated that the "Group A tie between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates scheduled for March 24, 2022, has been moved from the Al Madina International Stadium in Baghdad to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia."
Explaining the move, the Asian body said the safety and security situation in Iraq forced the decision.
"Based on the assessment, and to ensure the highest standards of safety and security for all the stakeholders involved, it was decided that the match should be moved to a neutral venue," the statement added.
With two matches in the final round remaining, the UAE are third in Group A and have a great opportunity to secure a play-off spot. Iran and South Korea have already sealed the top two spots that guarantee direct entry to the World Cup in Qatar. Following the rescheduled Iraq match, the UAE end their campaign against South Korea in Dubai on March 29.
At present, the UAE sit three points above Lebanon in fourth, with fifth-placed Iraq one point further back.
If the UAE finish third in Group A, they will enter a play-off against the third-placed side in Group B – currently Australia – with the winner of that match moving to the intercontinental play-off for a berth at the Middle East's first World Cup.
The national team have only once previously appeared at a global finals, in 1990.
Iraq will play their final Group A contest away against Syria on March 29 at the Rashid Stadium in Dubai, UAE.
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
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Reading List
Practitioners of mindful eating recommend the following books to get you started:
Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life by Thich Nhat Hanh and Dr Lilian Cheung
How to Eat by Thich Nhat Hanh
The Mindful Diet by Dr Ruth Wolever
Mindful Eating by Dr Jan Bays
How to Raise a Mindful Eaterby Maryann Jacobsen
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
World Cricket League Division 2
In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.
UAE fixtures
Thursday February 8, v Kenya; Friday February 9, v Canada; Sunday February 11, v Nepal; Monday February 12, v Oman; Wednesday February 14, v Namibia; Thursday February 15, final
How Beautiful this world is!
The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
ENGLAND SQUAD
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