UAE sack head coach Paulo Bento with World Cup qualification hopes in the balance
The UAE sacked head coach Paulo Bento on Wednesday, the morning after the national team kept their hopes of direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup alive with a last-gasp win over North Korea in Riyadh. Sultan Adil scored deep into stoppage time to secure a 2-1 victory that cut the gap to second-placed Uzbekistan in Group A to four points. The top two from each of three Asian groups qualify automatically for the 2026 finals, but Bento will now not be around to oversee the remainder of the campaign. Teams who finish in third or fourth will go into a complex extra round of qualifying. 'The UAE Football Association has decided to dismiss the head coach of the national team, Portuguese Paulo Bento, along with his coaching staff,' the UAE FA said in a message on social media on Wednesday. Bento led the team to 14 wins, six draws and six losses in his 20 months in charge. The 55-year-old arrived in July 2023 with a solid pedigree in international football when he succeeded Rodolfo Arruabarrena in the UAE hot seat. He had been without a job since stepping down as South Korea's head coach the previous December following their elimination by Brazil from the 2022 World Cup at the last-16 stage. It represented South Korea's first appearance in the tournament's knockout stages in 12 years. Bento had been in charge of the Koreans since August 2018, guiding his team to success in the 2019 East Asian Football Federation E-1 Championship, and then through qualification for a 10th successive World Cup appearance. Bento, who began his managerial career in 2005 with Sporting Lisbon before being appointed Portugal national team manager five years later, replaced Arruabarrena, whose contract through to the 2023 Asian Cup was not extended after the tournament was postponed. Instead, it was Bento who led the team at the tournament, and a penalty shoot-out exit to unfancied Tajikistan in the last 16 raised questions about his future just six months into the job. He survived, with 2026 World Cup qualification being the ultimate aim for the UAE FA. But, after this week's results, the chances of automatic entry into the competition have dwindled, with officials deciding a new man will have a better chance of navigating through the difficult final stages of the qualification process. The team suffered early setbacks under Bento for which they are still suffering now. There were memorable wins over Qatar – home and away – but defeat in Uzbekistan and a drab home draw with North Korea left them playing catch-up, and now looking increasingly likely to be headed for the perilous path through a fourth round of AFC qualifying.
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The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Palestine prepare for vital Oman clash and hope a little Jordanian World Cup magic rubs off on them
The spectacular drone show that filled the skies above Amman last Thursday evening with messages of love and support for the Jordan national team may have gone, but the excitement of qualifying for a first World Cup still lingers on in this ancient city. Almost all of the billboards – digital and analogue – that frame the winding roads, display images of the team, messages of congratulations from the king or the star player Musa Al Taamari as well as Ali Olwan, the hat-trick hero from that 3-0 win over Oman that sealed the deal in Muscat. On Sunday evening in a busy shisha bar, just a long goal kick from the old Roman theatre, locals were watching Portugal beat Spain on penalties in the final of the Uefa Nations League, but among the smoke there was talk of how Jordan will do next summer in North America. For the fans, the habit of drinking lots of coffee and staying up to watch games past midnight will be a useful one in 2026. The team are also preparing – starting against Iraq on Tuesday evening. A week ago, it promised to be a tense, tight and potentially traumatic winner-takes-all affair, but now it is going to be more of a celebration following Jordan's win over Oman and Iraq's defeat to South Korea. Instead, the big match in Asia, the only one of any real meaning left in the third round of qualification, will kick off at exactly the same time just a few kilometres away. Suddenly, Palestine against Oman is the game to watch. A win for the 'home' team at the King Abdullah II Stadium – and it should feel like a home game as it is in the east of the city and near the biggest of the Palestinian refugee camps – would keep the most amazing football dream alive and send 'the Fedayoon' into the fourth round of 2026 World Cup qualifying, where six teams will compete for two more direct spots. In short, Palestine need the same result against Oman that Jordan managed. 'Jordan are an Arab national team and we are very proud of them,' Palestine coach Ihab Abujazar told The National. 'It is a big success for them, they are a strong team. They played well against Oman and now it is our turn. It is obviously an important match for us. We hope to translate all that we have been doing on to the pitch and win to get to the fourth round and bring happiness to the Palestinian people all over the world.' If Palestine can follow Jordan's example on the pitch, then they will be able to experience some of the same excitement off of it. 'The feeling here has been great for the past few days, especially as it was a little unexpected as most thought it would go down to the final game,' Palestine fan and Amman resident Omar Yousef told The National. 'I hope it inspires Palestine but the team doesn't need it, we have been close to going out of qualification a few times but when we needed to, we got a .result.' The latest was last week's gritty 2-0 win away in Kuwait, one that showed how far the team has come. Last year, Palestine finished second behind Australia in the second stage to join the last 18 in the third round where there have been two draws with the mighty South Korea. There is now a chance to move to within genuine touching distance of a World Cup. Considering the continuing devastation at home and playing all games away, just to get that close would be an achievement at least as impressive as Jordan's direct entry. 'We were so happy to be here and have a chance to play against teams like South Korea and their big stars but we showed that we can match them and that we deserve to be here.' said Yousef. 'Now we want more. If we can draw with South Korea in Korea then we can beat Oman in Amman, and then who knows?' A second night of World Cup celebration in Amman in the space of five days would be unprecedented in the city's long history. 'The mood here has been a little happier and brighter since Jordan qualified,' added Yousef. 'That spirit is making us dream.'
Int'l Cricket Council
11 hours ago
- Int'l Cricket Council
Seven new inductees added to ICC Hall of Fame
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The seven inductees are: 103 Tests – 8,625 runs at an average of 50.73 161 ODIs – 6,133 runs at an average of 43.80 9 T20Is – 308 runs at an average of 51.33 A powerful opening batter who intimidated the best fast bowlers in the world, Matthew Hayden joins an exclusive group in the ICC Hall of Fame . With a whopping 30 Test centuries and Test average greater than 50, Hayden's outstanding numbers in the longest format speak for themselves. The left-hander was just as adept in the 50-over game, with Hayden smashing three centuries alone at the 2007 edition of the ICC men's Cricket World Cup to finish the tournament as the leading run-scorer. It was the second of two World Cup titles that Hayden helped Australia win and the burly opener has since turned into a highly respected commentator around the world. Hayden was thrilled to receive the induction. "The ICC Hall of Fame includes many of my heroes of yesteryear as well as contemporaries whom I admired and enjoyed competing against," he said. "Each of these players gave something to the game in their own way. It is incredible to be recognised along with them." Hashim Amla 124 Tests – 9,282 runs at an average of 46.64 181 ODIs – 8,113 runs at an average of 49.46 44 T20Is – 1,277 runs at an average of 33.60 A calm and composed top-order batter, South Africa's steady head Hashim Amla is a well deserved member of the ICC Hall of Fame . Amla's overall record was top class in Test cricket and perhaps even more outstanding in the 50-over format as the underrated right-hander scored bulk runs against every opposition and in all conditions. With a superb cover drive and a trademark leg-side flick, Amla was a mode of consistency and a reliable member of a powerful South African side that scaled the heights to become the No.1 ranked Test team during his long and distinguished career. Amla dominated bowling attacks for much of his 15-year international career, becoming the first South African to score a triple century when he hit an unbeaten 311* against England in 2012 when he was at the top of his game. A total of 55 international centuries shows exactly how good Amla was and the South African great is a welcome inductee into the ICC Hall of Fame. The South African said it was a great honour to receive the recognition alongside former teammate Graeme Smith. "It is an honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, especially alongside Graeme," Amla said. "The Hall of Fame includes some of the most celebrated players in the history of cricket, all of whom have big achievements. Such recognition feels surreal, and I am really thankful." The Master of Class | Hashim Amla | ICC Hall of Fame 90 Tests – 4,876 runs at an average of 38.08, 294 dismissals 350 ODIs – 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57, 444 dismissals 98 T20Is – 1,617 runs at an average of 37.60, 91 dismissals MS Dhoni produced so many highlights throughout his lengthy international career and is a popular inclusion into the ICC Hall of Fame. His most memorable moment came when he produced one of his trademark helicopter shots when hitting the winning runs for India at the 2011 edition of the ICC Men's cricket World Cup, but there was so much more to the inspirational skipper. Dhoni was ahead of his time with the way he kept wickets in all formats, but perhaps excelled most against the white-ball when he was well renowned for his ability to time a run chase to perfection in the dying overs. The Indian great remains the only captain to win all three ICC white-ball tournaments, having led India to success at the inaugural ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2007, the 50-over World Cup in 2011 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Dhoni said it was a great thrill to be inducted alongside so many great players. "It is an honour to be named in the ICC Hall of Fame, which recognises the contributions of cricketers across generations and from all over the world," he said. "To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling. It is something that I will cherish forever." India's Captain Cool | MS Dhoni | ICC Hall of Fame 117 Tests – 9,265 runs at an average of 48.25, 8 wickets 197 ODIs – 6,989 runs at an average of 37.98, 18 wickets 33 T20Is – 982 runs at an average of 31.67 A superb opening batter and arguably an even better captain, Graeme Smith is a welcome addition to the ICC Hall of Fame . Smith forged a great career as a tough and uncompromising top-order batter and was thrust into the captaincy role he relished at the young age of 22. He excelled in this position in what was a high-class South African side and hit new heights as a batter while captaining the team. Smith felt great pride in receiving induction into the Hall of Fame. 'It feels amazing to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame alongside some legendary cricketers, all of whom have made significant contributions to the game in their own way," he said. "This is also a proud moment for South Africa, as two of us have got recognition this year.' Proteas' Relentless Leader | Graeme Smith | ICC Hall of Fame graeme SMITH HALL OF FAME (2025-06-09 13:36:12Z) 113 Tests – 4,531 runs at an average of 30.00, 362 wickets 295 ODIs – 2,253 runs at an average of 17.33, 305 wickets 34 T20Is – 205 runs at an average of 12.81, 38 wickets An outstanding left-arm spin bowler, who was a more than handy middle to lower-order batter, Daniel Vettori joins the ICC Hall of Fame . Vettori paved out an excellent career as a player and was one of just three players to score 4,000 runs and take 300 wickets in Test cricket. He was also an excellent captain for the Black Caps, taking over from Stephen Fleming and leading the side to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2009. Now an assistant coach with the Australian team, Vettori was in London to receive his Hall of Fame induction in person. 'Looking at the past inductees of the ICC Hall of Fame, one can see the outstanding talent and contribution they made to the growth and popularity of the game," Vettori said. "To gain recognition alongside them is simply overwhelming and I can't find words to describe the feeling.' New Zealand's Spin Maestro | Daniel Vettori | ICC Hall of Fame Sana Mir 120 ODIs – 1,630 runs at an average of 17.91, 151 wickets 106 T20Is – 802 runs at an average of 14.07, 89 wickets Sana Mir becomes the first Pakistan women to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame , following a superb international career. With more than 200 international wickets against the white-ball, Mir is renowned for her work on the field and off the field. Mir was well known for her strong stance on body shaming, prioritising mental health and helped people affected by the COVID pandemic and fulfils a childhood dream by joining the ICC Hall of Fame. 'From dreaming as a little girl that one day there would even be a women's team in our country to now standing here, inducted among the very legends I idolised long before I ever held a bat or a ball – this is a moment I couldn't have dared to imagine," she said. 'I am incredibly grateful for this honour and hope to give back to the sport in any way I can. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my teammates, coaches and family for all their support over the years.' Pakistan's Trailblazer | Sana Mir | ICC Hall of Fame 10 Tests – 300 runs at an average of 18.75, 20 dismissals 126 ODIs – 4,056 runs at an average of 38.26, 138 dismissals 90 T20Is – 2,177 runs at an average of 29.02, 74 dismissals One of the most talented female players in recent times, England's star keeper-batter Sarah Taylor joins the ICC Hall of Fame following a 14-year career at international level . While Taylor was renowned for her sensational glovework behind the stumps and her trademark leg-side stumpings, she was also an extremely capable top-order batter and her record in big games gives further indication of this. Taylor played a major role in helping England win the double of the ICC Women's cricket World Cup and ICC women's T20 World Cup in 2009 and then stepped up once again at the backend of the 2017 50-over World Cup triumph on home soil by top-scoring for her side in the semi-final victory over South Africa and then producing an equally important innings of 45 in the title decider with India. Taylor said it was one of the biggest highlights of her career to receive induction into the Hall of Fame. "Being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame is one of the best moments of my life and truly feels like a dream come true," Taylor said. "Women's cricket has been thriving in recent years, and receiving this award during such a significant time makes it even more special. I am grateful to the members of the ICC Hall of Fame selection panel for this recognition." England's wicketkeeping pioneer | Sarah Taylor | ICC Hall of Fame
Int'l Cricket Council
12 hours ago
- Int'l Cricket Council
Daniel Vettori: The silent giant who left a lasting spin on the game
Legendary left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori has been inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, joining some of the game's finest names. A career that began as a bespectacled teenager in the late 1990s stretched nearly two decades, Vettori became one of New Zealand's most respected cricketers and a central figure in the team's rise in international cricket. Finishing with more than 700 international wickets and close to 7000 international runs, Vettori's career was defined by adaptability, intelligence, and understated excellence with bat and ball. New Zealand's Spin Maestro | Daniel Vettori | ICC Hall of Fame Vettori remains one of only a handful of left-arm orthodox spinners to achieve sustained success across formats. His 362 Test wickets – the most by any New Zealander barring Sir Richard Hadlee and Tim Southee – came through accuracy, subtle variation, and reading batters rather than turn alone. Making his debut at just 18, Vettori became the youngest man to play Test cricket for New Zealand at the time. Over time, he developed into a complete package, equally effective at holding one end or attacking when needed. Among his most memorable moments was a 12-wicket haul against Australia in Auckland in 2000, in addition adding up 20 five-wicket hauls across his career in the format. He ended with 4,531 Test runs - a rare feat for a frontline bowler - with six centuries and 23 half-centuries as well to his name, further underlining his all-round value. Vettori stands one of only 10 players in Test history with over 3,000 runs and 300 wickets. Daniel Vettori's amazing one-handed catch at World Cup Daniel Vettori makes light work of a tough catch to dismiss Marlon Samuels in New Zealand's CWC15 game against West Indies. Vettori captained New Zealand in 32 Tests, 82 ODIs and 28 T20Is, taking over during a phase of rebuilding and helping nurture a generation that would go on to reach the 2015 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Final. His captaincy was marked by calm decision-making and personal consistency. At the 2011 Cricket World Cup, his last as skipper, Vettori led New Zealand to the semi-finals, where they lost to eventual runners up Sri Lanka, playing a key role both with the ball and his tactical nous. In ODIs, Vettori's 305 wickets are the most in the format by a Kiwi bowler, and was a crucial figure in the team's charge to the Cricket World Cup 2015 final, where they lost to eventual champions Australia. Following this, he called time on his international career. His white-ball economy was exemplary, finishing with an ODI economy rate of just 4.12 and a T20I rate of 5.70, both remarkable numbers in the modern era. Daniel Vettori Hat-Trick Effort Daniel Vettori Hat-Trick Effort ICC - Hall of FameDaniel VettoriNews
