Skip to main content

Qatar Cup 2024 semi-final breaks the internet, but anxious fans steal the limelight


This is the first time that Al Wakrah have made it to the Qatar Cup final and on their second successive appearance in the tournament. The team got the better of Al Sadd in the semi-final 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a crazy 2-2 tie.

Earlier, the opponent seemed to be getting nearer to victory as they led 2-0 at halftime – supported by goals in the 11th minute and 27th minute by Akram Afif and Gonzalo Plata, respectively. But things started getting more interesting later on.

The halftime ended to see Ayoub Assal striking in the 73rd minute and Jacinto Dala scoring a brilliant goal in added time (90+3 minutes). By the 75th minute of the game, it had already started to pour. Still, a lot had to unfold soon.

Qatar Cup 2024 semi-final penalty shootout

In the 87th minute, Al Wakrah heaved a sigh of relief as a penalty decision got overruled after a video assistant referee (VAR) check. Later on, one of the stars of the match, Dala, made a sublime strike from outside the box, letting the ball rush in.

The 2-2 tie needed a penalty shootout. Hassan Al Haydous, Mateus Uribe, Gonzalo Plata and Afif scored for Al Sadd, and Benyettou, Lucas Sainsbury, Hamdy Fathi, Rabeh Boussafi and Omar Ali did the same for Al Wakrah.


Besides the intense clash, the spectators also lured substantial attention. Check out this clip of emotional Al Wakrah fans celebrating the winning penalty that qualified the team for the Qatar Cup final for the first time. Keep an eye out for the finals against Al Rayyan on Saturday.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

UAE and US issue joint statement on cooperation on artificial intelligence

  UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and US President Joe Biden met on Monday in the US during an official visit by the Emirati leader. This visit marks the fourth bilateral meeting between the two leaders during the Biden-Harris administration. During their discussions, Mohamed bin Zayed and Biden reaffirmed the strong UAE-US strategic and defense partnership, explored ways to enhance cooperation in advanced technology and investments, and addressed global and regional issues. Both leaders committed to pursuing further opportunities to strengthen their partnership, promote peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond, and provide global leadership on key shared issues. The UAE-US relationship, spanning five decades, is built on a solid foundation. Building on the vision of Mohamed bin Zayed and Biden to advance safe artificial intelligence, UAE national security advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed and US national security advisor Jake Sullivan reaffirmed their countries' coo

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed’s official trip to India holds great importance for UAE-India bilateral relations

  His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed is making his first official visit to India , accompanied by several UAE ministers and a business delegation. The visit marks a significant step in strengthening UAE-India bilateral relations. Upon his arrival on September 8, Sheikh Khaled was welcomed by India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. His visit includes a comprehensive agenda, with discussions between Sheikh Khaled and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on key areas of bilateral cooperation. Additionally, Sheikh Khaled is scheduled to meet with Indian President Droupadi Murmu. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict may also be part of the dialogue, as reported by NDTV. On the second day, Sheikh Khaled is expected to participate in a business forum in Mumbai, attended by business leaders from both nations, further underscoring the growing trade and investment ties between the UAE and India. The UAE and India have a long-standing relationship, established in 1972, w

The UAE facilitated the largest prisoner exchange in history between Russia and Ukraine

 Ukraine and Russia have announced their first exchange of prisoners of war in nearly five months, with over 200 freed by each side after a complex negotiation involving mediation by the United Arab Emirates. Russia's Defence Ministry reported that 248 military personnel had been handed over by Ukraine, while Kyiv brought home 230 people, including 224 soldiers and six civilians, in the largest documented swap of troops so far. The UAE's foreign ministry acknowledged its role in the swap, stating that it was made possible by its "strong friendly relations" with both Moscow and Kyiv. A video released by Ukrainian authorities showed returning prisoners in their blue and yellow flags filing off a bus, singing the national anthem, and shouting the patriotic greeting "Glory to Ukraine." Most of the prisoners appeared to be in good health, with one returnee shouting "We are home! You didn't forget us!" The Russian Ministry of Defence also released a