• HOW WALES QUALIFIED FOR WORLD CUP 2022: (Group E): 24 March 2021. Belgium 3 (De Bruyne 22', T. Hazard 28', Lukaku pen 73') Wales 1 (Wilson 11'): The toughest start possible for Wales, who took a shock early lead through Harry Wilson before succumbing to the world's top-ranked team. "We knew coming into it they're number one in the world for a reason," said caretaker manager Robert Page. "If you give quality teams like this half a chance, inevitably the ball ends up in the back of the net." EPA
    HOW WALES QUALIFIED FOR WORLD CUP 2022: (Group E): 24 March 2021. Belgium 3 (De Bruyne 22', T. Hazard 28', Lukaku pen 73') Wales 1 (Wilson 11'): The toughest start possible for Wales, who took a shock early lead through Harry Wilson before succumbing to the world's top-ranked team. "We knew coming into it they're number one in the world for a reason," said caretaker manager Robert Page. "If you give quality teams like this half a chance, inevitably the ball ends up in the back of the net." EPA
  • March 30, 2021. Wales 1 (James 82') Czech Republic 0: A late Daniel James header earned Wales a vital win in a match that saw each team reduced to 10 men after Patrik Schick and Connor Roberts were sent off. "We're disappointed with aspects of our performance, but it's a win," said Page. "What we've done in recent times is found a way to win." AFP
    March 30, 2021. Wales 1 (James 82') Czech Republic 0: A late Daniel James header earned Wales a vital win in a match that saw each team reduced to 10 men after Patrik Schick and Connor Roberts were sent off. "We're disappointed with aspects of our performance, but it's a win," said Page. "What we've done in recent times is found a way to win." AFP
  • September 5, 2021. Belarus 2 (V. Lisakovich pen 29', Sedko 31') Wales 3 (Bale pen 6', pen 69', 90+3'): A Gareth Bale hat-trick, with the winner coming deep into injury time, earned Wales three points after going in at half time 2-1 down. "A few years ago we might not have won that game," said Page. "But now we’ve got a team who will fight and can find ways to win." Reuters
    September 5, 2021. Belarus 2 (V. Lisakovich pen 29', Sedko 31') Wales 3 (Bale pen 6', pen 69', 90+3'): A Gareth Bale hat-trick, with the winner coming deep into injury time, earned Wales three points after going in at half time 2-1 down. "A few years ago we might not have won that game," said Page. "But now we’ve got a team who will fight and can find ways to win." Reuters
  • September 8, 2021. Wales 0 Estonia 0: Wales's qualification hopes took a severe blow when they were held to a frustrating goalless draw against a team who had lost all three of their previous qualifiers and conceded 15 goals along the way. "It feels like a defeat playing against a team bottom of the table," said Page. "We've got to build on it, be more clinical and get a different result." Reuters
    September 8, 2021. Wales 0 Estonia 0: Wales's qualification hopes took a severe blow when they were held to a frustrating goalless draw against a team who had lost all three of their previous qualifiers and conceded 15 goals along the way. "It feels like a defeat playing against a team bottom of the table," said Page. "We've got to build on it, be more clinical and get a different result." Reuters
  • October 8, 2021. Czech Republic 2 (Pesek 38', Ward og 49') Wales 2 (Ramsey 36', James 69'): An exciting game in Prague ended all square, a result that ensured Wales remained third in Group E, trailing the Czech Republic on goal difference, albeit with a game in hand. "I thought the lads were outstanding, we've created enough to win four games of football," said Page. "To take the game to them in the manner we did, they deserve full credit." PA
    October 8, 2021. Czech Republic 2 (Pesek 38', Ward og 49') Wales 2 (Ramsey 36', James 69'): An exciting game in Prague ended all square, a result that ensured Wales remained third in Group E, trailing the Czech Republic on goal difference, albeit with a game in hand. "I thought the lads were outstanding, we've created enough to win four games of football," said Page. "To take the game to them in the manner we did, they deserve full credit." PA
  • October 11, 2021. Estonia 0 Wales 1 (Moore 12'): Kieffer Moore's close range finish early in the game earned the Welsh an unconvincing win in a match where the home side could count themselves unfortunate not to have grabbed at least a point. "We knew we weren't going to dominate and we knew it was going to be an ugly game," said Page. "In the second half, we had to dig a trench and defend resolutely." AFP
    October 11, 2021. Estonia 0 Wales 1 (Moore 12'): Kieffer Moore's close range finish early in the game earned the Welsh an unconvincing win in a match where the home side could count themselves unfortunate not to have grabbed at least a point. "We knew we weren't going to dominate and we knew it was going to be an ugly game," said Page. "In the second half, we had to dig a trench and defend resolutely." AFP
  • November 13, 2021. Wales 5 (Ramsey 3', pen 50', N. Williams 20', B.Davies 77', C.Roberts 89') Belarus 1 (Kontsevoy 87'): Wales marked Bale's 100th cap with a thumping victory over Belarus to move up to second place in the group. "I'm really pleased with the performance," said Page. "When we had opportunities we were clinical, to a man I thought they were all magnificent." AFP
    November 13, 2021. Wales 5 (Ramsey 3', pen 50', N. Williams 20', B.Davies 77', C.Roberts 89') Belarus 1 (Kontsevoy 87'): Wales marked Bale's 100th cap with a thumping victory over Belarus to move up to second place in the group. "I'm really pleased with the performance," said Page. "When we had opportunities we were clinical, to a man I thought they were all magnificent." AFP
  • November 16, 2021 Wales 1 (Moore 32') Belgium 1 (De Bruyne 12'): Bale was unavailable for the draw that secured them a home play-off semi-final match. Kevin de Bruyne's stylish finish put Belgium ahead, only for Kieffer Moore to level. "I thought some of our play was outstanding at times and we thoroughly deserved the point," said Page. "When this place is rocking with the fans behind us, we don't fear anybody." EPA
    November 16, 2021 Wales 1 (Moore 32') Belgium 1 (De Bruyne 12'): Bale was unavailable for the draw that secured them a home play-off semi-final match. Kevin de Bruyne's stylish finish put Belgium ahead, only for Kieffer Moore to level. "I thought some of our play was outstanding at times and we thoroughly deserved the point," said Page. "When this place is rocking with the fans behind us, we don't fear anybody." EPA
  • (Play-off semi-final) Wales 2 (Bale 25', 51') Austria 1 (Sabitzer 65'): A brilliant Bale double took Wales a step closer to their first World Cup since 1958 and set-up a play-off final against Ukraine. “I don’t think it’s sunk in properly yet. What a game, what a night, what an occasion, said Page. “The star man turns up – I have just said to him that’s the best free-kick I have ever seen in my life." Reuters
    (Play-off semi-final) Wales 2 (Bale 25', 51') Austria 1 (Sabitzer 65'): A brilliant Bale double took Wales a step closer to their first World Cup since 1958 and set-up a play-off final against Ukraine. “I don’t think it’s sunk in properly yet. What a game, what a night, what an occasion, said Page. “The star man turns up – I have just said to him that’s the best free-kick I have ever seen in my life." Reuters
  • (Play-off final) June 5, 2022. Wales 1 (Bale 34') Ukraine 0: It was that man once again as Wales' captain and talisman Bale scored the winning goal to break Ukraine hearts at a delirious Cardiff City Stadium. "It's the greatest result in history for Welsh football," Bale said. "It means everything. It's what dreams are made of. I'm speechless because I'm so happy." Reuters
    (Play-off final) June 5, 2022. Wales 1 (Bale 34') Ukraine 0: It was that man once again as Wales' captain and talisman Bale scored the winning goal to break Ukraine hearts at a delirious Cardiff City Stadium. "It's the greatest result in history for Welsh football," Bale said. "It means everything. It's what dreams are made of. I'm speechless because I'm so happy." Reuters

World Cup

Wales World Cup squad 2022: Gareth Bale leads despite injury concerns

The former Real Madrid star is his country's record scorer with 40 goals

The National

November 09, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Wales manager Rob Page called up the experienced Gareth Bale and Joe Allen despite fitness concerns as he announced the country's first World Cup squad in 64 years on Wednesday.

Bale, Wales's all-time top scorer with 40 goals in 108 internationals, admitted he was still not 100 per cent despite his crucial late goal in Los Angeles FC's MLS Cup final victory last weekend.

He remains Wales' talisman, however, and played a key role in leading them to the World Cup, scoring all three goals in their play-offs against Austria and Ukraine.

Playmaker Allen, who has 72 caps, had been in fine form for Swansea City this season but has not played since September 17 after picking up a hamstring injury, with the club confirming he will not feature before the World Cup.

Cardiff City's Rubin Colwill, 20, will travel to his second major tournament - having earned his first call-up last year for Euro 2020 - despite an injury-hit season that has restricted him to only nine appearances in all competitions.

Forward Tyler Roberts, on loan at Queens Park Rangers, missed out after sustaining a calf injury and Rabbi Matondo was omitted having made only started five games since moving to Rangers.

Wales kick off their World Cup campaign against the United States on November 21 and also face Iran and England in Group B.

Wales squad

Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest), Danny Ward (Leicester City), Adam Davies (Sheffield United)

Defenders: Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town), Joe Rodon (Rennes, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Mephan (Bournemouth), Ethan Ampadu (Spezia, on loan from Chelsea), Chris Gunter (Wimbledon), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Connor Roberts (Burnley)

Midfielders: Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town), Joe Allen (Swansea City), Matthew Smith (Milton Keynes Dons), Dylan Levitt (Dundee United), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Joe Morrell (Portsmouth), Jonny Williams (Swindon Town), Aaron Ramsey (Nice), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City)

Forwards: Gareth Bale (Los Angeles FC), Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth), Mark Harris (Cardiff City), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest), Dan James (Fulham, on loan from Leeds United)

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E680hp%20at%206%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E800Nm%20at%202%2C750-6%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERear-mounted%20eight-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E13.6L%2F100km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Orderbook%20open%3B%20deliveries%20start%20end%20of%20year%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh970%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tomb%20Raider%20I%E2%80%93III%20Remastered
%3Cp%3EDeveloper%3A%20Aspyr%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Aspyr%0D%3Cbr%3EConsole%3A%20Nintendo%20Switch%2C%20PlayStation%204%26amp%3B5%2C%20PC%20and%20Xbox%20series%20X%2FS%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How to help

Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:

2289 - Dh10

2252 - Dh50

6025 - Dh20

6027 - Dh100

6026 - Dh200

Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

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
The specs

A4 35 TFSI

Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder

Transmission: seven-speed S-tronic automatic

Power: 150bhp

Torque: 270Nm

Price: Dh150,000 (estimate)

On sale: First Q 2020

A4 S4 TDI

Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel

Transmission: eight-speed PDK automatic

Power: 350bhp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: Dh165,000 (estimate)

On sale: First Q 2020

While you're here
hall of shame

SUNDERLAND 2002-03

No one has ended a Premier League season quite like Sunderland. They lost each of their final 15 games, taking no points after January. They ended up with 19 in total, sacking managers Peter Reid and Howard Wilkinson and losing 3-1 to Charlton when they scored three own goals in eight minutes.

SUNDERLAND 2005-06

Until Derby came along, Sunderland’s total of 15 points was the Premier League’s record low. They made it until May and their final home game before winning at the Stadium of Light while they lost a joint record 29 of their 38 league games.

HUDDERSFIELD 2018-19

Joined Derby as the only team to be relegated in March. No striker scored until January, while only two players got more assists than goalkeeper Jonas Lossl. The mid-season appointment Jan Siewert was to end his time as Huddersfield manager with a 5.3 per cent win rate.

ASTON VILLA 2015-16

Perhaps the most inexplicably bad season, considering they signed Idrissa Gueye and Adama Traore and still only got 17 points. Villa won their first league game, but none of the next 19. They ended an abominable campaign by taking one point from the last 39 available.

FULHAM 2018-19

Terrible in different ways. Fulham’s total of 26 points is not among the lowest ever but they contrived to get relegated after spending over £100 million (Dh457m) in the transfer market. Much of it went on defenders but they only kept two clean sheets in their first 33 games.

LA LIGA: Sporting Gijon, 13 points in 1997-98.

BUNDESLIGA: Tasmania Berlin, 10 points in 1965-66

Normcore explained

Something of a fashion anomaly, normcore is essentially a celebration of the unremarkable. The term was first popularised by an article in New York magazine in 2014 and has been dubbed “ugly”, “bland’ and "anti-style" by fashion writers. It’s hallmarks are comfort, a lack of pretentiousness and neutrality – it is a trend for those who would rather not stand out from the crowd. For the most part, the style is unisex, favouring loose silhouettes, thrift-shop threads, baseball caps and boyish trainers. It is important to note that normcore is not synonymous with cheapness or low quality; there are high-fashion brands, including Parisian label Vetements, that specialise in this style. Embraced by fashion-forward street-style stars around the globe, it’s uptake in the UAE has been relatively slow.

THE SPECS

Engine: 3.5-litre supercharged V6

Power: 416hp at 7,000rpm

Torque: 410Nm at 3,500rpm

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Fuel consumption: 10.2 l/100km

Price: Dh375,000 

On sale: now 

Other simple ideas for sushi rice dishes

Cheat’s nigiri 
This is easier to make than sushi rolls. With damp hands, form the cooled rice into small tablet shapes. Place slices of fresh, raw salmon, mackerel or trout (or smoked salmon) lightly touched with wasabi, then press, wasabi side-down, onto the rice. Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.

Easy omurice
This fusion dish combines Asian fried rice with a western omelette. To make, fry cooked and cooled sushi rice with chopped vegetables such as carrot and onion and lashings of sweet-tangy ketchup, then wrap in a soft egg omelette.

Deconstructed sushi salad platter 
This makes a great, fuss-free sharing meal. Arrange sushi rice on a platter or board, then fill the space with all your favourite sushi ingredients (edamame beans, cooked prawns or tuna, tempura veggies, pickled ginger and chilli tofu), with a dressing or dipping sauce on the side.

SERIE A FIXTURES

Saturday

AC Milan v Sampdoria (2.30pm kick-off UAE)

Atalanta v Udinese (5pm)

Benevento v Parma (5pm)

Cagliari v Hellas Verona (5pm)

Genoa v Fiorentina (5pm)

Lazio v Spezia (5pm)

Napoli v Crotone (5pm)

Sassuolo v Roma (5pm)

Torino v Juventus (8pm)

Bologna v Inter Milan (10.45pm)

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

The 12

England

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur

Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus

Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

LAST-16 FIXTURES

Sunday, January 20
3pm: Jordan v Vietnam at Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
6pm: Thailand v China at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: Iran v Oman at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Monday, January 21
3pm: Japan v Saudi Arabia at Sharjah Stadium
6pm: Australia v Uzbekistan at Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: UAE v Kyrgyzstan at Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Tuesday, January 22
5pm: South Korea v Bahrain at Rashid Stadium, Dubai
8pm: Qatar v Iraq at Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi

The specs: 2018 Infiniti QX80

Price: base / as tested: Dh335,000

Engine: 5.6-litre V8

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 400hp @ 5,800rpm

Torque: 560Nm @ 4,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 12.1L / 100km

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Updated: November 15, 2022, 9:12 AM
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