JAPAN: Honda 11’
UAE: Khalil 20’, 54’ (pen)
Man of the match — Ahmed Khalil (UAE)
SAITAMA, JAPAN // The UAE began the third and final qualification stage for the 2018 World Cup with a remarkable 2-1 victory against Japan at Saitama Stadium 2002 on Thursday.
The hosts, aiming to kick-start their Group B campaign with a victory, took an early lead when an unmarked Keisuke Honda nodded home a Hiroshi Kiyotake free kick on 11 minutes.
Japan settled into their rhythm much quicker than the UAE, however the visitors levelled the scores in the 20th minute. Ahmed Khalil, the Asian Player of the Year, curled a free kick from 25 yards that
Nishikawa Shusaku, the Japan goalkeeper, could only tip into the top corner. It was Khalil’s 12th goal in nine 2018 World Cup qualification matches.
See also:
• Analysis: UAE's road to Russia off to flying start
• Reaction: Mahdi Ali warns 'it's only one step from 10'
• In pictures: Khalil double leads UAE upset
• Five things we learnt: Khalil a big-game player
• 2018 World Cup Asian qualifiers: Australia see off spirited Iraq
Visibly buoyed by the goal, the UAE grew in confidence, yet were almost behind again six minutes later, when Honda’s close-range header was palmed out by goalkeeper Khalid Essa. Shinji Kagawa, the Borussia Dortmund playmaker, scuffed the rebound just wide of the UAE post. At the other end, Ali Mabkhout tested Shusaku moments before half time.
The UAE were in front nine minutes after the break, though, when Kagawa tripped Ismail Al Hammadi in the area and Khalil coolly chipped home his penalty. The Panenka no doubt cast the mind back to Omar Abdulrahman’s shoot-out spot-kick at last year’s Asian Cup, the most recent meeting between the two teams.
Japan immediately rebounded, first when Kiyotake somehow failed to connect with a low cross and then when Leicester City’s Shinji Okazaki struck the crossbar with a header. Japan should have had an equaliser in the 77th minute, but the officials failed to see substitute Asano Takuma’s effort had crossed the line before Essa pawed the ball away from behind his line.
The UAE somehow hung on despite sustained Japanese pressure to record what will soon be regarded one of the greatest results in their recent history. They next face Australia, the reigning Asian champions, in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, while Japan travel to Thailand.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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THE BIO
Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren
Favourite travel destination: Switzerland
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Abaya trends
The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.
Huddersfield Town permanent signings:
- Steve Mounie (striker): signed from Montpellier for £11 million
- Tom Ince (winger): signed from Derby County for £7.7m
- Aaron Mooy (midfielder): signed from Manchester City for £7.7m
- Laurent Depoitre (striker): signed from Porto for £3.4m
- Scott Malone (defender): signed from Fulham for £3.3m
- Zanka (defender): signed from Copenhagen for £2.3m
- Elias Kachunga (winger): signed for Ingolstadt for £1.1m
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Teaching your child to save
Pre-school (three - five years)
You can’t yet talk about investing or borrowing, but introduce a “classic” money bank and start putting gifts and allowances away. When the child wants a specific toy, have them save for it and help them track their progress.
Early childhood (six - eight years)
Replace the money bank with three jars labelled ‘saving’, ‘spending’ and ‘sharing’. Have the child divide their allowance into the three jars each week and explain their choices in splitting their pocket money. A guide could be 25 per cent saving, 50 per cent spending, 25 per cent for charity and gift-giving.
Middle childhood (nine - 11 years)
Open a bank savings account and help your child establish a budget and set a savings goal. Introduce the notion of ‘paying yourself first’ by putting away savings as soon as your allowance is paid.
Young teens (12 - 14 years)
Change your child’s allowance from weekly to monthly and help them pinpoint long-range goals such as a trip, so they can start longer-term saving and find new ways to increase their saving.
Teenage (15 - 18 years)
Discuss mutual expectations about university costs and identify what they can help fund and set goals. Don’t pay for everything, so they can experience the pride of contributing.
Young adulthood (19 - 22 years)
Discuss post-graduation plans and future life goals, quantify expenses such as first apartment, work wardrobe, holidays and help them continue to save towards these goals.
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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City's slump
L - Juventus, 2-0
D - C Palace, 2-2
W - N Forest, 3-0
L - Liverpool, 2-0
D - Feyenoord, 3-3
L - Tottenham, 4-0
L - Brighton, 2-1
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L - Bournemouth, 2-1
L - Tottenham, 2-1
