ABU DHABI // Eric Gerets, the Al Jazira coach, conceded his team’s title hopes had all but ended after the 1-0 defeat to city rivals Al Wahda on Sunday night at Al Nahyan stadium.
"Only a miracle can win us the league title after this result," said the Belgian, who saw his side slip to seven points behind Al Ain with four games left in the Arabian Gulf League.
“Wahda deserved to win this game because they were the better team from the beginning of the match. We were looking and searching for our game too long. So it is logic we missed the opportunity of staying in the title hunt.
“Well, that’s life. We will have to fight for second place now and we will do our best in the next four games to achieve the runner-up position.”
Sebastian Tagliabue's goal was enough for Wahda to clinch the three points.
Hamdan Al Kamali could have sealed the game four minutes from time, but the centre-back made a mess of the penalty earned by Amer Omar, who was brought down by Ali Kasheif, the Jazira goalkeeper.
Al Kamali’s effort from the spot was way off the mark as Wahda saw off a few anxious moments in what was left of the game.
Tagliabue scored his goal when he was unmarked at the far post. A headed corner from Damian Diaz bounced in front of the goalmouth and fell in the Argentine’s path.
Kasheif did well to stop a fiercely struck low shot from Wahda’s Moroccan international Adil Hermach after Mohammed Al Shehhi’s header from an Al Kamali free kick ricocheted off the crossbar, though he was whistled for offside.
Kasheif also did well to push a 25-yard free kick from Diaz over the bar early in the second half, and he later blocked a close-range effort from Tagliabue.
It was only a second win in seven games for Wahda coach Sami Al Jaber, coming after last week's shock defeat to Fujairah.
Antonio Fernandez, assistant to Al Jaber, said they played a good all-round game last night to win the three points.
“We were good in both attack and defence,” the Spaniard said. “We didn’t look at the opposition but focused on our own game.”
Wahda are fourth on the table on 39 points, two behind third-placed Al Shabab, but Fernandez said they would fight to finish as high as possible in the table.
“We have four games to play and we’ll try to take this momentum forward into the remaining matches without thinking much about where we can finish,” he said.
apassela@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter at @NatSportUAE
Haircare resolutions 2021
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Engine 3.0L V6
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Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative
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How has net migration to UK changed?
The figure was broadly flat immediately before the Covid-19 pandemic, standing at 216,000 in the year to June 2018 and 224,000 in the year to June 2019.
It then dropped to an estimated 111,000 in the year to June 2020 when restrictions introduced during the pandemic limited travel and movement.
The total rose to 254,000 in the year to June 2021, followed by steep jumps to 634,000 in the year to June 2022 and 906,000 in the year to June 2023.
The latest available figure of 728,000 for the 12 months to June 2024 suggests levels are starting to decrease.
About Housecall
Date started: July 2020
Founders: Omar and Humaid Alzaabi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech
# of staff: 10
Funding to date: Self-funded
Brief scores:
Everton 0
Leicester City 1
Vardy 58'
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.