Guadalajara manager Jose Cardozo apologises for 'embarrassing' defeat to Kashima Antlers at Fifa Club World Cup

The Guadalajara manager Jose Cardozo described defeat to Japan’s Kashima Antlers on Saturday in their Fifa Club World Cup quarter-final as “painful” and “embarrassing”.

The Mexican side had taken the lead after only three minutes through Angel Zaldivar but conceded three second-half goals and a late Kashima own goal came to late in the match for Cardozo's side to force the game into extra time.

Cardozo said his team had switched off after leading at the interval, costing them a semi-final showdown against two-time reigning champions Real Madrid.

“We did a lot of hard work to reach the Club World Cup and then a lot of hard work to prepare for this game,” he said. “I’m the head coach and the one responsible for this result. The players did everything they could but we lost concentration in the second half."

Zaldivar's goal had given the Conmebol champions the best possible start, the striker heading in a Isaac Brizeula.

But it was Kashima who started the second half brighter, and were rewarded when Ryota Nagaki turned in a Shoma Doi cross four minutes after the restart. A Serginho penalty on 69 minutes gave the Asian Champions League winners the lead for the first time at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, and was extended when Hiroke Abe curled home a fine effort six minutes from time.

Guadalajara were awarded a penalty on the stroke of full time after Jair Pereira was fouled in the Kashima penalty area. Sun Tae Kwon saved Alan Pulido's initial effort before the rebound was turned in via a deflection off Hugo Leonardo but it was a mere consolation effort.

“We played well in the first half,” Cardozo said. “We scored an early goal and we were well organised. We had ball possession but in the second half they scored very early.

“We lost our concentration and lost our way after the equaliser. We tried to do things in a hurry and then start to lose control of the game.

“I always said to my players if they lose possession it becomes very difficult to play. That’s what happened in the second half.”

Cardozo apologised to the travelling Guadalajara fans. “The fans have every reason to complain against me because some of them made the long journey to watch us play,” he said.

“We didn’t give them what they expected. It’s embarrassing for us because we are the biggest team in Mexico. I feel for those who travelled all the way to be behind us.

“It’s embarrassing for us, especially for me, as the head coach. It’s very painful for me.

“Our dream was to win this game and meet Real Madrid. But that didn’t happen. But what we need to look ahead is to have a more competitive team than what we have.”

Cardozo still took some positives from their game by saying his young squad will learn from the experience.

“We qualified for this tournament with this squad and there is no reason why we should blame any of them," he said.

“If there is anyone to blame it is me, because I’m in charge and responsible for the result. We have one more game we’ll try to win that and go out on a high. That’s the next best we can do.”

MIDWAY

Produced: Lionsgate Films, Shanghai Ryui Entertainment, Street Light Entertainment
Directed: Roland Emmerich
Cast: Ed Skrein, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, Aaron Eckhart, Luke Evans, Nick Jonas, Mandy Moore, Darren Criss
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.

- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law

The five stages of early child’s play

From Dubai-based clinical psychologist Daniella Salazar:

1. Solitary Play: This is where Infants and toddlers start to play on their own without seeming to notice the people around them. This is the beginning of play.

2. Onlooker play: This occurs where the toddler enjoys watching other people play. There doesn’t necessarily need to be any effort to begin play. They are learning how to imitate behaviours from others. This type of play may also appear in children who are more shy and introverted.

3. Parallel Play: This generally starts when children begin playing side-by-side without any interaction. Even though they aren’t physically interacting they are paying attention to each other. This is the beginning of the desire to be with other children.

4. Associative Play: At around age four or five, children become more interested in each other than in toys and begin to interact more. In this stage children start asking questions and talking about the different activities they are engaging in. They realise they have similar goals in play such as building a tower or playing with cars.

5. Social Play: In this stage children are starting to socialise more. They begin to share ideas and follow certain rules in a game. They slowly learn the definition of teamwork. They get to engage in basic social skills and interests begin to lead social interactions.