Metsu happy to settle for draw

MUSCAT // There was pandemonium at the post-match conference following the goalless draw between Qatar and Saudi Arabia on Monday. The Saudi media were annoyed by a no-show from the coach Nasser al Johar. And in the middle of the heated debate with his assistant, the Brazilian Minaka - who showed up instead - the Qatar coach Bruno Metsu stormed out, visibly irritated.

Al Johar has been avoiding the media and has been rapped with fines by the Asian Football Confederation in the past. But he continues to not show up, which Minaka said was because of an agreement the head coach had reached with the organising committee before the start of the competition. In between all that confusion, however, Metsu said the outcome of the match was not a poor one for either team.

"This was the first match and a pressure game. I think both teams played high class and entertaining football," he said. "I am not disappointed having to share a point with Saudi Arabia. "This group is wide open and I don't think any team can be guaranteed a place for the next stage without six points." The Frenchman - who led the UAE to their first ever Gulf Cup and is hoping to become the first coach to lead two different teams for back-to-back titles - said every game provides each team with the opportunity to win.

"A team can play well on one night and fair badly in the next. And every game is different and there are no weak teams and strong teams as such. "For me, the first match wasn't only about the result but how well we played. And I think we played well against a strong team. We created many scoring chances for the first time in a long time. That is a positive we can take from this game." The shaggy-haired coach will be hoping his current crop take those positives when they get ready to face his former players - the UAE.

Metsu, though, said his side did not have advantage just because he worked with the Emiratis. "They know me like I know them. And I don't think that is going to work as an advantage for either of us. The tactics and approach can always change. The UAE had a good first match and they are still a strong team." apassela@thenational.ae

Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances

All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.

Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.

Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.

Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.

Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.

Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.

Ant-Man and the Wasp

Director: Peyton Reed

Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas

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