Hassan Maatouk and Yousef Mohammed, the Lebanese internationals who play in the Pro League, had mixed feelings after their national team's 4-2 defeat to the UAE in their final 2014 World Cup group stage qualifying game
“I am very happy because we have qualified for the next round for the first time ever, and I am sad because we couldn’t deliver the result for our fans,” said Maatouk, who plays for Ajman.
“It was a very entertaining match with six goals scored between the two teams.
“We couldn’t take the momentum of the first half forward but I feel we did very well in the group stage of the qualifier.
“At the beginning of this qualifying round of the competition, nobody expected us to come this far, particularly after the 6-0 defeat in the first game to South Korea. That defeat left us humiliated and we came back as a stronger team.
“We beat the Korean 2-1 in the return match and that was quite a remarkable turnaround. I think we have done extremely well so far and hopefully continue to improve our game and do our best in the play-off.”
Maatouk scored the second equaliser in first-half added time for the two teams to go into the break 2-2.
Mohammed said there was no magic formula for their best ever World Cup qualifying campaign.
“It was sheer hard work all the way,” Mohammed, who plays for the Dubai club Al Ahli, said.
“We have managed to gel as a pretty decent team and we have got a good coach [Theo Bucker] to work with.
“He has made a big difference in the team. He has motivated us and made us think that we can achieve results, which we have done.
“The next stage of the competition is going to be even tougher but that is expected when you move up to another level.”
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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.
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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 specs
Engine: Turbocharged four-cylinder 2.7-litre
Power: 325hp
Torque: 500Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh189,700
On sale: now
Mobile phone packages comparison
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm
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Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
if you go
The flights
Emirates offer flights to Buenos Aires from Dubai, via Rio De Janeiro from around Dh6,300. emirates.com
Seeing the games
Tangol sell experiences across South America and generally have good access to tickets for most of the big teams in Buenos Aires: Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Independiente. Prices from Dh550 and include pick up and drop off from your hotel in the city. tangol.com
Staying there
Tangol will pick up tourists from any hotel in Buenos Aires, but after the intensity of the game, the Faena makes for tranquil, upmarket accommodation. Doubles from Dh1,110. faena.com
Small Victories: The True Story of Faith No More by Adrian Harte
Jawbone Press
