Ali Khaled

Dubai-based youngster making his presence felt racing karts and cars across the UAE and Europe, writes Ali Khaled

There are many objectionable aspects to the transfer window, mainly, that it is mostly a mirage, in which the odds on any particular rumour materialising are, statistically speaking, practically nil. The transfer window is also when agents and players feast on the carcasses of dead promises. But fear not, an open farewell letter to the club’s fans will make it all right.

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil has banished some long-held football beliefs. Ali Khaled learns five lessons that fans, players, coaches and organisers will do well to heed in the future.

Expect more dynamism and positive play during the World Cup final, writes Ali Khaled

Even with Germany so impressive as they reached Sunday night’s World Cup final against Argentina, accusations have been aimed at midfielder Mesut Ozil.

You never forget your first World Cup final, writes Ali Khaled, reminiscing ahead of Wednesday's semi-final rematch of the 1978 final when 'Cool Hand' Mario Kempes led Argentina over Netherlands.

In a competition that featured many upsets, Brazil against Germany was as predictable a semi-final as you can get but it is only the second time two of the World Cup’s three most successful nations have met, writes Ali Khaled.

Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side have been in patchy form and this setback will end any doubt among their many critics that Brazil are not good enough to win the World Cup, writes Ali Khaled.

The group stages at the World Cup 2014 saw plenty of surprises but normal services have resumed as the tournament reaches the business end.

Asia's contingent at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil have again failed to deliver. Despite a brilliant but fruitless performance against Argentina, Iran look to have the best chance of reversing the trend.

Ghana captain's performances at Brazil 2014 can be a lesson to his Al Ain teammate Omar Abdulrahman and company that they can rub shoulders with the world’s best, writes Ali Khaled.

Halfway through the group stage, the play in Brazil has been an unpredictable joy, on the way to becoming one of the best World Cups in modern times.

Rivals Montenegro put up little fight against the Olympic medallists.

Ali Khaled bravely stares down a marathon day of World Cup viewing

24 years on, fans in the UAE are still waiting for the national team to return to those heights