Sunday, July 11, 2010
Iniesta delivers first World Cup to Spain
For 116 minutes, the Netherlands and Spain had battled and bruised, fought and flopped and produced a game that became more pressure packed by the second. Each side was stopped on a breakaway. Each had headers fly high and clear shots curve wide.
And with the moments growing lonely and the air getting colder, with a penalty kick shootout looming, Spain’s Cesc Fabregas made a brilliant pass to set up Andres Iniesta on the right side of the goal.
Iniesta touched it once and blasted it past Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and inside the far post. It was a kick for glory and a shot for history that set off a series of celebrations and heartbreaks across not just a jammed Soccer City here but across Western Europe.
In one corner of this stadium, Iniesta, the 26-year-old, son of bartender from the little village of Fuentealbilla, had ripped his shirt off in mid-run to expose a tribute to his friend and Spanish footballer Daniel Jarque, who recently died of a heart attack.
“We wanted to pay tribute to him and we thought this was the best opportunity to do so,” Iniesta said of Jarque.
Soon Iniesta was mobbed by his teammates in a hug for the ages. The Dutch players either sprawled out in exhausted depression or charged the referees demanding an offside call – when in fact Iniesta was fully onside.
Minutes later, after extra time with extra drama, Spain would capture the nation’s first World Cup and cap a dramatic month of soccer in Africa. The Dutch and their army of frantic, orange-clad fans were bridesmaids for a third difficult time.
It was a fitting conclusion if only because not everything at the 2010 World Cup was pretty or perfect. There were controversies and complaints and a dearth of goals (the second-lowest scoring tournament after Italy ’90).
What the event never lacked, though, was competition. And while it took nearly two hours for the scoreboard to move a bit, the fight on the field was fierce.
The game would conclude with 14 yellow cards, nine of them called on the Netherlands, who finished the game with just 10 players.
The Dutch had said for days that they weren’t going to be intimidated by Spain and its precise passing game that had delivered 30 wins in their last 32 international games and made it the favorite with everyone from bookmakers to octopi.
The men in orange proved it immediately by getting physical, knocking the Spaniards off their balance and their timing. They came out and kicked them in the shins and let them know they were there. Then the Netherlands withstood early Spanish pressure, found its timing and launched waves of attacks of its own.
Andres Iniesta celebrates with the World Cup trophy following Spain's victory over the Netherlands.
For a game with just one goal, there was no lack of opportunities.
The Netherlands’ Arjen Robben had one clear breakaway and another semi-breakaway only to be stoned by the acrobatic Iker Casillas. Not to be outdone, Stekelenburg made game-savers on Fabregas and David Villa.
Because this is an event that comes just every four years, the pressure to perform is impossible to quantify in American pro sports standards. It’s not that players don’t feel immense pressure in a Super Bowl or NBA Finals, but here, there is no next year.
Even elite players make just two or three World Cups and to get just one chance at a final can define a career.
Yet with the world watching, with their countrymen everywhere overcome with nerves, with each minute passing adding to the urgency, the play seemed to improve. The Netherlands would lose but leave every bit of its life on the field. The Spaniards would win, but they’d know they needed every bit of their own reserve to get it done.
At the end of this game, at the end of this month, it was just Andres Iniesta and the ball and the opportunity of a lifetime. He’d grown up in a 2,000-person village, his entire family working in the small tavern, Bar Lujan, which his grandfather owned.
Once, when Andres was 12, his father took him on the nearly five-hour drive to Barcelona to see the professional clubs play. The boy was hooked. He dreamed big. He practiced hard.
And in the most desperate minute in the history of his nation’s soccer fortunes, he never hesitated.
One hard-fought World Cup in the books, with the legends from this epic to only grow from here.
And with the moments growing lonely and the air getting colder, with a penalty kick shootout looming, Spain’s Cesc Fabregas made a brilliant pass to set up Andres Iniesta on the right side of the goal.
Iniesta touched it once and blasted it past Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and inside the far post. It was a kick for glory and a shot for history that set off a series of celebrations and heartbreaks across not just a jammed Soccer City here but across Western Europe.
In one corner of this stadium, Iniesta, the 26-year-old, son of bartender from the little village of Fuentealbilla, had ripped his shirt off in mid-run to expose a tribute to his friend and Spanish footballer Daniel Jarque, who recently died of a heart attack.
“We wanted to pay tribute to him and we thought this was the best opportunity to do so,” Iniesta said of Jarque.
Soon Iniesta was mobbed by his teammates in a hug for the ages. The Dutch players either sprawled out in exhausted depression or charged the referees demanding an offside call – when in fact Iniesta was fully onside.
Minutes later, after extra time with extra drama, Spain would capture the nation’s first World Cup and cap a dramatic month of soccer in Africa. The Dutch and their army of frantic, orange-clad fans were bridesmaids for a third difficult time.
It was a fitting conclusion if only because not everything at the 2010 World Cup was pretty or perfect. There were controversies and complaints and a dearth of goals (the second-lowest scoring tournament after Italy ’90).
What the event never lacked, though, was competition. And while it took nearly two hours for the scoreboard to move a bit, the fight on the field was fierce.
The game would conclude with 14 yellow cards, nine of them called on the Netherlands, who finished the game with just 10 players.
The Dutch had said for days that they weren’t going to be intimidated by Spain and its precise passing game that had delivered 30 wins in their last 32 international games and made it the favorite with everyone from bookmakers to octopi.
The men in orange proved it immediately by getting physical, knocking the Spaniards off their balance and their timing. They came out and kicked them in the shins and let them know they were there. Then the Netherlands withstood early Spanish pressure, found its timing and launched waves of attacks of its own.
Andres Iniesta celebrates with the World Cup trophy following Spain's victory over the Netherlands.
For a game with just one goal, there was no lack of opportunities.
The Netherlands’ Arjen Robben had one clear breakaway and another semi-breakaway only to be stoned by the acrobatic Iker Casillas. Not to be outdone, Stekelenburg made game-savers on Fabregas and David Villa.
Because this is an event that comes just every four years, the pressure to perform is impossible to quantify in American pro sports standards. It’s not that players don’t feel immense pressure in a Super Bowl or NBA Finals, but here, there is no next year.
Even elite players make just two or three World Cups and to get just one chance at a final can define a career.
Yet with the world watching, with their countrymen everywhere overcome with nerves, with each minute passing adding to the urgency, the play seemed to improve. The Netherlands would lose but leave every bit of its life on the field. The Spaniards would win, but they’d know they needed every bit of their own reserve to get it done.
At the end of this game, at the end of this month, it was just Andres Iniesta and the ball and the opportunity of a lifetime. He’d grown up in a 2,000-person village, his entire family working in the small tavern, Bar Lujan, which his grandfather owned.
Once, when Andres was 12, his father took him on the nearly five-hour drive to Barcelona to see the professional clubs play. The boy was hooked. He dreamed big. He practiced hard.
And in the most desperate minute in the history of his nation’s soccer fortunes, he never hesitated.
One hard-fought World Cup in the books, with the legends from this epic to only grow from here.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Zuma says South Africa Ready 50 Days Before World Cup Kick-Off
South African President Jacob Zuma says his country is ready for the football World Cup, and predicts a memorable event. He was speaking during ceremonies 50 days before the tournament kicks-off on June 11.
President Jacob Zuma told a crowd of fans in the central city of Kimberly that the football World Cup will allow South Africa to tell the story of a continent alive with possibilities, whose population embraces people from other nations and cultures.
"This is the single, greatest opportunity we have ever had to showcase our diversity and potential to the world," said President Zuma.
Mr. Zuma said his government had spent nearly $5 billion on bolstering infrastructure for the World Cup and this would benefit the country for years to come.
He said the preparations already have had a significant impact on the South African economy. Officials hope the World Cup will create 60,000 permanent new jobs and add nearly one billion dollars to economic production.
Mr. Zuma said now is the time for all South Africans to take ownership of the event and create the conditions for its success.
"We are ready in every respect and I believe that our warmth, our South African-ness is going to be displayed," said Mr. Zuma. "We are going to be a nation that will behave, that will show the world that we are ready to host and that Africa is ready."
With seven weeks to go until kick-off, construction has been completed on all of the 10 stadiums that will host World Cup matches.
The new terminal at Johannesburg's international airport was inaugurated Tuesday and a new airport at the southeastern city of Durban, is to be inaugurated in two weeks.
South African security forces say they have been carrying out crowd control and anti-terrorism training and measures have been put in place to protect visiting teams, foreign dignitaries and fans.
Police officials have assigned 40,000 officers specifically to World Cup events and say they have spent $180 million on new equipment.
The football world governing body, FIFA, says 180,000 of the remaining 500,000 match tickets have been sold since the last phase of ticket sales began last week. Nearly half of the 64 matches are sold out.
Tourist groups say the world economic recession and the long-haul-destination status of South Africa may affect the number of foreign visitors during the event and have downgraded their original projections of 450,000 by as much as one-third.
As a result, 85 percent of the fans at the games will be South African residents. United States residents have purchased the greatest number of tickets from abroad, more than 100,000, followed by fans in Britain and Germany.
President Jacob Zuma told a crowd of fans in the central city of Kimberly that the football World Cup will allow South Africa to tell the story of a continent alive with possibilities, whose population embraces people from other nations and cultures.
"This is the single, greatest opportunity we have ever had to showcase our diversity and potential to the world," said President Zuma.
Mr. Zuma said his government had spent nearly $5 billion on bolstering infrastructure for the World Cup and this would benefit the country for years to come.
He said the preparations already have had a significant impact on the South African economy. Officials hope the World Cup will create 60,000 permanent new jobs and add nearly one billion dollars to economic production.
Mr. Zuma said now is the time for all South Africans to take ownership of the event and create the conditions for its success.
"We are ready in every respect and I believe that our warmth, our South African-ness is going to be displayed," said Mr. Zuma. "We are going to be a nation that will behave, that will show the world that we are ready to host and that Africa is ready."
With seven weeks to go until kick-off, construction has been completed on all of the 10 stadiums that will host World Cup matches.
The new terminal at Johannesburg's international airport was inaugurated Tuesday and a new airport at the southeastern city of Durban, is to be inaugurated in two weeks.
South African security forces say they have been carrying out crowd control and anti-terrorism training and measures have been put in place to protect visiting teams, foreign dignitaries and fans.
Police officials have assigned 40,000 officers specifically to World Cup events and say they have spent $180 million on new equipment.
The football world governing body, FIFA, says 180,000 of the remaining 500,000 match tickets have been sold since the last phase of ticket sales began last week. Nearly half of the 64 matches are sold out.
Tourist groups say the world economic recession and the long-haul-destination status of South Africa may affect the number of foreign visitors during the event and have downgraded their original projections of 450,000 by as much as one-third.
As a result, 85 percent of the fans at the games will be South African residents. United States residents have purchased the greatest number of tickets from abroad, more than 100,000, followed by fans in Britain and Germany.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Al Dahma wins Emir’s Sword race again
DOHA UMM QARN Farms’ champion filly and pride of Qatar Al Dahma, making her last competitive season memorable, overcame stiff resistance from Raqiyah to lift the coveted HH the Emir’s Sword race at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club on Thursday.
The Alban de Mieulle-ward, the defending champion, took home a rich purse of $1,000,000, the prize money for the 2,400 metres race for the Pure Arabian international horses.
The 31st race meeting was a part of H.H the Emir of the State of Qatar Trophies and Sword Festival held under the patronage of the Emir His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani.
The winner overcame a field of tested riders like stable-mate General, Mared al Sahra, Damis and Areej.
It was Fakhr which had an early lead over his challengers in the prestigious race.
But Fakhr had to make way for the classy Al Dahma, who stretched to victory in the final furlong with her impressing run.
Trainer De Mieulle showered Al Dahma with praise and called her a true champion.
Jockey Olivier Peslier, who piloted Al Dahma to the grand victory, had a memorable day when he placed second in the other highlight event of the day - HH The Emir’s Trophy (Pure Arabians) partnering with Dherwah.
Al Dahma’s winning effort of 2 minutes 38.99 seconds is an impressive time this season and the manner in which she defeated the opponents, indicated that she was still having a lot to deliver.
“Al Dahma is a champion.
To register such a victory in her penultimate run is truly amazing.
Al Dahma has won all over the world and she is a real champion.
General too is a good horse and am sure he will bounce back,” opined de Mieulle.
It was the aggressive riding skills of jockey Wayne Smith which was the key in Marinous emerging triumphant in the QR1,000,000 race run over a distance of 2,200 metres.
The four-year-old bay colt, owned by Saeed Nasser al Rumaihi, was unfazed despite a presence of good and strong challengers in the HH the Emir’s Trophy.
The race started with Logic Way holding a brief lead but couldn’t sustain the tempo as the rivals entered the final furlong and Marionous pulled away from the pack to record a short head distance to claim the prized race.
The other highlight of the evening was HH the Emir’s Trophy for Pure Arabians which carried a prize of QR500,00.
The 2,200 metres race witnessed a wonderful performance from Raihan.
The Alban de Mieulle-schooled Raihan, ridden by jockey Norbert Jeanpierre, warded off the challenges from Dherwah, Nimr and Jareh to claim the top honours.
A power-packed finish helped Raihan cover a lot of ground and beat the Dubai challenger Dherwah, ridden by Olivier Peslier.
The winning time of 2 minutes 26.54 seconds came close to the track record of 2:28.48 held by Puchet.
In the opening race of the evening which was a Pure Arabian stakes was won by Al Noor.
The Jassim al Ghazali-trained Al Noor led from the start to finish before coming home.
Jockey Stephen Ladjadj’s riding skills also require a mention as they guided the contestant edged Shaddad and Zalzalah in a tight finish.
The Racing & Equestrian Club (REC) organised the “Libertad” show by the French equestrian showman, Jean François Pignon.
With his team, Pignon performed some breath-taking displays which regaled a big crowd of local people and expatriates.
The Alban de Mieulle-ward, the defending champion, took home a rich purse of $1,000,000, the prize money for the 2,400 metres race for the Pure Arabian international horses.
The 31st race meeting was a part of H.H the Emir of the State of Qatar Trophies and Sword Festival held under the patronage of the Emir His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani.
The winner overcame a field of tested riders like stable-mate General, Mared al Sahra, Damis and Areej.
It was Fakhr which had an early lead over his challengers in the prestigious race.
But Fakhr had to make way for the classy Al Dahma, who stretched to victory in the final furlong with her impressing run.
Trainer De Mieulle showered Al Dahma with praise and called her a true champion.
Jockey Olivier Peslier, who piloted Al Dahma to the grand victory, had a memorable day when he placed second in the other highlight event of the day - HH The Emir’s Trophy (Pure Arabians) partnering with Dherwah.
Al Dahma’s winning effort of 2 minutes 38.99 seconds is an impressive time this season and the manner in which she defeated the opponents, indicated that she was still having a lot to deliver.
“Al Dahma is a champion.
To register such a victory in her penultimate run is truly amazing.
Al Dahma has won all over the world and she is a real champion.
General too is a good horse and am sure he will bounce back,” opined de Mieulle.
It was the aggressive riding skills of jockey Wayne Smith which was the key in Marinous emerging triumphant in the QR1,000,000 race run over a distance of 2,200 metres.
The four-year-old bay colt, owned by Saeed Nasser al Rumaihi, was unfazed despite a presence of good and strong challengers in the HH the Emir’s Trophy.
The race started with Logic Way holding a brief lead but couldn’t sustain the tempo as the rivals entered the final furlong and Marionous pulled away from the pack to record a short head distance to claim the prized race.
The other highlight of the evening was HH the Emir’s Trophy for Pure Arabians which carried a prize of QR500,00.
The 2,200 metres race witnessed a wonderful performance from Raihan.
The Alban de Mieulle-schooled Raihan, ridden by jockey Norbert Jeanpierre, warded off the challenges from Dherwah, Nimr and Jareh to claim the top honours.
A power-packed finish helped Raihan cover a lot of ground and beat the Dubai challenger Dherwah, ridden by Olivier Peslier.
The winning time of 2 minutes 26.54 seconds came close to the track record of 2:28.48 held by Puchet.
In the opening race of the evening which was a Pure Arabian stakes was won by Al Noor.
The Jassim al Ghazali-trained Al Noor led from the start to finish before coming home.
Jockey Stephen Ladjadj’s riding skills also require a mention as they guided the contestant edged Shaddad and Zalzalah in a tight finish.
The Racing & Equestrian Club (REC) organised the “Libertad” show by the French equestrian showman, Jean François Pignon.
With his team, Pignon performed some breath-taking displays which regaled a big crowd of local people and expatriates.
David Bouland wins with Hibah
Alban de Mieulle trained Hibah under the able riding skills of David
Bouland had a memorable day winning the feature race of the of the
30th race meeting(Emir Festival Races) under the patronage of H.H
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani. The race which witnessed a
thrilling finish saw Hibah edged Aziz to register an impressive
victory at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club on Wednesday.
It was the aggressive riding skills of jockey David Bouland which was
the key in Hibah emerging triumphant in the QR 200,000 prize money
contest run over a distance of 1,850 metres.
Hibah, ridden by David Bouland, had benefited from an early lead over
Aziz. And at this stage David Bouland was unfazed among the bunch of
horses behind. He made his move only when the contenders turned
towards the homestretch.
With the race approaching the final furlong, Hibah still held the
advantage as David Bouland’s assertive and imposing skill handling
Hibah allowed it to maintain lead over Aziz who tried effortlessly but
could only reduce the distance to one margin.
The preceding race for the final race of the evening at the New Rayyan
track was set alive in the day with some other races that were keenly
contested.
The Local Bred Pure Arabian Graduation race saw George Mikhalides’s
ward Helu al maany coming out with an impressive run .It took Bruno
Marchands’ good riding skills to see off the challenge posed by Wa’ad
ridden by Adrie de vries in the 1,000 metres run.
Jassim al-Ghazali trained Granary extended her winning run by scooping
a 13th victory from 15 starts.
It was a thrilling stuff as Granary under the excellent riding skills
of Stephen Ladjadj outpaced a 12- horse field to win the Thoroughbred
Fillies and Mares Championship in an exciting fashion at the Racing
and Equestrian Club.
Baraari tried fighting a close battle in the final furlong but it was
not be as French rider Ladjadj consistent form had earlier seen him
cart away victory with Monital nefos in the Thoroughbred Handicap
race.
Julian Smart schooled Mythical Border posted an impressive win by
taking Thoroughbred Stakes (Four-year-olds only) and overall second in
her short career so far.
Mythical Border was running a seven-furlong race and was well balanced
enjoying this distance race. With the horses entering the homestretch,
Mythical Border displayed great amount of acceleration as it was
closely followed by Mdawee .
The H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani owned Mythical Border won
convincingly in a head distance.
In the opening race of the evening which was an exclusive one for
Qatari jockeys was won by Muzahim. The Ibrahim al-Malki trained
Muzahim swept past the field to record a start-to-finish victory in
the Thoroughbred Stakes race.
Qatari rider Salem al-Marri was good while guiding Muzahim to victory
with Nawaif, Mnif and al bidah running close to the winner. With Al
Marri’s good riding skills were on view, Muzahim won by a head
distance..
Results;
1st race: Muzahim (Salem al-Marri) 1, Nawaif Al Naif 2, Mnif 3, Al
Bidah 4. Won by: Hd, ½, Hd. Time: 1:43.34. Trained by: Ibrahim
al-Malki. Owned by: Ibrahim Saeed al-Malki
2nd race: Monita Al Nefos (Stephen Ladjadj) 1, Qadir 2, Al Eklil 3,
Battal 4. Won by: 2, Nk, 1. Time: 1:40.05. Trained by: Jassim
al-Ghazali. Owned by: Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Attiya
3rd race: Granary (Stephen Ladjadj) 1, Baraari 2, Monoliza 3, Dream
Sea 4. Won by: 2 ½, 5, Hd. Time: 1:24.57. Trained by: Jassim
al-Ghazali. Owned by: Ahmed Fawaz Ahmed al-Attiyah
4th race: Mythical Border (Adrie de Vries) 1, Midawee 2, Feelin Fab 3,
Importer 4. Won by: Hd, 1 ½, 2. Time: 1:25. Trained by: Julian Smart.
Owned by: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani
5th race: Helu al Maany (Bruno Marchand) 1, Wa’ad ASF 2, Al Shiqardy
3, Rau’ed 4, Won by: ¾ , ¾, ½. Time: 1.07.76, Trained by:George
Mikhalides. Owned by: Sheikh Mohammed bin Mishal bin Hamad al Thani
6th race: Hibah (David Bouland)1, Aziz Asf 2, Next Sakbe 3, Zorban 4,
Won by: Time: Trained by: Alban de Mieulle. Owned by: Sheikh Khalifa
bin Abdullah bin Khalifa al
Bouland had a memorable day winning the feature race of the of the
30th race meeting(Emir Festival Races) under the patronage of H.H
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani. The race which witnessed a
thrilling finish saw Hibah edged Aziz to register an impressive
victory at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club on Wednesday.
It was the aggressive riding skills of jockey David Bouland which was
the key in Hibah emerging triumphant in the QR 200,000 prize money
contest run over a distance of 1,850 metres.
Hibah, ridden by David Bouland, had benefited from an early lead over
Aziz. And at this stage David Bouland was unfazed among the bunch of
horses behind. He made his move only when the contenders turned
towards the homestretch.
With the race approaching the final furlong, Hibah still held the
advantage as David Bouland’s assertive and imposing skill handling
Hibah allowed it to maintain lead over Aziz who tried effortlessly but
could only reduce the distance to one margin.
The preceding race for the final race of the evening at the New Rayyan
track was set alive in the day with some other races that were keenly
contested.
The Local Bred Pure Arabian Graduation race saw George Mikhalides’s
ward Helu al maany coming out with an impressive run .It took Bruno
Marchands’ good riding skills to see off the challenge posed by Wa’ad
ridden by Adrie de vries in the 1,000 metres run.
Jassim al-Ghazali trained Granary extended her winning run by scooping
a 13th victory from 15 starts.
It was a thrilling stuff as Granary under the excellent riding skills
of Stephen Ladjadj outpaced a 12- horse field to win the Thoroughbred
Fillies and Mares Championship in an exciting fashion at the Racing
and Equestrian Club.
Baraari tried fighting a close battle in the final furlong but it was
not be as French rider Ladjadj consistent form had earlier seen him
cart away victory with Monital nefos in the Thoroughbred Handicap
race.
Julian Smart schooled Mythical Border posted an impressive win by
taking Thoroughbred Stakes (Four-year-olds only) and overall second in
her short career so far.
Mythical Border was running a seven-furlong race and was well balanced
enjoying this distance race. With the horses entering the homestretch,
Mythical Border displayed great amount of acceleration as it was
closely followed by Mdawee .
The H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani owned Mythical Border won
convincingly in a head distance.
In the opening race of the evening which was an exclusive one for
Qatari jockeys was won by Muzahim. The Ibrahim al-Malki trained
Muzahim swept past the field to record a start-to-finish victory in
the Thoroughbred Stakes race.
Qatari rider Salem al-Marri was good while guiding Muzahim to victory
with Nawaif, Mnif and al bidah running close to the winner. With Al
Marri’s good riding skills were on view, Muzahim won by a head
distance..
Results;
1st race: Muzahim (Salem al-Marri) 1, Nawaif Al Naif 2, Mnif 3, Al
Bidah 4. Won by: Hd, ½, Hd. Time: 1:43.34. Trained by: Ibrahim
al-Malki. Owned by: Ibrahim Saeed al-Malki
2nd race: Monita Al Nefos (Stephen Ladjadj) 1, Qadir 2, Al Eklil 3,
Battal 4. Won by: 2, Nk, 1. Time: 1:40.05. Trained by: Jassim
al-Ghazali. Owned by: Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Attiya
3rd race: Granary (Stephen Ladjadj) 1, Baraari 2, Monoliza 3, Dream
Sea 4. Won by: 2 ½, 5, Hd. Time: 1:24.57. Trained by: Jassim
al-Ghazali. Owned by: Ahmed Fawaz Ahmed al-Attiyah
4th race: Mythical Border (Adrie de Vries) 1, Midawee 2, Feelin Fab 3,
Importer 4. Won by: Hd, 1 ½, 2. Time: 1:25. Trained by: Julian Smart.
Owned by: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani
5th race: Helu al Maany (Bruno Marchand) 1, Wa’ad ASF 2, Al Shiqardy
3, Rau’ed 4, Won by: ¾ , ¾, ½. Time: 1.07.76, Trained by:George
Mikhalides. Owned by: Sheikh Mohammed bin Mishal bin Hamad al Thani
6th race: Hibah (David Bouland)1, Aziz Asf 2, Next Sakbe 3, Zorban 4,
Won by: Time: Trained by: Alban de Mieulle. Owned by: Sheikh Khalifa
bin Abdullah bin Khalifa al
Monday, March 22, 2010
Nigerian expats blame politicians for violence in Jos
Nigeria’s Acting President Goodluck Jonathan dissolved the federal executive cabinet after its weekly meeting recently.
Jonathan, who was appointed the acting president on February 9 following the prolonged illness of President Umar Yar’Adua since November 2009, has not been able to curb sectarian violence between Muslim and Christian groups that has left over 500 people dead in Jos, the Plateau State’s capital.
The crisis, being given a religious colour, is in fact, a conflict between the Berom natives and the Hausa ‘settlers’ in and around Jos over political and property rights.
Many feel that the Jos crisis is giving Nigeria, Africa’s second largest economy, a negative image in the international community.
Some even believe that the crisis may plunge the country into another civil war if not promptly managed.
Qatar Tribune’s Ikoli Victor and Fortune Ulu talked to some Nigerian expatriates to find out what they feel about the crisis and what is the way out.
Excerpts:
GODFREY AWINORON
This cycle of violence could have been stopped if the perpetrators of this heinous crime were caught and justice was served.
What is required now is good policing and quick security response because the aggrieved will definitely seek revenge.
Moreover, identifying real and potential mob leaders and monitoring their movements will help prevent future violence, while the social and political dimension of this issue should be discussed.
MOHAMMED IBRAHIM
It is absurd that in almost all the cases of violence in the North, it is the Muslims that are always blamed.
It has allowed people of other faiths to cover up their acts of violence and assume the role of victims.
Muslims are statistically a minority in the plateau, so it is logically impossible to think a minority could risk inviting the wrath of a majority.
The Jonathan government must bring all warring parties to the negotiating table to find the way out.
MUTIU ADEDEJI OLAYIDE
The number of maiming and killing of innocent lives in Jos is rising by the day.
If we fail to do something now, we may slip into abyss of hopelessness and destruction.
The police and the Army that have been deployed in the area have been accused of taking sides with either party involved in the violence.
Therefore, erring officers must be brought to book.
The federal government must scrap the different inquiry committees and set up a reconciliation committee to broker peace.
ISMAEEL BALOGUN
The Jos situation is unfortunate.
In order to solve the problem permanently, the government, religious bodies and non-governmental organisations need to work together.
The government should provide jobs for the youth while religious bodies and NGOs should help in educating the masses about the repercussions of the incident.
BODE LAWOYIN
The common denominator in the Jos crisis — as in most sectarian crises in Nigeria — is the inequality in the society.
Religion is just a mere facilitator in the conflict.
Millions of executive committees can be commissioned to investigate and international agencies called in to pontificate and proffer solutions, but peace will not return unless the inequality in the society is addressed.
BANKOLE ADIO
The crisis in Jos is more political than religious.
The political differences and misunderstanding among the people of the Plateau State should be settled before a lasting solution can be found to the crisis.
ABDULLAH AKINDELE
It is actually a conflict between power and wealth.
It is beginning to have a religious connotation now.
I will blame the government for its failure to deal with those who started the violence late last year.
If the government had dealt with them firmly, nobody would have gone for revenge.
To avoid reoccurrence, the government should look into the root cause of the problem and bring the warring parties to the talks’ table.
ADE AJAYI
I believe that we need a national dialogue in which all stakeholders like the former presidents, ex-heads of state, traditional rulers, National Assembly members and other public opinion leaders sit together and think of the way forward.
We must do something as fast as possible.
We should not allow things to slide into a more serious problem.
JAMES OKPOAGU
The government should assert itself and do something quickly.
People who have been pushed to the wall for a long time are expressing their frustration.
Intelligence gathering should be given a priority.
If people are not sure about the security of lives and property, all the campaigns about foreign direct investment will come to nothing.
JOHNSON ADU
The leaders of the Plateau State have brought shame on themselves by failing to curb the violence.
I would like to urge the federal government to set up a rehabilitation committee in order to address important issues in the state.
The issue of relocation of people or the creation of a state should be discussed and implemented.
We must rehabilitate the people by paying good compensation to them, especially those survivors whose relatives have been innocently killed.
Jonathan, who was appointed the acting president on February 9 following the prolonged illness of President Umar Yar’Adua since November 2009, has not been able to curb sectarian violence between Muslim and Christian groups that has left over 500 people dead in Jos, the Plateau State’s capital.
The crisis, being given a religious colour, is in fact, a conflict between the Berom natives and the Hausa ‘settlers’ in and around Jos over political and property rights.
Many feel that the Jos crisis is giving Nigeria, Africa’s second largest economy, a negative image in the international community.
Some even believe that the crisis may plunge the country into another civil war if not promptly managed.
Qatar Tribune’s Ikoli Victor and Fortune Ulu talked to some Nigerian expatriates to find out what they feel about the crisis and what is the way out.
Excerpts:
GODFREY AWINORON
This cycle of violence could have been stopped if the perpetrators of this heinous crime were caught and justice was served.
What is required now is good policing and quick security response because the aggrieved will definitely seek revenge.
Moreover, identifying real and potential mob leaders and monitoring their movements will help prevent future violence, while the social and political dimension of this issue should be discussed.
MOHAMMED IBRAHIM
It is absurd that in almost all the cases of violence in the North, it is the Muslims that are always blamed.
It has allowed people of other faiths to cover up their acts of violence and assume the role of victims.
Muslims are statistically a minority in the plateau, so it is logically impossible to think a minority could risk inviting the wrath of a majority.
The Jonathan government must bring all warring parties to the negotiating table to find the way out.
MUTIU ADEDEJI OLAYIDE
The number of maiming and killing of innocent lives in Jos is rising by the day.
If we fail to do something now, we may slip into abyss of hopelessness and destruction.
The police and the Army that have been deployed in the area have been accused of taking sides with either party involved in the violence.
Therefore, erring officers must be brought to book.
The federal government must scrap the different inquiry committees and set up a reconciliation committee to broker peace.
ISMAEEL BALOGUN
The Jos situation is unfortunate.
In order to solve the problem permanently, the government, religious bodies and non-governmental organisations need to work together.
The government should provide jobs for the youth while religious bodies and NGOs should help in educating the masses about the repercussions of the incident.
BODE LAWOYIN
The common denominator in the Jos crisis — as in most sectarian crises in Nigeria — is the inequality in the society.
Religion is just a mere facilitator in the conflict.
Millions of executive committees can be commissioned to investigate and international agencies called in to pontificate and proffer solutions, but peace will not return unless the inequality in the society is addressed.
BANKOLE ADIO
The crisis in Jos is more political than religious.
The political differences and misunderstanding among the people of the Plateau State should be settled before a lasting solution can be found to the crisis.
ABDULLAH AKINDELE
It is actually a conflict between power and wealth.
It is beginning to have a religious connotation now.
I will blame the government for its failure to deal with those who started the violence late last year.
If the government had dealt with them firmly, nobody would have gone for revenge.
To avoid reoccurrence, the government should look into the root cause of the problem and bring the warring parties to the talks’ table.
ADE AJAYI
I believe that we need a national dialogue in which all stakeholders like the former presidents, ex-heads of state, traditional rulers, National Assembly members and other public opinion leaders sit together and think of the way forward.
We must do something as fast as possible.
We should not allow things to slide into a more serious problem.
JAMES OKPOAGU
The government should assert itself and do something quickly.
People who have been pushed to the wall for a long time are expressing their frustration.
Intelligence gathering should be given a priority.
If people are not sure about the security of lives and property, all the campaigns about foreign direct investment will come to nothing.
JOHNSON ADU
The leaders of the Plateau State have brought shame on themselves by failing to curb the violence.
I would like to urge the federal government to set up a rehabilitation committee in order to address important issues in the state.
The issue of relocation of people or the creation of a state should be discussed and implemented.
We must rehabilitate the people by paying good compensation to them, especially those survivors whose relatives have been innocently killed.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Nigerian arrested for online forgery fraud
A 35-year-old Nigerian national was arrested for running a fraudulent online lottery racket worth millions of rupees, police said on Friday.
Police said that the man identified as Ozoya Isaian, lived in south Delhi's upscale Greater Kailash residential area.
The Nigerian sent SMSes to people claiming they had won a British lottery and told them to deposit some money in the name of service charges, customs clearance and other bank formalities.
'As soon as a gullible person would deposit money in the designated accounts, he would transfer the money to different accounts so that he is not identified. He had cheated crores of rupees from a number of innocent people,' a police officer said.
He was arrested from central Delhi's Karol Bagh area following a complaint made by a Pune resident in August last year.
During investigation, police found that Isaian came to India in 2006 on an education visa which expired two years ago.
A laptop, two pen drives containing data of accounts, addresses and phone numbers, three mobile phones and an internet data card have been recovered from Isaian.
Police said that the man identified as Ozoya Isaian, lived in south Delhi's upscale Greater Kailash residential area.
The Nigerian sent SMSes to people claiming they had won a British lottery and told them to deposit some money in the name of service charges, customs clearance and other bank formalities.
'As soon as a gullible person would deposit money in the designated accounts, he would transfer the money to different accounts so that he is not identified. He had cheated crores of rupees from a number of innocent people,' a police officer said.
He was arrested from central Delhi's Karol Bagh area following a complaint made by a Pune resident in August last year.
During investigation, police found that Isaian came to India in 2006 on an education visa which expired two years ago.
A laptop, two pen drives containing data of accounts, addresses and phone numbers, three mobile phones and an internet data card have been recovered from Isaian.
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