Australia competes at their second football world cup

For the better part of a decade, hearing the world "Syria" would probably have conjured up thoughts of war, destruction and fierce fighting involving both domestic and international forces. But over the last two years, Syrian footballers have painted a completely different image of their country to the rest of the world: one associated with sport. The team narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 2018 World Cup after losing a qualifying playoff against Australia in October 2017. Two Tim Cahill goals in the second leg ended Syria's dreams with a 2-1 aggregate loss , but it could have been so different. Striker Omar Al Soma smashed the upright with a free kick in the dying minutes, a matter of centimeters denying Syria a historic victory on away goals. The campaign wasn't for nothing, however, as the World Cup qualifiers doubled up as qualifcation for the 2019 Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Against all odds, Syria booked their place and will now tussle with Australia … [Read more...] about Asian Cup 2019: Having beaten the odds to qualify, Syria are aiming to surprise

The 2019 Asian Cup will see 24 teams compete for the first time in history. Split into six groups, the top two teams from each group will be joined by the four best third-placed sides in the knockout rounds. Group A: Bahrain, India, Thailand, UAE Hosts United Arab Emirates will be desperate to cash in on their "Golden Generation", who are facing a final chance to fulfill the moniker. Despite losing star playmaker Omar Abdulrahman to injury, this side should be aiming for top spot and will instead rely on Ahmed Khalil and Ali Mabkout to fire up front. Thailand are looking to make their mark after a 12-year absence from the Asian Cup. They possess exciting attacking talents, such as Chanathip Songkrasin and Teerasil Dangda, but Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac's defensive system is a worry. Second should be a minimum aim. Third place will likely be claimed by whoever wins in the head-to-head clash between India and Bahrain. India are an emerging nation while Bahrain has regressed and … [Read more...] about Asian Cup 2019: DW’s group stage predictions

BEN STOKES is well used to stealing the show on any given Sunday. His heroics in England’s dramatic World Cup final win over New Zealand came on the Sabbath. And six weeks later, he was again at his Sunday best to single-handedly keep the Ashes alive with one of the all-time great innings at Headingley. Now tonight in Aberdeen, Stokes is tipped to be the first cricketer to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 14 years. And if the all-rounder emulates Freddie Flintoff in 2005, it will complete a remarkable redemption story — both on and off the field. In 2016 in Kolkata, Stokes was distraught after being destroyed by Carlos Brathwaite, who smashed four straight sixes off his final over as West Indies beat England in the World T20 final.Then the following year, his reputation was in tatters after being arrested — and then charged — following that infamous Bristol brawl. Even after he was acquitted of affray, few would have tipped Stokes to capture … [Read more...] about England star Ben Stokes tipped to become first cricketer in 14 years to win SPOTY 2019