KUWAIT: Kuwait won the Champions Cup, beating a global side of ex-international stars, 4-2, with Kuwaiti talisman Bader Al-Mutawa getting on the scoresheet and David Beckham providing both assists in a match which marked the grand opening of Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium yesterday. Portuguese legend Luis Figo scored the opener from the edge of the area on the back of a cross from ex-England captain David Beckham.
The two embraced in celebration to the joy of the attending crowd at the 60, 000-seater stadium, reminding all of their once remarkable partnership as Real Madrid teammates. Figo's thunderous strike was cancelled out moments later by forward Fahad Al-Hajeri's pinpointed shot which met a wonderful corner kick in the 19th minute. Kuwait later broke the deadlock through their talismanic international Bader Al-Mutawa with a perfectly executed volley over the head of keeper Jens Lehmann.
Al-Mutawa, who saw that the ex-Germany international had advanced around three feet away from goal, picked up the ball and chipped his masterpiece above a disconcerted Lehmann. Five minutes into the second half, Fahad Al-Enezi added Kuwait's third with a powerful strike on the volley, as the hosts continued to dominate proceedings. Beckham was the mastermind of the global stars' second as Robert Pires rose high to meet another of his excellent crosses. Yousif Nasser added Kuwait's fourth and as he easily scooped up Al-Hajeri's pass made after he cleverly maneuvered his way past an onrushing Roberto Carlos.
In an interview following the match, the man behind the global all-stars two assists said he was "excited to be in Kuwait for the first time." He described the event at the 60,000-seater packed stadium as witnessing a "special atmosphere." "It was really good - family and friends (were present). I really enjoyed being in this game," he said on his first visit to the Gulf nation. Asked about his former Premiership side Manchester United's chances, he said that the team have been "a little bit inconsistent" adding that other sides were are also displaying inconsistency, therefore there was still a chance for the side to take the title.
On England's Euro 2016 chances, he said that their group, alongside Wales, was a "tough group," adding that when the two fierce rival nations meet it adds a "little bit of a spice in there - something we are excited about." The 40-year-old also said that winning the treble for Man United and being England captain were two things he was most proud of in his 20-year-long career.
The huge event, which was marked by a magnificent display of fireworks and renowned local musicians, was attended by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah and National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim, alongside local and regional officials and notable figures. The ex-internationals, led by Italian coach Fabio Capello, included other former greats like ex-Barcelona defender and Spain international Carlos Puyol, Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos and former AC Milan forward Andriy Shevchenko. The Kuwait all-stars side was led by national coach Mohammad Ibrahim. - KUNA