Dubai: Real Madrid will be hoping for third time luck as they take on local champions Shabab Al Ahli Dubai in the Eighth Hamdan Bin Mohammad International U16 Football Championships being held at the Dubai Police Officers’ Club this week.
The Spanish giants, runners-up to Italian side AC Milan in 2014 and semi-finalists in 2015, are yet to hold the winner’s trophy. “We have come here to win it this time,” coach Tristan Celador told Gulf News at the announcement of the competition at the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) premises on Tuesday.
“On paper, Flamengo of Brazil look like the favourites due to their physical superiority. But we are a competitive side and anytime Real Madrid compete we are always one of the favourites to win the title,” he added.
Held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of DSC, this year’s tournament has also attracted German club Borussia Dortmund, Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, Flamengo of Brazil and Egypt’s Al Ahli along with three local teams — Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club, Al Nasr and Al Wasl.
Organised by DSC to promote grassroots football and support the country’s budding talent, the tournament is being held in the Year of Zayed, with the final scheduled for April 19. The opening round of matches will see PSV face Al Ahli Egypt, while Al Wasl play Flamengo. Real Madrid will commence their title aspirations against local side Shabab Al Ahli Dubai and Al Nasr will take on 2015 runners-up Borussia Dortmund.
Founded in 1895, CR Flamengo have a rich history in the world of football. “We are here to show that we are something special and win this tournament,” captain Gabriel Noga said.
“We’ve got a good team. At least four of us have the additional experience of playing in the Brazilian national side, so the experience of playing against top teams from Europe and this part of the world will not have too much of an effect on us,” the defender added.
Also hoping to be in the mix are Borussia Dortmund and debutants PSV Eindhoven. “I think we have one of the better teams here,” PSV skipper Emmanuel Matuta said.
“Even though this is a new experience for us, we are ready to compete at a high level and see how far we can go in this tournament,” he added.
Dortmund’s Mike Amadik is very excited about his team’s chances this time. “This can only add to our experience and we want to play to our full potential and take home this Cup,” he narrated.
SCHEDULE
April 11: Shabab Al Ahli Dubai v Real Madrid; Al Nasr v Borussia Dortmund
April 12: Al Ahli Egypt v Flamengo Brazil; Al Wasl v PSV Eindhoven
April 13: Shabab Al Ahli Dubai v Borussia Dortmund; Real Madrid v Al Nasr
April 14: Al Ahli Egypt v Al Wasl; PSV Eindhoven v Flamengo Brazil
April 15: Shabab Al Ahli Dubai v Al Nasr; Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid
April 17: Semi-finals
April 19: Third place play-off and final
Group A: PSV Eindhoven; Al Ahli Egypt; Al Wasl; CR Flamengo
Group B: Shabab Al Ahli Dubai; Real Madrid; Al Nasr; Borussia Dortmund
*Note: All matches at 4.45pm and 7.30pm at Dubai Police Officers Club.
CHAMPIONS
2009: PSG France (bt Werder Bremen 3-1)
2012: Lega Pro Italy (bt Al Shabab 2-0)
2013: Valencia Spain (bt Al Nasr 4-1)
2014: Valencia Spain (bt Al Nasr Saudi Arabia 2-0)
2015: AC Milan Italy (bt Real Madrid 2-1)
2016: Al Hilal Saudi Arabia (bt Borussia Dortmund 2-0)
2017: Olympique Lyon France (bt Al Hilal Saudi Arabia 2-1)
