Al Gharafa

Qatar will play for third-fourth place in the AFC Futsal Championship West Zone qualifiers. If Qatar finish third, they'll qualify for the Asian championship in 2010.

It;ll be a good match. Soon after this match will be the title game between Iraq and Lebanon. Be there to see some good futsal action.

Venue: Al Gharafa indoor hall (besides main stadium)

Time: Qatar vs Kuwait at 5pm, Iraq vs Lebanon at 7.30pm.

ENTRY IS FREE.

I visited the new Lulu Supermarket which opened near Al Gharafa last week. I tried to be there on the opening day (just like half the population in Doha on that day, the other half being away on vacation), but couldn’t get anywhere near a 3-mile radius. So I decided for the excitement to settle down and visited again today. These are a few of my observations (along with a few pictures) for people who have not visited the facility yet.

June 17, 2009

Qatar has announced its first swine flu cases after two toddlers and one teenager arriving in the country were diagnosed with the virus
By Noimot Olayiwola
Staff Reporter

The Supreme Council of Health yesterday announced the first three cases of the H1N1 flu virus in Qatar.
The three patients, all foreigners below 17, have been quarantined and are in “stable condition”, according to senior officials of the council.
Up to 70 suspected cases have been screened for the virus so far in Qatar since it became a major health concern around the world.
The Supreme Council of Health (SCH) confirmed the first two cases yesterday morning and HE the Minister of Health Abdullah Khalid al-Qahtani announced the third case in the afternoon.

The Brazilian has penned a two-year deal with his new Qatari club.Following the completion of a successful medical, it is now official: Juninho has left Lyon for Al Gharafa in Qatar ..... Really Kewll man now can watch his trade mark free kicks Gharafa fans must b really happy

Al Gharafa beat Al Rayyan 2-1. I think they deserved the Emir's Cup title. I wanted the Reds to win. But well, the team which played better won.

Clemerson Soares scored twice for Gharafa, once in the 10th minute and then in stoppage time. Amara Diane hit the only goal for Rayyan.

Well, that's the end of this football season.

Until next time then, folks!

Good night and good luck!

Today at 6.45pm, all roads will lead to the Al Sadd Club for the final of the Heir Apparent Cup football tournament. Two top teams, Al Rayyan and Qatar SC will play in the big match.

I heard that Al Rayyan are the favourite to win the tournament. Their Brazilian coach Paulo Autori was recently voted as one among FIFA’s best 10 coaches in the world. He’s a good tactician and it will be interesting to see his game plan for the final. Rayyan had blanked the mighty Sadd 3-0 and they certainly have the edge to win the title.

Qatar Sports Club are the unexpected packages. They defeated reigning Qatar League winners Al Gharafa convincingly, 2-1, to ensure their place in the final. If their Qatar international Sebastian Quintana comes good, they have a good chance of getting an upset win.

I also heard that there are several prizes for spectators. The list includes 10 each of Toyota land and marine machines. Not much use to me (at this age), but it certainly should pull in a good crowd. The ticket rates are QR 10 and will be available from the stadium as well. It’s actually a good deal. You’ll get some wholesome football entertainment and if you’re lucky, extremely cool prizes too.

If you’re in Qatar today, go for it. The match starts at 6.45pm at Al Sadd Grounds. It’ll be a hell of a match to watch!