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Qatar celebrates greatest football achievement
Reuters
Qatar celebrated its biggest football achievement after stunning Japan to win the Asian Cup on Friday, with impromptu street parades marking the country's long-sought status in a sport that sits at the centre of its economic development.
Doha's streets was gridlocked with cars immediately after the tournament's final whistle blew, as Qataris draped in the country's maroon and white flag slung themselves out of car windows or hopped on to rooftops, horns blaring in celebration.
"This is the first continental cup we've taken and it's even despite all the pressure that was put on this team, which just proves that they are heroes," said Qatari fan Ahmed al-Kaabi.
Cillesen injures calf, out of Real cup semis
AFP
Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen will be out for six weeks after rupturing a calf muscle on Friday and will miss both legs of the Spanish Cup semi-final against Real Madrid.
The Dutchman is second choice at Barcelona behind Marc-Andre ter Stegen, but usually starts in Spanish Cup games.
"In training on Friday the first team player Jasper Cillessen tore a muscle in his right calf. The goalkeeper is expected to be out for around six weeks," the club said on its web site.
German international Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to stand in for Cillessen in Barca's semi-final first leg against Madrid on February 6 and the second leg on February 27 or 28.
Man City look to revive title bid against Arsenal
AFP
Pep Guardiola needs a quick response from his side against Arsenal on Sunday to show that Manchester City's challenge for the Premier League title remains intact.
Guardiola can be thankful City will go into the match at the Etihad Stadium only five points behind leaders Liverpool.
It could well have been worse after a lethargic display brought a surprising 2-1 defeat at relegation-threatened Newcastle on Tuesday, but Jurgen Klopp's side struggled to take advantage as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Leicester the following night.
City could argue Tuesday's defeat was a blip, given they had won their previous eight matches, but three of those victories were in cup games against lower-division opposition.
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