Doha: Although exhibition games can often be tentative affairs with players on both sides trying desperately to avoid injury, this will not be the case today. This will be an opportunity for Asia to show the world that good quality football can be also found on earth’s biggest and most populous continent.
This match, for many QSL players will be their only chance to play with some of the world’s greats and so it should make for an interesting affair.
If the QSL Stars can make it to half-time without conceding a goal then this game might just end up being an intriguing match for all involved.
Here are five of the most compelling reasons to watch the game.
1. Bayern Munich is basically Germany’s World Cup team
Only better. Six players on Bayern rosters played for Germany in its 1-0 win over Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final including the man who scored the game’s winner, Mario Gotze. That German core is supplemented by international stars like Arjen Robben, Franck Ribéry, and Dante amongst others.
2. There are going to be a lot of goals
With so many attacking players on both sides, a draw or a goalless match will probably not be on the cards. Players and coaches enjoy friendlies as they can experiment more with formations and players in different roles. This means that mistakes might be more likely and therefore more goals.
3. It’s not every day that FC Bayern Munich turn up for a kick about
This is Bayern’s winter training camp and as such they will be wanting to play a few friendlies to keep match fit and sharp. For the QSL Stars, it’s a good opportunity to truly gauge the quality of the local football here in Qatar and see how much further they might need to develop.
4. Watch some of the best QSL players on show
With the Qatar Stars League temporarily on a break due to the 2015 Asian Cup which is taking place in Australia, this match is a highlight in the month of January, which would otherwise have very little football on offer.
5. You might just enjoy it
The stage is set for the match to be an extremely open and a free-flowing affair. Defending will take a backseat to the attacking showcase fans want to see, and the world’s best soccer players will be given the freedom to put on a show.
This isn’t a World Cup final, or a league match, or even your typical exhibition. This is a one-off where anything could and might happen.
Need more reasons?
THE PENINSULA
Doha: The Qatar Stars League (QSL) will give all the money raised from today’s game between FC Bayern Munich and the Qatar Stars team to the stricken people of Syria.
With reports of children in Syria dying due to the recent cold weather in the country, the QSL felt it was important to try and help in any way possible.
Two Syrian refugee babies died from the cold over the weekend on the rugged outskirts of the Lebanese border town of Arsal, where thousands of Syrians are living in unheated tents in freezing temperatures. An elderly man also succumbed to the terrible conditions.
The capacity of the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, the home of Lekhwiya Sports Club, is approximately 7,500 and the money raised from ticket sales of the spectator seats will be donated after the match.
Ahmed Al Harami, the QSL’s Executive Director of Competition and Football Development, said: “What happened recently has saddened us all and the conditions that these people are living in are particularly harsh and difficult. With this exhibition match, the Qatar Stars League is trying to help in some small way.
“The proceeds from the ticket sales will be given to Qatar Charity who will help the people in this refugee camp in Lebanon. Our prayers go out to the families of the recently departed children.” THE PENINSULA
