Doha: Al Arabi capped a fantastic team performance in Round 5 of the Qatar Stars League (QSL) against defending champions Lekhwiya with a deserving 3-2 victory on Sunday evening.
Brazilian striker Junior Dutra will take the plaudits with a fine hat-trick, but head coach Gianfranco Zola should be taking the credit for the upturn in the Dream Team’s fortunes.
Firstly the former West Ham tactician has made his side defensively solid, having only conceded three goals this season.
Secondly he has paired Dutra with compatriot Paulinho who look like they are growing into a strong strike partnership.
The former Torino midfielder’s raw energy has troubled defences this season, if Arabi are to stick with Zola over the season they may have a chance of qualifying for the Qatar Cup this year.
Apart from Al Arabi’s stunning win, The Peninsula reviews other highlights of Round 5 following another thrilling week at the prestigious football league. Rayyan continue winning spree
Round 5 seen another comprehensive win for Al Rayyan in the QSL, the Lions defeated Al Khor 4-2 on Friday evening.
Al Rayyan have won all five of their QSL games and maintained top spot in the league.
Four goals in the first half goals from Rodrigo Tabata ,Gonzalo Viera, Abdulrahman Anad and Sergio Garciá ensured all three points for Jorge Fossati’s men. Rayyan will have a stern test however in round 6 when they face Al Arabi as two of the QSL’s most passionate fans play each other.
Jaish strikers in fine form
El Jaish smashed four goals past Al Gharafa on Sunday night in a professional performance by Sabri Lamouchi’s men.
A brace from new signing Abderazak Hamdallah and a fantastic volley from Romarinho gave Jaish a comfortable win. That was Hamdallah’s sixth goal in five games with the former Guangzhou R&F man has settled well and should be amongst the goals when Jaish face Lekhwiya in round 6.
Qatar SC fail to find form
Qatar Sports club lost to Al Sadd 2-1 on Sunday evening. Despite giving the Wolves a late scare, Radhi Shenaishill’s side has yet to win this season and are currently in the QSL relegation zone. Things don’t look good up front with new striker Moucine Iajour missing a host of chances to equalise against Sadd.
Al Ahli are Qatar Sports Clubs next opponents, and the Kings will be hoping to secure all three points otherwise Shenaishill could be facing a difficult task in reviving the club.
Brazilians on fire
This week, the QSL’s Brazilian contingent stepped up with some stunning goals for their respective sides. Al Sailiya’s new signing Edinho was amongst the goals as The Peregrines defeated Al Wakrah 2-1.
The former Tractor Sazi man controlled the ball on his chest well to unleash a fierce shot to give his side the lead.
El Jaish’s striker Romarinho scored a beautiful volley as Jaish grabbed all three points at Al Gharafa and finally Arabi striker Junior Dutra capped a fine personal performance with a hat-trick, making it a fine week for the Brazilians stars of the QSL.
Al Rayyan are leading the QSL standings with consecutive victories followed by Al Sadd who have won four matches.
Al Arabi jumped on third spot after their victory over Lekhwiya who slumped to fifth position after the loss. El Jaish occupy fourth spot. Al Gharafa, Umm Salal and Al Sailiya are on sixth, seventh and eighth positions respectively.
THE PENINSULA
