i see skies of blue
Well-Known Member
Anyone else notice that England play Brazil in Dubai on Sat 14th Nov (announced today), two days after the City friendly in Abu Dhabi?
Is there a game of one-upmanship going on in UAE? Which match is the bigger coup? Full international with two very high profile nations in a 50k stadium in Dubai or a City reserve game down the road in Abu Dhabi?
I can see the idea of bringing City to Abu Dhabi; warm weather training camp/teambuilding/hospitality/PR/brand development/because our new owners say so ect, but from where I'm sat it sure looks like our owners have been trumped by the "other lot" up the road... still, could be two games for the price of one if you go it alone!
EDIT: Yes, it appears I have failed! Of course I meant Qatar rather than Dubai, the original point still remains valid - Oil rich gulf state pulling in foreign sporting talent to boost national profile.
Is there a game of one-upmanship going on in UAE? Which match is the bigger coup? Full international with two very high profile nations in a 50k stadium in Dubai or a City reserve game down the road in Abu Dhabi?
I can see the idea of bringing City to Abu Dhabi; warm weather training camp/teambuilding/hospitality/PR/brand development/because our new owners say so ect, but from where I'm sat it sure looks like our owners have been trumped by the "other lot" up the road... still, could be two games for the price of one if you go it alone!
EDIT: Yes, it appears I have failed! Of course I meant Qatar rather than Dubai, the original point still remains valid - Oil rich gulf state pulling in foreign sporting talent to boost national profile.