The name of Paul Sabbag It became a trend after Syria's elimination from the Asian Cup. As many will recall, the Colombian-born Alianza Lima footballer decided to represent his ancestral team, which is why he was absent for much of the Blue and White's preseason and the start of the 2024 Liga 1 Apertura tournament.
This Wednesday, January 31st, the name of the “Sheikh” caused a stir among the blue and white fans who were waiting for their striker to take part in the round of 16 Asia Cup. It is worth noting that this is the first time that the Syrian team has faced such cases, as they have never advanced beyond the group stage before.
Why did Pablo Sabbag become a trend at the Asian Cup?
Firstly, because of the punishment they committed. It was just before the 60th minute when the striker, who had been substituted at the start of the second half, got a precise ball into space and the attack began. Just as he was about to make a decision, the opposing goalkeeper appeared to commit a terrible foul in the six-yard box.
After a few minutes, the referee considered his decision and finally awarded a penalty. At this point, the Syrian team was trailing by the narrowest of margins after Taremi's goal in the 34th minute.
According to the maximum penalty, the striker was responsible for the foul Omar Maher Khribinwho didn't fail and scored the draw that took it to extra time.
In the comments, the blue and white fans praised the Colombian's approach, who had proven to be another option in attack and was very instrumental. However, he couldn't celebrate until the penalty shootout.
Already in the penalty shootout, after Ansarifard had scored the first goal for Iran, Pablo Sabbag was the first man to score for Syria. Luckily for his team, the “Sheikh” didn’t miss the ball and made a great shot that sent the ball into the middle. Unfortunately, the Iranians were more accurate and ended up winning 5-3.
When would Pablo Sabbag return to Alianza Lima?
Pablo Sabbag became a trend not only because of the penalty committed against him and the goal scored in the decisive penalty shootout, but also because he was completely free with the elimination of Syria and had to return to Alianza Lima.
Basically, the Colombian has to rejoin coach Alejandro Restrepo's team by this weekend at the latest and, according to the strategist, could travel with the team to Piura, where they face Alianza Atlético de Sullana.
In the event that Restrepo decides not to make this decision due to the long journey and accumulated fatigue, the “Sheikh” will have to work hard and be on equal terms with his teammates to make the final list of players called up to the game create the classic against Universitario de Deportes next Saturday, February 10th.
Pablo Sabbag has been renewed for another season. Photo: Alianza Lima