Al Sadd snatch Asian title on penalties

Qatars Al Sadd shocked South Koreas Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 4-2 on penalties in a thrilling AFC Champions League final Saturday after they were deadlocked at 2-2 following extra-time.Former Portsmouth left-back Nadir Belhadj fired the winner into the roof of the Jeonbuk net, sparking delirium among the Al Sadd players and breaking the hearts of the near-capacity crowd at the 43,000-seat Jeonju World Cup stadium.The home side had dramatically forced extra time with an injury-time equaliser, but amid high tension Al Sadd goalkeeper Mohamed Saqr brilliantly saved penalties from Kim Dong-Chan and Park Won-Jae.Im very happy for him. When I returned to the club people told me he cant play any more, they said he was too old, but he played fantastic, Al Sadd coach Jorge Fossati said of his goalkeeper.I couldnt imagine this game would go to penalties. I was really worried to get to extra-time because our physical condition was not the normal after 10 hours of flight. I was worried we wouldnt finish the game.Jeonbuk, chasing a second Champions League win after lifting the trophy in 2006, came close several times in a nerve-shredding 30 minutes of extra time, but were repeatedly denied by the underdog visitors.The victory brought an exhilarating end to a turbulent competition for Al Sadd, who were involved in an ugly mass brawl during their semi-final against South Koreas Suwon Samsung Bluewings.